Blu-ray Review “Much Ado About Nothing”

Actors: Nathan Fillion, Alexis Denisof, Clark Gregg, Reed Diamond, Amy Acker
Directors: Joss Whedon
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 109 minutes

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

What do you do after breaking box office records and having a film gross over $1.5 billion dollars? Well if you are acclaimed director Joss Whedon, you do retelling of one of Shakespeare’s timeless tales “Much Ado About Nothing” with a contemporary spin…and shoot it in black & white on a no-budget. To be honest, I guess he can do whatever he wants after ruling with “The Avengers”. The film is a charming and entertaining romantic comedy and a must see for any fan of Whedon. I am sure that Shakespeare would be impressed with Whedon’s take on this tale.

Official Premise: The film follows Claudio (Kranz) and Benedick (Denisof ) who have just returned home to Messina after a successful campaign abroad. When earnest Claudio announces his adoration for the lovely Hero (Morgese), daughter of Messina’s governor Leonato (Gregg), the acid-tongued Benedick teases him mercilessly. Benedick’s scorn for love is matched by that of his long-time nemesis and verbal sparring partner Beatrice (Acker), Leonato’s niece. As the lovestruck Claudio and Hero make plans to marry, Benedick and Beatrice resume the “merry war” of insults they have long waged. Yet there are many who believe that for all their antagonism — or even because of it — this pair of incessantly sniping cynics is surely meant to be a couple. As matchmaking schemes are put into play and disguises are donned, loathing and love soon prove to be close cousins.

If you are familiar with Whedon’s work they you will be super excited with this all-star cast from many of Whedon’s cult favorite projects including Amy Acker (“The Cabin in the Woods”, TV’s “Angel”), Alexis Denisof (TV’s “Angel”), Nathan Fillion (TV’s “Castle,” TV’s “Firefly”), Clark Gregg (“The Avengers”) and Fran Kranz (“The Cabin in the Woods”). Also rounding out the cast is one of my favorites Reed Diamond (TV’s “Franklin & Bash”).

Lionsgate delivers the film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and UltraViolet Digital Copy included. The 1080p transfer is really solid and works very well with the black and white palette. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the dialogue and also Whedon’s amazing score. In terms of special features there is some decent content included. There are two featurettes focusing on the production, “Much Ado About Making Nothing” and “Bus Ado About Nothing”. The best part are the two audio commentary tracks included. The first is with screenwriter/director Joss Whedon and the second is with Whedon and the cast. I really enjoyed these. Lastly there is a music video for the song “”Sigh No More” included.

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3D Blu-ray Review “The Croods”

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Catherine Keener, Cloris Leachman, Clark Duke
Directors: Kirk De Micco, Chris Sanders
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Dreamworks Animation
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Run Time: 96 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
3D: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When I first saw the trailer for the “The Croods”, I wasn’t must interested in the film. After it was released though it started picking up some steal and grabbed my attention, especially the attention of my 16 month old daughter from the commercials. The film has a fantastic voice cast lead by Nicolas Cage and Ryan Reynolds. I love Nicolas Cage no matter what he does simply and he does a great job with this role. These characters may not be the prettiest creation to come out of Dreamworks but there is a great story here with great visuals. The film is funny, clever and definitely a blast for the whole family. I think it is save to say the Dreamworks Animation did it again! Another hit for sure! DUN DUN DAHHH!

Official Premise: Join the first modern family as they embark on the journey of a lifetime across a spectacular and unforgettable landscape. When their cave is destroyed, everything the Croods have ever known is rocked by seismic shifts and generational clashes as they discover an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures – and their world is changed forever. If they don’t evolve, they’ll be history!

Like past releases Dreamworks Animation really delivers in terms of quality for their films. This Deluxe Edition included Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet Digital Copy. I have to admit the 3D in the film is actually quite awesome! This is a kids film so you have to be expect a few in-your-face gags to entertain them. The colors are gorgeous and the depth is out-of-this world! The 1080p transfer really is sharp overall and works in either format to be honest. The 3D is preferred on my end since I love animated films in 3D. If that isn’t enough for you Dreamworks also packs a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track.  I was very impressed with surround audio since it worked very well with the action and the score.

In terms of special features, I wasn’t really blown away here at all. There is “The Croodaceous Creatures of Croods!”, which gives info about your favorite Croods creatures. “Be An Artist!” gives you the tools to draw Belt, Macawnivore and Mousephant. There is also a downloadable “The Croods Coloring & Storybook Builder App” for smartphone and tablets. This is becoming a trend with after “Epic” as well earlier this year. There is “Belt’s Cave Journal” and “World of DreamWorks Animation”, which is are music videos from your other DreamWorks Animation feature films. I know this is a kids film but I would have loved to seen much more focus on the actual production as well.

 

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3D Blu-ray Review “Static 3D

Actors: Milo Ventimiglia, Sarah Shahi, William Mapother, Sara Paxton
Directors: Todd Levin
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Cinedigm
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
3D: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

When I saw the cover for “Static”. I was immediately interested. Add on top of that a pretty cool tag line guaranteed to draw in “If you hear them coming, you’re already dead”. If that is not enough the film has a killer cast including Milo Ventimiglia (“Heroes”), Sarah Shahi (“The L Word”) and Sara Paxton (“Shark Knight 3D”). Still want more? The film was actually shot in 3D and done very well. “Static” packs some solid suspense and has you biting your nails. Great pic to check out to get ready for the Halloween season!

Official Premise: While coping with the tragic death of their child, a young novelist (Milo Ventimiglia) and his wife (Sarah Shahi) are struggling just to keep their marriage alive. Their broken romance is put to the test when a mysterious girl (Sara Paxton) shows up at their door in the middle of the night claiming masked prowlers are stalking her. The ominous situation turns even darker when the dangerous hooligans show up at their door to wreak havoc. As a game of cat and mouse ensues, the couple must work together to survive and uncover the mystery behind the attack. Soon, past secrets begin to unfold, for better or worse.

What I was impressed with this release was that Cinedigm didn’t cheap out and double up the discs.  They include a 3D Blu-ray, then a standard Blu-ray and then even a DVD copy of the film.  The 1080p transfer works very well with the 3D.  There is some great depth added and no cheap gags. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also works well to build the suspense and deliver the dialogue clearly. In terms of special features though, there is only a commentary track with the writer, producer and editor of the film.

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3D Blu-ray Review “The Wizard of Oz 3D”

Actors: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley
Directors: Victor Fleming
Rated: G / PG
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: October 1, 2013
Run Time: 101 minutes

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

Perfection! That is what “The Wizard of Oz” is! The film is celebrating its 75th anniversary and it still so relevant and beloved. The twist with this new Blu-ray release is the fact that the film has been converted in 3D. “The Wizard of Oz” is the oldest film to ever be brought into the third dimension. This isn’t no cheap 3D scam either. This 3D conversion a very intense process in which Warner Bros. performed a very high resolution 8k scanning of the original Technicolor camera negative.  So I am sure everyone is wondering “How does “The Wizard of Oz” look in 3D?” Well it is absolutely stunning. The depth is so profound and the colors really pop so well. This is a perfect example of 3D conversion done right and with love!

Official Premise: The magic of M-G-M’s wonderfully colorful and unique fantasy has melted hearts for more than seven decades with its indelible melodies and transcendent themes of family, home and the courage to pursue dreams. To celebrate the beloved movie’s 75th anniversary, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has brought The Wizard of Oz into the present and beyond with a brand new kind of magic: a stunning 3D Blu-ray. Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s timeless children’s tale about a Kansas girl’s journey over the rainbow, The Wizard of Oz starred Judy Garland as Dorothy, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow; Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion; Jack Haley as the Tin Woodman and Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch.

This is not the film’s first go on Blu-ray, since it was released back in 2009. But it still looks absolutely stunning.  Is this new 8K transfer better than the 2009 transfer? Yes and no. There are certain things about it like the colors that stand out better for me but it isn’t much different. But like I said it is stunning nonetheless. The 2009 Blu-ray was equipped with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track.  This new release comes with a brand new DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. It still sounds amazing for a film that was made 75 years ago and delivers the lines and songs that we know and love so well. This 75th Anniversary Edition comes with a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + UltraViolet. So there is a little bit for everyone, just in case you don’t own a 3D TV (to be honest this would be a reason to get one for sure).

So you would thing that Warner Bros. did enough with this film converting it to 3D in a painstaking process. They would just released a bare bones Blu-ray right? Wrong!! There is actually more including a brand new and exclusive extra, “The Making of The Wizard of Oz”, which is a 70 minute newly produced, feature-length high definition documentary narrated by Martin Sheen.  Honestly this is a must have for any true fan of the film.  It is extremely extensive and really dives deep into the legacy of the film, it’s production and its affect on Hollywood since.

There is also an audio commentary track with the late Sydney Pollack, which also features noted Oz historian and author John Fricke, as well as rare interview clips with associate producer/writer Arthur Freed’s daughter, Barbara Freed-Saltzman; actress Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch of the West) and her son Hamilton Meserve; actor Ray Bolger (the Scarecrow); actor Jack Haley (the Tin Man); John and Jane Lahr (children of actor Bert Lahr, the Cowardly Lion himself); uncredited co-director Mervyn LeRoy; assistant choreographer Dona Massin (who worked directly under Bobby Connolly); assistant make-up artist William Tuttle; performer Buddy Ebsen; and one of the last surviving Munchkin actors, Jerry Maren. For those who have never heard it, it is a must listen.

There is a Music and Effects Track only, which is amazing as well I loved isolated tracks and this film just works so well without the dialogue. It is a one-channel Dolby Digital audio track. Speaking of audio track, there is also the Original Mono Track included as well, which will be sure to satisfy those audio purists. Also available is the Dolby Digital track as well which is not a winner in my eyes.  There is also a sing along track as well for the following songs “Over the Rainbow,” “Munchkinland Medley,” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road/You’re Off to See the Wizard,” “If I Only Had a Brain,” “If I Only Had a Heart,” “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “If I Only Had the Nerve/We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “Optimistic Voices,” “The Merry Old Land of Oz,” and “If I Were King of the Forest.”

The rest of the special features are included on the second disc. “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Storybook” features Angela Lansbury doing a brief read-through of Baum’s work. “We Haven’t Really Met Properly” is biographies (again) narrated by Lansbury, including Frank Morgan (The Wizard), Billie Burke (Glenda the Good Witch), Terry (Toto) and many more. “Jukebox” is a fun collection of original recordings and outtakes from the film, which run about 70 minutes. There are hundreds of stills and production photos included. There is the “Lux Radio Theater Broadcast” from the 1950 Christmas radio broadcast of The Wizard of Oz including Judy Garland. “Good News of 1939 Radio Show” is another a full-length radio broadcast with host Robert Young. Lastly there are extended radio advertisements and trailers included.

Get the Wizard of Oz 75th Anniversary Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD and UltraViolet on October 1st – http://bit.ly/1fA56uJ

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Blu-ray Review “Robot Chicken: Season 6”

Starring: Seth Green, Matthew Senreich, Breckin Meyer, Seth MacFarlane, Mila Kunis, Jena Malone
Director: Chris McKay
Rated: TV-MA
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 220 minutes

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

Since 2005, “Robot Chicken” has consistently been delivering us with amazing pop-culture parodies in stop-motion animation. When this show first aired, I would not at all thought it would have lasted this long. It is getting better and better though over the years. This Adult Swim sketch comedy series from Seth Green and Matthew Senreich has even won an Annie Award and three Emmy Awards. Season six has been one of the best to date. There hasn’t been word of a seventh season but I am sure that it is not far away from being announced since this show still packs a great punch.

Official Premise: Robot Chicken is back for its Sixth Season of hilariously insane, wackadoodle, totally off the wall stop-motion animation! This season’s 20 brand spankin’ new episodes will flash images across your retinas and flood your brains with an overabundance of mind-melting pop culture spoofery that will most likely cause your head to explode and leave a stain on the couch that will never come out (sorry Mom)!

One thing that “Robot Chicken” is known for is amazing guest stars voicing various characters. Throughout the sixth season, there were some amazing guest stars including Elizabeth Banks, Sarah Chalke, Kat Dennings, Sam Elliott, Ben Foster, Whoopi Goldberg, Lucas Grabeel, Megan Hilty, Gillian Jacobs, Zachary Levi, J.B. Smoove, Liev Schreiber, Jon Stewart, Patrick Stewart, Stanley Tucci, Olivia Wilde, and Alex Winter. I just love that this show is able to get such great names and it only makes it more fun trying to pick out who is voicing who while watching.

Like the past seasons for “Robot Chicken”, these episodes are uncut from their original TV airing. The 1080p transfers on these episodes are very impressive. The animation looks great even though it is not meant to be perfect. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track also delivers so well for this series. Also included besides the Blu-ray discs is an HD Digital Ultraviolet copy of the season. I will revisit these episodes quite often via that format, no question.

The special features on this Blu-ray are amazing and worth the purchase of this Blu-ray. There is an extensive episode audio commentaries for each of the 20 episodes.  That’s right there are 20 commentary tracks. Must listen for any fan of the show. There is a great “The Making of Robot Chicken: Season 6” looking into the highlights of these episodes. There are seven amazing featurettes covering all aspects of the season including “They Came to Play”, “Our First Ladies”, “Kirkman on Kirkman”, “My First Time”, “The Dirt on Seth and Matt”, “The Inside Joke” and “Who the F*** is Zeb”.

Those extras would normally be good enough for me and should leave any “Robot Chicken” fan 100% satisifed but wait there is still more. Other great extras include “The Wilson Identity: From People to Puppets”, “The Benefits of Robot Chicken”, “Post-Apolcalyptic Future of Holidays”, “Channel Flips”, “Chicken Nuggets”, Deleted Animatics and Outtakes! Whew! Try saying that in one breath! I really have to commend whoever put this release together because they did it for the fans and really delivered some of the best special features I have ever seen for this show.

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Blu-ray Review “Fright Night 2: New Blood”

Starring: Will Payne, Jaime Murray, and Sean Power
Directed by: Eduardo Rodriguez
Rated: Unrated
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Run Time: 88 minutes

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

What a waste of time! “Fright Night 2: New Blood” is billed as a direct-to-video sequel to the 2011 remake, yet it is just another remake. I do not understand why they decided to take this route. Of course none of the original cast is back for this mess of a film. Charley, Amy and Evil Ed are placed in a high school program in Romania. Instead of Jerry Dandridge, we get Gerri Dandridge, who is not hard on the eyes I might add, as their female professor. Lastly Peter Vincent is also here except he a reality Ghost Hunters-wanna be paranormal investigator. There is no explanation or reference back to the other film, unless you know from reading this, I was left with a confused face on the entire movie.  Did I mention this is a waste of time?

Official Premise: By day Gerri Dandridge is a sexy professor, but by night she transforms into a real-life vampire with an unquenchable thirst for human blood. So when a group of high school students travel abroad to study in Romania, they find themselves ensnared in Gerri’s chilling web of lust and terror. Charley and “Evil” Ed must stop Gerri from drinking and bathing in the blood of a “new moon virgin,” which just so happens to be Charley’s ex-girlfriend, Amy. They enlist help from Peter Vincent, the vampire hunting host of a reality show called “Fright Night,” to drive a stake through Gerri’s plan and save Amy from a fate far worse than death.

20th Century Fox still delivered a nice release for this terrible film as a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD Ultraviolet combo pack. The film is also delivered unrated but since it was never released, it is just another way to draw in any type of audience. The special features are just as weak as the film is.  There is an audio commentary by director Eduardo Rodriguez and producers Alison Rosenzweig and Michael Gaeta, Besides that there is “Fright Night” Webisodes and “Dracula Revealed” featurette included. Don’t waste your time, waste the 2011 remake instead or of course the original 1985 Tom Holland classic, which is the best. Stop making useless remakes!

 

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3D Blu-ray Review “House of Wax 3D (1953)”

Actors: Vincent Price, Reggie Rymal, Frank Lovejoy, Carolyn Jones, Charles Bronson
Directors: Andre De Toth
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Run Time: 88 minutes

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

I remember the very first time that I ever saw “House of Wax”, I believe it was also my first introduction to the amazing Vincent Price. That was many many years ago and yet watching the film today, it is still as amazing as it was over 20 years ago. “House of Wax” was released in 1953 and was the first color 3D feature released by a major studio and grossed (in adjusted figures) over $400 million dollars. This film is celebrating it’s 60th anniversary and Warner Bros is releasing it for the first time ever in 3D as it was originally meant to be seen in theaters. Highly recommend for any classic horror and Vincent Price fan.

Official Synopsis: Professor Henry Jarrod (Price) is the owner and figure sculptor in a wax museum whose specialty is historic figures. When he and his business partner, Matthew Burke (Roy Roberts) quarrel over the choice of exhibits displayed, Burke suggests it would be more profitable to burn down the museum in order to obtain the insurance money. As they fight, the museum burns and Jarrod is left for dead. It’s not until much later at a new museum that the fate of Jarrod and the mystery of how the lifelike waxed figures are created becomes gruesomely evident.

The film marked Vincent Price”s first major starring horror role and a real landmark point for his career. It also co-starred a young Charles Bronson (that’s right same guy from “Death Wish”). So this film just wasn’t a typical convert to 3D to cash in release, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging delivered a brand new 4K scan, a full restoration and a perfect 3D image alignment. It really shows and looks quite amazing in 3D for a film celebrating 60 years. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track also works very well. Warner also included as a bonus, the 2D version of the film as well.  This also marks the first time that “House of Wax” is being released on Blu-ray.

The special features are pretty decent. There is all new featurette: “House of Wax: Unlike Anything You’ve Seen Before”, which is a must watch for any fan. I was also really impressed that “Mystery of The Wax Museum”, the original 1933 film on which “House of Wax” is based was also included as a bonus feature. “Round-the-Clock Premiere: Coast Hails House of Wax” looks at the premiere of the film. Lastly, there is an expert commentary track included as well as a theatrical trailer.

The most successful 3D movie of the 1950s, House of Wax, comes to 3D Blu-ray™ for the very first time on October 1st! http://amzn.to/18TEJ1q

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Blu-ray Review “The Hangover Part III”

Actors: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Ken Jeong
Directors: Todd Phillips
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

When I saw “The Hangover”, I thought it was one of the funniest, craziest comedies I have ever seen.  I never thought to myself though, “Man I really want a sequel!” Well money speaks for itself since the first film brought in a boat load of it.  The sequel was a carbon copy of the first film and was quite terrible. I know they say if something works the first time don’t change it but it was no fun.  So when I saw they were making a third film to “complete the trilogy”, I steered very clear. I have to admit though they actually did it up right this time (sort of). I think if they would have made this film the first sequel people wouldn’t have abandoned this franchise.

Official Premise: It’s been two years. Phil, Stu and Doug (Cooper, Helms and Bartha) are happily living uneventful lives at home. The only member of the Wolfpack who’s not content is Alan (Galifianakis). Still lacking a sense of purpose, the group’s black sheep has ditched his meds and given in to his natural impulses in a big way-which, for Alan, means no boundaries, no filters and no judgment… until a personal crisis forces him to finally seek the help he needs. What could possibly go wrong? When the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off.

The film feels very epic and large. I have to admit, I wasn’t on the floor laughing but overall I enjoyed the film. They attempt to tie everything up from the first two films, which feels a little forced including bringing back characters like Jeffrey Tambor, Heather Graha and Justin Bartha (who I don’t think speak one word). Zach Galifianakis and Ken Jeong are the highlight of the film. I have never been a fan of Ed Helms and who doesn’t just love Bradley Cooper. I would have liked to see more of Melissa McCarthy. She was funny but not over-the-top and could have added a lot more.

Warner’s delivered an impressive release with this Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet combo pack. The 1080p transfer is sharp and very impressive. Normally for a comedy, I would say that it doesn’t really push the standards of Blu-ray but this film does and it looks great. It also showcases really well all the various different locations from the desert to Mexico and (of course) Las Vegas. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 score is absolutely amazing and really feels like a huge action film and not like a comedy.

The special features are a bit of a let down though to be honest. “Replacing Zach: The Secret Auditions” is a short collection of secret auditions with director Todd Phillips. “The Wolfpack’s Wildest Stunts” show the cast/crew working through the films stunts and action sequences. “Zach Galifianakis in His Own Words” talks briefly about his role. “Pushing the Limits” talks about shooting with animals and children. “Inside Focus: The Real Chow” is Ken Joeng being Ken Joeng. There is a one minute “Action Mash-Up” montagte. Lastly there are three short extended scenes and tons of funny outtakes.

The Hangover Part III is available on Blu-Ray Combo Pack 10/8/13 at http://bit.ly/GetHungover

 

Film Review “The Hangover III”

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Blu-ray Feature “The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector’s Edition”

Actors: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhar, Tom Hardy
Directors: Christopher Nolan
Number of discs: 6
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 24, 2013
Run Time: 456 minutes

From the very first time that I picked up a Batman comic back in the 80’s, he was always my favorite superhero. When you think about the word superhero and then think about Batman, some can debate whether or not his is really super. But in my eyes he is definitely a hero. Batman is one of the more darker of comic book heroes. His back story is grim and he is always battling himself with what he is doing and why he is doing it and always looking for a way out. Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” trilogy has been the best portrayal of the caped crusader to date, no question. His vision of these characters are so deep and lined with tons of great themes. These themes are what take this film beyond the typical superhero action film into something with much more depth and drama. Now that Nolan’s chapter for The Dark Knight has come to an end and we are celebrating the recent release of “The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector’s Edition”, I wanted to take some time to look into these themes that are presented in these great films. I figured we have all seen the film, so I wanted to focus on something new.

When you think about “Batman Begins”, it’s main focus was the rise of our hero. His struggle and fight through his own issues and fear is what made him the hero that he became. Heroism in the film is an apparent theme. The city of Gotham has never had anyone to look up before like him and putting their well-being over his own is what helped Bruce Wayne transforms himself into their hero. This also brings up point of what makes a hero? Batman wouldn’t be where he was if he didn’t experience all his pain and suffering. That is what made him a hero and helped him to overcome it. Another theme that plays a prominent factor in “Batman Begins” is fear. Like I said Bruce Wayne fights not only the villains in the film but also is own fear. His fear of bats and his want to strike fear into his victims are two main points. Also focusing on fear would be the Scarecrow, who hoped to expose the city to fear with this hallucinogen drug.

Anarchy comes to mind when I think about “The Dark Knight”. The Joker’s role in the film is to just spread anarchy and wreck havoc in Gotham. He doesn’t have any clear reasons or purpose, he just does it because it is fun and it entertains him. His back story isn’t clear at all, especially since he changes it every time he tells the story when he asks “You wanna know how I got these scars?”. He is one of the great villains in history due to that reason of him being unpredictable and unreasonable. To be honest, I think that we are all scared of anarchy in general and what it would bring if there really was someone like Joker terrorizing our streets. That is why it resonates with us so well and we are enamored with this character. Betrayal is also a theme that The Dark Knight faces himself when the city of Gotham turns there back on him after the death of Harvey Dent.

In “The Dark Knight Rises”, I have always felt that it is a blend of all the themes from the previous film and wrapping up all open-ended questions. Carrying over from “The Dark Knight”, Bruce Wayne is dealing with the denial from Gotham turning their backs on him. He continues to fight with him fears of continuing to put on the cowl and fighting for justice. He questions his intentions and almost let’s it get the better of him. With the character of Bane, the idea of order really comes into play. Bane wants to take all order out of Gotham and succeeds for the most part when the city is under his control. His character also deals with a bit of betrayal as well as we see in his back story when we find out what made him snap. Human nature is also a very big part of the film, as we see what happens when the order is removed from society. Luckily strength defeats the chaos in the film as we seen not only Batman’s rise over his enemies and his own struggles but the city itself as they step up on their own.

So obviously these are only a few of the dozens of amazing themes included within these three very well made films. Before Nolan’s trilogy for “The Dark Knight”, you would never have thought that a “superhero” movie would have this much depth and character to it. I believe that it has changed the path for the future of these films and it will open doors for filmmakers to expand the universe of this films. I would love to open the door as well to everyone reading to point our your favorite themes from these films as well in the comments below. If you are looking to revisit these great themes and enjoy these films again, I would highly recommend picking up “The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector’s Edition”.

This amazing release includes all previous special features from the films as well as a bunch of one extras as well. “The Fire Rises: The Creation and Impact of The Dark Knight Trilogy”, is a behind-the-scenes look on the franchise and is full of never-before-seen footage, rare moments, and exclusive interviews. “Christopher Nolan & Richard Donner: A Conversation” is a sit down chat with directors Christopher Nolan (“The Dark Knight Trilogy”) and Richard Donner (“Superman”). Lastly there are the complete IMAX® Sequences included for “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises”. There is also some great new and exclusive memorabilia including three premium Mattel Hot Wheels Vehicles: Batmobile, Batpod and Tumbler. There is a newly commissioned collectible art cards by Mondo featuring Scarecrow, Joker, Bane, Harvey Dent, and Ra’s al Ghul and a 48-page book featuring production stills and behind-the-scenes images from all three movies. Lastly, you get digital copies of all the films to add to your Ultraviolet account. Act quick though since this set is limited and numbered to only 141,000 copies.

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Blu-ray Review “Downton Abbey: Seasons 1-3 (Limited Edition)”

Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Dan Stevens, Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt
Created by: Julian Fellowes
Number of discs: 9
Studio: PBS
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Running Time: 1425 minutes

Seasons: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

I have to admit, I have never watched “Downton Abbey” prior to hearing of this new release. I know that series four just started airing in the UK and the hype is all around. Created by Academy Award-winner Julian Fellowes (“Gosford Park”) and features a quite outstanding cast. I wanted to give this show a shot since literally everyone is talking about it. In the US, after the airing of the third series it has become the highest-rated PBS drama of all time. PBS is releasing “Downton Abbey: Seasons 1, 2 & 3” as a limited edition box set which includes all three seasons of the series, as well as a bonus documentary, “Secrets of Highclere Castle. This series is quite amazing, just a marvel to look at. So well acted and so well scripted. I am now hooked and can’t wait to see what lies in for series four.

Official Premise: “Downton Abbey” tells the story of a complicated community. The house has been home to the Crawley family for many generations, but it is also where their servants live, and plan, and dream, and they are as fiercely jealous of their rank as anyone. Some of them are loyal to the family and committed to Downton as a way of life, others are moving through, on the look out for betterment or love or just adventure. The difference is that they know so many of the secrets of the family, while the family know so few of theirs. But for all the passions that rage beneath the surface, this is a secure world, serene and ordered, and, at first glance, it seems it will last forever. Little do they know, family or staff, that the clouds of the conflict that will change everything are already gathering over their heads.

Just a note if you are a really hardcore “Downton Abbey” fan, I would suggest getting this from Amazon since it includes an additional over 50 minutes of exclusive footage not available anywhere else. There are never-before-seen deleted scenes from Seasons 1-3, all-new cast interviews, and 11 minutes of clips and interviews from Season 4! So that would be the way to go and easily worth the purchase of the release alone. The episodes look and sound great on Blu-ray, a real improvement over the presentation on PBS. The 1080p transfer looks amazing and really captures the beauty of the gorgeous Highclere Castle. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 also delivers a great presentation, especially with the score from composer John Lunn. The score works so well with the show, which also made me immediately download the CD.

The rest of the bonus features includes are also available on the previously released Blu-rays. Season 1 consists of “Making of Downton Abbey – A House in History” and “Great British Heritage Pass, a promotional spot for British tourism”. Season 2 consists of the “Downton Abbey Christmas Special”  and the following three featurettes “Fashion and Uniforms”, “Romance in a Time of War” and “House to Hospital”. Season 3 delivers the best extras of the three with the powerful Season 3 Finale: “A Journey to the Highlands”, “Downton Abbey Behind the Drama”, “Shirley MacLaine at Downton “, “The Men of Downton” and “Downton in 1920”. All three seasons add up to more than three hours of bonus content. Lastly the bonus disc: “Secrets of Highclere Castle” includes the one-hour documentary, which takes us the castle featured in Downton Abbey and gives a unique look behind-the-scenes on this show.

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Blu-ray Review “Doctor Who: The Complete Seventh Series”

Actors: Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Paul Kasey
Writers: Steven Moffat
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 24, 2013
Run Time: 705 minutes

Series: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

What an amazing series! “Doctor Who: The Complete Seventh Series” was jam packed delivered some of the best episodes to date for this franchise. It also had a shift in companions with Amy and Rory Pond ending their run with The Doctor and Clara (and her exciting and curious story) jumping right in. As much as I really loved Amy Pond as a companion, I think that Clara’s character has so much depth behind her and it makes her so much more exciting. Plus it doesn’t hurt at all that Jenna-Louise Coleman is so cute and very easy on the eyes. Overall, we got an explosive seventh series, the first have of the series was gut-trenching with the Pond departing and then fun and exciting second half with Clara.We recently also found out that Matt Smith was departing from the role after the 50th Anniversary Special and 2013 Christmas Special. This is real sad new since I have really loved his take on the Doctor for the last three series but Peter Capaldi does look very promising.

Included here we get all 13 Series Seven episodes including both the 2011 and 2012 Doctor Who Christmas specials (“The Doctor, The Widow & The Wardrobe” and “The Snowmen”). There was some complaints from fans since the Christmas special was not included on “Doctor Who: Series Seven – Part 1 & 2 releases but I always prefer waiting for the “Complete” series releases. Speaking of complete though, I should make you aware that BBC has another surprise up it’s sleeve this November releasing “Doctor Who” Series 1-7 on Blu-ray in a Limited Edition Giftset / w/ Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote. That’s ride Whovians, that’s series 1-4 in HD Blu-ray, which has never before been avaiable. Just something to consider when making up that Holiday wish list.

Official Synopsis: Matt Smith returns as the Eleventh Doctor faces new monsters and familiar foes like you’ve never seen them before. The first part of this series sees the Ponds (Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill) in their final voyage with The Doctor. They save a spaceship full of dinosaurs, don Stetsons in the Wild West and are even kidnapped by the Doctor’s oldest foe. But when they arrive in Manhattan, the Weeping Angels are waiting. Christmas brings with it a new companion for The Doctor named Clara (Jenna-Louise Coleman). But how, where and when will he meet her again? And how does this Impossible Girl defy death? The final eight episodes of Series Seven finds The Doctor and his new companion battling monsters on distant alien planets, trapped on a Russian submarine with a deadly passenger, chasing terrifying ghosts, and coming face to face with an army of upgraded Cybermen, all while The Doctor’s oldest secret threatens to be revealed.

The Complete Seventh Series includes the following episodes and specials: “The Doctor, The Widow & The Wardrobe” (2011 Christmas Special), “Asylum of the Daleks,” “Dinosaurs on a Spaceship,” “A Town Called Mercy,” “The Power of Three,” “The Angels Take Manhattan,” “The Snowmen” (2012 Christmas Special), “The Bells of Saint John,” “The Rings of Akhaten,” “Cold War,” “Hide,” “Journey to the Center of the TARDIS,” “The Crimson Horror,” “Nightmare in Silver” and “The Name of the Doctor.”

I have to admit, BBC has always given this series a lot of love when it comes to their releases. Even though, series 1-4 has never been released on Blu-ray (now will be resolved this November), they have done very well with their Blu-ray releases. The 1080p transfer on these episodes are very impressive and sharp within their aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The audio tracks also deliver quite well with their DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. This series also seemed to be expanding the scale of the show as well. The episodes felt much bigger and epic than in the past and the impressive audio and video presentations were there to support that new change.

The special features are epic just like the series. BBC does not disappoint here at all. There are Behind-the-scenes featurettes for every episode of Series 7 including Christmas episode “The Snowmen”. There are interviews with Matt Smith and Jenna-Louse Coleman from BBC AMERICA’s “The Nerdist” (one of my favorite shows on BBC). There are seven additional all-new featurettes “Inforarium”, “Clara and the TARDIS”, “Rain Gods”, “The Making of the Gunslinger”, “Creating Clara”, “Last Days of the Ponds” and “Pond Life”. Each of these go into great detail on their respective topic, must watch! There are four “Doctor Who Specials” including “The Science of Doctor Who”, “Doctor Who in the US”, “The Companions” and “Doctor Who at Comic Con”. There are great short prequels included for the following episodes: “The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe”, “Asylum of the Daleks”, “The Snowmen”, “The Bells of Saint John” and “The Name of the Doctor”. Lastly there our audio commentary tracks for the following episodes “The Snowmen”, “Cold War”, “Hide” and “The Crimson Horror”

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Blu-ray Review “I Spit On Your Grave 2”

Actors: Jemma Dallender, Joe Absolom
Directors: Steven Monroe
Rated: Unrated
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: September 24, 2013
Run Time: 106 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

I think I may have mellowed out in my taste for certain types of films. When I saw the original “I Spit On Your Grave” from the late 70’s, I thought it was like nothing I have ever seen. In 2010, the film was remade by director Steven R. Monroe and I enjoyed it. It took the film to a new place and gave it an updated feel but the themes were a little too strong for me personally. This time around, I thought it was a bit of overkill (maybe it is having a newborn daughter). Jemma Dallender does a great job in this very trying and difficult role. I enjoy horror but this brand is getting a little much for me to stomach recently. This feels a little bit unnecessary.

Official Premise: “I Spit On Your Grave 2” stars beautiful newcomer Jemma Dallender (“Community”) as Katie, a beautiful girl on her own in NY, who is trying to make it in the cutthroat world of modeling. When Katie innocently accepts an offer to have new photos taken for her portfolio, the experience quickly turns into an unthinkable nightmare. Severely beaten, battered, bruised, and broken, she will have to tap into the darkest places of the human psyche to not only survive her ordeal, but to ultimately find the strength to exact her brutal revenge.

Anchor Bay delivered this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and DVD. The 1080p transfer looks good despite the gritty feel of the film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also delivers the suspense from Corey Allen Jackson’s score (He also did the score for 2010’s “I Spit On Your Grave”. In terms of special features, there is nothing like besides a few deleted scenes. I think this could have benefits from a behind-the-scene featurette or even a commentary track from cast/crew.

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Blu-ray Review “The Frozen Ground”

Actors: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, Vanessa Hudgens, Dean Norris, Kevin Dunn
Directors: Scott Walker
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Run Time: 105 minutes

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

I am a sucker for anything that Nicolas Cage does.  The guy is so cool that he is featured not once but twice on the cover of this Blu-ray. He is joined with an impressive cast including John Cusack (playing the serial killer Robert Hansen) and Vanessa Hudgens (she is quite impressive). I have to admit, the film was really well done and drew me in from the moment it starts. It follows the true story behind the hunt for Robert C. Hansen, one of America’s most notorious serial killers who brutally murdered 17 young women over the course of 12 years in the town of Anchorage, Alaska. After watching the film, I did some more research on the true story and that is how I know when I really enjoyed a film that it leaves thinking afterwards.  This film should have received more attention in theaters since it definitely deserves it.

Official Premise: Based on a shocking true story of Alaskan State Trooper Jack Halcombe (Nicolas Cage) as he sets out to end the murderous rampage of Robert Hansen (John Cusack), a serial killer who has gone unnoticed for 13 years. As the bodies of street girls start to pile up in Anchorage, fear strikes a chord with the public. Risking his life, Halcombe goes on a personal manhunt to find the killer before the next body surfaces. When a seventeen year old escapee (Vanessa Hudgens) reveals key information about the case, Halcombe is finally on the trail of the killer. But will he catch him in time to save the next victim?

Lions Gate delivered a solid Blu-ray presentation (as always). Included is a Blu-ray disc and also a Digital HD Ultraviolet copy as well. The 1080p transfer looks great and really captures the landscape of Alaska. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is solid as well and works with the crime-thriller. The special features are also impressive on this release. There is a solid commentary track with director/writer Scott Walker and producer Mark Ordesky and Jane Fleming. There are some
Deleted Scenes included along with additional ommentary by Director Scott Walker. There is a behind-the-scenes featurette with interviews from the cast/crew, along with a few extended interviews with cast and crew. Lastly there is a featurette looking into the “Anatomy of a Serial Killer”. Solid extras for a solid film.

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Blu-ray Review “Disconnect”

Starring: Jason Bateman, Andrea Riseborough, Alexander Skarsgård, Hope Davis, Frank Grillo, Michael Nyqvist
Director: Henry Alex Rubin
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
DVD Release Date: September 17, 2013
Run Time: 115 minutes

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

Although “Disconnect” has a terrible box art, it drew me in with its impressive cast. Jason Bateman, Alexander Skarsgård and Hope Davis all give terrific performances in this very gripping and impressive drama. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was quite glad that I checked this film out. Not sure why it never made it in theaters, especially with Bateman’s success with “Identity Theif” and “Horrible Bosses” and Skarsgård’s draw from “True Blood”. I watch a lot of horror films personally and this was a nice change of pace and very engaging. It is also quite relevant in today’s times of everyone being disconnected, if you may, with smart phones, Facebook etc.

Official Premise: A hard-working lawyer, attached to his cell phone, can’t find the time to communicate with his family. A couple is drawn into a dangerous situation when their secrets are exposed online. A widowed ex-cop struggles to raise a mischievous son who cyber-bullies a classmate. An ambitious journalist sees a career-making story in a teen that performs on an adult-only site. They are strangers, neighbors and colleagues and their stories collide in this riveting dramatic thriller about ordinary people struggling to connect in today’s wired world.

Lions Gate packed in an impressive Blu-ray release. Included in a Blu-ray disc along with an Digital Ultraviolet copy included. The 1080p transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 work for the film but don’t get pushed to far. The transfer is sharp and Max Richter’s score sounded great. The special features weren’t as impressive as the film. There is an audio commentary with Director Henry-Alex Rubin, which is a big waste of time to be honest. “Making the Connections: Behind the Scenes of Disconnect” runs nearly 30 minutes and is a great making-of feature with interviews from cast. “Recording Session of “On the Nature of Daylight” for Disconnect” is a short but neat look at a studio session for the film. Lastly there is a Theatrical Trailer included.

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Blu-ray Review “Room 237”

Actors: Bill Blakemore, Geoffrey Cocks
Directors: Rodney Ascher
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO
Release Date: September 24, 2013
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

I had someone ask me the other day while attending Halloween Horror Nights what was my favorite horror film and without even thinking I belted our “The Shining”…duh. Hands down, my favorite and still creeps me out and gets into my head as it did the very first time I watched it. In fact, I still remember today exactly when the first viewing was over 20 years ago. I have never know about all the proposed hidden meanings in the film before this documentary. Some of the theories really get you thinking are backed with impressive facts, while others are complete bullocks and will have you rolling your eyes. I like to think that I can be open-minded and took it for what it is and really got into the various different theories that were presented to be laying behind the lines of “The Shining” and overall I really enjoy this film.

Official Premise: In 1980 Stanley Kubrick released his masterpiece of modern horror, The Shining. Over 30 years later we re still struggling to understand its hidden meanings. In the 30 years since the film’s release, a considerable cult of Shining devotees has emerged, fans who claim to have decoded the film’s secret messages addressing everything from the genocide of Native Americans to a range of government conspiracies. Rodney Ascher’s wry and provocative documentary “Room 237” fuses fact and fiction through interviews with both fanatics and scholars, creating a kaleidoscopic deconstruction of Kubrick s still-controversial classic.

If nothing else there is a ton of great work and research that has gone into this documentary. You can tell that the team behind it really love this film and were excited to get a chance to allow people to see the film in a different and new set of eyes. If for nothing else, the film achieves success on that level. What I do know is that I have seen this film three times and I enjoy it more and more every time. IFC gave the film an impressive Blu-ray presentation. The 1080p transfer is solid and works well, as does the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. I wasn’t a huge fan of the score personally but it was well-presented nonetheless. IFC also delivered this in a cool slipcase, rounding out an overall impressive release and a must have for any true fan of “The Shining”.

After seeing this film for the first time a few months back, I was very excited to see what they would have in store in terms of special features. Well, I have to admit, I was not let down. There is great and highly recommend commentary track with Kevin McLeod, called “The mstrmnd Speaks”, adds some additional theories and in-side looks. “Secrets of The Shining” is a must-see panel discussion from the First Annual Stanley Film Festival. There are 11 additional scenes that did not make the final cut of the film. There is a featurette on “The Making of the Music”. Lastly, there is a Mondo Poster Design Discussion with Artist Aled Lewis and Trailers included.

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