DVD Review “Marvel Anime: Wolverine – Complete Series”

Starring: Milo Ventimiglia
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: July 31, 2012
Running Time: 284 minutes

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

When it comes to Japanese anime version of Marvel characters, how can you go wrong. If you have seen the previously released series for “X-Men” and “Iron Man”, you would know what I mean…or at least with “X-Men”. Like “Iron Man”, I was not a big fan of the “Wolverine” series. When I come to think of it though, I have never been a big fan of the character Wolverine, especially not in any of the X-Men live action movies. If you want to see a great Marvel Anime series be sure to check out “X-Men” and “Blade” series, unless you are a die-hard Wolverine fan.

This aspect of this series that I enjoyed most was the homage to Frank Miller’s Wolverine graphic novel from the 1980’s. When Mariko, the love for Logan aka Wolverine for you newbs, is forced back to Japan by her crime-lord father, Shingen…Logan vows to get her back at any cost. He enters the world of corruption and violence and teams up with young assassin, Yukio in order to battle their way through the Japanese criminal underworld. Keep an eye out for some known faces like Omega Red and Cyclops.

Milo Ventimiglia scowls as his voices the titanium filled character and does a decent job. I prefer the Japanese audio if anything since maybe it makes the anime-style series seem more true. The special features included on this DVD are also pretty decent including three featurettes. “Marvel Anime Universe: Wolverine Reborn” dives into the creation of the series. “The Ferocious Anti-Hero: Wolverine Defined” focuses on our main character. Lastly “Wolverine Meets X-Men” is an interview with creator of the series.

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DVD Review “Harry O: The Complete First Season”

Starring: David Janssen
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 1210 minutes
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Release Date: July 10, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Warner Archive is studio behind this new fantastic release. This is the first time that the complete season of “Harry O” has ever been released on DVD.  David Janssen, who is probably known best for his role in “The Fugitive”, recreates the role of a detective in this show. Though after watching this season, I must saw that this might have been David Janssen at his best. If you are reading this WB, please don’t keep us waiting and release season two ASAP!

“Harry O” blends a mix of action and humor.  It definitely represents some good ole’ fashioned television. This releases consists of six DVD, which include all 22 episodes from the entire first season.  Besides David Janssen, the show also co-stars Henry Darrow and Anthony Zerbe and includes a bunch of special guests including Stefanie Powers, Linda Evans, Martin Sheen, and Cab Calloway. The DVD looks great for a show from the 70’s and comes presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and is in full frame. The audio comes in a Dolby Mono track, which also sounds great for its age. Besides containing the entire first season, this DVD release also comes with a special bonus of the original pilot episode “Such Dust as Dreams Are Made On”.

Harry Orwell is a decidedly different detective. And Harry O is decidedly different TV show. Forced off the force thanks to a bullet lodged near his spine, former police detective Harry Orwell gets by on his disability pension and the occasional private detecting gig (“100 bucks a day. Plus expenses”). No flashy car for the downtrodden Harry – he’s as apt to get around town on bus as he is on foot. But he’s as savvy as he is sophisticated, and though he might have to avoid the slugfests, he can crack any case. Even if it sometimes breaks his heart. Harry O features an actor at the top of his game, playing a character complex enough to contain his talents.

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Blu-ray Review “Treasure Island: The Complete Series”

Directed by: Steve Barron
Starring: Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood, Donald Sutherland, Toby Regbo, Rupert Penry- Jones
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
Release Date: July 24, 2012
Running Time: 183 minutes

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

Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic “Treasure Island” seems to be something that gets “re-imagined” at least once a year. The real draw here is Eddie Izzard playing Long John Silver. He really nails the role and is a lot of fun but that is about it. Elijah Wood is a nut in the film but doesn’t really show up till the second half. This mini-series aired earlier this year on Syfy in two-parts. After the first part, I was not incredibly thrilled but the second half definitely carried the weight of the film but it really wasn’t enough to really make this worth the wait. If you are a fan of other Syfy mini-series though like “Tin Men” and “Alice”, then definitely give this a look and expect the same quality in “Treasure Island”.

The story follows young Jim Hawkins, who is the only one who can successfully get a schooner to a legendary Island looking for buried treasure. Aboard the ship is a mysterious cook named John Silver (Izzard), who has other plans for the trip and causes Jim to loose trust in the crew. After that you known the rest of the story for “Treasure Island”, expect a bit of pirate action adventure, buried treasures and high sea sailing.

The Blu-ray presentation is quite impressive. The 1080p transfer looks sharp and worked well with the location shooting. It is also presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The audio track, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, also works well especially with the film’s action sequences.

The special features are slightly disappointing overall. There is a commentary track with by Director Steve Barron and Actor Eddie Izzard, few good laughs overall. There is a brief featurette “The Making of Treasure Island” with interviews with Steve Barron, Elijah Wood, David Harewood, Eddie Izzard but is just too short. There are more cast interviews including Eddie Izzard, Elijah Wood, Toby Regbo and Philip Glenister and Ruper Penry-Jones together. These are worth checking out but also short. “A Tour of the Hispaniola” is a feature with Dan Malone, Marine Coordinator on the film, taking us on the guided tour of the tall ship. “Anatomy of a Stunt” is a short feature on one of the stunts taking place on the ship. Lastly there is a trailer included as well.

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DVD Review “Crime Does Not Pay: The Complete Shorts Collection”

Directors: Zion Myers, Jules White
Number of discs: 6
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Release Date: July 6, 2012
Running Time: 1010 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This release from Warner Archive comes with over 50 shorts running over 1000 minutes for the original MGM “Crime Does Not Pay” series. It is really a wonderful set and something that could have only been made by MGM in its heyday. The complete collection includes shorts from 1935-1947.  They are very unique and represent a very specific time in film history and in MGM’s history.  It also short showcases within in short with various different situations proving that in fact “Crime Does Not Pay”!

These B&W shorts looks fantastic on DVD, especially for their age.  Warner  Archive did a fantastic job of restoring and releasing this shorts to the public finally.  They are presented in full screen with an aspect ratio of 1.37:1. There is one bonus short included within the 50 called “Eyes of the Navy”. It is from 1940 and though not a “Crime Does Not Pay” short, it was released by MGM in theaters as part of the series.  Overall if you are a fan of classic shorts from Hollywood’s early days, this is something that you would not want to miss for sure.

The 50 shorts included are: Buried Loot Alibi Racket Desert Death Thrill for Thelma, A Hit and Run Driver Perfect Setup, The Fool Proof Public Pays Torture Money It May Happen to You Soak the Poor Give Till It Hurts Behind the Criminal What Price Safety Miracle Money Come Across Criminal is Born, A They’re Always Caught Think It Over Wrong Way Out, The Money to Loan While America Sleeps Help Wanted Think First Drunk Driving Pound Foolish Know Your Money Jackpot Women in Hiding Buyer Beware Soak the Old You, the People Respect the Law Forbidden Passage Coffins on Wheels Sucker List Don’t Talk For the Common Defense Keep ‘Em Sailing Plan for Destruction Patrolling the Ether Easy Life Dark Shadows Fall Guy, The Last Installment, The Phantoms, Inc. Gun in His Hand, A Purity Squad Luckiest Guy in the World, The EC: Eyes of the Navy.

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Book Review “Batmobile: The Complete History”

Author: Mark Cotta Vaz
Hardcover: 148 pages
Publisher: Insight Editions
Release Date: July 10, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are male, it is not hard to agree that the Batmobile is one of the coolest car EVER!  I remember growing up playing with miniature version of Batman’s iconic vehicle.  It was the coolest car this is until…The Tumbler came along in 2005’s “Batman Begins”.  Nolan’s trilogy completed recreated the Batmobile into one bad-ass car.  Though the coolness doesn’t stop there, since the car transforms into the Bat-Pod as well, which is just the icing on the cake.  If you are fan of the entire Batman series dating back to the comics, this book is the ultimate collectible and a one hell of a great coffee-table book.

Spanning from the beginnings within the pages of Detective Comics, to the pages of DC Comics, all seven appearances on the big-screen in feature films, this book explores each incarnation of the Batmobile.  It is not just a picture book either, this gives an incredible amount of detail and scope into each of Batman’s sweet rides.  Besides just comics and films, this also going into the role of the Batmobile through television, toys, and video games.  Christopher Nolan still in my eyes really created the best Batmobile yet and only amps it up in his final chapter of his trilogy “The Dark Knight Rises”

“Batmobile: The Complete History” goes well beyond the anticipation of the typical companion book.  It includes beautiful folds-outs and detailed specs, blueprints, and historical comparisons.  The book is a visual masterpiece and will leave Batman fans drooling and gearing up to re-visit all these wonderful creations through film, TV and comics.  To top off an already great book, there is a fantastic foreword from Paul Levitz (DC Comics) and Nathan Crowley (Production Designer behind the “The Dark Knight” trilogy).  Insight Editions delivers such an amazing release, as always, and again like its recent “The Dark Knight Manual“.

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DVD Review “The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan: The Complete Series”

Created by: Earl Derr Biggers
Directed by: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera
Voices of: Keye Luke, Robert Ito, Brian Tochi, Don Messick, Gene Andrusco, Jodie Foster
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Release Date: June 26, 2012
Episodes: 16
Running time: 344 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan” was not a long-running show from Hanna-Barbera but its certainly a fun show. It had an original run from September 9, 1972 – December 30, 1972, which included only 16 episodes. The show resolves Mr. Chan, his ten children and their dog Chu Chu. They go around the world and solve mysteries with the children helping their father in every episode. In fact it actually reminds me a lot of “Scooby-Doo”. They also even travel around in a van, but their’s is much cooler since it can transform into other vehicles with the push of a button. For a show that is aged 40 years, the DVD presentation looks sharp and very impressive.

The voice of Mr. Chan, Keye Luke is the only actor of Chinese descent.  Also another notable voice on the show is Jodie Foster as Anne Chan, that’s right THE Jodie Foster.  I love the cross-overs between about Hanna-Barbara shows like their is one of the characters  disguises themselves as Yogi Bear and their car reminds a lot of Hong-Hong Phooey’s car.  This show was also spoofed in Adult Swim’s “Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law”. Props need to go to Warner Archive Collection for releasing this manufacture-on-demand (MOD).  If you are a fan of classic Hanna-Barbara series, this is a no-brainer to pick up!

The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan: The Complete Series is now available: (http://bit.ly/M9VnMH)

Synopsis: Chinese-American supersleuth Charlie Chan made his cartoon transition with his customary grace, only this time he brought along the clan. Maintaining Hanna-Barbera’s winning formula (kids, mysteries, canine, van), the hit kid show also introduced some innovations (the van transforms, a double-sized team, HOWdunnits not whodunits). Most significant among these is the casting of the amazing Keye Luke (Kato, Master Po) as the voice of Charlie Chan. Not only was this the first time that an Asian-American would play Charlie Chan, it marked an apropos “graduation” for Mr. Luke, the original “Number One Son” Lee Chan of the classic Warner Oland Chan mysteries. Among those joining Mr. Luke on voice duties are Jodie Foster (Anne Chan), Lennie Weinrib (Stanley Chan) and Don Messick (Chu-Chu) in this complete 16-episode, two-disc collection.

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“Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures” Arrives on Blu-ray for the First Time

ON SEPTEMBER 18th, THE MAN WITH THE HAT COMES HOME
LOOKING BETTER THAN EVER 

INDIANA JONES: THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES ARRIVES ON BLU-RAY™ FOR THE FIRST TIME, COMPLETELY REMASTERED AND INCLUDING A METICULOUSLY RESTORED VERSION OF RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK 

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (June 26, 2012) – In June of 1981 director Steven Spielberg and executive producer George Lucas introduced  the world to Indiana Jones when the unforgettable Raiders of the Lost Ark debuted in theaters. Exploding to instant acclaim, the film has now been carefully restored, alongside remastered versions of the archaeologist’s other thrilling adventures—Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.  Prepare for excitement, adventure and snakes—why did it have to be snakes?—all with pristine picture and sound when INDIANA JONES: The Complete Adventures debuts on Blu-ray September 18, 2012 from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Home Media Distribution.

Supervised by director Steven Spielberg and renowned sound designer Ben Burtt, Raiders of the Lost Ark has been meticulously restored with careful attention to preserving the original look, sound and feel of the iconic film.  The original negative was first scanned at 4K and then examined frame-by-frame so that any damage could be repaired.

The sound design was similarly preserved using Burtt’s original master mix, which had been archived and unused since 1981.  New stereo surrounds were created using the original music tracks and original effects recorded in stereo but used previously only in mono.  In addition, the sub bass was redone entirely up to modern specifications and care was taken to improve dialogue and correct small technical flaws to create the most complete and highest quality version of the sound possible while retaining the director’s vision.  The result is an impeccable digital restoration that celebrates the film and its place in cinematic history.

The installments in the franchise have won a combined seven Academy Awards®. Relive every heart-pounding thrill like never before as all four films arrive together, for the first time presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio accompanied by a collection of documentaries, interviews, featurettes and new bonus features.

About Paramount Home Media Distribution

Paramount Home Media Distribution (PHMD) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.  PPC is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands.  The PHMD division oversees PPC’s home entertainment, digital and television distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, CBS and PBS and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.  PHMD additionally manages global licensing of studio content and distribution across worldwide digital and television distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.

Lucasfilm, Indiana Jones™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd.  All rights reserved.  All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

 

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DVD Review “Adventure Time: Complete First Season”

 Starring: John DiMaggio, Jeremy Shada, Tom Kenny
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Cartoon Network
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 286 minutes

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

Not to complain about it…but what took some long? This show is such a cult classic already and loved by both kids and adults a like. I cannot believe there has not been a complete season DVD sooner. “Adventure Time” is Cartoon Network’s #1 hit comedy show and is also an Emmy nominated. This DVD includes all 26 episodes from season one and is packaged with a collectible slipcover that is super cool for all fans of the show. I hope that Cartoon Network plans on releasing season two-four of this show as well. More importantly where is the Blu-ray release?

The show centers around the post apocalyptic adventures of Finn, a human boy with a funny hat, and his friend Jake, a magic and mischievous dog. I have no idea what it is about this show that makes it so super cool but I absolutely love it. It is not just for kids and really aims to please adults as well. The humor is so over-the-top and zany that is leaves your head spinning with each episode. The characters are also so colorful and unique that I found myself wanting more of each one, especially Lumpy Space Princess.

The special features on the DVD are fantastic. There are commentary tracks included on various episodes, which is great to listen to if you are a fan of the series. There are a bunch of great behind the scene featurettes of the crew, the composers and more filmed by creator Pendleton Ward with his very own camera phone. There are also a bunch of animatics featuring commentary by Ward, Adam Muto, Pat McHale and Derek Drymon for the “Rainy Day Daydream,” “Slumber Party Panic,” “Dungeon” and “The Enchiridion!” episodes. There is also episode commentary tracks from cast members and special guests including: “Prisoners of Love” with John DiMaggio, Jeremy Shada, Tom Kenny and Ward; “Ricardio the Heart Guy” with George Takei, Hynden Walch, Kenny, Shada and Ward; “Tree Trunks” with Bettie Ward and Polly Lou Livingston; and “Trouble in Lumpy Space” with DiMaggio, Shada, Kenny and Ward. Lastly there is also music video included on this release.

Season one episodes include: Slumber Party Panic, Trouble in Lumpy Space, Prisoners of Love, Tree Trunks, The Enchiridion!, My Two Favorite People, Memories of Boom Boom Mountain, Ricardio the Heart Guy, Finn the Wizard, City of Thieves, The Witch’s Garden, What Is Life, Ocean of Fear, When Wedding Bells Thaw, Dungeon, The Duke, Freak City, Donny, Henchman, Rainy Day Daydream, What Have You Done?, His Hero & Gut Grinder.

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

Starring: Jason Gann, Elijah Wood
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 19, 2012
Running Time: 286 minutes

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

I have to admit, I was not aware of this show during it airing on FX last summer. I am sure glad that I had the opportunity to review the first season’s Blu-ray because it is not one of my favorite shows on television. “Wilfred” is adapted from an Australian-show, also created by Jason Gann. The show is so unique and really delivers some great laughs. Jason Gann is such a laugh riot playing Wilfred the dog, he is subtle and really steals the show. Elijah Wood is also amazing in this role, who is the only person able to communicate with Wilfred. It is a complicated and obscure relationship but very entertaining. I am looking forward to season two very much premiering June 28th on FX.

Elijah Wood stars as Ryan, a suicidal ex-lawyer, who doesn’t have the best luck. He forms a unique relationship with his neighbor’s dog Wilfred. Though Ryan sees Wilfred different from everyone else, as a weed-smoking, foul-mouthed Australian man in a dog suit (Jason Gann). The two spend a lot of time together and also get into a lot of trouble together. As the season goes on Wilfred seems to push Ryan’s sanity of what is real and what he is capable of.

The video and audio on this release are good but nothing special. The 1080p transfer is simple yet effective for this show, especially on its low-budget. The comedy really doesn’t benefit much from its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, though it does sound good. The special features on the Blu-ray are impressive. “Wilfred at Comic-Con 2011” features the show’s Comic-Con panel. There are a good 15 minutes of deleted scenes, some better than others. “Wilfred and Bear: A Love Affair” is a montage of scenes with Wilfred mating with his friend. “Maryjane Mashup” is a montage of pot-smoking scenes. Lastly “Fox Movie Channel Presents: Life After Film School with Jason Gann” is a Q&A with Jason Gann. I would have loved to seen some commentary track included for this season. Maybe on the season two Blu-ray?

 

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DVD Review “Franklin & Bash: The Complete First Season”

Starring: Breckin Meyer, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Malcolm McDowell
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Sony Home Entertainment
Release Date: June 19, 2012
Episodes: 10
Running Time: 422 minutes

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

When it comes to law shows for me it is hit and miss. The show really needs to be able to provide engaging court scenes and also provide light humor to the situations. “Franklin & Bash” does that and more. TNT really scored a hit with this show bringing it into its Summer line-up last year. The show recently started it second season and is already off to a great start. Breckin Meyer and Mark-Paul Gosselaar really work perfectly together in this series and deliver one hell of an entertaining show. If you missed season one, be sure to pick up this season to catch up before watching season two.

The show follows Jared Franklin (Breckin Meyer) and Peter Bash (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), who are two of the most unique lawyers that practicing law. They bring the funny to the courtroom ranging from making out with a plaintiff, to fist fighting on the courtroom steps, to chugging beers as evidence. Though their unorthodox methods always seem to get results and win client’s cases. The independent duo catches the interest of attorney Stanton Infeld (Malcolm McDowell)who asks them to join his high-powered law firm Infeld Daniels. Of course, when the duo come on board they find themselves taking the big-leagues for a ride and turning the courtroom upside down. The complete first season features guest stars Jason Alexander, Beau Bridges, Harry Hamlin and Tom Arnold.

The special features are very impressive and jam-packed. Firstly there is a never-before-released blooper reel, which is a laugh riot. There are seven behind-the-scenes featurettes. The first is “Creating the Cases” focusing on the cases taken in the first season. Next “Franklin & Bash & Friendship” takes a look into the duo’s relationship. Franklin & Bash Behind-The-Scenes” takes a look into the making-of the show. “Behind the Behind” features Mark-Paul discussing the scene where he exposes his bottom. “Working for Franklin & Bash” focuses on Kumail Nanjiani and Dana Davis’ roles. “Malcolm McDowell Office Tour” is a tour of the head of Infeld Daniels law firm’s office. Lastly in the featurettes is “Man Cave Tour” is a look into the duo’s bachelor pad. To top off the amazing extras, there are three faux “Frankin & Bash” law commercials.

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DVD Review “Sealab 2020: The Complete Series”

Created by: Hanna-Barbera
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Running Time: 280 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to “Sealab 2020”, I can’t help but relate it back to the Adult Swim take-off “Sealab 2021”, which pokes fun at the series and one of my favorites TV series. “Sealab 2020” may not be one of Hanna-Barbera’s best projects but it is fun series. I mean who doesn’t like shark attacks, giant octopus and squids…this show has got it all.

Thanks to Warner Archive for finally releasing this show in its complete entirety. All 13 episodes are include in this collection. It is presented full screen with aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The show looks great on DVD as to all releases from Warner Archive. If you are a fan of this zany-yet-fun cartoon series, I would highly recommended this release.

Synopsis:
“This is the year two thousand and twenty. The place is the Challenger Sea Mount, the top of an underwater mountain, a complex beneath the sea. Two hundred and fifty men, women and children live here. Each of them, a scientist pioneer. For this is our last frontier, a hostile environment which may hold the key to tomorrow. Each day, these oceanauts meet new challenges as they build their city beneath the sea. This is Sealab 2020.”

With these words setting the stage, and some funky bass riffs setting the tone, Saturday morning TV took the 70s underwater Sci Fi adventure plunge. Ably overseen by Hanna-Barbera’s ace action animators and voiced by a superb cast (including John Stephenson, Ross Martin, Jerry Dexter and Ann Jillian), the oceanauts of Sealab face seaquakes, sharks and falling satellites while finding the time to serve up lessons on environmentalism, tolerance, and teamwork across this 2-Disc, 13-Episode Collection

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DVD Review “Teen Wolf: The Complete Season One”

Directors: Russell Mulcahy, Toby Wilkins, Tim Andrews
Starring: Tyler Posey, Crystal Reed, Holland Roden, Tyler Hoechlin, Linden Ashby, Jill Wagner, Eaddy Mays, Melissa Ponzio
Episodes: 12
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Running Time: 522 minutes

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

When it comes to “Teen Wolf”, there is really only one version the 80’s film with Michael J. Fox…and well maybe Jason Bateman in “Teen Wolf Too”, just for fun. This MTV version of this franchise feels a lot like a Twilight-infused version of the series.  The first episode is rather hard to get through and the series doesn’t particular get much better from there.  It is not unwatchable but definitely not a show that I would brag how good it is to watch.  The show will probably be loved by it’s core audience teenage girls or crazy “Twi-moms”.  Either way I will stick to the 80’s for “Teen Wolf”

This series takes us back to the beginning, unrelated 80’s franchise, of how one night will forever change or transform (literally) one teenager’s life.  Scott McCall (Tyler Posey) gets bit by a werewolf bite which introduces him to amazing supernatural powers. He has to deal with everyday angst in High School, keep his identity a secret while dealing with being a werewolf. “Teen Wolf” stars some of a hip young cast, including Tyler Posey (Scott McCall), Crystal Reed (Allison Argent), Tyler Hoechlin (Derek Hale) and Holland Roden (Lydia Martin).

For a DVD set, this contains some decent special features. There is an Extended Finale for “Code Breaker”. There is a bunch of Deleted, Alternate and Extended Scenes, as well as a Gag Reel. There is also a Behind-The-Scenes featurette. The cast provide commentary on select episodes. Teenage girls will go crazy for the Shirtless Montage. “Following The Pack: Meet The Cast Of Teen Wolf” introduces this new young cast and feature them talking about the show. Lastly there is footage from the red carpet in “Teen Wolf: Working The Red Carpet”. If you are a fan of this show, this set is for you definitely and don’t forget to tune into season two June 3rd 2012.

Season One Episodes:
“Wolf Moon”, “Second Chance at First Line”, “Pack Mentality”, “Magic Bullet”, “The Tell”, “Heart Monitor”, “Night School”, “Lunatic”, “Wolf’s Bane”, “Co-Captain”, “Formality” and “Code Breaker”

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DVD Review “The River: The Complete First Season”

Created by: Oren Peli
Starring: Bruce Greenwood, Joe Anderson, Paul Blackthorne
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: ABC Studios
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Running Time: 344 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“The River” is a great combination of “Lost” and “Blair Witch Project and really takes the found footage genre to the next level. Oren Peli, the genius behind the “Paranormal Activity” series created and produced this show and his involvement is very apparent. My main issue with the show is that it is short running only eight episodes, although it also keeps the show tighter and not stuffed with a lot of filler. Unfortunately this show was not renewed for season two, so the season cliffhanger will have the serve as the series finale. Who knows maybe Netflix will revive this fantastic show! Hint…Hint!

The premise of the show follows the disappearance of Dr Emmet Cole, the host of a wilderness reality show, into the depths of the Amazon.  He is presumed dead by friends and family until a signal from his communication device shows up on radar. His son & wife along with, his producer and colleagues head out to into the jungle to try and rescue him. While on this journey they decide to bring a camera crew along to document.  The group finds that Dr. Emmet Cole was in a lot deeper than everyone thought and they might have a hard time leaving the jungle once they enter it.

Besides coming from the amazing mind of Oren Peli, this series was also Executive Produced by Steven Spielberg.  Having a horror thriller on TV these days are incredible rare and like this one they unfortunately don’t last.  This DVD does not only include the complete first season, there is also some decent special features.  There are various deleted scenes included, worth checking out since you can imagine how much footage they shot for this season.  There is a making of featurette, which is a little short but still worth watching.  There is also commentary available for the episode “The Magus” and “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”  They are two of my favorite episodes and the commentary tracks are very welcomed.

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Blu-ray Review “The Universe: The Complete Season Six”

Narrated by: Erik Thompson
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: A&E Home Video
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Episodes: 14
Running Time: 658 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

At the end of season five, “The Universe” series was thought to been done. But I guess there is always more to showcase when it comes to the unknown reaches of “The Universe”. Thanks to H2 (aka History 2) for producing this sixth season, I hope they continue to as well going forward. It is said that season 6 was even produced in 3D. But no idea why it was not release on 3D Blu-ray. I would have been all over that. I enjoyed this season just liked the past five but I wish it was longer than seven episodes, which is the shortest season to date.

There are fourteen episodes included in this season.  In “Catastrophes that Changed the Planets” focuses on the events that shaped our planets. “Nemesis: The Sun’s Evil Twin” explores the existence of Nemesis and it’s affects. “How the Solar System was Made” covers from the birth from a thin cloud of dust and gas. “Crash Landing on Mars” discusses a “what-if” scenario about the first manned mission to Mars. “Worst Days on Planet Earth” reveals new discoveries that might have plagued Earth in the past. “UFO: The Real Deal” focuses on our unknown visitors. “God and the Universe” takes a scientific journey to find God. “How Big, How Far, How Fast” turns to astronomers who attempt to push the size, distance and speed within our universe.

The following episodes were not aired prior to this release. “Our Place in the Milky Way” focusing on how much we don’t know about it. “Alien Sounds” examines the probability of sounds from outer space. “Deep Freeze” looks at the coldest places in the universe. “Microscopic Universe” focuses on a different sort of universe, one of subatomic particle and quantum physics. “Ride the Comet” focuses on the ancient belief of comets. Lastly there is “When Space Changed History”, which focuses many different theories including a number of cataclysms, including the Biblical flood of Noah and Epic of Gilgamesh.

The Blu-ray presentation it self is impressive. The season is spread out over three Blu-ray discs. The 1080p transfer looks fantastic as usual and the CGI in the season is very impressive. I was not 100% satisfied with the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track though, I thought it was good but lacking for a show that relies so much on its special effects. Lastly there is no special features on this set unfortunately.  If you are reading this H2, keep making this series and release this season in 3D, since it was shot in it.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, complete, review, season, universe

Book Review “Joss Whedon: The Complete Companion”

Author: PopMatters
Paperback: 496 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: May 1, 2012

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I am one of the biggest fans of Joss Whedon and this is easily the Essential Guide to the Whedonverse.  I just feel like it more accumulated knowledge from the internet, than an actual bio on his career.  The book runs at almost 500 pages and covers everything in Whedon’s career from his TV Series, Movies, Comic Books and more.

Included within this book are essays and interviews about Whedon’s work and also conversations with key collaborators Jane Espenson and Tim Minear.  Since this book is complied by 40 contributors from PopMatters, I feel that the direction of the book is a little confused.  This is why I am never a real big fan of unofficial companions, it just doesn’t seem like the information is original.  I mean, the book definitely contains EVERYTHING you need to know about Joss Whedon but seems to be miss a proper narrative.

Where you are a fan of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “Angel”, “Firefly”, “Dollhouse”, “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog”,  or the upcoming “The Avengers”, this book has it.  I also noticed that there is a lack of illustration in the book.  I would have liked to see images to accompany this vast amount of information.  Even if PopMatters, didn’t have rights to the screenshots, I would have liked to see some fan art…just something to push the book a long.  If you are a die-hard fan of Whedon and his work, you should check this out but don’t expect much besides a bunch of known information about his work.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: book, companion, complete, joss, review, whedon, ...
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