Blu-ray Review “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues”

Starring: Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and David Koechner
Director: Adam McKay
Rated: PG-13/Unrated/R
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: April 1, 2014
Run Time: 118/122/143 minutes

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

NEWS TEAM ASSEMBLE!! Ron Burgundy and his team is back. Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and David Koechner reprise their already iconic roles. “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” is a very ambitious sequel to the 2004 cult classic. I would say that it succeeds about 75% of the time with its jokes but does rely a lot on the shoulders of the film before it. I have a feeling that, like the first film, this is going to be one of those that gets better with age…like a good scotch as I am sure Ron Burgundy himself would enjoy.

Official Premise: After losing his job to his wife and co-anchor (Christina Applegate), Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) reassembles the news team (Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and David Koechner ) and squares off against a new rival (James Madsen). Will the world’s greatest anchorman be crushed beneath the weight of his own ego (and his salon-quality hair)? Anything goes in the outrageous comedy.

The three-disc Blu-ray Combo Pack includes not one…not two but three versions of the film including-in a Home Entertainment First, the Super-Sized R-Rated Version with 763 New Jokes. I think whether you loved or absolutely hated the film, this is such a crazy feat that everyone needs to check this out. Never before in the history of home entertainment has anyone replaced 763 jokes. It is like a new movie told within the shell of the first. Paramount also squeezed in a DVD copy of the film along with an HD Digital Ultraviolet copy.

Paramount not only delivered an astounding three version of the film, they also included over four hours of special features. The first disc including a perfect and highly recommend commentary track from the whole gang including Adam McKay, Judd Apatow, Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd & David Koechner. Honestly, it is like you are watching a fourth version of the film with even more new jokes. If you are looking for replay value on this film if you get bored with the other three, this is a great way to re-enjoy the film.

There is a Behind-the-Scenes look with “Newsroom”, which takes us inside the making of the film. There is a two part Gag Reel including, because one is just not enough. “Line-O-Rama, Parts 1 & 2” is another collection of non-stop alternate lines from the film. “Welcome to the Dolphin Show” has Ron Burgundy taking on the crowd at SeaWorld. “Catfight” features more ad-lib between Christina Applegate and Meagan Good going head-to-head. “News-O-Rama” features Ron and the News Team bringing you the headlines. “Kench-O-Rama” is a mashup of Kench Allenby’s most Australian moments…Brilliant! Lastly there is a Cast Table Read, which is also a riot.

The second Blu-ray disc includes the Super-Sized R-Rated Version along with more special features. There is an Behind-the-Scenes featurette. “Anchorman 2: The Musical” is a look into how this film almost was a musical sequel. “RV” dives into the work behind the RV tumble. “Baxter & Doby” focuses on the animals of Anchorman 2. “News Fight” was one of the best parts of the film and this dives into the biggest, baddest all-star celebrity brawl ever! There are an additional 90 minutes of Deleted, Extended & Alternate Scenes. At this point I said out loud, “SERIOUSLY?” How did they have this much footage.

“Previsualizations” looks into the various FX filled scenes including the RV, Shark Attack and the News Fight sequences. “Auditions” includes pre-film scenes featuring Meagan Good, Dylan Baker and Amy Poehler. “Benefit for 826LA” is a special tribute to Anchorman 2. Lastly there are trailers. The last disc, which is the DVD, only includes the theatrical version of the film. Also be sure to check out the pamphlet inside the case which comes with a digital code to unlock all levels for “Scotchy Scotch Toss” video game.

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Blu-ray Review “Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery”

Voices: Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, Mindy Cohn, Grey DeLisle, John Cena, Triple H, Sin Cara, Brodus Clay, AJ Lee, The Miz, Santino, Kane
Directed by: Brandon Vietti
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Turner Home Ent
DVD Release Date: March 25, 2014

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

What happens when Warner Bros. Animation teams up with WWE Films? We get one of the best new Scooby Doo! feature length films to date with “Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery”. If you are a wrestling fan, I cannot recommend this anymore and if you are also a “Scooby Doo!” fan, this is a perfect match. This not only stars the Mystery Inc. gang but also is backed with some of the biggest WWE Superstars including John Cena, Triple H, Sin Cara, Brodus Clay, AJ Lee, The Miz, Santino, Kane and also WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. They not only are in the film in animated form but also lend their voices as well. WB has been behind continuously pushing “Scooby Doo!” and this just shows how much crossover this series has and how strong the brand is still.

Official Premise: When Shaggy and Scooby win tickets to WrestleMania, they convince the entire Mystery Inc. gang to travel to WWE City in the Mystery Machine to enjoy the show. But the trip quickly turns into another mystery as WWE City is full of secrets! A mysterious ghostly bear appears and threatens to ruin the show and steal the championship title belt. With the help of WWE Superstars John Cena, Triple H, Sin Cara, Brodus Clay, AJ Lee, The Miz, Santino Marella and Kane, Scooby-Doo and The Mystery Inc. gang team up to solve the case before it is too late!

Warner Bros is delivering “Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery” as a Blu-ray/DVD combo with a HD Digital Ultraviolet copy included. The 1080p transfer is very impressive. The animation style is vibrant and looks great. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks works perfectly with the mystery/action aspect of the film. In the special features department there is some decent extras. There is a brand new featurette “Behind-The-Scenes with Scooby-Doo and the WWE Gang”, which goes into the voice recording sessions with the cast of WWE. There is also a bonus episode of “A Pup Named Scooby Doo”, “Wrestle Maniacs”.

This is the first and definitely not the last collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation teams up with WWE Films. They are planning to mash-up another classic series “The Flintstones” in early 2015 bringing Fred, Barney and the whole Bedrock gang with stone age versions of WWE Superstars and Divas. So I am sure this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship I am sure. WWE Films has been getting some major steam behind them in the last few years and I can’t wait to see what they have planned next!

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Blu-ray Review “The Best of Bogart Collection”

Actors: Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Peter Lorre, Ingrid Bergman, Mary Astor
Directors: John Huston, Michael Curtiz
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: March 25, 2014
Run Time: 433 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Back in my days in colleges (years ago!), I took a film class and I learned all about the amazing work of the legendary actor Humphrey Bogart. This opened up a new world to me and I was exposed to films like “The Maltese Falcon” and “Casablanca”. We looked deep into this films and I grew a great appreciation for them and other films as well. “The Best of Bogart Collection” is a great collection of his films including “The African Queen”, “Casablanca”, “The Maltese Falcon” and “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”. This films have been released previously on Blu-ray but this is the first time that they are all packaged together. Also as an added bonus we get reproduction art cards from each film, which is a real great collectible. A must have for any Bogart fan!

“The African Queen” is such a great film. Charlie Allnut is such a great character for him. This is one of those films that I can never turn off once I see it on. “Casablanca” is in a world of its own. It is over 70 years old and still so amazing and relevant. Such a classic and will continue to stand the test of time. “The Maltese Falcon” is a film that I studied quite a bit and really was one of the first films that I was introduced to Bogart and his career. It will always hold a special place for me. Last but not least is “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”, which in fact is a film that I have never seen (*gasp*). But thanks to this new collection, I was able to find out what I have been missing wit this AFI Top 100 classic.

“The African Queen” Offical Premise: Stars Humphrey Bogart in his Oscar-winning portrayal of Charlie Allnut, the slovenly, gin-swilling captain of a tramp steamer called the African Queen, which ships supplies to small East African villages during World War I. Katharine Hepburn plays Rose Sayer, the maiden-lady sister of a prim British missionary, Rev. Samuel Sayer (Robert Morley). When Germans invade and Samuel dies, Allnut offers to take Rose back to civilization. She can’t tolerate his drinking or bad manners; he isn’t crazy about her imperious, judgmental attitude. However it does not take long before their passionate dislike turns to love. Together the disparate duo work to ensure their survival on the treacherous waters and devise an ingenious way to destroy a German gunboat.

“Casablanca” Offical Premise: easy to enter, but much harder to leave, especially if you’re wanted by the Nazis. Such a man is Resistance leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), whose only hope is Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a cynical American who sticks his neck out for no one – especially Victor’s wife Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), the ex-lover who broke his heart. Ilsa offers herself in exchange for Laszlo’s transport out of the country and bitter Rick must decide what counts more – personal happiness or countless lives hanging in the balance.

“The Maltese Falcon” Official Premise: A gallery of high-living lowlifes will stop at nothing to get their sweaty hands on a jewel-encrusted falcon. Detective Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) wants to find out why–and who’ll take the fall for his partner’s murder. An all-star cast (including Sydney Greenstreet, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre and Elisha Cook Jr.) joins Bogart in this crackling mystery masterwork written for the screen (from Dashiell Hammett’s novel) and directed by John Huston.

“The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” Official Premise: Gold in the hills, avarice in the hearts of men. Two hard-luck drifters (Humphrey Bogart and Tim Holt) and a grizzled prospector (Walter Huston) discover gold. Then greed and paranoia set in. John Huston won Academy Awards for his direction and screenplay. And his dad took the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Without awards, but with enduring acclaim, is Bogart’s performance, transforming from a likable hobo to a heartless thug simmering in greed.

If these four films are not enough, these films also come jam-packed with special features. First, we have “The African Queen”, which also has the least extras. There is “Embracing Chaos: Making The African Queen”, which goes behind-the-scenes into the film.
“The Maltese Falcon” delivers impressive extras as well with a commentary track by Bogart Biographer Eric Lax. There is a featurette “The Maltese Falcon: One Magnificent Bird”. “Breakdowns of 1941” is a Studio Blooper Reel. There are Makeup Tests, Short Subjects Gallery and an Audio-Only Bonus: 3 Radio Show Adaption’s. Lastly “Becoming Attractions” is a collection of trailers of Humphrey Bogart Warner Night at the Movies 1941.

“Casablanca” packs the most extras of any of the films. Ther is a commentary track from Roger Ebert and also another from Historian Rudy Behlmer. There is an Introduction by Lauren Bacall and also additional scenes & outtakes, as well as scoring session outtakes. There are a few feaurettes, “Bacall on Bogart”, “You Must Remember This: A Tribute to Casablanca” and “As Time Goes By: The Children Remember”. “Who Hold Tomorrow?” is the premiere episode from the 1955 TV Series adaptation of Casablanca. There is a Radio Production with the Movie’s 3 Key Stars. Lastly there is a Production Research Gallery,
Homage Cartoon Carrotblanca with Bugs Bunny and some Theatrical Trailers.

Lastly, “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” also includes a commentary track from Bogart Biographer Eric Lax. There are a few featurettes including “Discovering Treasure: The Story of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” and “Documentary Profile John Huston”. There is Warner Night at the Movies 1948 Short Subjects Gallery. Lastly there is a intro from Leonard Maltin, Newsreel footage, 2 Classic Cartoons, Comedy Short, Theatrical Trailers and an Audio-Only Bonus: Radio Show with the Movie’s Original Stars.

Get The Best of Bogart Collection for the first time, in one great Blu-ray collection, March 25th!

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Win the Latest Movie from the Director of “Jeepers Creepers”, “Dark House” on Blu-ray [ENDED]

To celebrate the release on Blu-ray, Media Mikes is excited to giveaway one (1) copy of “Dark House” on Blu-ray. If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of this prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite horror film. This giveaway will remain open until March 28th 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

Famed horror director Victor Salva (“Jeepers Creepers”  returns in the blood-curdling new film starring Tobin Bell (“Saw” franchise), “Dark House”. From the mind of Charles Agron, the eerie thriller follows Nick Di Santo (Luke Kleintank, “Pretty Little Liars”) who has the chilling ability to foresee how one will inevitably perish by simply touching them. Tormented by this power, Nick learns from his institutionalized mother (Golden Globe nominee Lesley-Anne Down, “North and South”) that his father, whom he previously thought was deceased, is actually alive. Hoping that he can reveal the origin of his dark gift, Nick sets off to find his father with his best friend (Anthony Ray Perez, “Don’t Pass Me By”) and girlfriend (Alex McKenna, “90210”).
Along their journey, they are terrified when they realize that every road they take leads them to the same decrepit mansion, one that only previously existed in Nick’s childhood imagination. Finally succumbing to the will of the house, Nick soon finds himself in a horrifying battle with a mysterious, haunting figure (Bell).

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Blu-ray Review “Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher”

Voices: Jennifer Carpenter, Brian Bloom
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 25, 2014
Run Time: 83 minutes

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

When I saw that Sony and Marvel were teaming up for another animated feature film, I was psyched. I loved what they did with the past short series with Blade, Wolverine and X-Men. The animation style is reminiscence of a Japanese anime and the characters are given a slick make-over. As the title suggests, this film focus on two Marvel’ popular characters, Black Widow (voiced by Jennifer Carpenter, TV’’s ““Dexter””) and The Punisher (voiced by Brian Bloom, ““Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3””). Don’t let the cover art fool you either with the image of Iron Man, Thor and Hulk, since they along with a few other Avengers appear for a few minutes in the last few minutes of the film. This is a Black Widow and (some of) Punisher story solely. Parents need to note this is a very HARD PG-13 rating, very violent for sure. Overall, I thought it was worth a watch, but nothing amazing.

Official Premise: After interfering with a top secret mission, THE PUNISHER is taken into custody by S.H.I.E.L.D. AGENT and AVENGER, BLACK WIDOW. At the orders of Director Nick Fury, Punisher and Black Widow are sent on a mission to stop LEVIATHAN, a global terrorist organization that plans to sell stolen S.H.I.E.L.D. technology to the highest bidder. Now, the vigilante and spy must work together to prevent this technology from falling into the wrong hands. The fate of the world, and of the AVENGERS, hangs in the balance.

“Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher” is packaged as a Blu-ray/DVD combo with an HD Digital Ultraviolet copy included. Sony has always delivered consistently great animated titles. This film is no different it is a solid Blu-ray presentation. The animation style looks very sharp and the colors are very clear. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the action scenes especially the final act, which is pretty epic. In terms of special features are two making-of Featurettes & Blu-ray™ Exclusive Conceptual Art Gallery. The two featurettes are ““Espionage and Punishment””, which dives into how these characters were adapted into this anime style. “The Vigilante Vs. The Spy” takes a look at these two characters from an origin perspective.

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Blu-ray Review “Saving Mr. Banks”

Actors: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, Jason Schwartzman
Directors: John Lee Hancock
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 120 minutes

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

When I originally heard about “Saving Mr. Banks” and it has Tom Hanks playing the legendary Walt Disney, I couldn’t be more thrilled. I love the film “Mary Poppins” and I thought it was going to be a great film. After watching it originally, I was a little disappointed to see that Hanks’ portrayal of the man behind Mickey Mouse was very supporting and the focus was on Emma Thompson role of Mary Poppins” author P.L. Travers and her life growing up. In fact, I really only enjoyed the parts in the film focusing on Walt Disney. Disney hardcore fans will enjoy. I will most likely not watch this again in the foreseable future.

Official Premise: Determined to fulfill a promise to his daughters, Walt Disney (Hanks) works for twenty years to secure the rights to author P.L. Travers’ (Thompson) beloved book. Armed with his iconic creative vision, Walt pulls out all the stops, but the uncompromising Travers won’t budge. Only when he reaches into his own complicated childhood does Walt discover the truth about the ghosts that haunt Travers, and together, the set Mary Poppins free.

Disney delivered “Saving Mr. Banks” with a Blu-ray combo pack including a Digital HD Ultraviolet copy. The 1080p transfer looks quite sharp. The colors are very vibrant especially the flashback scenes. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the film’s beautiful score and music. In terms of special features this some decent extras but nothing amazing. “Walt Disney Studios: From Poppins to Present” is a tour of the Disney Studios lot with director Join Hancock. “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” has the cast and crew singing along on the last day of filming. Lastly there are three short deleted scenes included.

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Blu-ray Review “The Wolf of Wall Street”

Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, PJ Byrne, Rob Reiner, Jon Favreau and Jean Dujardin
Directors: Martin Scorsese
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: March 25, 2014
Run Time: 179 minutes

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

“The Wolf of Wall Street” is definitely not a film for everyone. It is controversial, edgey and 1 minute shy of three hours in length. In fact, the film has also set the all-time record for the use of the f-word in a film, clocking in at 506 times. This is the fifth collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio and these guys just keep making gold. Leo is supported by a fantastic supporting cast including Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, PJ Byrne, Rob Reiner, Jon Favreau and Jean Dujardin…whew, what a cast. I really had a blast with this film. It is vulgar and sometimes (or a lot) offensive but it is quite the ride and it brought me back to watching Scorsese’s equally epic “Casino” on double VHS tapes…that’s right kiddies back when a three hour movie couldn’t find on one Blu-ray. So love it or hate it but this film is a blast and I sugguest you take it like that and not literally like they are trying to support these characters behavior but point out how fucked up that business was in the 90’s (and probably still is).

Official Premise: Revered filmmaker Martin Scorsese directs the story of New York stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio). From the American dream to corporate greed, Belfort goes from penny stocks and righteousness to IPOs and a life of corruption in the late 80s. Excess success and affluence in his early twenties as founder of the brokerage firm Stratton Oakmont warranted Belfort the title – “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Money. Power. Women. Drugs. Temptations were for the taking and the threat of authority was irrelevant. For Jordan and his wolf pack, modesty was quickly deemed overrated and more was never enough.

Paramount delivered “The Wolf of Wall Street in a combo pack including Blu-ray + DVD + HD Digital Ultraviolet copy. The 1080p transfer is absolutely amazing. You can see Scorsese’s vision the way this film was shot and it just looks great. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works so well with the film’s madness and amazing music heard through this film. The soundtrack is actually a favorite of mine as well from the year. The biggest downfall personally for me is the special features. There is literally only one extra included called “The Wolf Pack” It is the basic behind-the-scenes look with interviews from Scorsese, Dicaprio, Hill and a few other cast and crew. This extra is also only on the Blu-ray. The DVD comes bare bones. I would have loved to see a commentary track from any other the amazing cast or director from this film. This release is the case of the film being rushed out on Blu-ray to make it for post-award season.

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Blu-ray Review “Out of the Furnace”

Actors: Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Forest Whitaker, Willem Dafoe
Director: Scott Cooper
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: March 11, 2014
Run Time: 116 minutes

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

I am a huge fan of Christian Bale going back to the early days of “Newsies” and “Swing Kids”, but I did not see this film coming. It was completetly out of my radar when it was released and from its reception out of everyone elses as well it seemed. The film is directed by Scott Cooper (“Crazy Heart”), whom I respect very much. It also features an all-star cast including Woody Harrelson, Forest Whitaker, Willem Dafoe, Zoe Saldana and Sam Shepard. There is no shortage of talent. Still though the film just didn’t blow me away. The drama was there and the acting was great but I just felt like it was just going through the motions, never really grabbed me. For fans of the cast (and director) it will be worth checking out but I call this a one-timer and in five years I will have completely forgot about it.

Official Premise: From Scott Cooper, the critically acclaimed writer and director of Crazy Heart, comes a gripping and powerful drama about family, fate, circumstance and justice. Russell Baze (Oscarr Winner Christian Bale) leads a dead-end life – he works a meaningless steel mill job all day, and cares for his terminally ill father at night. When Russell’s brother Rodney (Casey Affleck) returns home from Iraq, he is lured into one of the Northeast’s most ruthless crime rings and mysteriously disappears. When the police fail to solve the case, Russell puts his life at risk in order to seek justice for his brother.

Fox delivered the film on Blu-ray with a combo pack including an HD Digital Ultraviolet copy. This is becoming the trend with pretty much any film Fox is releasing latetly and I really dig that. The 1080p transfer is quite solid. I liked the way the film was shot and it was nicely framed. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track worked well with the dialogue and Dickson Hinchliffe’s score. The special features are decent and contain four featurettes. “Inspiration” looks into the story behind the film behind made. “Scott Cooper” focuses on the film’s director. “Crafting the Fight Scenes” is a breakdown of a few of the films climatic moments. Lastly “The Music of Out of the Furnace” talks with composer Hinchliffe about his score.

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Blu-ray Review “Homefront”

Starring: James Franco, Jason Statham, Rachelle Lefevre, Winona Ryder, Frank Grillo, Kate Bosworth
Director: Gary Fleder
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Universal Studios
DVD Release Date: March 11, 2014
Running Time: 100 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

“Homefront” isn’t a bad film. It is action packed and was able to keep me interested the entire film. But I just wasn’t blown away. The film is adapted from the Chuck Logan novel of the same name by the one and only Sylvester Stallone. It definitely has that 90’s kick-ass action feel to it that Stallone has been trying to bring back. The cast is definitely impressive though including Jason Statham, James Franco, Winona Ryder and Kate Bosworth. I love Franco in the bad-guy role. Statham does what Statham does best…plays Statham. Action fans should check out for nostalgia purposes but otherwise this will not be for everyone.

Official Premise: Widowed ex-DEA agent Phil Broker (Statham) retires to a quiet Southern town with his 10-year-old daughter and discovers that the idyllic setting is riddled with drugs and violence. When a riveting chain of events forces him to face off with psychotic local drug lord Gator Bodine (Franco), Broker must retaliate using the fearsome skills he hoped to keep in his past.

Despite the film, Universal delivered an impressive Blu-ray combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + HD Digital UltraViolet copy. The 1080p transfer really captures that 90’s feel to it, while looking quite sharp especially with the action sequences. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also sounded awesome for this film and really gave my surround sound a solid workout. Things don’t get much better in the special features department for this release. There are a few short deleted scenes included, one of them being extended ending. Lastly there is a short promo called “Standoff”. Nothing here of value at all.

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Blu-ray Review “In the Name of the King 3: The Last Mission”

Starring: Dominic Purcell
Director: Uwe Boll
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: March 11, 2014
Run Time: 86 minutes

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

I love Uwe Boll’s films. I always have ever since “House of the Dead”. His films are definitely not for everyone, he has a specific group that he aims to please and definitely does it again with this latest installment in this series. I think that the first “In the Name of the King” was underrated. I thought the second film with Dolph Lundgren was actually better than the first. Dominic Purcell is great in this film and has worked with Uwe on numerous films in the last few years. If you like this series and looking for a fun no-brainer fantasy action flick, then check this out! If we can only convince someone to make him make another “Bloodrayne” movie!

Official Premise: Looper meets Clash of the Titans in the next chapter of the video game-inspired non-stop fantasy action adventure where Hazen Kaine (Dominic Purcell), an American hitman, skeptically enters into what he hopes is his final contract with corrupt European crime lords. When Hazen realizes he’s been tasked with an impossible mission involving the countries royal family, the stakes change and his mission turns into an all-out fight for survival that takes him spiraling back to medieval times. Now completely out of his element, he must evade a vile medieval army and reclaim a stolen kingdom.

Fox delivered this third and last film in the series with a Blu-ray combo pack including a Digital HD Ultraviolet copy as well. Even though the film was low-budget, film does pack some quality as does all Boll’s films. He is a resourceful guy and his films look like they are budgeted much higher than they look. The 1080p transfer is solid and works well with the visual effects. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which is great for the action scenes. The only main downfall for me was in the special features, which only includes “The Making of In the Name of the King 3: The Last Mission”, which runs just under 15 minutes.

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Blu-ray Review “The Book Thief”

Actors: Sophie Nélisse, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson
Directed by Brian Percival
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Run Time: 131 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“The Book Thief” is a film that got lost in the sea of films that came out last Fall. It is best on the best-selling book by Markus Zusak. It takes place in Germany during WWII, which is a tough sell sometimes. But this film is really well-done and deserves some attention. The acting is amazing. Sophie Nélisse steals your heart, while Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson all give wonderful performances as well. The locations where the film are shot are stunning and it is topped off with another wonderful score from master composer John Williams. I would definitely recommend giving this unnoticed film a chance!

Official Premise: Based on the beloved best-selling book comes a story of a girl who transforms the lives of those around her during World War II, Germany. When her mother can no longer care for her, Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) is adopted by a German couple (OSCAR® Winner Geoffrey Rush and OSCAR® Nominee Emily Watson). Although she arrives illiterate, Liesel is encouraged to learn to read by her adoptive father. When the couple then takes in Max (Ben Schnetzer), a Jew hiding from Hitler’s army, Liesel befriends him. Ultimately, words and imagination provide the friends with an escape from the events unfolding around them in this extraordinary, acclaimed film directed by Brian Percival (Downton Abbey).

The Blu-ray from Fox comes as a combo pack including a Digital HD Ultraviolet copy as well. The 1080p transfer is solid and really works well with the backdrop of Germany. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is beautiful and hauting at the same time and really showcases Williams’ score very well.  In terms of special features, things are a little light there is one featurette looking into the behind-the-scenes “Hidden Truth: Bringing The Book Thief To Life”. Besides that there are only some Deleted Scenes and a Theatrical Trailer included. I would have loved to had a commentary track at least from the director…or even better the author.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, book, review, thief

“Here Comes the Devil” Blu-ray Giveaway [ENDED]


To celebrate the release on Blu-ray, Media Mikes is excited to giveaway one (1) copy of “Here Comes the Devil” on Blu-ray. If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of this prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite supernatural horror film. This giveaway will remain open until March 19th 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.

A couple’s preteen son and daughter inexplicably reappear after being lost overnight on a desolate, cave-riddled mountainside. Becoming withdrawn and beginning to exhibit strange behavior, their parents quickly assume something sinister happened to them while missing and alone. But after hearing an ominous local legend… the concerned mother and father begin to realize that their children may have fallen prey to something inhuman – and that this dark, unstoppable evil has now returned home with them.

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: bluray, devil, giveaway

Blu-ray Review “Frozen”

Actors: Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Santino Fontana
Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

The film “Frozen” has become quite the phenomenon over the last few months. Before this film came out, I would go to Target and there was an entire aisle set out for this film. I knew then this was going to be huge but no idea how big it would have become though. The film recently grossed a billion dollars worldwide at the box office and has inspired many fans. It also just won Best Animated Movie and Best Song at this year’s Oscars. No question, this is the best film of 2013 and quite possible one of the best films from Disney in a long time. Eat it Pixar!

Disney not only gives us one but two new princesses in this film. Very smart on the marketing side, Kristen Bell (“Veronica Mars”) is absolutely amazing as Anna and really embodies the role. Plus she can really sing so well! Idina Menzel (Broadway’s “Wicked” and “Rent”) is also perfect as Elsa. Her song “Let it Go” has really inspired the world. Jonathan Groff (Broadway’s “Spring Awakening”) is definitely the honest goods as Kristoff. Santino Fontana (“Billy Elliot: The Musical”) plays a baddie you love (including my daughter) as Hans. The stealer of the show has to go to Josh Gad (Broadway’s “The Book of Mormon”) who gives live to the lovable snowman Olaf. There is a real Broadway feel to this film with the cast and it works so well.

Official Premise: Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey — teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven — to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

Disney released “Frozen” in this Collector’s edition Blu-ray combo pack with a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD copy. I have a real major problem with Disney leaving out the 3D Blu-ray option for this film. I thought the 3D really worked so well for this movie and I am really disappointed that it is not available. Come on Disney! If you want it the only option to buy the UK version of get it digitally. The 1080p transfer is still absolutely perfect and stunning. The animation is this film is so amazing and breathtaking. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, which is also flawless and really works so well with these amazing instant classic songs.

In terms of special features, they are definitely fun and worth checking out but I was really hoping for more. “The Making Of Frozen” is really fun and totally not what I was expecting (in a good way)…watch to see. “D’frosted: Disney’s Journey From Hans Christian Andersen to Frozen” takes us through the process of this film getting made. “Breaking The Ice- The Real Making Of Frozen” gives into the behind-the-scenes…for real this time. There are four Deleted Scenes with introductions by Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. There is the original theatrical short – “Get A Horse” (but not in 3D). Lastly there is music videos for “Let It Go” by Demi Lovato, Martina Stoessel & Marsha Milan Londoh and a teaser trailer included for the film.

 

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, frozen, review

Blu-ray Review “The Jungle Book 2”

Actors: Haley Joel Osment, John Goodman, John Rhys-Davies, Jim Cummings, Connor Funk
Directors: Steve Trenbirth
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 72 minutes

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

“The Jungle Book 2” was original made for direct-to-video but followed the path of “Return to Never Land” and “The Rescuers Down Under” and headed to theaters. The film is fun, exciting and packs some great music. It is not the best Disney sequel but it follows up well to the classic 1967 film. It combines old friends that we love and some new friends as well. It also packs a great voice cast including John Goodman as Baloo, Haley Joel Osment as Mowgli, Mae Whitman as Shanti. My 21 year old daughter has watched this five times already. A must own for any Disney fan!

Official Premise: Now that Mowgli¹s living in the “man-village”, he cherishes his new best friend and little brother, but he still has that jungle rhythm in his heart. He misses hanging out with happy-go-lucky Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther. Yearning for freedom, Mowgli runs off into the jungle ­ and encounters his enemy Shere Khan! This time, he¹ll need both his new human family and his old jungle friends to help save the day.

Disney did such a wonderful job with this Blu-ray release delivering a new digital master as this film hits Blu-ray for the first time. The 1080p high definition transfer looks amazing, especially for a Disney direct-to-video cartoon. The colors are vibrant and really pop-out. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also works very well with the film’s songs, which are so fun including a few bare necessity as well.

In terms of special features, there is some decent content but nothing outstanding or new to report. There are two deleted songs, each with on-camera intros from EVP, Sharon Morrill and SVP/Music, Matt Walker. “I Got You Beat” and “Braver” songs are played out to storyboards. “Music and More” is a sing-along with the movie & music videos for “Jungle Rhythm” and “W-I-L-D”. Lastly there is “Backstage Disney”, which gives some behind-the-scenes look into the film and it’s legacy.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 2, bluray, book, jungle, review

Blu-ray Review “Kill Your Darlings”

Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Dane Dehaan, Ben Foster, Michael C. Hall
Director: John Krokidas
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 104 minutes

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

“Kill your Darlings” tells the true story of friendship, love and murder involving three of the greatest poets; Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William S. Boroughs. I know Daniel Radcliffe lives under the shadow of the “Harry Potter” film franchise but he really shines in this film. As does Dane DeHaan (“The Amazing Spider-Man 2 & 3”), who is really taking off and is quickly becoming one of the hottest actors in the business. Ben Foster (“Lone Survivor”) also gives an amazing performance and steals his scenes easily. The rest of the support cast include Michael C. Hall (“Dexter”), Jack Huston (“Boardwalk Empire”), Jennifer Jason Leigh (“The Spectacular Now”) and Elizabeth Olsen (“Martha Marcy May Marlene”). These performances are all outstanding and really deserve attention.

Official Premise: When Allen Ginsberg (Daniel Radcliffe), is accepted at Columbia, he finds stuffy tradition clashing with daringly modern ideas and attitudes embodied by Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan). Lucien is an object of fascination for shy, unsophisticated Allen, and soon he is drawn into Lucien’s hard-drinking, jazz-clubbing circle of friends, including William Burroughs (Ben Foster), the dissolute scion of a wealthy family, and David Kammerer (Michael C. Hall), an older hanger-on who clearly resents Allen’s position as Lucien’s new sidekick. A true story of friendship, love and murder, Kill Your Darlings recounts the pivotal year that changed Allen Ginsberg’s life forever and provided the spark for him to start his creative revolution.

Sony Pictures Classics delivered this film as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack. I am a little disappointed that there is no Digital HD digital copy included though, which has become the norm recently. The special features included are worth checking out if you enjoyed the film. There is a featurette “On The Red Carpet”, which takes us to Toronto Film Festival with the cast. There is another featurette “In Coversation with Daniel Radcliffe and Dane DeHaan”, which chats with the leads. There is a great Q&A session with Director/Co-Writer Krokidas and Co-Writer Austin Bunn. The best though is definitely as well as the commentary track, which featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Dane DeHaan, John Krokidas and Austin Bunn. Lastly there are never-before-seen deleted scenes.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, darlings, kill, review
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