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Blu-ray Review “Young Detective Dee: Rise of The Sea Dragon”

Actors: Mark Chao, William Feng, Angelababy, Carina Lau, Lin Gengxin
Directors: Tsui Hark
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Well Go USA
Release Date: February 11, 2014
Run Time: 134 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

When I see a film from Tsui Hark, I don’t care what it is I just immediately add it to my list. I did that with his 2011 film, “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” and was so glad that I did since it was amazing. “Young Detective Dee: Rise of The Sea Dragon” is a prequel to that film and really amps up the ante. In fact, the prequel improves not only the story but also the visual effects. I felt like huge-budget epic summer film. Epic is the word that comes to my mind. What I also liked most is that this film is well-balanced and is exciting in the beginning, the middle and ridiculously awesome in the third act. Highly recommend to watch this film (but if possible in 3D, see below)

Official Premise: From legendary action director Tsui Hark and the creators of international smash hit “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” comes the captivating tale of Dee Renjie s beginnings in the Imperial police force. His very first case, investigating reports of a sea monster terrorizing the town, reveals a sinister conspiracy of treachery and betrayal, leading to the highest reaches of the Imperial family.

I am really upset with not being able view this film in its intended 3D format. The film really sets up a lot of its visual effects with the added dimension and I felt like I missing a lot here. This is not the first time that Well-Go has done this either. They released terrible films like “Dino King 3D”, “Sadako 3D” and “Tormented 3D” all with 3D Blu-ray releases, so I have no idea why they have cheaped out on titles like this one, which would have been AMAZING in 3D. Bad move! To top it off there are no special features either. Great movie, terrible Blu-ray. I would try and import this release and get the 7.1 Dolby HD track with 3D Blu-ray.

Blu-ray Review “Titus (1999)”

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Lange, Alan Cumming, Colm Frere, Laura Fraser, Harry Lennix, Jonathan Rhys
Directed By: Julie Taymor
Distributed by: Twilight Time
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 162 minutes
Release Date: January 21, 2014

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

I remember seeing “Titus” back in 1999 in some little “trendy” theater in NYC since it never received a wide release. It really opened me up to the world of William Shakespeare and his tragedy books. It also introduced me to the wonderful Julie Taymor, who is such a visual director that should be making every film being released, period. She has such a unique way of bringing a film to life, also see for example “Across the Universe”. I haven’t seen this film in years and it still managed to blow to away with its visual experience. A must have for an Shakespeare fan!

Official Premise: Julie Taymor’s stunningly cinematic adaptation of William Shakespeare’s first tragedy, Titus (1999), stars Anthony Hopkins as a noble but misguided Roman general who finds himself ensnared in an unwinnable war of vengeance with an implacable barbarian queen (Jessica Lange). With its time-bending mix of elements from Ancient Rome, Fascist Italy, Fifties America, and Punk Britain, this radical reimagining of a theatrical classic offers a dark vision of violence, murder, rape, and revenge.

This Blu-ray release is an Screen Archives Entertainment Exclusive and is a Limited Edition release with only 3000 copies produced. Since I mentioned that this film is so visual, I was really hoping that the 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 rocked…and boy did it. I can’t believe this film has not received a Blu-ray release prior since this is a must watch on this format. Same goes with the amazing, heart-pounding DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which is just fantastic. Elliot Goldenthal’s haunting score also shines quite well here.

Twilight Time released this Blu-ray with jam-packed with great special features. First we get an amazing Isolated Score Track. There are three fantastic audio commentary tracks included. The first is with Director Julie Taymor, which focuses on the production. Next is with composer Elliot Goldenthal and since the score is so important for this film it is a great listen. Lastly, the next track is with Actors Anthony Hopkins and Harry Lennix, which is a little dryer but still a great listen for hardcore films of this film.

If all those commentary track aren’t good enough for you we still have more. There is a really solid 50-minute behind-the-scenes documentary looking into the making of “Titus”. There is an interesting 30-minute excerpt Q&A with Julie Taymor following a screening at Columbia University. There is another short behind-the-scenes look at the visual sequences with “Penny Arcade Nightmares”. Lastly there are Trailers and TV Spots rounding out the extras. After you enjoy the the film, be sure to check out the extensive Julie Kirgo liner notes and film art included as well.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 1999, bluray, review, titus

3D Blu-ray Review “Man in the Dark 3D”

Starring: Edmond O’Brien, Audrey Totter, Ted de Corsia, Dan Riss
Director: Lew Landers
Distributed by: Twilight Time
Running Time: 68 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: Jan 21, 2014

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
3D: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Prior to receiving this Blu-ray in the mail, I had not heard of “Man in the Dark”, which was released in 1953. What I did find out that it was in fact the first 3D ever released by a major studio. I always though that it was Vincent Price’s “House of Wax” but it turns out that “Man in the Dark” actually beat that to theaters by a 48 hours. So there you go, you learn something new every day. This Blu-ray release is an Screen Archives Entertainment Exclusive and is a Limited Edition release with only 3000 copies produced. In terms of the film, I understand now why it is little know since I enjoy it very little but it does come with a great Blu-ray presentation.

Official Premise: The first 3-D motion picture produced by a major studio, Man in the Dark (1953) is a classic film noir, complete with tough-guy protagonist (Edmond O’Brien), heart-of-gold moll (Audrey Totter), and plenty of underworld action—but with handsome stereoscopic imagery directed by the prolific Lew Landers (The Raven). Focusing on a thug who undergoes brain surgery to eliminate his criminal tendencies, the film utilizes spectacular 3-D effects to simulate the newly decent hero’s disorientation as he tries to remember his life of crime, even as he is pursued by former cohorts who want in on the spoils of his latest robbery.

Twilight Time delivers this film on Blu-ray for the first time with Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray on one disc. I have to admit, the 3D experience for this film is no question one of the best that I have ever experience. Right from the minute it starts, the depth is mind-blowing. The 1080p transfers with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 really shines and looks stunning. There are some great in-your-face stunts but I just really dug the 3D overall, I wish I did the same for the film itself. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track is also very impressive. There is something about those classic 50’s scores that gets me.

In terms of special features, there is nothing here to enjoy besides a high-def theatrical trailer. There is also an Isolated Score, which is presented in an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. I was quite impressive to find a booklet included with this release. The extensive Julie Kirgo liner notes and film art is a nice read and companion to this release. Overall, I would recommend checking out if you are a 3D buff since I was blown away, otherwise this could have stayed in obscurity and I do know this anyone would have realized.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3d, bluray, dark, man, review

Ray Wise talks about “Big Ass Spider!” and reveals Blu-ray plans for “Twin Peaks”

Ray Wise is a well-known actor in the business. He is known for roles including Leland Palmer in “Twin Peaks”, Leon C. Nash in “RoboCop” and the Devil in “Reaper”. Ray has a great role in the recent creature feature “Big Ass Spider!”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat about his role in that film and he also was able to reveal plans for a complete Blu-ray box set of “Twin Peaks”.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you end up working on a film like “Big Ass Spider!”
Ray Wise: I worked with Mike Mendez, the director, briefly before this on a project. I knew that he wanted me to play this military man, which was fine with me. I read the character description and I taught it was good role for me. He is not too over the top and conservative in his approach. It was also a nice contrast to Greg (Grunberg) and Lombardo (Boyar)’s characters. They supply a lot of the humor in the script, which was really well written. Mike Mendez did a really good job with it and I responded well to its humor. I saw a lot of possibilities in it and I thought if he could pull it off it would be a good film. I think he did just that and even exceeded expectations. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the first cut of the film. I think it is very funny and very effective. I think people are going to love it.

MG: You play hard-ass Major Braxton Tanner but you are still quite funny; what is your process for balancing the comedy for the role?
RW: It came intuitively for me. It was sort of natural. That is the way I liked to approach all of my roles actually. I like to find the humorous aspects of the character as well as some of the more dramatic and create that blend. That is way I like do things naturally. Fortunately, it works out most of the times and translates well on screen.

MG: There has been quite the positive response around this film; I have a feeling it is going to stick around…
It is going to have legs…
MG: Literally [laughing]…
RW: Eight legs [laughing].
MG: [laughing] Exactly!

MG: If they decided (and hopefully they do) to make a sequel to “Big Ass Spider!” would you be on board?
RW: Absolutely! Yeah, I am on board. Absolutely!

MG: Tell us about joining the cast of “The Young and the Restless”?
RW: I am playing this Ian Ward. He has come in from out of town as is a past cult leader. He has these individuals that follow him religiously because he has this special philosophy of life that can help everyone achieve their own dreams. They are thinking that he is responsible for the pregnant of the character Nikki many years ago. Allegedly responisble. So, he comes to town to really stir things up. You know, it is another one of those characters for me.

MG: And you are no stranger to playing the baddie like with the Devil in “Reaper” etc; what draws you to these characters?
RW: I think it is because they are always so well-written. When the writers try and write the bad guy, they try and put in a little extra umph in these characters. They add a little extra than a rather bland and mundane good guy [laughs]. I think my own personal physicality and demeanor plays well to that aspect of the writing as well. When you see me, you think “Well he seems alright…but there is something going on here” [laughs]. That suspense and anticipation is really great for the audience.

MG: Do you enjoy going from a bad guy like those to funny roles in films like “FDR: American Badass!”?
RW: First of all I love Barry (Bostwick) and I thought his FDR was really great! I played Douglas MacArthur, so that might have been the beginning of my military chops [laughs], I am not sure. I enjoyed that experience very much actually. There was a lot of laughs and it turned out pretty well also like “Big Ass Spider!”.

MG: I heard you broke the news about an upcoming “Twin Peak” series Blu-ray; can you give us the scoop?
RW: It will be a new box set of the pilot and episodes combined with “Fire Walk with Me”, the prequel movie. It is everything. Everything! Also included will be deleted scenes from “Fire Walk with Me”. I think David (Lynch)’s original cut of the film was about 3.5/4 hours long, so there is stuff that no one has ever seen that is going to be on this new box set. I think it is pretty great. So stay tuned.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: ass, big, bluray, peaks, plans, ray, ...

Blu-ray Review “Downton Abbey: Season 4”

Actors: Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith
Creator: Julian Fellowes
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: PBS
DVD Release Date: January 28, 2014
Running Time: 525 minutes

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

“Downton Abbey: Season 4” is with not question one of the most anticipated show this year. The show already completed its airing in the UK but in the US it just started airing on January 5th. This season picks up around six months after the tragic end to the Series 3 Christmas Special. This Blu-ray includes the original U.K. unedited edition of the show and contain all of Season 4, including the finale. This show returns with the acclaimed ensemble cast led by Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, and Maggie Smith, as well as guest stars Shirley MacLaine and Paul Giamatti. This season is the most epic yet for sure. A must own for any fan!

Official Premise: Six months after Matthew’s tragic death, his loss is still felt throughout Downton Abbey. Mary struggles to face a new future with her fatherless child, and is encouraged by the family to pick up the pieces. With the twenties in full swing and the tides of change sweeping through Downton, Rose’s continued attraction to the bright lights of London spells trouble for the Crawleys, and Edith’s budding relationship with Michael Gregson is threatened by events beyond her control. Meanwhile, below stairs, passions run high and young hearts look set to be broken.

“Downton Abbey: Season 4” Blu-ray release looks amazing. Watching this show on PBS (in “high def”) doesn’t even come close to this. The locations where this show is shot look so amazing. I love the estate’s grounds look sharp and majestic as they should be. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track for each episode also sounds amazing. It works well with the show’s intense and (English) dialogue and the show’s beautiful score. In terms of special features, there is not a lot but what is included is a must watch. You get to go behind the scenes and witness the making of Season 4 with more than 30 minutes of bonus footage! “Downton Abbey” already is scheduled to return for a fifth series in September 2014 (in the UK). So stay tuned!

Blu-ray Review “The Beast of Hollow Mountain / The Neanderthal Man”

Actors: Guy Madison, Robert Shayne
Directors: Edward Nassour, Ewald André Dupont
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Run Time: 159 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3 out 5 stars
Extras: N/A

When you see the cover art for Scream Factory’s latest double feature it no question just screams cheese! The 1950’s delivered some really great creature features and it also produced films like “The Beast of Hollow Mountain and The Neanderthal Man”. These films are not the worst for sure but they not the best either. I call these fun, kick back, drive-in films. These are maybe not in the cinematic term of classics but these remind me of films they show trailers for at Disney’s Sci-Fi Diner at Hollywood Studios. So for what it is worth these still are able to draw me in.

Official Premise: “The Beast of Hollow Mountain” (1956): An American cowboy living in Mexico discovers his cattle is being eaten by a giant prehistoric dinosaur. “The Neanderthal Man” (1953): A mad scientist transforms himself into a prehistoric caveman*his cat into a saber-toothed tiger and his housekeeper into an ape person*which does not enhance his popularity.

Willis O’Brien may not be as well known as Harryhausen but he was still a big name when it comes to stop motion animation and it is well represented here on the Blu-ray for “The Beast of Hollow Mountain”. Scream Factory did a good job with this film’s 1080p transfer presented with an aspect ratio of 2.33:1. This CinemaScope production, which blended live-action and stop motion, is not perfect and shows its age but still acceptable for this type of film. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono also works for this film with the dialogue and roars from our dinosaur. There are no special features included for this film.

“The Neanderthal Man” has a few more problems than “The Beast of Hollow Mountain”. The 1080p transfer comes with an aspect ratio of 1.35:1, which is altered from previous releases. The special effects do not hold up as well within this high-def release but it almost adds a cheesy yet fun factor to it. This film also gets a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track which works quite well and is strong with the film’s score. There are no special features included for this film either.

Blu-ray Review “Die Monster Die (1965)”

Actors: Boris Karloff, Nick Adams, Susan Farmer
Directors: Daniel Haller
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: January 21, 2014
Run Time: 80 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out 5 stars
Extras: 1/2 out of 5 stars

I am a sucker for classic 50/60’s horror films. I love these films. They are definitely not perfect but they have that certain charm and special feel. “Die Monster Die” did not have that feel for me though. The film is 80 minutes long and nothing actually interesting happened in the movie until the last 10 minutes, which caused me to fall asleep which is quite rare for me to do. Boris Karloff is always great to see though since he is the king of horror. I would recommend this specifically to long-time fans of the film and that is all.

Official Premise: “Die Monster Die” is based on “The Colour Out of Space” by H.P. Lovecraft. A young man visits his fiance’s estate to discover that her wheelchair-bound scientist father has discovered a meteorite that emits mutating radiation rays that have turned the plants in his greenhouse to giants. When his own wife falls victim to this mysterious power the old man takes it upon himself to destroy the glowing object with disastrous results.

Shout! still delivered this film with an impressive Blu-ray presentation for the nearly 50 year old film. The 1080p transfer was cleaned up quite well with little noise showing. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track works well the 60’s horror score and the classic sound effects. There are no special features listed on the Blu-ray case but when you get to the main menu it lists that there is a trailer included.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 1965, bluray, die, monster, review

Blu-ray Review “The Fifth Estate”

Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Brühl
Directors: Bill Condon
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Run Time: 128 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When I read the initial reviews and buzz about “The Fifth Estate”, I couldn’t be less interested in it. But this the year of Benedict Cumberbatch with “Sherlock”, “Star Trek: Into Darkness”, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” and even “August: Osage County”, so I decided to give it a chance. I know a little bit of background on Assange and WikiLeaks but not a lot. I thought that the film was ok and overall entertaining but I wouldn’t see myself watching it ever again. “The Fifth Estate” though has some great performances from both Benedict Cumberbatch and Daniel Brüh, so it is worth watch just for that. What I can say that the film did do is create an appetite for knowledge. After watching, I did quite a bit of research including watching the very well done documentary “We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks”, which I recommend (and can be viewed here).

Official Premise: Through the eyes of Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Brühl), an early supporter and eventual colleague of Julian Assange (Cumberbatch), the film follows the heady, early days of Wikileaks to its abrupt end after a series of controversial and history changing info leaks. The website’s overnight success brought instant fame to its principal architects, but as their power expanded across the globe, Daniel grew increasingly disillusioned with Julian’s questionable tactics and ethics. The rift between the two friends became irreparable and their ideological differences tore them apart, but not before they revolutionized, for better and worse, the flow of information to news media and the world at large.

Walt Disney Home Entertainment delivered this film as a combo pack with Blu-ray + DVD and HD Digital Ultraviolet copy included. The 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works for what it is worth in the film. There is nothing too epic going on here but the score, thanks to Carter Burwell, does benefit from the thrilling aspects of the film. In terms of special features, we include three decent featurettes. The first is “The Submission Platform – Visual Effects” which looks into the film from conception and pre-viz through post. “In Camera: Graphics” looks focuses on capturing the on screen graphics in camera and on the real interactions from the actors. “Scoring Secrets” is a look into composer Carter Burwell’s score. Lastly there are Theatrical Trailers & TV Spots included.

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

3D Blu-ray Review “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 in 3D”

Actors: Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Will Forte, Neil Patrick Harris, James Caan
Directors: Cody Cameron, Kris Pearn
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Run Time: 189 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
3D: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

In the world of movies, it is good to stay in the mind of the consumer. “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” was released in 2009 and it took till 2013 to release a sequel. When my wife say that this was coming out she asked is anyone still care about this movie. I thought that was a sign for what was to come. The film did not perform very well in the domestic box office, which I was not shocked. But after watching the film, and like the first one, I enjoyed it still quite a bit. If you’ve seen the first one then you remember how colorful and fun it was. The second film feels like a bit of the same copying the success of the film, which takes away points for originality, but is still quite funny and definitely a visual ride. A fun time for the whole family!

Official Premise: Inventor Flint Lockwood (Hader) thought he had saved the world when he destroyed his most infamous invention, a machine that turned water into food, resulting in cheeseburger rain and spaghetti tornadoes. But Flint soon learns that his invention survived and is now combining food and animals to create “foodimals!” Flint and his friends embark on an adventurously mouth-watering mission to battle hungry tacodiles, shrimpanzees, hippotatomuses, cheesepiders and other foodimals to save the world… again.

Sony delivered this film in a beautiful combo pack including a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet digital copy. When I get a Sony 3D Blu-ray, I know that it is going to be amazing no matter what! They have always impressed me the most, even for a film like “The Smurfs 2”. Sony knows what they are doing with that technology and they always deliver. “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2” was visually amazing with a very strong 3D presentation. In fact, the first film was one of the film 3D Blu-ray’s that I owned and literally sealed the deal for me to get a 3D TV. The effects are great and there are a lot of fun and excited in-your-face moments, which the kids are going to love for sure. So to me I know we have a winner right there!

The 1080p transfer is easily going to be one of the best of the year. The animation is very well represented and just jumps off the screen whether you are watching the 3D version or not to be honest. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also delivers a great viewing experience. The score is quite epic and really capture the action well and the musical numbers presented perfectly balanced. I have a 19 month old daughter, so right now she is obviously not going to be wearing 3D glasses, so the 2D version was the choice we went with and she was having a blast with this film. I have to give it to the fact that it is so visual. When you watch the film, you literally just say “Wow” out loud. In fact, that is exactly what my daughter did say when she first watched this.

The special features are a blast just like the film. There is plenty of great extras for the kids and also adults. First we get an audio commentary track with the directors Cody Cameron and Kris Pearn, which is a very informative and also entertaining track to enjoy for repeat viewings. There are four brand-new mini-movies including “Steve’s First Bath”, “Super Manny”, “Attack of the 50 Foot Gummi Bear” and “Earl Scouts”. There are two featurettes on the production design. The first is “Production Design: Back in the Kitchen” with the crew talking about the film from a visual aspect. “Delicious Production Design” features additional insight on the same topic from Production Designer Justin Thompson.

Next up there are some interesting featurettes on the visual effects in the film. “The Mysterious Sasquash” features VFX Supervisor Peter Travers talks a look into the hidden secrets of the film. “Anatomy of a Foodimal” features cast/crew as they discuss these digital characters. “Building the Foodimals” does the same but on more of a technical aspect with Senior Animation Supervisor Peter Nash. “Cloudy Cafe: Who’s on the Menu?” features cast/crew again talking about the film’s characters both returning and new. “Awesome End Credits” talk about the film’s well…awesome end credits with the people that created them. There is a music video of “La Da Dee” by Cody Simpson and a short behind-the-scenes into the making. Lastly there are four very short deleted scenes as well.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 2, 3d, bluray, chance, cloudy, meatballs, ...

3D Blu-ray “Khumba”

Actors: Jake T. Austin, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, Liam Neeson, AnnaSophia Robb
Directors: Anthony Silverston
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Millennium
Release Date: February 11, 2014
Run Time: 85 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
3D: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

I have never heard of “Khumba” at all until recently. What drew me to the film is the very impressive cast. Jake T. Austin (“Wizards of Waverly Place”), Steve Buscemi (“Boardwalk Empire”), Laurence Fishburne (“The Matrix”), Liam Neeson (“Taken”), AnnaSophia Robb (“The Carrie Diaries”) all lend their voices to this 3D South African computer-animated adventure comedy. The 3D effects work very well for the production and provide some fun in your face action. The story is pretty well done, it is dramatic yet still funny. Most importantly it managed to keep my 19 month old daughter attention the whole time and that to me means that it is a real success. Recommended for the whole family to enjoy!

Official Premise: Life is not all black and white for Khumba. A young zebra, born with only half his stripes, is rejected by his superstitious herd and blamed for a sudden drought affecting the land. Teaming up with a sassy wildebeest and a flamboyant ostrich, Khumba sets out on a daring mission across the Karoo desert to find the legendary waterhole where the first zebras got their stripes. Along the way he meets a host of colorful characters, but before he can reunite with his herd, Khumba will have to come face to face with a menacing leopard to take part in an epic battle… Khumba’s got to earn his stripes!

Millennium is behind this combo pack release including the following Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD. The 1080p transfer is very impressive. The colors are stunning and the animation is very impressive an indie production. The Dolby TrueHD track also works well with the action and the film’s music. The special features included on this release are not too bad either. There are three behind-the-scenes featurettes. The first is called “Acting Out”, which looks into each of the characters evolution. The next is “The Karoo”, which looks into a world of difference and how these animals are brought together. Lastly, “Nora” focuses on a great “partnersheep” and how they work together in the film.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3d, bluray, khumba

Blu-ray Review “Fruitvale Station”

Actors: Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, Kevin Durand, Melonie Diaz, Chad Michael Murray
Director by: Ryan Coogler
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
DVD Release Date: January 14, 2014
Run Time: 85 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to dramas, I am usually not the first to run out. When I was young, I used to attend all the indie NYC film festivals and I got a bit flooded with all sorts of dramatic features. So “Fruitvale Station” didn’t interest me at all upon first glance. When I got this Blu-ray, I figured I would give it a chance it has a fantastic cast including Michael B. Jordan (“Chronicle”) and Academy Award® winner Octavia Spencer (“The Help”). Well I am glad I did because, I was quickly sucked into this very emotional drama and these actors mesmerizing performances. Keep an eye out for Jordan cause he is going to be huge. Highly recommend this film but just remember it is not light watching and very powerful 85 minutes.

Official Premise: Filmmaker Ryan Coogler makes his feature directorial debut with this drama centered on the tragic shooting of Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan), a vibrant 22-year-old Bay Area father who was senselessly gunned down by BART officers on New Year’s Day in 2009, and whose murder sent shockwaves through the nation after being captured on camera by his fellow passengers.

“Fruitvale Station” is a low-budget film with a low-budget feel that is not necessarily a bad thing but on Blu-ray, it doesn’t really stand out for me as a must have. The 1080p transfer is still very sharp and crystal clear. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works very well with the film’s powerful score, which I loved. Anchor Bay released this film as a Blu-ray combo pack with DVD included, as well as a Digital HD Ultraviolet copy. In terms of special features, we only get two extras here but they are decent. “Fruitvale Station: The Story of Oscar Grant” goes into the true story behind this tragic event. There is also included a Q & A with the Cast and Filmmakers talking about the film and the true story behind it as well.

Blu-ray Review “Bad Milo!”

Actors: Ken Marino, Gillian Jacobs, Patrick Warburton
Directors: Jacob Vaughan
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: January 21, 2014
Run Time: 84 minutes

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

When I saw the poster for this film, I literally what “What the F*ck” and knew that I immediately had to see it. I wasn’t surprised at all that after watching this film I had the exact same reaction. An alien that lives inside of a man’s ass? It’s just so crazy that it has to work. This was easily some of the most fun I have had watching a movie all year. It is a great blend of horror and comedy. “Bad Milo!” features some quite impressive creature effects and puppet work with smartly placed CG as well. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a good time. I see this becoming a cult classic for sure!

Official Premise: Duncan’s (Ken Marino) mounting stress starts to trigger an insufferable gastrointestinal reaction. Out of ideas and at the end of his rope, Duncan seeks the help of a hypnotherapist, who helps him discover the root of his unusual stomach pain: a pint-sized demon living in his intestine that, triggered by excessive anxiety, forces its way out and slaughters the people who have caused Duncan stress. Out of fear that his intestinal gremlin may target its wrath on the wrong person, Duncan attempts to befriend it, naming it Milo and indulging it to keep its seemingly insatiable appetite at bay.

Ken Marino (“Children’s Hospital”) is at his best and really stands tall with this leading role. He is funny as well and I have always been a fan of his work since MTV’s “The State”. Only a great character actor like himself can pull off playing a guy with an alien in his ass. Patrick Warburton (“Rules of Engagement”) is always fun at playing the douche bag and he does it quite well here as Duncan’s boss. Peter Stormare (“Fargo”) plays Duncan’s hypnotherapist and is a riot as well. If that is not enough, Stephen Root (“Office Space”) plays his stoner father with a secret of his own.

The Blu-ray presentation is solid in both video and audio. The 1080p transfer is solid and works well with the creature effects. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the jokes and the crazy antics, especially in the film’s finale. The special features are also a must watch as well. There is a great audio commentary track featuring the cast and crew. It is a must listen a great way to revisit this fun movie. There is a great interview with Ken Marino included. There are a few decent deleted scenes and outtakes. “AXS TV: A Look at BAD MILO!” is an EPK piece looking behind-the-scenes. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

3D Blu-ray Review “Run”

Actors: William Moseley, Adrian Pasdar, Eric Roberts
Directors: Simone Bartesaghi
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Millennium
Release Date: January 14, 2014
Run Time: 90 minutes

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

“Run” to be me feels like an indie version of “Step Up” mixed with a crime thriller twist. The film is pretty action packed and includes really solid cast. William Moseley, from “The Chronicles of Naria” film series, is impressive in this film and gets a chance to take the lead. Adrian Pasdar is always brilliant and honestly who doesn’t love Eric Roberts. For a film that runs 90 minutes, it really is tight and solid and definitely worth checking out especially for Amazon’s low price under $13 dollars.

Official Premise: Set in the streets of New York City, RUN is a fast-paced, 3D crime thriller that follows the life of Daniel Lombardi – a troubled seventeen year old who nomadically moves from city to city with his father and utilizes Parkour to commit crimes in order to survive. Daniel soon uncovers his father’s dark past that ultimately led to their life on the run. As he gets pulled deeper into an unsuspecting world of crime, Daniel is forced to put everything he holds dear on the line, including the love of his life who has secrets of her own.

Millennium is behind this Blu-ray 3D combo pack release. After watching the trailer for this film, I know that this would be even cooler in 3D. I have to admit, it probably doesn’t have to be watched in 3D to be enjoyed but I did like the option for sure. They take advantage of the third dimension when using the first person camera angles and the impressive stunts in the film. The Parkour aspect of the film also works well with the 3D effects. It reminded me of the film “District 13” quite a bit (and that is a good thing).

The 1080p transfer was crisp and capture the streets of New York quite well, same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track which really delivers the film’s score and music very well. It is also quite fast paced like the film. In terms of special features, there is only one extras included, which is “The Making of Run” and briefly goes behind-the-scenes on this film. Nice follow-up after watching this film but I would have hoped for a little bit more.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3d, bluray, review, run

Blu-ray Review “Raise the Titanic”

Actors: Richard Jordan, Jason Robards, Alec Guinness
Directors: Jerry Jameson
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: January 21, 2014
Run Time: 114 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“Raise the Titanic” was based on Clive Cussler’s fourth book in his “Dirk Pitt Adventure” book series. It was released back in 1980 or five years before the actual wreck was discovered and was never well received and or found an audience. What “Raise the Titanic” does have is a great score, impressive visuals and solid cast including Alec Guinness (“Star Wars”) popping up but personally I was never a huge fan of the film since it is borderline silly and not practical at all. But it is still worth a look on Blu-ray if you do enjoy it.

Synopsis: Join the underwater race to salvage the Titanic and its vital defense cargo. Adapted from Clive Cussler’s international best-seller, the story follows the exploits of American special agent Dirk Pitt as he sets out to recover vital material from the Titanic which could make the US impregnable to atomic attack. The ship is down too deep for divers and the only solution is to raise it. The incredible project must be managed in absolute secrecy because of deadly interference from a rival nation. The Titanic is finally, and majestically, brought to the surface — but the vital, rare mineral is missing…

Despite my opinions on the film itself, Shout! does deliver a solid Blu-ray presentation. The 1080p transfer holds up well for a film that is over 30 years old. It is quite sharp and there is little noise interference. They also delivered a great DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Like I mentioned above, I was a fan of the score to this film and it is well represented here for sure. In terms of special features, unfortunately is nothing special here including only one behind-the-scenes extra called “Making of ‘Raise the Titanic'” and a theatrical trailer.

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

Blu-ray Review “Carrie (2013)”

Actors: Chloë Grace Moretz, Judy Greer, Portia Doubleday, Alex Russell, Gabriella Wilde
Directors: Kimberly Peirce
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: MGM
Release Date: January 14, 2014
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

Let’s just say that when I saw that “Carrie” was being remade again, I couldn’t be any less interested. This is the fourth (and hopefully last) rendition of Stephen King’s 1974 novel. The first go around was, of course, in 1976 (and still the best). The terrible sequel “The Rage: Carrie 2” came in 1999 and the even worse TV Movie remake came in 2002. I really wanted to go into this with an open mind but just couldn’t do it.

This latest remake is absolutely unnecessary and just plain terrible. Chloë Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore are fine in the their respective roles. Moore, I think forgets this is a “horror film” and tries to go for the Oscar nomination. The film also relies way too much on CGI in the last 30 minutes, which is quite sad because it is such a cop out and to be honest doesn’t have the gore edge like the ’76 film despite being R-rated. What we have here is a sad remake of “Carrie” for today’s MTV generation.

Official Premise: “Carrie” is a re-imagining of the classic horror tale about Carrie White (Chloë Moretz), a shy girl outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother (Julianne Moore), who unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom.

The film came in a combo pack with Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet Digital Copy. It also comes in a neat Collectible Lenticular package. The 1080p transfer is clean and showcases well all the film’s terrible CGI effects. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works well with the prom scene action but too bad had no edge and lack of terror in it.

The special features are better than the film but not amazing. There is an equally bad alternate ending and some Deleted/Extended Scenes with commentary by Director Kimberly Peirce. There is also a feature commentary track by Director Kimberly Peirce. There is a featurette “Bringing Back Carrie”, which takes us behind the scenes. “The Power of Telekinesis” looks into Carrie’s abilities. There is the “Telekinetic Coffee Shop Surprise”, which was an online viral joke video. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 2013, bluray, carrie, review

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Tag: bluray

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