3D Blu-ray Review “Cars”

Actors: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry The Cable Guy, Cheech Marin
Directors: John Lasseter
Number of discs: 3
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 29, 2013
Run Time: 116 minutes

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

“Cars” is a good Pixar film, it is not my favorite but it is definitely a good film. It has become one of the studios biggest franchises since the kids have been eating it up and cannot get enough. Following in to the vein of “Finding Nemo” and “Monsters Inc.”, Disney is adding the third dimension to Pixar’s landmark classic by converting it to 3D. This is the first time that the film has ever been available in this format. I have to admit, I was quite impressed. “Cars” is one of those films that you can watch over and over and you find little bits that make it more fun. “Cars 2” might have given this franchise a bad name but the original film is still quite solid and has never been faster and more in-your-face…literally.

Official Premise: Hotshot rookie race car Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is living life in the fast lane until he hits a detour on his way to the most important race of his life. Stranded in Radiator Springs, a forgotten town on the old Route 66, he meets Sally, Mater, Doc Hudson (Paul Newman) and a variety of quirky characters who help him discover that there’s more to life than trophies and fame.

The film packs an amazing voice cast including Owen Wilson (Lightning McQueen), Larry the Cable Guy (Mater), Paul Newman (Doc Hudson), Bonnie Hunt (Sally Carrera), Cheech Marin (Ramone), Tony Shalhoub (Luigi), Guido Quaroni (Guido), Jenifer Lewis (Flo), John Ratzenberger (The Abominable Snowplow/Mack/Hamm Truck/ PT Flea Car) and Michael Keaton (Chick Hicks). There is something about these characters that have just clicked with the audience and have become more popular since the films. I have been totally immersed in “Disney Infinity” and my favorite world so far is easily “Cars”.

This Ultimate Collector’s Edition includes a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy. I am excited that Disney has started to back the streaming digital copy service through Ultraviolet. The 1080p transfer still looks amazing. The 3D really adds a lot of depth to Radiator Springs and the Piston Cup races. The Dolby True HD 5.1 is the same as past releases as well and drives in high-gear and sends gravel flying in your face. Obviously if you have purchased previous Blu-ray’s for this film and are not a fan of 3D, then there is really no need to pick this up but if you care for the 3D, I enjoyed it quite a bit.

The special features are the same as the past Blu-ray release for “Cars”, which are decent but was never too impressive. There is an Epilogue, “Inspiration for Cars”, Five Deleted Scenes, There is a “Cars” Short: “Mater and the Ghostlight”, as well as theatrical short “One Man Band,”. “Cine-Explore” is an interactive in-movie audio-commentary by director John Lasseter, “Car Finder” is interactive BD-Java based game, Lastly there is “Boundin’ Cars” and “Doc” short.

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3D Blu-ray Review “Monsters University”

Actors: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Alfred Molina, Charlie Day, Sean P. Hayes, Dave Foley, Nathan Fillion,Aubrey Plaza.
Directors: Dan Scanlon
Number of discs: 4
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 29, 2013
Run Time: 104 minutes

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

If you have asked me back in May 2011, I would have said that Pixar could do no wrong. Since then they have released “Cars 2” (which isn’t as bad as people say), “Brave” and now “Monsters University”. “Monsters Inc.” is one of Pixar’s greatest films and introduced us to our favorite characters Mike and Sully. So when I heard that they were making a sequel, I am sure everyone was excited to get to see the boys back in action again with “Monsters University”. I enjoyed the film since I love these characters but it feels like it is missing the charm of the first one and doesn’t deliver anything special. Pixar is taking 2014 off for the first time and not releasing a new film till 2015. Hopefully they are looking to amp it up with “Inside Out” and “The Good Dinosaur”.

Returning for the prequel includes the voices of Billy Crystal (voice of Mike), John Goodman (voice of Sulley) and Steve Buscemi (voice of Randy Boggs). Joining the cast includes great talent including Helen Mirren (voice of Dean Hardscrabble), Nathan Fillion (voice of Johnny Worthington), Alfred Molina (voice of Professor Knight), Joel Murray (voice of Don Carlton), Charlie Day (voice of Art), Sean P. Hayes (voice of Terri Perry), Dave Foley (voice of Terry Perry), John Krasinski (voice of Frank McCay) and Aubrey Plaza (voice of Claire Wheeler). Overall the voice cast is impressive and easily the best part of the film.

Official Premise: Disney Pixar proudly presents the hilarious story of how two mismatched monsters met and became lifelong friends in a movie screaming with laughter and oozing with heart. Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he’s dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. With their dreams temporarily dashed, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.

Monsters University will be available for purchase as a 4-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack including Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy. I am happy that Disney has gotten on board now with Ultraviolet digital copies. In terms of deliver Disney delivered a fantastic 1080p transfer presentation. The colors are crisp and overall look really great. The Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio track also sounds quite stunning and really sounds great. I am a huge fan of 3D usually and I even enjoyed “Monsters Inc.” in the third dimension, but I wasn’t overly thrilled with the 3D on “Monsters University”. There was some added depth but nothing that really scream “Damn this film should be in 3D”. I have a feeling that if my daughter ever wants to watch this film again, it will definitely be in 2D.

In terms of special features, they are very impressive for sure despite my feelings on the film. “Campus Life” is a chat with the production crew at Pixar. “Story School” is a documentary takes us through the production and the new story of Mike and Sulley. “Scare Games” talks about the creation of the film’s competitions. “Welcome to MU” talks us into the world that was created for the film. “Music Appreciation” takes us through Randy Newman’s score (which I really was’t thrilled with). “Scare Tactics” talks about bringing the characters to life. “Color and Light” focuses on setting the tone for the film. “Paths to Pixar – MU Edition” features the crew sharing their own back stories. There are four deleted scenes with an introduction from director Dan Scanlon.

Since I didn’t see this film in theaters, I was very curious about seeing Pixar’s latest show “The Blue Umbrella”. When it comes to shorts, they always deliver but my favorite short from Disney has to be “Paperman”, which debuted in front of “Wreck-It Ralph”. “The Blue Umbrella” follows two umbrellas—one blue, one not—fall that fall eternally in love. It is cute and clever but not one of my favorites. Some additional bonus features include an audio commentary track, some promo materials from the college and theatrical campaigns, a “Flythrough” for the sets and an art gallery.

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“I Give It A Year” Arrives on Blu-ray Disc and DVD October 22nd

The Honeymoon Is Over When The Laugh-Out-Loud Romantic Comedy Arrives On Blu-ray Disc And DVD October 22 From Magnolia Home Entertainment
Synopsis
 
Since meeting at a party, ambitious Nat and struggling novelist Josh have been deliriously happy despite their differences. The spark between them is undeniable. Their wedding is a dream come true, but family, friends and even the minister who marries them aren’t convinced that they can last. With their first anniversary approaching, Josh’s ex-girlfriend, Chloe, and Nat’s handsome American client, Guy, could offer attractive alternatives.
Special Features
  • Bloopers
  • Outtakes: The Doves
  • Deleted/Extended Scenes
  • Making of I Give It A Year: Relationships & Marriages
  • Making of I Give It A Year: Characters
  • Cast and Crew Interviews
  • International Interviews

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Blu-ray Review “Pacific Rim”

Actors: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Ron Perlman
Directors: Guillermo Del Toro
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 15, 2013
Run Time: 131 minutes

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

“Pacific Rim” is one of the most unique and also riskiest films of the year. When it premiered in theaters it was out-grossed by the piece of shit movie “Grown Ups 2”, which is a sad day for moviegoers. Guillermo Del Toro is one of the best directors in Hollywood and he has such a creative mind. I just wish that America will get smart, stop seeing mindless garbage and actually watch a film that is not a sequel, remake, prequel or whatever else. “Pacific Rim” is easily one of the best films of the year. It is epic, action packed and visually amazing. I haven’t seen visual effects as great as this film since “Avatar”. I have a feeling that this film is going to become quite the classic overtime and I am sure that this franchise is not over just yet since del Toro has some decent pull (see what he has done with the “Hellboy” franchise). If you haven’t seen this yet, I would definitely recommend checking out this film as you will not be sorry.

Official Premise: When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

When it comes down to it, what guy (or girl for that matter) doesn’t love the idea of giant monsters vs. giant robots? This is a real dream come true, no question. If you love films like “Godzilla”, then will be right up your alley. The cast of the film may not include some of the most recognizable A-list names but the cast is nonetheless quite awesome. Charlie Hunnam, who is know best for his role in “Sons of Anarchy”, steps up and delivers a great leading role. Idris Elba (“Thor”, “Prometheus”) is also quite bad-ass as well. I was a little bit taken back that the funny-man, Charlie Day (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), was cast but he was a great asset to the film. Lastly, del Toro reunited with Ron Perlman yet again with him playing Hannibal Chow, the fan-favorite in the film. Perlman has worked with Hunnam before with “Sons of Anarchy” and Frankie Goes Boom”.

Warner Bros delivered one of the best Blu-ray releases of the year, no question. In this combo pack, we get a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD UltraViolet. The 1080p transfer is absolutely stunning. I would personally recommend watching this film in 3D if possible but the 2D version of the film still works so well, just missing the added depth. The film uses a great wealth of digital effects but they are so done so well that the film just looks like it is actually real. When I saw “Oz The Great and Powerful”, I couldn’t help but vomit a little watching it cause it just looked so damn fake. “Pacific Rim” has a perfect blend of practical/CGI effects and amazing looking sets with unbelievable production design. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track is absolutely perfect. The scale of the film is so large and it just sounds so amazing. Ramin Djawadi’s score, who is known best for “Game of Thrones”, delivers one of my favorite scores of the year and it sounds amazing on this track.

The special features are absolutely jam-packed and deliver an amazing punch. There is a must-listen audio commentary from Guillermo del Toro, who really shows his love for the film and gives such an in-depth look into the production. There are thirteen “Focus Points”, running just over an hour. The featurettes included: “A Film by Guillermo del Toro”, “A Primer on Kaijus & Jaegers”, “Intricacy of Robot Design”, “Honoring the Kaiju Tradition”, “The Importance of Mass and Scale”, “Shatterdome Ranger Roll Call”, “Jaegers Echo Human Grace”, “Inside the Drift”, “Goth-Tech”, “Mega Sized Sets”, “Baby Kaiju Set Visit”, “Tokyo Alley Set Visit” and “Orchestral Sounds from the Anteverse”. So we get all this and it is only disc one. The rest of the amazing extras are included on the second disc.

Disc two starts off with an amazing interactive look into “The Director’s Notebook” including another six featurettes. There is a great visual effects featurette with “The Digital Artistry of Pacific Rim”. “The Shatterdome” is a great collection of the films art and concept designs. There are four pretty decent deleted/extended scenes: “The Wall of Life/Rations,” “Excuse Me,” “Theft” and “Catch You in the Drift, Dad.”. There is a look into the film’s four sequences in “Drift Space”. Lastly there is a gag reel included lead by the very funny Charlie Day and Ron Perlman. Warner Bros really delivered here with this release and did not cheap out like a few of this summer’s other big box office hits like “Star Trek Into Darkness”. They made this release for the fans of the film and they will be left very satisfied and hopefully held off until we (hopefully) get a sequel in the near future.

Pacific Rim is available on 3D+Blu-ray Combo Pack 10/15/13 at the WB Shop http://bit.ly/PacRimWBShop

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Blu-ray Review “Maniac (2013)”

Actors: Elijah Wood, Nora Arnezeder
Directors: Franck Khalfoun
Rated: Unrated
Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO
Release Date: October 15, 2013
Run Time: 89 minutes

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

William Lustig’s 1980 cult film “Maniac” is a decent film but has never one of my favorites. This remake was written by Alexandre Aja (“The Hills Have Eyes”, “Piranha”), who is know for remaking horror films the way they should be. So that was a eye-raiser for me personally. When I saw that Elijah Wood was taking the lead role, I became even more interested in this film. I loved the vision of the remake and thought it was a huge improvement on the original. It is daring, very intense and quite horrific. Wood is amazingly insane in the film and delivers a hell of a performance. Top that with an amazing score and some impressive visual effects from KNB Effects (“The Walking Dead”) and we got a winner here and a must see for any horror fan.

Official Premise: In this 21st century Jack the Ripper story set in present-day Los Angeles, Frank (Elijah Wood) leads a deceptively peaceful life. To the outside world, he’s a withdrawn and somewhat eccentric owner of a mannequin store. But his quiet façade masks an inner rage that forces him to brutally kill and scalp the women who get too close to him. When a young artist named Anna (Nora Arnezeder) appears one day at Frank’s shop and asks for his help with her new exhibition, Frank develops an obsession with her that threatens to completely destroy his already fragile psyche. Soon the streets become unsafe for any woman after dark as this newly awakened maniac begins to stalk and kill.

There has been some complaints about the film since a lot of it was shot in what I liked to call Elijah Wood-O-Vision, which was his point of view. I thought it was very effective to show the film in that first-person perspective. The 1080p transfer is solid in 2.35:1 aspect ratio while still keeping that gritty 70’s “42nd St & Broadway” feel. The film comes packed with a killer (no pun intended) DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The score has a very 70’s disco/electronic horror feel and it really works well with the film.

Overall IFC delivered an impressive Blu-ray release here. There is a super cool reverse cover art included. The special features are worth checking out for sure if you are a fan of the film. There is an awesome audio commentary track with Elijah Wood, director Franck Khalfoun, and executive producer Alix Taylor, which is quite detailed on the production. There is a super in-depth “Making Of” documentary, which runs over an hour. This includes some great behind-the-scenes look into the production along with cast/crew interviews. There is a Poster Gallery included for the three poster designs. Lastly there is a few short deleted scenes and a trailer included.

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Celebrate “National Sarcastic Awareness Month” with “The Heat” available now on Digital HD and on Blu-ray and DVD, October 15th

Did you know that October is “National Sarcastic Awareness Month”? Really! And no one does sarcasm better than the ladies of The Heat, available now on Digital HD and on Blu-ray and DVD, October 15th.

Since we all know that sarcasm is practically unheard of online, check out some fun and instructional “The Heat” eCards below and let Ashburn and Mullins show you how it’s done. Feel free to share with your friends and family as well 😉

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Blu-ray Review “The Mentalist: The Complete First Season”

Starring: Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Owain Yeoman, Amanda Righetti, Tim Kang
Created by Bruno Heller
Studio: Warner Archive
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Run Time: 998 minutes

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

When “The Mentalist” premiered back in 2008, I figured I would give it a chance but it never really took off for me. I think when you watch a cop procedural show, the cast really needs to WOW you. A good cast with likable characters is critical. Take “Castle” for an example, the show has such an amazing cast with such unique chemistry. Simon Baker carries this cast well and has built an impressive career around this character. I never really fell in love with this show but it is still clever and has stood the test of time and recently just began its sixth season on CBS, so somebody likes it.

Official Premise: A mentalist is a master manipulator of thought and behavior. The mentalist is Patrick Jane (Australia’s Simon Baker), a celebrity psychic whose wife and child are viciously murdered by an elusive serial killer called Red John. Devastated, Patrick admits his paranormal act is fake, renounces his earlier life and uses his astonishing skills of observation and analysis – talents that made him appear psychically gifted – to bring killers to justice. Patrick now helps an elite team of detectives break their toughest cases. But no matter how many criminals he catches, Patrick never forgets his central goal: Find Red John. And bring him down.

This hit CBS series’ is being released on Blu-ray for the first time ever, thanks to Warner Archive. Though I wasn’t really particularly blown away with the Blu-ray. I think for fans that have the series on DVD, should be content. The 1080p transfer are decent but nothing to really outstanding. The audio track is a downright letdown with only a Dolby Digital 5.1 track, which is more able on the DVD format. Warner Archive is new to Blu-ray format as of this year and is still working out the kinks I think.

I am impressed that Warner Archive has included some special features since usually that is not the case. But the special features are also nothing to call home about. There is “Evidence of a Hit Series”, which includes interviews with the creators, directors and cast talking about the show. “Cracking the Crystal Ball: Mentalist Vs. Psychic” contains more interviews talking cast/crew as well as real detectives, mentalists and police psychics to dig deeper into the truth behind the show. Lastly there is a gag reel from the first season called “Surveillance Video”.

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Blu-ray Review “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (Deluxe Edition)”

Starring: Peter Weller, Michael Emerson, Gary Anthony Williams, David Selby, Ariel Winter, Mark Valley
Director: Jay Oliva
Number of discs: 3
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 156 minutes

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

When I saw that Warner Bros was releasing “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” with Part 1 & 2 complete together, I thought it was a bit of a double dip but I have to let everyone know that it is not at all. This deluxe edition releases takes the two parts and puts them into one seamless cut, which runs nearly two hour and thirty minute. I will repeat that a two hour and thirty minute Batman movie, I mean HELLO NERD ALERT!! I thought the first part was great but the second part was better but having them together just makes the entire film work so much tighter. Easily this is the most bold and risky DCU animated movie yet and it only gets better with easy viewing. Highly recommended picking up this release for any Batman fan.

Official Premise: It is ten years after an aging Batman has retired, and Gotham City has sunk deeper into decadence and lawlessness. Now, when his city needs him most, the Dark Knight returns in a blaze of glory. Joined by Carrie Kelly, a teenage female Robin, Batman takes to the streets to end the threat of the mutant gangs that have overrun the city. And after facing off against his two greatest enemies, the Joker and Two-Face, for the final time, Batman finds himself in mortal combat with his former ally, Superman, in a battle that only one of them will survive.

If this brand new seamless cut wasn’t enough Warner Bros delivered this combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet and packed it with some amazing new extras. The 1080p looks stunning (like the solo releases) and works perfectly with the mix of hand-drawn animation and CG effected for the film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works perfectly with the action as it explodes off the screen and kicks you in the face. It also complements Christopher Drake’s score very well.

So along with all the special features from the previously released part one and two Blu-ray’s, this deluxe edition continues to prove why it is worth the additional purchase. There is a fantastic new audio commentary track with director Jay Oliva, writer Bob Goodman and voice director Andrea Romano. The track is a blast and packs a ton of great information. This is especially cool since part one and part two didn’t include an audio commentary previously. There is also a fantastic new documentary called “Masterpiece: Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns”, which narrated by actor Malcolm McDowell. It included tons of great interviews with Miller himself and covers the story from the comic to the film and everything in between. Must see for any fan!

I thought the special features on part one are good but not stunning but put them together with the new extras and part two and it all comes together so well. Part one included. “Her Name is Carrie… Her Role is Robin” is a look at the role of a female Robin. “Batman and Me: A Devotion to Destiny, The Bob Kane Story” is a 2008 documentary that looks into the life of Batman creator. “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 Sneak Peek” is a behind the scenes look into the second part. ”The Dark Knight Returns” Digital Comic is a very short 4-page preview of Miller’s Batman epic novel, I would have loved to see the complete comic converted. Lastly there are two classic episodes of “Batman: The Animated Series Episodes”, ”Two-Face, Parts 1 & 2″, though not in HD.

The special features are more impressive than “Part 1″ release. First up, we have “From Sketch to Screen: Exploring the Adaptation Process” is a behind-the-scenes documentary which looks into the extensive work that has went into converting this comic to a movie. ”Superman vs. Batman: When Heroes Collide” is a look into who would win this epic battle. “The Joker: Laughing in the Face of Death” is a look into the twisted villians role in this final chapter. “Additional Episodes: From the DC Comics Vault” is collection of classic episodes including “The Last Laugh” and “The Man Who Killed Batman” from Batman: The Animated Series and “Battle of the Superheroes!” from Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Lastly there is an extended preview of the DCU animated movie, ”Superman Unbound”.

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Blu-ray Review “After Earth”

Actors: Jaden Smith, David Denman, Will Smith, Sophie Okonedo, Zoë Kravitz
Directors: M. Night Shyamalan
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

Poor M. Night Shyamalan. This guy really has targets on his head in Hollywood…though it is actually not 100% unwarranted. The guys has had a few great films with “The Sixth Sense” and “Signs”. But his recent films like “Lady in the Water” and “The Last Airbender” were downright terrible. When his name is attached to a project people are at a point where they don’t even give it a chance. I remember when I saw a trailer for “Devil”, which he produced and they showed his name after a pretty promising trailer and a few different people in the audience screaming “NOOO”. That is how I felt when I saw the trailer for “After Earth” for the first time.

“After Earth” is a very interesting film, at least from the trailer. It packs a great father and son duo, Will and Jaden Smith. It packs some impressive visuals but overall in terms of story it is not very focused and loses your attention pretty quickly. Even though I haven’t been a fan of Shyamalan’s films, I came into this one with a relatively open mind and just focuses on the Smith’s and I enjoyed the film but I know that it is what I call a “one-timer” and will not be running around recommended this. Sci-Fi junkies will enjoy but other than that will not reach others.

Official Premise: A crash landing leaves teenager Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith) and his legendary father Cypher (Will Smith) stranded on Earth, 1,000 years after cataclysmic events forced humanity’s escape. With Cypher critically injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help, facing uncharted terrain, evolved animal species that now rule the planet, and an unstoppable alien creature that escaped during the crash. Father and son must learn to work together and trust one another, if they want any chance of returning home.

In terms of Blu-ray delivery and despite how great the film is, Sony really delivered an AMAZING Blu-ray presentation. It is being released as a two disc combo pack with a Blu-ray / DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy. For this release “After Earth” has been mastered in 4K with “Maximum Picture and Expanded Color” and the 1080p transfer looks stunning. I was surprised that along with the 4K video that they didn’t opt for a 7.1 track but the included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track really nails the action well and sounds pretty awesome as well.

In terms of special features, I have to admit I felt a bit let down as well. I would have loved to have had a commentary track included. “A Father’s Legacy” talks about the father/son relationship between Will and Jaden in and out of the film. “Building a World” is a short look into creating the setting for this film’s future. There are a bunch of scenes with omputer animation pre-visualizations in “Pre-Visualizing the Future”. “The Animatics of After Earth” focuses on the animatics used in the film. “1000 Years in 300 Seconds” is a super fast behind-the-scene look into the production. “The Nature of the Future” is a location based feature looking at Costa Rica, California, and Utah where the film was shot. Lastly “XPrize After Earth Challenge” is a short chat on how to save the planet.

 

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Blu-ray Review “American Horror Story: Asylum”

Actors: Zachary Quinto, James Cromwell, Evan Peters, Jessica Lange, Lily Rabe, Sarah Paulson, Frances Conroy
Directors: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, Bradley Buecker, Craig Zisk, David Semel, Jeremy Podeswa
Number of discs: 3
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 572 minutes

Season: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

After the first season of “American Horror Story”, it became one of my favorite shows on television. I was blown away with what they did after the first season and was dying to see what they had planned next. “American Horror Story: Asylum” started off decent but lost focus very quickly. The various plots ranged from focusing on the madness of the asylum to aliens, serial killers and even Nazi’s. Quite frankly it was a little too much.  The first season focused on ghosts and it worked so well and even the third season is just focusing on witches. I think they wanted to deliver a bigger show and it got lost in its ambition.

Official Premise: Step inside a madhouse of horror and experience the chilling new incarnation of TV’s most daringly provocative series. The sins of the past haunt the present at the notorious Briarcliff home for the criminally insane, ruled with an iron fist by Sister Jude. Forbidden desire and terrifying evil lurk around every corner…from alien abduction to demonic possession to a skin-wearing psychopath known as Bloody Face.

Despite the season being amazing or not, the show does pack a stellar cast including Jessica Lange, Zachary Quinto, James Cromwell, Evan Peters, Jessica Lange, Lily Rabe, Sarah Paulson and Frances Conroy.  Ensemble is really want this group of actors really are. They all come together and makes this show working watching just for them.  I still have a lot of faith in this show since I think they are going to bounce back with the third season. I just felt that they tried to focus on too many themes that this season didn’t get a chance to deliver one solid story, instead a few decent but not amazing ones.

In terms of the release itself, like the first season, Fox delivered an impressive release, even though I would have loved to see an Ultraviolet digital copy included. This is becoming a trend now with TV shows that are being released on Blu-ray and I think that Fox should get on that bandwagon as well. The 1080p transfers are sharp and work very well with the creepy off-centered look for this season.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 comes together as well and packs a nice punch.

In terms of special features, like the season I was left wanting much more. There are a few brief deleted scenes spread out over disc two and three. There is a short interview featuring an orderly talking about Bloody case called “The Orderly”. “What Is American Horror Story: Asylum?” is a 20-minute behind-the-scene look on the season with interviews. “Welcome to Briarcliff Manor” dives into what it took to make the asylum. Lastly “The Creatures” talks about the season’s make-up and prosthetics effects.

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Blu-ray Review “Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain”

Starring: Kevin Hart, Harry Ratchford, Will ‘Spank’ Horton, Joey Wells
Directed by: Leslie Small, Tim Story
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Summit/Lionsgate
DVD Release Date: October 15, 2013
Running Time: 75 minutes

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

Kevin Hart is easily one of the funniest comedians in the business today. I am a big fan of his TV show on BET called “Real Husbands of Hollywood” and his roles in films like “Think Like A Man” are great. He also is co-starring in this Fall’s “Grudge Match” with Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro, which looks amazing. He only seems to be getting more popular each year and I can’t wait to see what he does next. This film came after Hart scored a major hit grossing over $15 million from his first theatrical comedy show “Laugh At My Pain”, which also became one of the year’s top-selling comedy tours. I feel like he is bringing back the stand-up comedy films again since there was a recent drought.

When you watch “Let Me Explain”, I couldn’t help but compare to “Eddie Murphy: Raw”. Hart has that same kind of energy and really commands the audience with his presence. This show was filmed live in New York City at two sold-out performances at Madison Square Garden and it focuses on Hart’s unique view on the world. If you enjoy his comedy, then you will be holding your stomach in pain and probably shedding a few tears from laughing so hard. I am not a huge stand-up comedy fan but I couldn’t I literally almost fell off the couch with this one.

Summit delivered a nice combo pack for this release including Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet Digital Copy. The 1080p transfer is impressive and works for what is needed to cover this stage show. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works well with Hart’s jokes and sounds good. In terms of special features there are only two featurettes including “No, No, No, Let US Explain” and “Backstage Pass”. There are also three music videos including Let Me Explain Theme Song video “The Narcissist” featuring American Antagon1st and another with Snoop Dogg, Method Man, Erick Sermon and RL and “Pop Off” music videoby Doeshun featuring Ray Ray & Ruck.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, explain, hart, kevin, review

Blu-ray Review “On the Riviera”

Starring: Danny Kaye, Gene Tierney, and Corinne Calvet
Director: Walter Lang
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 89 minutes

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

When I see anything Danny Kaye, I am immediately interested. I have not always been a fan, I have to admit and I can thank that I am due to my amazing wife. She introduced me to his world of fantastic and fun films 15 years ago. The 1951 musical “On the Riviera” was a film that I have never seen before, sorry, but it is true. The film stars Danny Kaye, Gene Tierney, and Corinne Calvet and is a remake of “That Night in Rio”. Danny Kaye takes on a dual role, which was performed before by Maurice Chevalier and Don Ameche. He ended up winning the Golden Globe that year as well for “Actor in a Motion Picture Actor – Comedy or Musical”. The film was also nominated for two Academy awards. I have become a sucker for musicals, even though a some of numbers are a little outdated, the film is still sharp and very funny.

Official Premise: You’ll double over with laughter at Danny Kaye’s Golden Globe- winning dual performances in this classic musical farce that was nominated for two Oscars Awards. Faced with a scheduling conflict, a womanizing French financier-aviator (Kaye) hires a nightclub performer (also Kaye) to temporarily impersonate him. But things go hilariously awry as one man tries to romance two beautiful women (Gene Tierney and Corinne Calvet) – who both think he’s their lover.

Fox gives us a great Blu-ray presentation for this film’s premiere on the format. The 1080p transfer is delivered in full frame with an 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The colors look good for a film over 60 years old and there isn’t much noise on the transfer either. The scale of the musical numbers are also represented very well. In terms of audio, the film comes stock with a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, which works very well with the music. The special features included are decent. There are three featurette focusing on the story, the star and the dancing including “The Riviera Story: A Remarkable Impersonation”, “A Portrait of Danny Kaye” and “The Jack of Clubs: Choreographer Jack Cole”. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

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

Blu-ray Review “Fantastic Voyage”

Starring: Stephen Boyd, Raquel Welch, Edmond O’Brien, Arthur Kennedy, Donald Pleasence, Arthur O’Connell
Director: Richard Fleischer
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 101 minutes

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

If you like science-fiction then you should know and love “Fantastic Voyage” released back in 1966. The film is the original psychedelic inner-space adventure. It delivered a great cast including Stephen Boyd, Donald Pleasence and Raquel Welch in her feature-film debut. The film also was awarded an Oscar for Best Visual Effects, which is definitely deserved. The director Richard Fleischer was also known for his amazing 1954 Disney classic “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”. The film is a classic and only gets better with age, top that with a very impressive Blu-ray presentation and you have a winner here for sure!

The adventure of a lifetime occurs not in the outer reaches of space, but inside the human body. An elite team of medical and scientific specialists race to save a top government scientist who is suffering from a blood clot on the brain. Their mission: be reduced along with their submarine-like craft to microscopic size, enter the bloodstream of the ailing scientist, and journey to the brain to perform an emergency procedure. With only sixty minutes to complete their mission, the scientist find themselves fighting off an attack by white corpuscles, caught in a tornado-like storm in the lungs, and struggling to survive sabotage from one of their own.

Fox delivered a very impressive Blu-ray presentation. The film won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects like I said and they look stunning with this 1080p transfer. For a film nearly 50 years old, the transfer gives it a really nice face life. There are two audio tracks for this Blu-ray including an DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio Mono. I liked the surround mix but I have to admit the mono really took it home for me personally. I felt that the 5.1 track delivered the sound well but for this film the original mono sound did it better.

The special features are quite impressive as well for the 1966 classic. There is a great commentary track from Film & Music Historian Jeff Bond. There is an Isolated Score Track with commentary by Film & Music Historians Jeff Bond, Jon Burlingame and Nick Redman. Not really a full isoalted track due to the commentary but still awesome. There is a featurette called “Lava Lamps & Celluloid: A Tribute to the Visual Effects of Fantastic Voyage”, a must see for fans of the film. There is a cool “Storyboard-to-Scene Comparison” for the Whirlpool Scene. Lastly there is the Original Theatrical Trailer included.

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

Blu-ray Review “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea”

Starring: Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden, Peter Lore, and Frankie Avalon
Directed by: Irwin Allen
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 106 minutes

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

When it comes to science-fiction films from the 50/60’s, I have a certain weak spot. “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” (1961) is a production from Irwin Allen, who wrote and directed the film. It packs a super great cast including Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden, Peter Lore, and Frankie Avalon. Frankie also sings the theme song as well aptly titled “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea”. The film used miniature models for the submarine shots as well as 10 and 18 foot subs for other shots. The film is fun and although doesn’t hold up as much as I am sure it did, it is still given a glorious Blu-ray presentation and is worth checking out.

Office Premise: A routine scientific expedition to the North Pole turns into a race to save all mankind when a radiation belt in space causes a fiery inferno on Earth. Admiral Nelson (Walter Pidgeon) and the crew of the atomic submarine Seaview battle saboteurs, giant sea-creatures and attacks by enemy submarines as they race to prevent global catastrophe. Renowned disaster film producer, Irwin Allen, produces and directs an all-star cast including Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden, Peter Lore, and Frankie Avalon. The stunning visual effects and breathtaking underwater photography make this one of the most respected sci-fi adventure classics of all time.

Fox delivered an impressive Blu-ray presented for a film over 50 years old, you could have fooled me. The colors are crisp and the 1080p presentation makes this film look brand new. The audio track included is a DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0 track, which is a little unusual but nonetheless sounds amazing. In terms of special features, “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” delivers. There is a interesting commentary track by Author Tim Colliver. There is a documentary called “Science Fiction: Fantasy to Reality”. There is an awesome interview with with Barbara Eden. I love the film’s score, so I am pleased to announce an Isolated Score Track. Lastly there is the Original Theatrical Trailer.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, bottom, review, sea, voyage

Blu-ray Review “Alpha & Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure”

Starring: Chris Carmack, Kevin Sussman, Danny Glover, Eric Price, Brian Donovan
Directed by: Richard Rich
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release date: October 8, 2013
Running Time: 45 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of stars

I have to admit, I do not think that the world was howling (get it?) for a sequel to the 2010 film “Alpha and Omega”. The film was a nominal success in theaters but it was cheap and made money. Like the first film, “Alpha & Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure” was made by the Indian animation studio, Crest Animation Productions. I am not surprised since “Alpha & Omega” was their highest grossing animated film. Even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the first film, I am a sucker for a good holiday themed film. This one is quite entertaining and kids will love it for sure. I just wish it was longer than 45 minutes, but nonetheless it will be a repeat watcher with my 16 month old daughter no question.

Official Premise: Kate, Humphrey and their 3 little wolf puppies (Stinky, Claudette and Runt) are happily preparing to celebrate their first winter together when their youngest cub, Runt, mysteriously disappears. They must now go on a new journey across the wilderness to find Runt and bring him back before the snow blocks their way home. It’s their greatest adventure yet, filled with action and suspense as well as plenty of the humor and heartwarming moments that were delivered in the first theatrical release. While their adventure does not end exactly as planned, Kate & Humphrey discover that “Home is where the Family Is.”

In terms of the release, for this Walmart Exclusive, Lionsgate delivered a very fine release with Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet digital copy combo pack. The 1080p transfer is beautiful and the animation looks amazing, along with very vibrant colors. This film is not in 3D though like the first. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the film as well. In terms of special features, it was a bit of a let down to be honest. There is a quiz for kids to test if you “Are you an Alpha or an Omega?”. There is a “Wolf Fun Facts Trivia”. The only extra worth checking out is “A Wolf’s Tale: Making Alpha and Omega 2”. Lastly “Following the Pack: A Sneak Peek Into Upcoming Alpha and Omega Adventures”, so if you enjoy this series there will be more to come.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 2, adventure, alpha, bluray, howliday, omega, ...
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