"Special Forces" DVD Giveaway, in the Vein of "Zero Dark Thirty" [ENDED]

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

To celebrate the release of of “Special Forces”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway TWO copies of the film on DVD. 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 indicating your favorite war film. This giveaway will remain open until March 8th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to residents of the United States 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.

In the acclaimed 2012 theatrical film, an elite French military unit takes on the Taliban in a desperate hostage rescue mission; it stars Diane Kruger (Inglorious Basterds, Farewell, My Queen) as kidnapped journalist Elsa Casanova and Academy Award® Nominee Djimon Hounsou (Gladiator, Blood Diamond) as the lead commando, Kovax. After the team manages to free Elsa, their radio is destroyed in a firefight. Now, deep behind Afghan enemy lines, the group faces the ultimate challenges of survival, honor and sacrifice as they try to outrun their pursuers through the treacherous mountains of the Hindu Kush.

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Sevendust’s Morgan Rose talks about new album "Black Out the Sun"

Morgan Rose is the drummer and a founding member of the heavy metal group Sevendust. The Atlanta, GA group formed in 1997 and have since released eight studio albums and toured the word over playing their own unique version of melody infused metal. The bands ninth studio titled “Black Out the Sun” will be released in March of this year and Media Mikes had the chance to talk with Morgan about the release and the bands touring plans.

Adam Lawton: What can we expect from the new album?
Morgan Rose: For me personally I think it is my favorite record. Usually when you finish a new record it tends to be your favorite. This was the first time we went in with no expectations and wrote from scratch. We wrote this as a band instead of people coming in chunks of material or fully written pieces. We weren’t going to be second guessing ourselves and we took our time. The record is pretty raw but at the same time the feedback I have gotten so far is that it sounds like old Sevendust.  We didn’t reinvent the wheel but we did semi-reinvent our band.

AL: Did you enjoy working as a group more so than everyone bringing in various pieces?
MR: I liked doing it that way. There have been times when Clint or someone brings in a riff and we would lay some sample beats on top of that. If I end up liking those 80% of my job is done. (Laughs) Other times if I am not completely sold on something I at least have the idea in my head and can go from there. I get excited working both ways. It just really depends on how things play out. We have done everything from me saying a drum part to having Clint show me how to program things as I am a Dinosaur when it comes to that stuff.

AL: With band taking a year off was it hard to get things going again?
MR: Not really. We did change the start date a few times of when we were going to start on the album. Things started off a little strange as we weren’t all ready at the same time. We all have our own lives and Sevendust is a priority but everyone was sort of moving on with other things. It took a little bit to get everyone to agree on a date. Once we did everything went perfect.  The year off did wonders for us. I don’t think anyone really enjoyed the idea of taking a year off but it ended up being a great decision.

AL: Have you guys thought about doing any videos for songs of the new album?
MR: We actually just did one. We shot a video for the song “Decay”. The gods were definitely not trying to let us do that video. I have no idea how we actually got it done. We had to cut our rehearsal schedule short, things cost more than expected, we had some really mysterious weather then there were delays at the airport among other things. Everything was pointing to us not doing the video but we pulled it off. I think it’s going to turn out amazing when it’s all done. We shot it in this 1800’s mansion that I am sure is haunted as shit! The video is sort of based around things that haunt each of the band members. Mine happened to be women. I enjoyed filming my portion of the video quite a bit.

AL: You and Clint did some of the producing on the album. What is the hardest part for you when producing your own band?
MR: There are many different facets to producing. I have dealt with so many things and liked little pieces of each one. There’s producers who get their hands dirty and help with songwriting and things and there are guys who help keep the peace when members get amped up. Then you have guys that are sonically amazing but they couldn’t tell you how they do it. The hardest part when we are doing it is your kind of the boss in a sense. You are putting your trust in someone to make a record according to what your vision is. We have been together for 20 years and we don’t have a boss in this band. People think we have a boss there is not. Everyone has certain roles they take on. When we get in a room together we all have a say but someone does have to take lead. At times things can get testy but we didn’t have any problems this time around.

AL: Can you tell us about the bands upcoming tour with Coal Chamber?
MR: Right now we are out on tour with Lacuna Coil and Avatar which has been great. Once we wrap up with that we hit the road with Lacuna Coil and Coal Chamber. That tour will start towards the end of March. We will be doing shows before then but that line up won’t start until late March. We had some shows in Australia with Devil Driver and Dez Fafara and I were hanging out and he mentioned that he was thinking of doing some Coal Chamber shows. He told me that if they are planning on doing shows in America then the right thing to do would be to do them together.  I was all for that! Things took a little while as Devil Driver tours really hard but this is going to be massive. I think a lot of people are going to be in to it. I think the tour is going to make people scratch their heads.

AL: Do you have any other projects going on right now that you can tell us about?
MR:  I produced an album for a band called Devise. I don’t know if they are going to stick with that name or not though. That project is going really well and I can’t wait to see the reaction of people when they hear it. Candlelight Red’s new stuff is almost done being mixed and their new single should be out very soon. I am really proud of that record. When I get a little bit of free time I am sure me and Clint will be doing some dates with Call Me No One. As we get older I don’t know how much longer we will continue touring. I don’t see us stopping anytime soon but I don’t think I am going to be 60 out here playing like this. I keep dabbling in stuff to see what I could do next. We are just going to be really busy this year.

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CD Review: Black Veil Brides "Wretched and Divine- The Story of the Wild Ones"

Black Veil Brides
“Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones”
Lava/Universal Republic
Producers: John Feldman
Tracks: 19

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

The break out hard rock/heavy metal band Black Veil Brides are back with their 3rd full-length release titled “Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones” which is the follow up release to the bands successful 2011 album “Set the World on Fire”. The new release is a concept based album featuring 19 tracks produced by John Feldman that are based around the story of the Wild Ones a group of outcasts trying to defend themselves from an entity know as F.E.A.R.

I was really excited to get my copy of the new Black Veil Brides album as I have been following the various updates and postings from the band about the album via their social media sites. The part I was not so excited for was the fact that it was going to be a concept based record. These very rarely go well for bands and have the potential to alienate even the most diehard fans. Well sadly “Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones” failed to impress me for the most part. Gone were the metal tinged songs reminiscent of the bands “We Stitch These Wounds” release. Instead the band seems to have traded in their edginess and gritty sound for pianos ballads and over the top production. I did find the tracks “Shadows Die” and “Nobody’s Hero” to be more to my liking as they were probably a couple of the heavier tracks on the album. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy albums that contain a lot of production however it really has to be done in moderation.

Though “Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones” maybe be too much of a departure from the sound that brought the band in to the mainstream it shouldn’t be totally discredited. The concept behind the album is one that I am sure a lot of listeners can relate to and may have dealt with at some point in their lives. That alone makes the album worth checking out. Anything after that is up to the listener to decide.

Track Listing:
1.) Exordium
2.) I Am Bulletproof
3.) New Year’s Day
4.) F.E.A.R. Transmission 1: Stay Close
5.) Wretched and Divine
6.) We Don’t Belong
7.) F.E.A.R. Transmission 2: Trust
8.) Devil’s Choir”
9.) Resurrect the Sun
10.) Overture
11.) Shadows Die
12.) Abeyance
13.) Days are Numbered
14.) Done For You
15.) Nobody’s Hero
16.) Lost It All
17.) F.E.A.R. Transmission 3: As War Fades
18.) In The End
19.) F.E.A.R. Final Transmission

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3D Blu-ray Review “Men in Black 3”

Actors: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin
Directors: Barry Sonnenfeld
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 30, 2012
Run Time: 106 minutes

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

“Men in Black” is a fun series.  The first film was very unique in its time.  The second was a bit messy but still tons of fun.  The third film takes the series into a nice direction.  I am not sure if there will be a fourth film but it is much welcomed.   The film seems a little over-budgeted to me but is a hell of a ride and very entertaining.  The 3D on the Blu-ray is good but not stunning.  You can tell that this was converted into 3D for the money. There is a nice about a depth added due to the added third-dimension, there is just no WOW factor from it. The film still works though with or without it though. Josh Brolin is a nice addition to the cast and gives a spot on performances for K (aka Tommy Lee Jones).  I also think this film has real replay value and I look forward to watching it again soon (which is rare with most films I watch).

Official Premise: In “Men in Black 3”, Agents J [Will Smith] and K [Tommy Lee Jones] are back… in time. Agent J has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men in Black, but nothing, not even aliens, perplexes him as much as his wry, reticent partner. But when Agent K’s life and the fate of the planet are put at stake, Agent J will have to travel back in time to put things right. J discovers that there are secrets to the universe that Agent K never told him – secrets that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the young Agent K [Josh Brolin] to save his partner, the agency and the future of humankind.

Sony Home Entertainment’s release comes in a three-disc combo pack. There is a Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and a DVD included, as well as a Ultraviolet Digital Copy. The 1080p transfer is sharp and impressive, whether you are watching in 3D or 2D. I still will most likely revisit this again in 3D, even though it wasn’t perfect. I liked the depth given to the film and I thin kit is worth it just for that. The real star of this release though is the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround audio track. It works perfectly with the film’s action and Elfman’s score. My surround sound really needed a nap after this extreme workout.

“Men in Black 3” also marks the debut use of “The Movie Touch”, which is an interactive bonus for those with an iPad. It goes well beyond the concept of a second-screen app. It allows you to watch the movie on their iPad while also navigating numerous bonus behind-the-scenes videos, photos, fun facts, soundtrack music info, multi-angle explorations, an interactive timeline, actor profiles, exclusive content and more. The Movie Touch App is available free from the App Store, here. This is going to be a very cool feature with possibilities going forward with future titles like “Total Recall” and I look forward to see what’s next.

Sony has been really embracing the Blu-ray 3D format. They actually include some 3D special features again after “The Amazing Spider-Man”. They are not show-stopper but still 3D extra nonetheless. “The Case of Boris the Animal: The 3D Models of MIB 3” is an interactive feature that allows you to interact with a 3D display and may learn more the film’s goodies like the Particle Randomizer, the Class 2 Jet Pack, the Archanan Time Jumper, Boris’ Motorcycle, and the Monocycles. There is also a ever-to-short look with Visual Effects Supervisor Corey Turner on “Converting to 3D”. I wish this was much longer but still cool. Lastly there is a 3D trailer for “The Amazing Spider-Man”.

The rest of the special features are on the 2D Blu-ray disc. “Spot the Alien Game” is a cute but not amazing FPS using your remote. Kids might enjoy this more than adults. “Partners in Time: The Making of MIB 3” is a decent length behind-the-scenes feature with cast and crew chatting about everything from production to visual effects. “The Evolution of Cool: MIB 1960’s vs. Today” is nice feature on bringing the series back and its travels through time. “Keeping it Surreal: The Visual FX of MIB 3” focuses solely on the film’s special effects and creature designs. “Scene Investigations” is a detailed focus on specific scenes, including Lunar Prison Escape, Showdown at Mr. Wu’s, J’s Time Jump, and The Motorcycle Chase. Animation Supervisor Spencer Cook and VFX Supervisors Ken Ralston and Jay Redd takes us through “Progression Reels” with a commentary voice over on the design and digital effects. Lastly, there is a very funny gag reel and music video for “Back in Time” by Pitbull included.

 

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Blu-ray Review “Outpost: Black Sun”

Actors: Richard Coyle, Julian Wadham
Director: Steve Barker
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: XLrator Media
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 99 minutes

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

This year has been a busy year for Nazis in horror films.  First we had “Nazis at the Center of the Earth”, then we had “Iron Sky” feature.  Both were ok but not amazing.  “Outpost: Black Sun” falls into the same category.  The film does deserve credit for its scale, which looks a lot bigger than it should. It also packs some decent gore and zombie effects.  XLrator Media is getting a name for itself though by releasing neat little films like this and they are officially on my radar. But what it comes down to is whether or not though the film is good, this has Nazi SS zombies…it has to be worth at least a rental just for that.

Official Premise: The year is 1945, the closing stages of WWII, and a German scientist is working on a frightening new technology that has the power to create an immortal Nazi army. Flash-forward to present day, and a NATO task force is deployed to Eastern Europe, where a sinister enemy is mercilessly killing everything in its path. But this is no ordinary foe…it’s a super-human army of zombie Nazi Stormtroopers. Defying overwhelming odds, a small band of soldiers venture deep behind enemy lines to uncover the source of this evil power and prevent the rise of the Fourth Reich.

The release comes as a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack.  The Blu-ray 1080p transfer looks nice for a low-budget horror flick, since the film is also very dark.  The audio is also decent with the surprising decent score through it s DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.  The special features though are lacking a lot.  There is only one short featurette called “The Making of Outpost: Black Sun”.  Though if you are a fan of the film, be sure to check out the mobile game “Outpost: Defense”, available on the App Store.

 

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Black Veil Brides to Unleash “Wretched and Divine: the Story of the Wild Ones” on January 8th

BLACK VEIL BRIDES TO UNLEASH

WRETCHED AND DIVINE: THE STORY OF THE WILD ONES ON JANUARY 8th

VIA LAVA RECORDS/UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC 

Pre-Order For Band’s Third Album Set For October 31st via iTunes 

The Church Of The Wild Ones World Tour Kicks Off January 4th 

(New York, NY – October 29, 2012) – Los Angeles based hard rockers Black Veil Brides return with their third album Wretched And Divine: The Story Of The Wild Ones. The album is being released on January 8th via Lava Records/Unviersal Republic.  The album marks the band’s first full length release since 2011’s Set The World On Fire which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Rock chart, #4 on the iTunes overall album chart and #17 on the Billboard Top 200. The 19 track opus builds upon the signature sound the Black Veil Brides have created since their debut We Stitch These Wounds while showcasing their growth as musicians and songwriters. The pre-order for the new album goes live on iTunes on October 31st and fans who pre-order the whole album will be treated to an instant download of the first single “In The End” which was the theme song for WWE’s Hell In A Cell Pay-Per-View event recently.  Wretched And Divive: The Story Of The Wild Ones was produced by John Feldmann known for his work with The Used, Neon Trees, Panic! At The Disco, and The Veronicas, among others.

Black Veil Brides will also be heading out on The Church Of The Wild Ones World Tour in support of the new album.  The tour, which kicks off January 4th in Las Vegas, will cover two continents and four different countries before it ends on March 8th in San Francisco.  The first leg will make stops in Denver, Houston, Philadelphia and New York to name a few before heading over to the United Kingdom.  There, the band will make stops in Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool and Glasgow and more before returning to the States for the second US leg of The Church Of The Wild Ones Tour. The band will also make a return to Mexico on February 23rd during this leg.

The tracklisting for Wretched And Divine: The Story Of The Wild Ones is:

1) Exordium
2) I Am Bulletproof
3) New Year’s Day
4) F.E.A.R. Transmission 1: Stay Close
5) Wretched And Divine
6) We Don’t Belong
7) F.E.A.R. Transmission 2: Trust
8) Devil’s Choir
9) Resurrect The Sun
10) Overture
11) Shadows Die
12) Abeyance
13) Days Are Numbered
14) Done For You
15) Nobody’s Hero
16) Lost It All
17) F.E.A.R. Transmission 3: As War Fades
18) In The End
19) F.E.A.R. Final Transmission

Black Veil Brides is Andy Biersack (vocals), Jake Pitts (guitars), Jinxx (guitars/violin), Ashley Purdy (bass) and Christian “CC” Coma (drums).

* TOUR DATES ATTACHED *

THE CHURCH OF THE WILD ONES WORLD TOUR

DATE

CITY, STATE

VENUE

Jan 4th

Las Vegas, NV

Hard Rock Café

Jan 5th

Phoenix, AZ

Nile Theatre

Jan 7th

Denver, CO

Ogden Theatre

Jan 9th

Odessa, TX

Dos Amigos

Jan 10th

Dallas, TX

The Palladium

Jan 11th

San Antonio, TX

Backstage Live

Jan 12th

Houston, TX

House Of Blues

Jan 14th

Tampa, FL

State Theatre

Jan 15th

Jacksonville, FL

The Edge

Jan 16th

Atlanta, GA

The Masquerade

Jan 18th

Baltimore, MD

Rams Head Live

Jan 19th

Philadelphia, PA

The Trocadero

Jan 20th

Sayreville, NJ

Starland Ballroom

Jan 22nd

Cleveland, OH

Peabody’s

Jan 23rd

Buffalo, NY

Infinity

Jan 25th

New York, NY

Best Buy Theatre

Jan 26th

Worcester, MA

The Palladium

Jan 27th

Manchester, NH

Armory

Jan 29th

Pittsburgh, PA

Altar Bar

Jan 30th

Toronto, ON

Opera House

Feb 3rd

Cardiff, UK

Cardiff University Great Hall

Feb 4th

Manchester, UK

Academy

Feb 5th

Bristol, UK

O2 Academy

Feb 7th

Southampton, UK

Guild Hall

Feb 8th

Norwich, UK

UEA

Feb 9th

Liverpool, UK

O2 Academy

Feb 10th

Glasgow, UK

O2 Academy

Feb 12th

Newcastle, UK

O2 Academy

Feb 13th

Sheffield, UK

O2 Academy

Feb 14th

Birmingham, UK

O2 Academy

Feb 15th

London, UK

O2 Academy Brixton

Feb 17th

Allentown, PA

Crocodile Rock

Feb 19th

Louisville, KY

Headliners

Feb 21st

Chicago, IL

House Of Blues

Feb 22nd

Detroit, MI

Crofoot Ballroom

Feb 23rd

Mexico City, MX

El Plaza Condesa

Feb 27th

Salt Lake City, UT

The Complex

Feb 28th

Boise, ID

Knitting Factory

Mar 1st

Spokane, WA

Knitting Factory

Mar 2nd

Seattle, WA

Studio Seven

Mar 4th

Chico, CA

Senator Theatre

Mar 5th

Reno, NV

Knitting Factory

Mar 6th

Sacramento, CA

Ace Of Spades

 

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Blu-ray Review “Metalocalypse: Season IV- Church of the Black Klok”

Starring: Tommy Blacha, Brendon Small, Mark Hamill, Victor Brandt, Malcolm McDowell
Directors: Tommy Blacha, Brendon Small
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Cartoon Network
Release Date: October 30, 2012
Run Time: 144 minutes

Season: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 Out of 5 stars

When I first heard about “Metalocalypse” back in 2006, I was excited since I am big fan of brutal music and also Adult Swim’s animated show. The show has developed so well over the years and has consistently blown away any expectations I had. The show recently completed its fourth season on Adult Swim and has been the best season since the first. This season the show also returns to its original 11-minute long episode format, which I persoanlly preferred. It is so amazing to realize how far this virtual death metal band Dethklok has come since 2006 with CDs and tours. This show is totally brutal and I honestly cannot get enough of this. This release also includes a bonus of the entire season available to watch using Ultraviolet digital streaming copy. Now we just need to get seasons one and two put out on Blu-ray. You get that Adult Swim?

“Season four of “Metalocalypse” begins with our heroes, extreme metal gods Dethklok, as they ejoin from the sky to the earth to confront the evils that lay before all-human kind: the evils of dating fans; the evils of perceived racism, of the ‘tell-all’ books, of the bullying helpless diabeties, and the evil of fellatio. Will Dethklok face their fears or will they self-destruct when they world needs them most? The Metalocalypse continues…” Also the truth behind the shadowy organization, the Tribunal is starting to reveal itself and its mission to end Dethklok.

The fourth season contains the following episodes: “Fanklok”, “Diversityklok”, “Prankklok”,” Motherklok”, “Bookklok”, “Writersklok”, “Dethcamp”, “Dethvanity”, “Going Downklok”, “Dethdinner”, “Breakup Klok”, “Church of the Black Klok”. This season features guest appearances from some awesome talent like Corpsegrinder (Cannibal Corpse), Cam Pipes (Three Inches of Blood), Dweezil Zappa, actor Jon Hamm (Mad Men), and director Werner Herzog (Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans).

The Blu-ray presentation on this season is an nice improvement over season three.  It is presented it in its 1.78:1 broadcast ratio and looks sharp in its 1080p transfers.  The star of the release though has to be the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track, since the show is based around music and this does not disappoint. There are also some decent special features, adding up another two hours of bonus content.  There is fun interactive “Facebones DethGame”, which has some decent replay value.  There is a sweet tribute to all the brutal fan art that was submitted to the show.  There is a montage sequence included for the “Black Klok”. There is also “StaresDowns” with the band, a feature called “MurderThoughts”, A “Pickles Flyby” and a Tribunal BTS featurette. The feature that steals the show though is “Nathan reads Shakespeare #4: A Comedy of Errors” this is a 90 minute feature film and is a must see for fans!

2012 is a big year for Adult Swim’s virtual death metal band Dethklok. They are headlining a 34 date concert tour this Fall and also they just released a new album, “Dethalbum III”. The album also just debuted at #10 in the Billboard 200, which is the highest that series has ever achieved. If you are a fan of “Metalocalypse”, you should be doing back flips for all this brutality. Now we just have to wait for a fifth (and hopefully not last season) from Brendon Small. Let’s just hope it doesn’t take another two years to release that.  But at least for the time being we can mosh it out at the concerts and blast the new tunes!

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Blu-ray Review “Beyond the Black Rainbow”

Directed by: Panos Cosmatos
Starring: Michael Rogers, Eva Allan, Scott Hylands
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 110 minutes

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

“Beyond the Black Rainbow” is wow, just wow.  There is really no way to describe this film this sci-fi thriller.  If “2001: A Space Odyssey” met up with “Blue Sunshine”, this would be the result.  It is a visually beyond anything I have every seen.  It is extremely unique and overall such a trip.  The whole film is set in this very cool dystopian version of 1983. I was just speechless watching this film…until the end, which doesn’t fit with the rest of the film.  I am not sure for the reasoning behind it but it was a letdown from such a visual stunning film. Michael Rogers who played Quan Chi in “Mortal Kombat Legacy” last year gives such an amazing performance, check out our interview here.  He is a crazy mix between Norman Bates in “Psycho” and Patrick Bateman in “American Psycho”.  If you are looking for the new midnight cult classic film, look no further.

Synopsis: Set in the strange and oppressive emotional landscape of the year 1983, “Beyond the Black Rainbow” is a Reagan-era fever dream inspired by hazy childhood memories of midnight movies and Saturday morning cartoons. From the producer of Machotaildrop, Rainbow is the feature film debut of writer and director Panos Cosmatos. Featuring a hypnotic analog synthesizer score by Jeremy Schmidt of “Sinoia Caves” and “Black Mountain,” Rainbow is a film experience for the senses.

The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive. The 1080p transfer works so well with the film’s use of colors and lights. You can also see like every pore on Rogers’ face, which adds to his creepy performance. The audio gets a 5/5 for being just absolutely perfect. It works perfectly with its hypnotic synthesizer score by Jeremy Schmidt of “Sinoia Caves” and “Black Mountain”. The special features are also great including an audio commentary with director Panos Cosmatos. There a few extended scenes, which are definitely worth checking out. There are also two great featurettes including “Behind-the-Scenes” look into the film and the “Making of Beyond The Black Rainbow”. Very informative and worth checking out. Lastly there is the trailer included.

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DVD Review “Black Hand”

Directed by: Richard Thorpe
Starring: Gene Kelly, J. Carroll Nash, Teresa Celli
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 92 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When you think of Gene Kelly you think of singing and dancing.  “Black Hand” was one of the first films to really showcase Kelly’s dramatic chops.  It is a real change of pace for him and pays off.  It is honestly surprising how suspenseful this film really is.  It leaves you sitting on the edge of your chair biting your nails.  Warner Archive scores again for finally releasing the remaining, unreleased Gene Kelly films from the Warner Bros. vaults.  The other film recently released is “The Devil Makes Three”, read review here. Fans of Gene Kelly’s work will not want to miss this opportunity to finally own this film on DVD.

For a film from 1950 that has been stuck in a vault and never before released.  It looks damn good. Of course there is the grain and age spots but this newly restored DVD really delivers the goods.  “Black Hand” is presented in black and white in full frame and the original aspect ratio of 1.37:1.  The audio track presented is mono and works perfectly with this release. Even though this film solely consists of just the film no special features.  You still feel like you are getting your money’s worth.  When I think of Warner Archive, I just feel comfort with quality.

Synopsis: Johnny Columbo was just a boy in 1900 New York when a gang of extortionists known as the Black Hand murdered his father. Now Johnny’s a grown man eager for vengeance. His switchblade and his anger are the weapons he intends to use but he ultimately realizes there’s a better way. He can use the legal system to deport the Black Hand terrorists by proving they are in the U.S. under false identities. but brining that proof to light will put Johnny and the people close to him in great peril. Movie-musical great Gene Kelly plays the change-of-pace role of Johnny in this suspenseful tale directed by the prolific Richard Thorpe (more than 180 IMDb credits). Kelly had played an Italian-American before in Pilot #5. He would portray a Greek-American in It’s a Big Country.

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Michael Jai White talks about Adult Swim’s “Black Dynamite” and “Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse”

Michael Jai White is known for playing roles in films like “Spawn” and “Black Dynamite”.  His live-action film  “Black Dynamite” is coming to Adult Swim and becoming an animated series thanks to Titmouse, Inc.  Also currently Michael is reprising his role of Marcus in “Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse” on TBS.  Michael Jai White took out some time to chat with Media Mikes about  “Black Dynamite”, Tyler Perry and “Mortal Kombat”.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you reflect on the cult following that “Black Dynamite” has developed over the years?
Michael Jai White: My intentions were originally to open it larger. It eventually got the attention it deserved. The audience started to find it and their worth of mouth has been very valuable. It is tweeted about every few minutes since 2009. It has been a miraculous type of thing. We even won a bunch of film festivals in other countries, which has proven it is universal. I am very happy about its success and what what we are going to do to follow it up.

MG: What made you take the animation route for “Black Dynamite”?
MJW: It was an opportunity that presented itself. I was a fan of “The Boondocks” and friend of Carl Jones. He thought it will make a great animated show and I agreed. We are still open to do another live action version of the film as well. The original plan was to do three films in that blaxploitation genre, the first being “Black Dynamite”. With our second film, must like Monty Python you can use the same cast in different movies. We are planning that right now.

MG: How was it reunited with original cast like Tommy Davidson, Byron Minns, and Kym Whitley?
MJW: Most of the time we would come in separately. Whenever we come together, we have too much fun [laughs]. It was a purposeful idea that we do it separately so everyone can concentrate.

MG: Do you feel that you are able to expand the show more since it is animated?
MJW: Oh yeah absolutely! Cause you can do things like Black Dynamite goes to the moon. That would be very difficult if you were shooting in live-action. Your imagination can run wild on an animated show and that is exactly what we did.

MG: Did you get to work closely with Titmouse, Inc on the show’s style?
MJW: The animation style was in the hands of Carl Jones. He is the master and knows what he is doing. I had to humble myself to be able to understand and learn a whole new genre. Carl has worked tirelessly in order to make this show unique and he has done that.

MG: Continuing with your TV work, what do you enjoy most about reprising your role of Marcus Williams in “Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse”?
MJW: Yeah, it just started its second season on Thursday July 12th. It is a more family wholesome show and then on July 15th we have “Black Dynamite”, which is definitely not [laughs]. What I enjoy most is I get to play a real human being. I enjoy my other work as well, like “Spawn” but they are bigger than life. This one is right on life. Being a husband and father, I get to play a lot of other nuances I wouldn’t ever get to play in these fantastic movies. We are dealing with actually issues, family issues. Things that are really funny and can hopefully connect with the audience.

MG: Any update on Kevin Tancharoen’s feature version of the web series “Mortal Kombat: Legacy”?
MJW: Absolutely, that is currently in the works. It is going to be with Warner Brothers. If you have seen any of Kevin’s work, this guy is just super amazing. He is is tirelesly working on that script, nipping and tucking to make sure it is perfect. I have all my faith in Kevin. He is going to be one of the best directors ever. Be sure to watch for him. Once that script is done, we are planning to go into production.

MG: After “Never Back Down 2” last year, any plans to direct more for you?
MJW: Yes I do. I plan on directing a romantic comedy, one that I have had the rights to for a while. I would also like to direct more action movies down the line as well, it depends on what speaks to me and where I might have a unique voice in directing.

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Filed Under: Interviews, TV Interviews Tagged With: adult, black, dynamite, jai, michael, swims, ...

DVD Review “Black Limousine”

Directed by: Carl Colpaert
Starring: David Arquette, Bijou Phillips, Vivica A. Fox, Nicholas Bishop, Carla Ortiz
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed: Anchor Bay Entertainment
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 101 minutes

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

When you see this film it looks like a really trippy look inside Tinseltown, I have to say I was really taken back how decent of a film it is. David Arquette delivered a really stunning and dramatic performance. I had a real problem with the film’s cover art though as it reveals too much. “Black Limousine” also does gets a little too existential but overall it balances out and delivers an interesting little film.

The film follows Jack MacKenzie (Arquette), a divorced father, recovering alcoholic and former Hollywood composer now working as a limousine driver. Jack tries to put his life back in the right direction but constantly ends up with creative frustration, economic desperation and emotional pain. When he crosses paths with sexy and equally unstable, model/actress (Bijou Phillips), Jack’s situation gets edges deeper into madness.

The film also had a decent supporting cast including Vivica A. Fox, Lin Shaye, Tom Bower and Nicholas Bishop. If you are looking for special features, you will be disappointed as this releases does not even come with a trailer. Nonetheless, the film is a wild ride which packs a decent visual journey that will show you the effects a man’s repressed memories, depression and addiction, while trying to succeed in Hollywood.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: black, dvd, limousine, review

CD Review “Men in Black 3”

Composer: Danny Elfman
Label: Sony Masterworks
Release Date: May 29, 2012
Tracks: 22
Running Time: 54 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Danny Elfman is one of my favorite composers of all-time. He has such a unique sound and when you hear his scores you know right away it is his work. It is only right that Danny Elfman composed the score for this film, especially since he scored the two previous “Men In Black” movies. In his third time around it this franchise, he is still able to deliver an entertaining score and even packs a bit of heart.

One of my favorites tracks on the album has to be the relaxing yet comforting “Under the Bridge”.  Believe it or not I was not a fan of “Men in Black 3 – Main Titles”.  I love the theme to “Men in Black” but the added electric guitars on these main titles did not sit right with me and left me wanting to skip to the next track.  I feel that Danny Elfman has really matured though over on this score and after two films he really understands what to deliver for “Men in Black”.

Like in most of Eflman’s work he continues to blend orchestral and electronic sounds.  The album is itself runs just shy of 60 minutes and really sums up the whole film from the moment it starts.  If you are a fan of the “Men in Black” series and Elfman’s past scores you will not be disappointed with this release.  Also if you haven’t seen this film it really kicks you in the mood to watch it for sure.

Track List:
1. Men in Black 3 – Main Titles
2. Spiky Bulba
3. The Set-Up
4. Headquarters
5. Regret
6. Wrong
7. Not Funny
8. Big Trouble
9. Out on a Limb
10. Time Jump
11. Bad Fortune
12. Forget Me Not
13. Into the Past
14. Griffin Steps Up
15. True Story
16. The Prize-Monocycles
17. Boris Meets Boris
18. Under the Bridge
19. The Mission Begins
20. Mission Accomplished
21. A Close One
22. Men in Black 3 – Main Title Revisited

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: 3, black, cd, men, review

DVD Review “Black Devil Doll”

Directed by: Jonathan Louis Lewis
Starring: Heather Murphy, Natasha Talonz, Christine Svendsen, Erika Branich, Precious Cox
Distributed by: CAV Distributing
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Release Date: October 27, 2009
Running Time: 72 minutes

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

Let me start with the fact that I am a big fan of the horror genre.  Thought this really doesn’t fall in that genre per se, it is still a very entertaining film.  Well actually let me clarify, it is a very offensive and racist film but still entertaining if that makes sense.  I mean who doesn’t want to see a racist puppet go around and bang then kill white woman.  Sounds like a riot right?  When I first saw a trailer for this film back in 2008, I know it had to be completely over-the-top if it was to be any good.  Well let’s just say it is over-the-top and then some.  While the film basically sits on the border of a soft-core porno, it still manages to get some good laughs pack in some funny vulgar one liners, a lot of breasts and gore, so overall a good time.  Definitely not for the easily or even moderately offended.

The premise of the film is laughable simple, Heather (Heather Murphy) makes the mistake of playing with a oujia board one night some how (of course not explained) summons the soul of Mubia, a black militant serial killer. Though there is a twist, the soul ends up taking form into a ventriloquist dummy thus becoming the “Black Devil Doll.”  While though Heather instantly falls for this doll, though he is unable to cannot control his urge to rape and kill white woman or white bitches, in his terms.

I really liked the DVD presentation.  The cover sleeve is double-sided with some nice artwork on the front and back. Also included is a very nice poster/booklet, which is rare to have included recently When it comes to special features, this disc is packed. There are a few trailer including original previews and exclusive festival clips.  There are two commentary tracks included, one from the filmmakers and then one from Black Devil Doll himself, which is highly recommended! There is a stills gallery included and if you’ve seen the film you will want to check out the gallery. Lastly there is a few behind-the-scenes featurettes including footage from the World Premiere at New Beverly Cinema.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: black, devil, doll, dvd, review

Film Review “Men in Black III”

Starring: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin
Directed by: Barry Sonnenfeld
PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 47 mins
Columbia Pictures

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

It’s been 10 years since Agent’s “J” and “K” have made our world safe from aliens. A lot of things have changed since then. A lot hasn’t. But when the fate of the world depends on things changing 40 years in the past, who you gonna call? No, not the Ghostbusters!

The original “Men in Black” was the second of three summer films that established Will Smith as a bonafide box office star (and a sure bet to open a film over the 4th of July). His young buck agent “J” played perfectly off of Tommy Lee Jones’ gruff agent “K.” “MIB 3” finds them just as we remember them. But MIB itself has changed. The new head of the agency is the lovely “O” (Emma Thompson). She and “K” appear to have a bit of a past but if that’s true she’s not saying. When a galactic menace named Boris the Animal ( played by “Flight of the Conchords” Jemaine Clement) escapes his lunar prison, intending to settle a long time score with “K”, “J” must travel back in time to 1969, where he again encounters “K” (a brilliant Josh Brolin). While there doors are unlocked and questions are answered.

A resounding return to the magic that made the original “Men in Black” so successful, “MIB 3” is what a summer movie should be: FUN! Well written and featuring some of the best effects on screen this year (my apologies, “Avengers”), the film also features some fine performances. Smith easily slips back into the wise cracking “J” while Jones has mastered the crusty old mentor role. The standout here is Brolin, who nails Jones’ mannerisms and vocal tics. Every time he calls Smith “slick,” hondo” or “sport” you almost expect to see Jones standing behind him. Clement is also solid in a role I never would have considered him for. His Boris the Animal (“it’s JUST Boris,” he hisses when addressed by his full moniker) is truly evil and much more suited to take over the world then Johnny Knoxville’s head in “MIB 2.” The visual effects are just as sharp, with 12 time Oscar nominee (and 7 time winner, including for the original “Men in Black”) Rick Baker and staff outdoing themselves.

Director Sonnenfeld keeps the pace moving smoothly while the script by, among others, Etan Coen (“Tropic Thunder”) and David Koepp (“Jurassic Park,” “Spider-man”) delivers the humor as well as an unexpected emotional payoff. As in the other films in the series, the production values are top notch with special credit going to cinematographer Bill Pope (the “Matrix” films, “Spider-Man 2 and 3”), whose lens seemingly captured a post card of New York City, circa 1969. Credit as well to long time Sonnenfeld production designer Bo Welch, whose attention to the detail of the late 1960s is outstanding.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: black, film, iii, men, review

DVD Review “The Woman in Black”

Directed by: James Watkins
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciarán Hinds, Janet McTeer
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Distributed by: Sony Picutres Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: May 22, 2012
Running Time: 95 minutes

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

“The Woman in Black” is Daniel Radcliffe’s first major role since the “Harry Potter” series and really gives him a chance to shine. The film is very dark and atmospheric. It is released by Hammer and resembles its charm and very well. Since it was PG-13 though, a few of the good scare moments are tamed a little but there are still some decent spooks. The film’s score is so fantastic and really helps drive the film. Overall, if you are fan of classic Hammer films, this is as close as you are going to get and you should not be disappointed.

Daniel Radcliffe plays as Arthur Kipps, a lawyer, who travels to the English countryside in order to manage the estate of a newly deceased woman, while also still grieving the loss of his own wife. Arthur realizes that their is a deadly secret that is plaguing the local villagers and does not get a warm welcoming. While in the estate, he seems the ghost of the woman and tries to figure out what happened to her in order to help and stay alive.

The DVD comes with some decent but not spectacular extras. There is a commentary track from director James Watkins and screenwriter Jane Goldman, worth checking out. Lastly, there two behind-the-scenes featurettes. The first is called “Inside The Perfect Thriller: Making The Woman in Black”, it is worth checking out if you enjoyed the film. “No Fear: Daniel Radcliffe as Arthur Kipps” is self-explainatory and focuses on the film’s role.

 

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: black, dvd, review, woman
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