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Blu-ray Review “The Guest”

Actors: Dan Stevens, Maika Monroe, Brendan Meyer, Sheila Kelley, Leland Orser
Directors: Adam Wingard
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Universal Studios
Release Date: January 6, 2015
Run Time: 101 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“The Guest” was on my watch list because it is from director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett, who are the dudes behind last year’s kick-ass horror/thriller “You’re Next”. These guys taking over Hollywood and this film is just proof of how much these guys rule! The film stars Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey”), who is absolutely awesome in this role. The film is violent, funny and thrilling. Too bad this film didn’t get a bigger release, it deserved it. 2015 is not even here yet and we already have our first see Blu-ray!

Official Premise: Recently discharged from the military, David Collins (Dan Stevens) unexpectedly shows up at the Peterson family’s doorstep, claiming to be their late son’s Army buddy. Welcomed into their home, the well-mannered stranger becomes part of the family until a shocking wave of violence raises daughter Anna’s (Maika Monroe) suspicions that the mysterious ex-soldier is not quite what he seems.

Universal is releasing this as a combo pack including a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD with UltraViolet copy. The 1080p transfer works well with the action and the scale of the film, which really feels so much bigger than it is. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is also quite amazing, like the video makes the film have a this huge scale. The special features are good as well including a solid audio commentary with director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett, these guys are great and this track is a detailed and a lot of fun. There is also a Q&A with star Dan Stevens and some deleted scenes included.

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Blu-ray Review “Boyhood”

Starring: Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Lorelei Linklater, Cassidy Johnson, Nick Krause
Director: Richard Linklater
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: January 6, 2015
Run Time: 164 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Boyhood” is a very unique film. Richard Linklater didn’t rush with this film either taking him time over 12 years with the same cast. We get to watch them grow, specifically a boy named Mason, who ages from 6-18 years old on screen. I like this idea a lot. It is not a documentary either, it is a fantastic story crafted around this family and we get to do on their journey. When you are watching this film, you can’t help but reflecting on your own journey through life as well. The running time is a bit long nearing three hours but if you were to film a movie over a decade, I think I would have some issue delivered a quick 90 minute flick. Plus it fly by like a flash. Come award season, this is going to easily clean up for sure…and honestly it deserves it as well.

Official Premise: Filmed over 12 years with the same cast, Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood” is a groundbreaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (A breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Aequette as Mason’s parents and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, “Boyhood” charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before. Snapshots of adolescence from road trips and family dinners to birthdays and graduations and all the moments in between become transcendent, set to a soundtrack spanning the years “Coldplay’s ‘Yellow'” to “Arcade Fire’s ‘Deep Blue'”. “Boyhood” is both a nostalgic time capsule of the recent past and an ode to growing p and parenting. It’s impossible to watch Mason and his family without thinking about our own journey.

Paramount delivered this film as a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer is sharp and the film itself is skillfully shot as one would expect from Linklater. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the film’s music, which is a great compliment to the film. The special features are a little light and I would have expected a little more. “The 12 Year Project” is a featurette discussing this decade plus project. There is also a Q&A with Richard Linklater and the Cast, which is in-depth and dives into the production. Even though, we get all that, I would have loved a commentary track to get some insight on the film with the director and cast reflecting on the film over the years.

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Blu-ray Review “The Equalizer”

Starring: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, Haley Bennett, Bill Pullman
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 30, 2014
Run Time: 132 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Can Denzel Washington do no wrong? This guy is a machine cranking out hit after hit recently. “The Equalizer” is no different either. It also teamed him up with “Training Day” director Antoine Fuqua again. This film is fast, in your face and brutal. Washington is at his best and really delivers an amazing performance. The film also features a solid supporting cast including Chloë Grace Moretz, Melissa Leo and Bill Pullman. There is already talk about a possible sequel, I am on board if Denzel is!!

Official Premise: McCall (Denzel Washington) has put his mysterious past behind him and is dedicated to living a new, quiet life. But when he meets Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can’t stand idly by. Armed with hidden skills that allow him to serve vengeance against anyone who would brutalize the helpless, McCall comes out of his self-imposed retirement and finds his desire for justice reawakened. If someone has a problem, if the odds are stacked against them, if they have nowhere else to turn, McCall will help. He is The Equalizer.

Sony released this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer is awesome. It is as gritty as the film itself, yet at the same time really sharply stylized. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 is nothing short of epic. The action sounds amazing and works really well. There are some great special features starting with two Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes. “Home Mart: Taking Care of Business One Bolt at a Time” looks into the climactic sequence. “Children of the Night” features Moretz talking about her character.

There is a three features that are exclusive to Blu-ray, “Vengeance Mode”, Photo Gallery and four more Behind-the-Scenes featurettes. “Inside The Equalizer” talks about bringing Robert McCall back to life. “Denzel Washington: A Different Kind of Superhero” features the actor discussing the demands of the role. “Equalizer Vision: Antoine Fuqua” is a chat with the director. Lastly “One Man Army: Training and Fighting” focuses on the stunts with Washington, Csokas & stunt coordinator, Keith Woulard.

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Blu-ray Review “Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season Seven”

Starring: Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis
Rated: TV-PG
Number of discs: 6
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: December 9th, 2014
Run Time: 1182 minutes

Season: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This is it folks, this is the final season of “Star Trek: The Next Generation”. Paramount has done an outstanding, I repeat outstanding job of releasing this wonderful series on Blu-ray. Season seven is no less of an amazing season that is predecessors. The two-part episode “Gambit” was a high point for sure. “All Good Things” is easily one of the best episodes and one of Patrick Stewart’s most powerful performance as Picard. This season was tied up very well series. Now that we are done here, I hope Paramount has plans for Blu-ray releases of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “Voyager” next. Finger crossed!

Official Season 7 Premise: In this Emmy-nominated final season, Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner) confronts an alliance between his sinister duplicate and the unstoppable Borg, Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn) guides his son in becoming a warrior, and Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) faces a time-shattering confrontation with the mysterious, god-like Q in a landmark finale that won science fiction’s prestigious Hugo Award.

Like I said, Paramount has delivered this series each time with outstanding Blu-ray after Blu-ray release. “Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season Seven” is no different. These 1080p transfers for these episodes nothing short of amazing. Top that with a flawless DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track for each episode and Trek fans will be nothing but thrilled. These episodes have been through a fantastic restoration which involved returning to the original film elements and it was worth every single second of effort because this release is great.

Like the previous six seasons, Paramount has also delivered some amazing special features. There are commentary tracks by Brannon Braga on “Parallels”, as well as “Lower Decks” with René Echevarria and Mike & Denise Okuda and “Preemptive Strike” with René Echevarria, Naren Shankar, and Mike & Denise Okuda. There are a few other new features including “The Sky’s The Limit: The Eclipse of Star Trek: The Next Generation”, which is a must watch. There are two “In Conversation” features, first called “The Directors” and second called “Lensing Star Trek: The Next Generation”. Lastly, there are seven “Archival Mission Logs”, a Gag Reel and over 20 deleted scenes for 18 of the final episodes.

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Blu-ray Review “Time Bandits: The Criterion Collection”

Starring: Michael Palin, Sean Connery, John Cleese, Shelley Duvall, Katherine Helmond, Ian Holm
Director: Terry Gilliam
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance)
Studio: Criterion Collection
Release Date: December 9, 2014
Run Time: 116 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

Terry Gilliam is easily one of the most creative minds ever in film. His have never really been understood and really given the time of day with a mainstream audience but they seem to all become cult classics. “Time Bandits” is one of the best things to come out of 1981, minus myself 😉 This film is one that gets better and better with each viewing and never loses it charm. This latest Blu-ray release is for its addition into the Criterion Collection, which gives us a new 2K digital restoration, supervised by director Terry Gilliam. This is the best that I have EVER seen this film. It is a perfect release.

Official Premise: In this fantastic voyage through time and space from Terry Gilliam, a boy named Kevin (Craig Warnock) escapes his gadget-obsessed parents to join a band of time-traveling dwarves. Armed with a map stolen from the Supreme Being (Ralph Richardson), they plunder treasure from Napoleon (Ian Holm) and Agamemnon (Sean Connery)—but Evil (David Warner) is watching their every move. Featuring a darkly playful script by Gilliam and Monty Python’s Michael Palin (who also appears in the film), Time Bandits is at once a giddy fairy tale, a revisionist history lesson, and a satire on technology gone awry.

Arrow Video recently released a Blu-ray transfer for this film but this is even newer than that edition. Here is the text that is included on leaflet provided with this release: “Supervised by director Terry Gilliam, this new digital transfer was created in 2K resolution on an ARRISCAN film scanner from the original camera negative. The restoration was overseen by Arrow Video and performed by Deluxe Digital Cinema in London. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker were manually removed using MTI’s DRS. The original soundtrack was remastered at 24-bit from the original 35mm magnetic track.”

Like I said above, this is a flawless transfer. Criterion has been very kind and supportive of Gilliam’s work. I still treasure my 3-disc DVD set of “Brazil” from 1999. This track also comes with a equally flawless LPCM 2.0 surround track. It is definitely much better than the previous 5.1 track that was released in the past. The clarity is easily noticed and the score sounds amazing. The 2K restoration really delivered for both audio and video for “Time Bandits”. This is going to rank as one of the best releases of 2014, no question.

The special features are equally outstanding at the 2K restoration. There is vintage audio commentary track featuring Gilliam, cowriter/actor Michael Palin, and actors John Cleese, David Warner, and Craig Warnock, which was first taken from the DVD release of “Time Bandits” and recorded exclusively for Criterion in 1997. There is a new piece narrated by film writer David Morgan and featuring production designer Milly Burns and costume designer James Acheson “Creating the Worlds of Time Bandits” focuses on creating the film’s numerous historical periods and fantasy worlds.

There is a conversation between Gilliam and film scholar Peter von Bagh which was taken from the Finland’s Midnight Sun Film Festival dating back to 1998. There is an excerpt from a 1981 appearance by actor Shelley Duvall on Tom Snyder’s Tomorrow show on NBC, which also features the actress discussing her role in “The Shining” as well. Lastly there is an original trailer and stills gallery included and an illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by critic David Sterritt. Even though there is only one new extra on this Blu-ray, I am in love!

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Blu-ray Review “Tusk”

Starring: Justin Long, Michael Parks, Haley Joel Osment, Genesis Rodriguez
Director: Kevin Smith
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: December 30, 2014
Running Time: 102 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

When you heard about a premise like “Tusk”, you just shake you head and saw ‘What the fuck?”. Well after seeing the film twice, I am no less left with that exact same question. I have a feeling down the line this is going to become quite the cult classic. I mean literally it is about a guy who turn another guy into a freaking walrus. I mean is just crazy enough to interest anyone, who loves the horror genre.

Official Premise: A podcaster (Long) looking for a juicy story is plunged into an unpredictable, unsettling and absurd nightmare after he travels to the backwoods of Canada to meet an eccentric recluse (Parks) with a lifetime of adventures-and a disturbing fondness for walruses.

Since the film comes from Kevin Smith (Clerks, Dogma, Mallrats) and was spawn from a podcast discussion, this crazy idea makes much more sense. It stars Michael Parks (“Django Unchained”), who honestly deserves an Oscar for this role, Justin Long (“Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story”), Haley Joel Osment (“The Sixth Sense”) and there is also a surprise appearance from Johnny Depp (if you can recognize him).

Lionsgate is releasing this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray plus Digital HD included. The special features included are some deleted scenes, multiple “making of” featurettes looking that the behind-the-scenes and also a retrospective on Kevin Smith’s career. There is also a audio commentary with Kevin Smith, which is a worth checking out alone. Lastly there is the original podcast that inspired the film.

Win a Blu-ray of “Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead” [ENDED]

To celebrate the release of “Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead”, we are happy to be giving away THREE Blu-rays of the film. If you want to win this great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite zombie film. This giveaway will remain open until January 2nd 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.

Martin (Vegar Hoel) hasn’t had the best vacation. He accidentally killed his girlfriend with an axe. He cut his own arm off with a chainsaw. And his friends STILL got devoured by a battalion of Nazi Zombies. This morning, he woke up in a hospital bed with a new arm – but it’s a super-powered Zombie arm that wants to kill him, and anything else it can reach. Martin’s PISSED. And with the help of his new Zombie Squad pals (Martin Starr, Jocelyn DeBoer, Ingrid Haas), he’s gonna deliver some payback to Colonel Herzog and his precious Nazi gold – by raising an undead army of his own.

Win an Autographed Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray of “Tornado Chasers” [ENDED]

Media Mikes is teaming up with the team at TVNweather to give or fans a chance to win an Autographed Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray of “Tornado Chasers (2013)”. If you want to win this great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with what fascinates you most about Tornadoes. This giveaway will remain open until January 2nd 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.

For the first time on Blu-ray, the Limited Collector’s Edition of Tornado Chasers, signed by Reed Timmer and select members of the cast and crew, is now available while supplies last. Tornado Chasers (a two-time Webby Award Honoree*) is widely recognized as the best, most authentic series about storm chasing.

This Blu-ray edition features the acclaimed 2013 season, which follows extreme storm chaser Reed Timmer as he intercepts some of the biggest tornadoes in history. The 12-episode season features rare and breathtaking coverage of tornadoes including: Young County, TX (5/17/13), Rozel, KS (5/18/13), Edmond, Fallis, and Shawnee, OK (5/19/13), Moore, OK (5/20/13), Cora, KS (5/27/13), Bennington, KS (5/28/13), and El Reno, OK (5/31/13).

The Tornado Chasers Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray includes the following:
Two-disc collectible Blu-ray box signed by Reed Timmer and team.
Fully remastered for Blu-ray with lossless audio.
English subtitles (main program).
All 12 episodes of the 2013 season of Tornado Chasers in stunning 1080p high definition with lossless audio.
“Behind the Scenes of Tornado Chasers”: an in-depth, two-part documentary about the making of the series.
“Storm Science”: a two-part education program hosted by Reed Timmer
More than 50 minutes of deleted scenes.
Collection of promos and season trailers.

Blu-ray Review “This Is Where I Leave You”

Starring: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver, Jane Fonda, Rose Byrne, Kathryn Hahn
Director: Shawn Levy
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: December 16, 2014
Run Time: 103 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Here is the main issue with “This is Where I leave You”, it is packed with a great ensemble cast including Jason Bateman (“Arrested Development”); Tina Fey (“30 Rock”); Jane Fonda (“Barbarella”), as well as Adam Driver (“Star Wars Episode VII”); Rose Byrne (“Insidious”); Corey Stoll (“House of Cards”) and Kathryn Hahn (“Parks and Recreation” and with a cast like that expectations are very high but this film has its moments and those moments don’t last long. This drama/comedy is extremely forgettable and you will have probably forgotten about it by the time you get to the end of this anyway.

Official Premise: When their father passes away, four grown siblings, bruised and banged up by their respective adult lives, are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens. Confronting their history and the frayed states of their relationships among the people who know and love them best, they ultimately reconnect in hysterical and emotionally affecting ways amid the chaos, humor, heartache and redemption that only families can provide— driving us insane even as they remind us of our truest, and often best, selves.

Warner’s is releasing this a a combo pack with a Blu-Ray + DVD + UltraViolet Digital HD copy. There is nothing special or actually bad with the Blu-ray presentation. It is basic 1080p transfer with a DTS-Master Audio 5.1 track. The special features aren’t music special either. There is an interview and a commentary track from Shawn Levy and Jonathan Tropper in “· The Narrative Voice”. There are two featurettes “The Gospel According to Rabbi Boner”, “Points of Departure” and some deleted/extended scenes included.

Own “This is Where I Leave You” on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, and Digital HD on December 16th

Blu-ray Review “Magic in the Moonlight”

Starring: Colin Firth, Marcia Gay Harden, Emma Stone, Jacki Weaver, Eileen Atkins, Erica Leerhsen
Director: Woody Allen
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 16, 2014
Run Time: 97 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

Every since “Midnight in Paris”, Woody Allen has been on fire. “Magic in the Moonlight” is the latest winner. The film is set in the south of France in the 1920s smack during the peak of the Jazz Age. The film starts Colin Firth anad Emma Stone, who are amazing in the film together. The film certainly lives up to the first word in its title and is quite enchanting. The music and shooting locations are just beautiful. This is easily another hit for Allen! Can’t wait to see what he has planned for 2015!

Official Premise: Acclaimed magician Stanley Crawford (Colin Firth) dazzles his audiences with feats of supernatural amazement. But when it comes to the inexplicable, Stanley is a dedicated skeptic. Enter Sophie Baker (Emma Stone), psychic, soothsayer, and stunning seductress. As Stanley and Sophie embark on misadventures up and down the French Riviera, will they discover proof of a world beyond the laws of physics or have they fallen under the sway of a more earthly chemistry? Woody Allen pulls the strings with precision in this enchanting romantic comedy that explores the realm between what’s understood in our minds and what’s known in our hearts.

Sony Pictures Classics is releasing this as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer is solid for this Blu-ray. It really captures the look and feel of the 1920’s from the costumes to the settings. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works great with the film’s music, which I loved. The special features are a little light on the magic. There is a making-of featurette called “Behind the Magic”. The only other extras is “On the Red Carpet: Los Angeles Film Premiere”.

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Blu-ray Review “Dolphin Tale 2”

Starring: Harry Connick, Jr., Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Nathan Gamble, Kris Kristofferson
Director: Charles Martin Smith
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: December 9, 2014
Running Time: 107 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Living in Florida, I knew that I had to watch “Dolphin Tale”. It was a good film and after watching it I even took my daughter to go see Winter at the Clearwater Aquarium, which was cool. Honestly, this wasn’t really a film that was screaming for a sequel. The story is cute but it doesn’t stand up to the first film, to be honest. Same cast returned, which is always nice but it doesn’t help either. At least they dropped the terrible 3D gimmack from the first film, which was an incredible waste of time in my opinion. Some kids might enjoy this but it is quite slow moving and at times sad, so be wary there for sure.

Official Premise: The inspiring true story of Winter isn’t over. Several years after receiving a prosthetic tail, Winter loses her surrogate mother, leaving her alone, grieving and unwilling to engage with anyone, even her best human friend, Sawyer (Gamble). Worse, she may have to be moved from her home at the aquarium due to regulations requiring dolphins to be paired. When Dr. Clay Haskett (Connick Jr.) and his dedicated team can’t find her a companion, it looks like they may lose their beloved Winter… until an unexpected turn of events brings them Hope.

Warner Home Video is releasing this as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet digital HD code. The 1080p transfer is good looking but nothing special. The audio though delivers a surprise DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track, which is good but not really fully taken advantage of either. The special features are ok but all quite short. “Underwater Magic” features Writer/director Charles Martin Smith, producer Broderick Johnson, cinematographer Daryn Okada, and actors Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff discussing shooting in water.

“Look Who’s Running the Show” features Smith, Gamble and Zuehlsdorff talking about the sequel. “Bethany Hamilton Meets Winter” focuses on the cameo from Champion surfer Bethany Hamilton. “The Mission” is a featurette about Clearwater Marine Academy. “True Story” looks into the events that inspired the film. Lastly there is a music video for Zuehlsdorff’s “Brave Souls” and Gavin DeGraw’s “You Got Me” and a blooper reel included.

Dolphin Tale 2 arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on December 9 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

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Blu-ray Review “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington: 75th Anniversary”

Starring: Jean Arthur, James Stewart, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Guy Kibbee, Thomas Mitchell
Director: Frank Capra
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sony
DVD Release Date: December 2, 2014
Digital Copy Expiration Date: December 31, 2014 (Click here for more information)
Run Time: 130 minutes

Film: 5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” is celebrating its 75th anniversary and it has never looked better. This film earned Jimmy Stewart his first Academy Award® nomination, along with 11 other nominations. It is easily one of Frank Capra’s best films. It was also Capra’s final film for Columbia. This film does in a wonderful collectible Digipak packaging with an all-new essay by Film Historian Jeremy Arnold. Easily one of the best restored Blu-ray releases this year.

Official Premise: An idealistic, newly-appointed senator (James Stewart) heads to Washington, where he single-handedly battles ruthless politicians out to destroy him. Winner of the 1939 Academy Award® for Best Writing (Original Story), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a timeless and stirring ode to the power of democracy.

“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” looks simply stunning on Blu-ray. For this release it was restored and mastered with 4K transfer in 1080p. The black and white film is presented in its original 4×3 aspect ratio but looks outstanding. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio Mono surround track. It works well with the dialogue and score.

The special features are another win for this release. There is an audio commentary with Frank Capra’s son, Frank Capra Jr. There are a bunch of vintage features included. “Frank Capra Jr. Remembers…’Mr. Smith Goes to Washington'” focuses on the director from Capra’s son. There is “Conversations with Frank Capra Jr.: The Golden Years”, which looks into his father again and the 1930’s in Hollywood. “Conversations with Frank Capra Jr.: A Family History” features Capra’s son looking into his family life. “Frank Capra: Collaboration” is a look back into Capra’s life and career.

“The Frank Capra I Knew” features Jeanine Basinger, Curator of the Frank Capra archives at Wesleyan University, talking about the director. “Frank Capra’s American Dream” is easily the best feature, which is a feature-length documentary, narrated and hosted by Ron Howard with interviews including Martin Scorsese, Garry Marshall, John Milius, Robert Altman, Michael Keaton, Richard Dreyfuss, Angela Lansbury, Garry Marshall, Marshall Herskovitz, Bill Duke, Oliver Stone, and Peter Falk. Lastly there are trailers included.

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Blu-ray Review “When The Wind Blows (1986)”

Starring: Sir John Mills, Dame Peggy Ashcroft
Directed By: Jimmy T. Murakami
Distributed by: Twilight Time
Run Time: 75 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: November 11, 2014

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I have always been a fan of Raymond Briggs’ “The Snowman”. I simply love it. I also happen to be a huge Pink Floyd fan, so combining the work of Raymond Briggs with the music of Roger Waters is a match made in heaven and that is what we got with “When the Wind Blows”. The film itself, even though animated, is not aimed at kids it is a quite heavy and definitely is a blend of comedy/horror themes. It is definitely unlike any animated film that I have ever seen, very unique and still holds up today. There is also a great title song from David Bowie and contributions from Genesis, Squeeze and Paul Hardcastle. also included along with the film is the documentary from Sé Merry Doyle, “Jimmy Murakami: Non-Alien (2010)”. This Blu-ray release is an Screen Archives Entertainment Exclusive and is a Limited Edition release with only 3000 copies produced. So if you are a fan, get it quick before they sell out.

Official Premise: TWhen the Wind Blows (1986)—writer Raymond Briggs’ adaptation of his own graphic novel, brought to the screen by director Jimmy T. Murakami—is an enchantingly collage-like animated film (featuring drawn, stop-motion, and live-action sequences) on a very grim subject, indeed: the effects of nuclear holocaust on an ordinary English couple. James and Hilda Bloggs (perfectly voiced by acting legends John Mills and Peggy Ashcroft) are a happy, near-elderly pair living in the lovely rural countryside when—seemingly out of nowhere—disaster beyond all imagining strikes.

Twilight Time is releasing this film on a region free Blu-ray disc. The 1080p transfer is solid and really looks solid. There is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track included. I am a huge fan of Roger Waters’ score from this film and the special features are a great continuation of this film including a Isolated Music and Effects Track. . Thre is also an audio commentary track with First Assistant Editor Joe Fordham and Film Historian Nick Redman. After that we get “The Wind and The Bomb – The Making of When the Wind Blows”, which goes behind-the-scenes. Lastly, there is an interview with Raymond Briggs, the creator himself. Also like with all of Twilight Time’s releases be sure to enjoy the extensive Julie Kirgo liner notes included to enjoy. I just wish there was a little more here in the extras department.

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Blu-ray Review “The Twilight Samurai (2002)”

Starring: Rye Miyazawa, Ren Ohsugi, Mitsuru Fukikoshi, Hirouki Sanada, Nenji Kobayashi
Directed By: Yoji Yamada
Distributed by: Twilight Time
Run Time: 129 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: November 11, 2014

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

“The Twilight Samurai” was nominated for the Academy Award, Best Foreign Language Film back in 2002. It didn’t win but it did end up winning 12 Japanese Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay. It deserves the praise cause it is a fantastic samurai period film. Star Hirouki Sanada has since gone on to big things in the U.S. as well including “The Wolverine” and “47 Ronin”. This Blu-ray release is an Screen Archives Entertainment Exclusive and is a Limited Edition release with only 3000 copies produced. So if you are a fan, get it quick before they sell out.

Official Premise: The Twilight Samurai (2002) is a contemplative character study of Seibei (Hiroyuki Sanada), a traditional samurai reduced—in a rapidly modernizing Japan—to working as an accountant. A widower, Seibei has to care for his senile mother and his two young daughters; his financial problems are so severe that he finally, humiliatingly, must pawn his sword. And then, his clan comes to him with one last job. Directed by veteran Yoji Yamada, best known for helming Japan’s beloved “Tora-san” films.

Twilight Time is releasing this film on a region free Blu-ray disc. The 1080p transfer is solid and really looks solid. There is only a Japanese audio DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track included. The special features include an Isolated Score Track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 by Isao Tomita (“Zatoichi”). Lastly there are the film’s Original Theatrical Trailers. Also like with all of Twilight Time’s releases be sure to enjoy the extensive Julie Kirgo liner notes included to enjoy. I just wish there was a little more here in the extras department.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 2002, bluray, review, samurai, twilight

Blu-ray Review “Flaming Star (1960)”

Starring: Elvis Presley, John McIntire, Dolores Del Rio, Barbara Eden, Steve Forrest
Directed By: Don Siegel
Distributed by: Twilight Time
Run Time: 92 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: November 11, 2014

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Westerns, Don Siegel is your man! He created one of the finest, “Dirty Harry”. Top that with the wonderful talent of the legendary Elvis Presley and you are an instant winner. “Flaming Star” is easily one of the King’s best films in his career. The film is approaching its 55th anniversary and it still holds up and is quite entertaining. This Blu-ray release is an Screen Archives Entertainment Exclusive and is a Limited Edition release with only 3000 copies produced. So if you are a fan, get it quick before they sell out.

Official Premise: Don Siegel (Dirty Harry) directs Elvis Presley in Flaming Star (1960), a tough-minded Western that many have pegged as the legendary singer’s best film. Presley plays a half-white/half-Kiowa youth in post-Civil War Texas, caught up in a tragic war between whites and Indians, his loyalties and allegiances tested at every turn. The terrific supporting cast includes John McIntire as Presley’s father, who just wants to live in peace; Dolores Del Rio as his mother, determined to keep her son safe; Steve Forrest as his conflicted brother from another mother; and Barbara Eden as an understanding local girl.

Twilight Time is releasing this film on a region free Blu-ray disc. The 1080p transfer is solid and really looks solid. There is a fantastic DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track inlcuded. The special features include an Isolated Score Track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 by Cyril Mockridge (“Miracle on 34th Street”). There is also an audio commentary with Film Historians Lem Dobbs and Nick Redman. Lastly there are the film’s Original Theatrical Trailers. Also like with all of Twilight Time’s releases be sure to enjoy the extensive Julie Kirgo liner notes.

Tag: bluray

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