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Blu-ray Review “National Geographic: Mars”

Number of discs: 3
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: April 11, 2017
Run Time: 328 minutes

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

“Mars” is not just another sci-fi movie, it is a TV mini-series, which aired on the National Geographic Channel. It is also not another documentary series either, which makes it kinda unique and interesting! First of all it is from executive producers Brian Grazer & Ron Howard, so right there we have something special. “Mars” is a docudrama. It mixes dramatic TV story line perfectly with real-life interviews and it absolutely stunning to look at. We want more shows like this National Geographic!

Official Premise: MARS follows a crew of courageous international astronauts on its exhilarating maiden voyage to Mars and quest to colonize the fourth planet from the sun. In a unique blend of scripted drama intermixed with documentary sequences and feature-film-caliber visual effects, the series presents what the greatest minds in space exploration are doing to make traveling to Mars a reality, featuring Big Thinkers like Elon Musk, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Stephen Petranek.

The 1080p transfer looks amazing with the added CG elements from this series. The DTS-Master Audio 5.1 track sounds greet with the dramatic tone added in and effects are well balanced. The special features are solid. There is a great behind-the-scenes look called “Making Mars”, which clocks in at over 45 minutes. “Before Mars – A Prequel” gives some great backstory to the series and runs over 30 minutes. Then there are some more behind-the-scenes looks and interviews with Ron Howard and other cast and crew. Definitely worth watching!

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Blu-ray Review “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”

Actors: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen, Wen Jiang
Directors: Gareth Edwards
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Walt Disney Studios
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Run Time: 133 minutes

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

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” was a very risky film in the “Star Wars” universe but it also paid off 10x. I want to start with I commend the director Gareth Edwards for taking on such a challenging project and yet still come out looking like a rock star leaving even the most hardcore “Star Wars” fans satisyed. This film is a great stand alone to the series which tells a very important story seperately like still keeping the big universe in its eye sight and giving us perfect cameos of characters like Darth Vader and even Princess Leia (via CGI). An obvious must see for any “Star Wars” fans and let me tell you it gets better and better with each viewing.

Here is the film’s premise: Jyn Erso, a Rebellion soldier and criminal, is about to experience her biggest challenge yet when Mon Mothma sets her out on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star. With help from the Rebels, a master swordsman, and non-allied forces, Jyn will be in for something bigger than she thinks.

The Blu-ray presentation of “Rogue One” is nearly flawless. The 1080p transfer looks perfect and the “Star Wars” “universe has never looked sharper. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 audio track delivers a flawless sound for this film and packs a helluva punch! With every blaster to droid sound to John Williams score, the sound is just perfect. The film comes in a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet Digital HD copy.

The special features are decent and worth checking out. Not perfect like everything else on this release but still impressive. There is a collection of featurettes focusing on all aspects of the production. “A Rogue Idea” takes the film getting started from the idea pitch. “Jyn: The Rebel” looks at the lead character in this story. “Cassian: The Spy” focusing on Diego Luna character. If you can guess which the next featurette is focused on with “K-2SO: The Droid”, who stole the show. If you are catching the drift here the characters are all covered in featurettes and even the Empire has its own assorted one. Lastly there are featurettes on the digital effects and Rogue cameos.

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Blu-ray Review “Veep: The Complete Fifth Season”

Starring: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anna Chlumsky, Tony Hale, Matt Walsh, Reid Scott, Timothy Simons
Number of discs: 2
Studio: HBO
Release Date: April 11, 2017

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

The fifth season of the political satire, “Veep”, aired in a very important year in our history. The year of the election that Donald Trump became out 45th President of the United States. The election was everywhere you turned. “Veep” is a very important show as well because how 6 ballsy it is and how much it pokes fun of politics yet extremely smart at the same time. Since come people considered this past election to be a joke, this show had a lot in common. This season was extremely strong showing that this show has no signs of slowing down. Season 6 airs this month!

Official Premise: Season 5 of the acclaimed comedy series created by Armando Iannucci finds Selina Meyer in the midst of a virtually unprecedented Electoral College tie – with her future as President coming down to only a few hundred votes. Selina finds herself spinning her wheels in D.C. as her staff continues their mission to make her seem presidential (even though she is the President) while fending off the ambitions of her charismatic Vice Presidential running mate who, through an obscure constitutional procedure, could end up being President. Veep continues to prove that in Washington, even the most banal decisions can have ripple effects – with unexpected and often hilarious consequences.

Along with the 10-episode season also included was a digital download copy of the full season. The special features are split over the two Blu-rays and worth checking out if you want more of this show’s zaniness. There are half hour of deleted scenes over the whole season span. Lastly there are four audio commentary tracks including on episodes 1, 4, 6, and 7. The tracks include star Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and also Executive Producer as well as Tony Hale, Reid Scott, Timothy Simons, David Mandel and more!

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Blu-ray Review “Lion”

Actors: Dev Patel, Rooney Mara, David Wenham, Nicole Kidman
Directors: Garth Davis
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: April 11, 2017
Run Time: 120 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“Lion” is what I like to call an award season film. These films are not usually my favorite. This film packs some major talent starring Dev Patel, Rooney Mara and Nicole Kidman. The film is impressive scenery. The locations were easily the best part of the film. I can’t call this film bad but at the same time I can say that it wasn’t for me. Others might love it but for the cast and locations its worth taking a look to see which is you.

Official Premise: A five-year-old Indian boy gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, thousands of kilometers from home. He survives many challenges before being adopted by a couple in Australia; 25 years later, he sets out to find his lost family.

“Lion” comes as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + Digital HD copy included. The 1080p transfer showcases the film’s beautiful landscapes. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is also solid but recently most tracks are at all 7.1, so it’s debatable especially since this sort of film doesn’t need a 7.1 track to be good. Special features are lacking with only having a lyrics music video, some deleted scenes and a five part collection of featurettes in “Behind the Scenes Gallery”.

Blu-ray Review “Wishmaster Collection”

Actors: Tammy Lauren, Andrew Divoff, Robert Englund, Angus Scrimm, Paul Johansson
Directors: Robert Kurtzman, Jack Sholder, Chris Angel
Number of discs: 3
Rated: R
Studio: LIONSGATE
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Run Time: 370 minutes

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

“Wishmaster” is and always will be one of my favorite horror genre flicks. I was one of the many few that saw this in theaters, dragging my father at the time (who still hates me to today over 20 years later). This is a great movie. It is made my horror legends for horror fans. It has everything. Gore. Comedy. Practical Effects. Great cameos including Robert Englund (“A Nightmare on Elm Street”), Kane Hodder (“Friday the 13th”) and Tony Todd (“Candyman”) aka horror icons Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees and Candyman respectively. This is a must see for all horror fans…the sequels are…watchable but never lived up to the first.

This four film collection on Blu-ray contains the following films: “Wishmaster”, “Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies”, “Wishmaster 3: Beyond the Gates of Hell” and “Wishmaster 4: The Prophecy Fulfilled”. Like I said, I have seen all the sequels but they never really wowed me. I enjoy the character but the limited budgets and production value doesn’t give them potential to reach far.

The A/V presentation on these films vary quite a bit but are all together impressive. “Wishmaster” and “Wishmaster 3: Beyond the Gates of Hell” both feature a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, even though “Wishmaster” claims on the box it comes with a 5.1 surround track. It doesn’t. A little bit of a let down I thought but overall it still impressed me. “Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies” and “Wishmaster 4: The Prophecy Fulfilled” both pack a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks.

“Wishmaster” come stocked with the best special features in the bunch. There are two audio commentary, first with director Robert Kurtzman and screenwriter Peter Atkins and second with Kurtzman (again) and stars Andrew Divoff and Tammy Lauren. They are both great and worth checking out. There is also isolated score selections and an audio interview with composer Harry Manfredini.

Next up there are a ton of interviews with everyone from director Robert Kurtzman and co-producer David Tripet to screenwriter Peter Atkins to stars Andrew Divoff and Tammy Lauren to director of photography Jacques Haitkin and actors Kane Hodder and Ted Raimi. Lastly there are some trailers, spots, vintage featurettes and behind-the-scenes footage along with galleries…and that is only on disc one!

Disc 2 for “Wishmaster 2” has an audio commentary with writer/director Jack Sholder. As well as a trailer and still gallery. Not a whole lot for the sequel. The commentary track is solid. Disc 3 “for Wishmaster 3” features an audio commentary with director Chris Angel and cast members John Novak, Jason Connery and Louisette Geiss. There is also a vintage making-of featurette and a trailer included.

Lastly “Wishmaster 4” which shares disc 3 with the previous film comes with two audio commentary tracks. The first is with director Chris Angel and cast members Michael Trucco and Jason Thompson and the second is with director Chris Angel (again) and actor John Novak. Also included is a featurette called “Wishmasterpiece Theatre” and a trailer included closing out this fantastic set!

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Blu-ray Review “Arsenal”

Actors: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, Adrian Grenier, Johnathon Schaech, Lydia Hull
Directors: Steven C. Miller
Rated: R
Studio: LIONSGATE
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Run Time: 92 minutes

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

“Arsenal” is a really bizarre film to come out…and without little notice at all. Director Steven C. Miller has been getting a ton of low budget grade B/C/D action thrillers recently and this just feels like another notch on the belt of blandness. But what makes it bizarre is that brings back Nicolas Cage’s character from the 1989 film “Deadfall”, also a film that no one saw, remembers or asked for a semi-sequel at all. Listen when it comes down to it, I am a sucker for anything Nic Cage but to see him play another weirdo character suits me fine but this is not a memorable movie and like “Deadfall”, many people will most likely know that it doesn’t even exist.

Official Premise: The Lindel brothers, Mikey and JP, only had each other to rely on growing up. As adults, JP finds success as the owner of a construction company, and Mikey becomes a small-time mobster. When Mikey is kidnapped and held for a ransom by ruthless crime boss Eddie, JP turns to the brothers’ old pal Sal, who is a plain clothes detective, for help. JP must risk everything and unleash his vengeance against King’s relentless army of gangsters to rescue his brother.

“Arsenal” comes in a combo pack including a Blu-ray and Digital HD copy. The 1080p transfer looks ok enough, even though the film feels cheap. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. With the special features, we are getting more than I honestly expected. There is an audio commentary with Director Steven C. Miller. There is a featurette going behind-the-scenes on the film in “Building an Arsenal”. Lastly there are some extended cast and crew interviews to check out. Like the film not great but not terrible either.

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Blu-ray Review “Collateral Beauty”

Actors: Will Smith, Edward Norton, Keira Knightley, Michael Peña, Naomie Harris
Directors: David Frankel
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: March 14, 2017

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

“Collateral Beauty” is a mystery of a film. They packed such a stellar cast into this film but it fails on every level and honestly is pretty unwatchable. I watched to see the talent do their thing and hoped that they could save the film after it’s terrible trailer but it just failed flat on its ass. This will disappear from all existence in a blink of an eye. Sorry Will Smith.

Official Premise: When a successful New York ad executive suffers a personal tragedy and retreats from life, his friends devise a drastic plan to reach him before he loses everything. Pushing him to the very edge, they force him to confront the truth in surprising and profoundly human ways. From Oscar-winning director David Frankel, this thought-provoking drama explores how even the deepest loss can reveal moments of beauty, and how the constants of love, time and death interlock in a life fully lived.

The film comes as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + UltraViolet copy. The 1080p transfer looks great with sharp details and the colors are super rich. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also sounds great with the scope of the film but the score is completely forgettable. There is only one special feature included which is a 15 minute chat called “A Modern Fable: Discovering Collateral Beauty”, which features the cast talking about the film.

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Blu-ray Review “War on Everyone”

Actors: Alexander Skarsgård, Michael Peña, Theo James
Directors: John Michael McDonagh
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: April 11, 2017
Run Time: 98 minutes

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

“War on Everyone” has what should be considered a hot young cast. Alexander Skarsgård is hot fresh off the heels of “The Legend of Tarzan” and Michael Peña is everywhere after his small role in “Ant-Man”. Pena has been making some bad choices with his last few movies. With this and recent “CHiPS”, he has been falling out of the spotlight. This film is fun and the cast is great like I said but it is lacking that theatrical value that you would want in a film like this. And its choice of casting Caleb Landry Jones just ruined it for me.

Official Premise: Terry (Alexander Skarsgård) and Bob (Michael Peña) are two crooked cops who frame and blackmail criminals all over town. Looking for the ultimate pay-off, they try to extort a strip-club manager (Caleb Landry Jones) and his eccentric, junkie boss (Theo James), but get more than they bargained for when their hair-brained scheme uncovers a bigger, darker secret.

“War on Everyone” seems like it should have been a big theatrical film but the studios didn’t expect a mega fortune from this and took a gamble releasing it limited and direct-to-Blu-ray. I have no complaints with the Blu-ray presentation. The A/V is on par for the type of film and delivers a great experience. On the downnote, there is only one featurette included in the special features called “Everyone Sounds Off: The Quirky Cast of War on Everyone”, which features the cast talking about the movie.

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Blu-ray Review “Patriot’s Day

Actors: Mark Wahlberg, Kevin Bacon, John Goodman, J.K. Simmons, Michelle Monaghan
Directors: Peter Berg
Rated: R
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Run Time: 133 minutes

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

Patriot’s Day” featured the teaming up (AGAIN) of Mark Walhberg and director Peter Berg. There first team up was “Lone Survivor”, which had great success…but followed up by “Deepwater Horizon”, which was not. This film really didn’t draw any interest at all to see it despite the cast and director and hence was a big disappointment the box office. I remember the events that the film showcases here and did I think it would benefit from a dramatic movie? No. Is the movie terrible? No. But not something that I am going to re=watch probably ever again.

Official Premise: In the aftermath of an unspeakable attack, Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders (Mark Wahlberg) joins courageous survivors, first responders and investigators in a race against the clock to hunt down the bombers before they strike again. Weaving together the stories of Special Agent Richard DesLauriers (Kevin Bacon), Police Commissioner Ed Davis (John Goodman), Sergeant Jeffrey Pugliese (J.K. Simmons) and nurse Carol Saunders (Michelle Monaghan) this visceral and unflinching chronicle captures the suspense of one of the most sophisticated manhunts in law enforcement history and celebrates the strength of the people of Boston.

The 1080p transfer looks solid. Director Berg knows how to use scale in his films to make them seem grander and this one looks big. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 also delivers the action perfectly. I would be interested to see how the 4K presentation steps up this Blu-ray. The special features are worth checking out made mostly of featurettes. “Boston Strong: True Stories of Courage Vignettes” feels like a TV special on the events. “The Boston Bond: Recounting the Tale” has a generic EPK feel with interviews, with included within “The Cast Remembers”. Lastly, “Actors Meet Real-Life Counterparts: A 2-Part Series” brings the cast together with real-life people.

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Blu-ray Review “Office Christmas Party”

Actors: Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, T.J. Miller, Jillian Bell, Courtney B. Vance, Rob Corddry, Kate McKinnon, Jennifer Aniston
Directors: Josh Gordon, Will Speck
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Run Time: 105 minutes

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

“Office Christmas Party” packs some serious talent including Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, T.J. Miller, Jillian Bell, Courtney B. Vance, Rob Corddry, Kate McKinnon, Jennifer Aniston. Kate McKinnon steals the show again like with this year’s “Ghostbusters”. The movie is rude, crude and in your face! Jokes filled through making this raunchy comedy a well rounded experience. Even though Christmas is nine months away, this film can be watched anytime and delivers some fun anti-holiday cheer.

Official Premise: When an overbearing CEO (Jennifer Aniston) decides to close her hard-partying brother’s failing branch, he (T.J. Miller) and his fired up co-workers (Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, Kate McKinnon) decide to throw an epic office party to land a big shot client and save everyone’s jobs. Fueled by booze and bad decisions, things quickly spiral out-of-control in one of the craziest nights of their lives.

There are two versions of the film available to check out. There is the Unrated version of the film as well as the Theatrical. I watched the Unrated and enjoyed it thoroughly. More raunchy jokes throughout. “Office Christmas Party” comes with a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD copy. The special features are solid and worth checking out. There is a fun commentary track from the directors Josh Gordon & Will Speck. The provide some fun stories from the production. “Throwing an Office Christmas Party” is a fun behind-the-scenes look into the film. Lastly there are some more Outtakes and Deleted & Extended Scenes included.

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Blu-ray Review “Assassin’s Creed”

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, Michael Kenneth Williams, Matias Varela
Director: Justin Kurzel
Rated: PG-13
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: March 21, 2017

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

“Assassin’s Creed”, which first started as a video game, was a game that I liked but never really loved. Cool idea, deep mythology behind the characters and events of the games. Unfortunately nothing I just mentioned there was transferred into the feature film version of the game. Very disappointing in fact. I was not only uninterested in the film but flat out bored at parts. Usually, Fassbender’s roles interest me much more but this was a lame attempt all around. Who knows, if you are a die hard fan of this game, you might dig this (or hate it much more than me) but it was long and yet at the same time didn’t deliver anything worthwhile to fill that time well.

Official Premise: Cal Lynch travels back in time to 15th-century Spain through a revolutionary technology that unlocks the genetic memories contained in his DNA. There, he lives out the experiences of Aguilar de Nerha, a distant relative who’s also a member of the Assassins, a secret society that fights to protect free will from the power-hungry Templar Order. Transformed by the past, Cal begins to gain the knowledge and physical skills necessary to battle the oppressive organization in the present.

Blu-ray presentation is impressive for sure. The 1080p transfer looks solid with the visual effects but I believe that the 4K presentation would be the better way to go if you truly need to see this film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track also delivers the goods with action scenes, when they show up. Special features are light in addition. First up is “Take the Pledge: Behind the Scenes of Assassin’s Creed”, which is a complete behind-the-scenes coverage of the film. Fairly in-depth. Lastly there is a feature called “Conversations with Director Justin Kurzel” and a large amount of deleted scenes included.

Blu-ray Review “Miss Sloane”

Starring: Jessica Chastain, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mark Strong, Alison Pill, Jake Lacy, John Lithgow
Director: John Madden
Rated: R
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: March 21, 2017
Run Time: 129 minutes

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

I am not sure what is going on with Jessica Chastain recently. “Miss Sloane” is a film that I didn’t even hear about much until it hit Blu-ray. I mean this woman is easily one of my favorite female leads. I love her range and she just really act. Chastain’s performance in “Miss Sloane” is on par with that except the film overall didn’t interest me at all. But not honestly surprised with a topic like lobbying…zzzz. I guess that’s why you have to look for films with content not just good roles cause this film will become forgotten in no time flat.

Official Premise: Jessica Chastain gives a Golden Globe®-nominated performance in this suspenseful story set in the high-stakes world of American politics. Brilliant, ruthless Elizabeth Sloane (Chastain) is Washington’s most sought-after lobbyist. But when she faces her most formidable opponent yet, she risks everything – even her career – in this illuminating story about power and the desire to win at all costs.

Te film is well shot, so the 1080p transfer looks solid for what it is. Same goes for the audio DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Both solid. The special features are lacking and flat like the film. There is only one featurette included called “Lobbying: Winning at Any Cost”, which features behind-the-scenes content and interviews. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

Blu-ray Review “Silence”

Actors: Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Liam Neeson, Tadanobu Asano
Directors: Martin Scorsese
Rated: R
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Run Time: 160 minutes

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

I feel for the movie “Silence”. It was Scorsese’s big film that he’s been trying to get made for a decade. It packs a solid cast including Liam Neeson, Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver.Scorsese is a directing genius and a legend but the film never grabs the audience. Obviously everyone is aware that this film is nearly 3 hours long and since the film is titled “Silence” don’t expect any dance/musical sequences in here or pretty anything a lot of anything. It is well done don’t get me wrong. It looks beautiful and the acting is superb but not a film that audiences want to see cause the enjoyment level is not high here, folks.

Official Premise: Silence tells the story of two Christian missionaries (Adam Driver and Andrew Garfield) who travel to Japan in search of their missing mentor (Liam Neeson) at a time when Christianity had been outlawed. Captured and imprisoned, both men are plunged into an odyssey that will test their faith, challenge their sanity and, perhaps, risk their very lives.

“Silence” comes as a combo pack with a UV digital copy and definitely carries Scorsese’s signature look to it and the 1080p transfer shines in terms of visual aspects. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 also carries the rather quiet film well and gives it a good narrative. The special features are a let down for sure, like I am sure the film ‘s success was to Scorsese. There is only one extra included. “Journey Into ‘Silence” is a 20+ minute trip into the production and road to getting this film made over the decade Scorsese was trying.

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Blu-ray Review “Sing”

Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton
Directors: Garth Jennings
Rated: PG
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 21, 2017
Run Time: 108 minutes

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

“Sing” is a film that like a fine wine has grown better with age. When I saw this in theaters from the makers of “Despicable Me”, I was quite disappointed. I wanted more, more, more from them…but my four year old loved it in fact. She kept asking to listen to the soundtrack non-stop and after a few more viewings of the film. I have to admit, I am big fan now. I love the tunes and I have grown to love this film. It is not the best picture to come out of Illumination Entertainment but it is still certainly better than turds like “Hop”, ouch. Get your families together, cook up some popcorn and make this film your Saturday night movie night choice and you will not regret it.

Official Premise: From Illumination Entertainment, the studio that brought you The Secret Life of Pets comes an animated comedy about finding the music that lives inside all of us. Sing stars Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey as Buster Moon, an eternally optimistic koala who puts on the world’s greatest singing competition to save his crumbling theater; Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon as Rosita, an overworked and underappreciated mother of 25 piglets desperate to unleash her inner diva; Scarlett Johansson as Ash, a punk rock porcupine with a beautiful voice behind her prickly exterior; and Taron Egerton as Johnny, a young gangster gorilla looking to break free of his family’s felonies. Sing is the musical comedy event of the year!

The 1080p transfer is beautiful with the CG animation and vibrant colors. The Dolby Atmos works perfectly with 85 hit songs that the film has throughout. I loved music in this film. Just so much fun and the track works so well with it. To kick off the special features, there are three new mini-movies, which has become a staple for Illumination Blu-rays. The first focuses around Gunter, the next around Miss Crawly and the last around Eddie. Honestly, these are fun and worth checking out for sure if you like the film. There is also a short featurette called “The Making of the Mini-Movies” included.

Other than the shorts, there are a few short featurettes included. The first is a behind-the-scenes look into the film in “The Making of Sing”. “Finding the Rhythm: Editing Sing” focuses on the editing process. There are Character Profiles for each character. There are a ton of music videos including some lyric videos. Lastly there is a five-part collection of promos called “The Sing Network” and a clip collage called “The Best of Gunter”, which I believe the studio realized is the fan-favorite character in the entire film. Gunther is definitely our household’s favorite.

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Blu-ray Review “Live by Night”

Actors: Ben Affleck, Elle Fanning, Brendan Gleeson, Chris Messina, Sienna Miller
Directors: Ben Affleck
Rated: R
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: March 21, 2017

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

I was flat out surprised with the lack of success around Ben Affleck’s “Live by Night”. Personally, I think it was affected by his nonstop headlines with his role of Batman. Fans are torn on him now between popularity. This film I enjoyed. I love Affleck in it as well as his script and his direction. Affleck does best when he is in control of his story and shots. I also loved the supporting cast including Elle Fanning and Brendan Gleeson. This film also came out a tough time of the year during award season. The studio wasn’t pushing this film for awards hard enough and it ended up hurting the film as it disappeared like other missed attempts like “Silence”.

Official Premise: Taking fatherly advice is not in Joe Coughlin’s nature. Instead, the WWI vet is a selfproclaimed anti-establishment outlaw, despite being the son of the Boston Police Deputy Superintendent. Joe’s not all bad, though; in fact, he’s not really bad enough for the life he’s chosen. Unlike the gangsters he refuses to work for, he has a sense of justice and an open heart, and both work against him, leaving him vulnerable time and again—in business and in love. Driven by a need to right the wrongs committed against him and those close to him, Joe heads down a risky path that goes against his upbringing and his own moral code. Leaving the cold Boston winter behind, he and his reckless crew turn up the heat in Tampa. And while revenge may taste sweeter than the molasses that infuses every drop of illegal rum he runs, Joe will learn that it comes at a price.

Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Richardson (“The Aviator”, “Hugo”) captures the film’s time setting perfectly within its 1080p transfer. Surprisingly this film has a Dolby Atmos available to choose from, which don’t get me wrong is amazing but seems overkill. There is also a DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. The special features are lacking including the rather boring of the audio commentary track with Ben Affleck, Director of Photography Robert Richardson and Production Designer Jess Gonchor. There are three featurettes focusing on the characters, cast interviews and the car chase scene. Lastly there are some deleted scenes included optional commentary.

Tag: bluray

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