Blu-ray Review “Star Wars: The Clone Wars – The Complete Season Five”

Starring: Matt Lanter, Ashley Eckstein, James Arnold Taylor, Corey Burton, André Sogliuzzo, Mat Lucas,
Director: Dave Filoni
Number of discs: 2
Rated: TV-PG
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: October 15, 2013
Run Time: 447 minutes

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

That’s it folks, here is the final (and fifth) season of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”. This show was easily one of the best things on television for the last 5+ years. The show got increasingly better with each season as it matured. It also got quite darker with its storylines. I liked that they weren’t afraid to take that route and give the hardcore “Star Wars” fans what they were looking for while still adhering to the younger audience. Easily the best arc in this season has to be the one around Ahsoka Tano. I was blown away with this season and I feel that it just ended too soon. Luckily, LucasFilm has big plans for its next animated series “Star Wars Rebels”, which premieres next year. I will be anxiously waiting and hope that it can hold the same charm and excitement that “Clone Wars” did.

Season Five Official Premise: In its Emmy-winning fifth season, the gripping Star Wars story moves closer to the grim events of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and several major players face their destinies as the galaxy plunges into darkness. Planets are rocked by revolution, ancient Jedi secrets are explored, and Ahsoka Tano — the spirited Padawan so central to the series — faces a major crisis that will change her forever.

One thing I loved (loved…tear) about “The Clone Wars” was that it is extremely cinematic and each arc feels like a mini movie. The 1080p transfers like past seasons doesn’t cease to impress. The animation is extremely sharp and the details are extremely meticulous. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also delivers for each episode completely. These episodes are so epic and action packed and you get a perfectly balanced track from every ship flying by to lightsaber activating.

The 2-disc Blu-ray release of “The Complete Season Five” delivers all 20 episodes bring the series to a close (another tear). It includes two episodes in their director’s cuts, which were never seen on TV. Get ready for this, there are an audio commentary track on EACH episode, so yes that’s 20 commentary tracks! Fans, including myself, are going to love going through each episode of this great season once again to get the inside tip. Also exclusive to Blu-ray (for a limited time) is “Jedi Archives”, which is an extensive database of early animation, concept art and 3D turnarounds for the season.

 

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DVD Review “Space Stars: The Complete Series”

Created by: Hanna-Barbera
Distributed: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Running Time: 615 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Growing up in the 80’s, I was raised quite a bit by the work of Hanna-Barbera. I watched their cartoons for my entire childhood. It didn’t matter which ones they were, if it branded the stamp of Hanna-Barbera, I was interested. Now as an adult these characters are still very relevant, thanks to Cartoon Network and Adult Swim’s animated programming like “Harvey Birdman” and “Space Ghost: Coast to Coast”. “Space Stars” was a short lived series from 1980-1981 but it holds a special place for any fan of 80’s cartoons and finally it is available for the first time on DVD as a complete series, thanks to Warner Archive.

Official Premise: As the entire world went “space action” crazy at the end of the Seventies, Hanna-Barbera reconvened its Sci-Fi superstars Space Ghost and the Herculoids for another round of adventures. Joining the sixties sci-fi faves in their interstellar battle against evil were newcomers Teen Force and Astro and the Space Mutts (yes, that Astro!). But there’s more to the story to know before you blastoff on adventures as big as the cosmos itself! Get ready to enjoy Space Stars complete with the recently-uncovered, never-before-seen “Space Science” segments restored in all their educational glory. Race! – to learn Space Magic tricks with Blip! Streak to learn Space Facts from Space Ace! Rock out to the synth wonder of the Space Mix! Solve Space Mysteries deep in space with Teen Force and join the Herculoids to crack the Space Code. They’re back – for the first time ever!

“Space Stars” consists of four cartoon segments: “Space Ghost”, “The Herculoids”, “Teen Force”, and “Astro and the Space Mutts”. “Space Ghost” and “The Herculoids” were well-known from their shows back in the 60’s but “Teen Force” and “Astro and the Space Mutts” (which features the dog from “The Jetsons”) were new shows. There were 22 episodes of “Space Ghost”, while the others all had 11 episodes. There were also 11 cross-over episodes with each of the segments combined. If you grew up watching this show then this release is a must own.

This series has been newly remastered and released on DVD together for the first time ever. TV networks like Boomerang and Cartoon has shown a few segments here and there over the years but never fully and there was never a complete DVD released either. The episodes are crisp and look great for a show over 30 years old. Besides the 66 episodes included, there are no special features included but if you are a fan of this series, I am sure that you will just be happy enough to finally have these episodes to watch and re-watch at your leisure. Warner Archive, please keep releasing great lost shows like this!

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DVD Review “Maverick: The Complete Third Season”

Created by: Roy Huggins
Starring: James Garner, Jack Kelly
Distributed by Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
DVD Release Date: October 15, 2013
Running Time: 1300 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Maverick” is a rare thing in television, especially today, since it was a western comedy. It ran for five seasons dating from 1957 to 1962. The third season aired in 1959 and was James Garner’s last season before being replaced by Roger Moore as cousin Beau Maverick. The role of Bret Maverick made Garner very popular as it was such a great character. This season also featured a slew of amazing guest stars, including screen veterans Buddy Ebsen, Edgar Buchanan Henry Daniell, Troy Donahue, Adam West, Joel Grey and even Robert Redford. So there is no shortage of talent. I am not a huge fan of Westerns but it was great to visit this classic show. Still funny and still quite sharp!

Official Premise: James Garner and Jack Kelly ante up for more high-stakes cons and games of chance in Season Three of this smart and witty Emmy-winning series (Best Western, 1959). Luck is still the lady they love best, as footloose gamblers Bret (Garner) and Bart (Kelly) Maverick tangle with Indian war parties, killer cattlemen, feuding families, a stubborn marquesa, their conniving old Pappy (Garner in a dual role) and more, in 26 offbeat adventures packed with quips and twists.

Warner Archive has been behind this series since last year and has been pumping out each season since then through its made to open release structure. If you are a fan of this series, then you probably will not have to wait long until to complete it since I am sure that by the end of 2014, they will have released seasons four and five as well. This DVD does not show to be newly restored but for a show dating back to the late 1950’s it looks quite decent. The episodes are presented in their original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The audio included is the basic DVD Dolby Digital track. No other special features are included.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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DVD Review “The Guild: Complete Megaset”

Actors: Felicia Day, Vincent Caso, Jeff Lewis, Amy Okuda, Sandeep Parikh
Directors: Sean Becker, Chris Preksta, Jane Selle Morgan, Greg Benson
Number of discs: 6
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: NEW VIDEO GROUP
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 506 minutes

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

I will never forget browsing my XBOX marketplace back in 2007 and looking for something to watch, when I came across “The Guild”. Since then I was introduced to the world of web series and Felicia Day. In fact, “The Guild” has really paved the way for many other web series as well. When Day announced that season six would be the last for this show I was bummed but it was really wrapped up very well. The series is so smart, original and very funny. The show also matured very well over the six seasons and got better and better. If you already own seasons 1-5 already then I would recommend just picking up season six individual release but if you have never purchased these then now is the time.  A must for any fan!

Official Premise: Follow the Guildies through six seasons, from pirate-themed burger joint exploits, to a gaming convention road trip, and even INTO the video game! The Guild must stay strong through it all, even as a rival Guild, Axis of Anarchy, headed by their leader, Fawkes (Wil Wheaton), threatens to take them down. Included in this set are all the show’s iconic music videos, behind the scenes for every season, full scripts and more! Highlighting the best of Geek culture, including a slew of recognizable fan favorites (like Simon Helbig, Nathan Fillion and Stan Lee), THE GUILD is one of the most innovative and hilarious web series to date.

What is rare about “The Guild” is that the show feels nothing like web series. The show feels so large and scaled much larger than your typical low-budget web series. Felicia Day, Vincent Caso, Jeff Lewis, Amy Okuda, Robin Thorse and Sandeep Parikh are a great team together. They all work so well together and have this amazing group presence. I also loved that as the series developed each character was expanded and really got time to shine on their own. Great collaboration! Great show! Will be missed. But luckily we have this amazing megaset, which I will be re-watching quite often.

Besides the six seasons of episodes, this megaset is also mega-packed with amazing special features for each season.Season One includes Cast & Crew Interviews; Audition Footage; Gag Reels; Audio Commentaries; Table Read andScript PDF File. Season Two includes Cast & Crew Interviews; Gag Reels; Audio Commentaries; Script PDF File. Season Three includes Tips for Making a Web Video; ”Do You Want to Date My Avatar” Music Video; The Making of “Do You Want to Date My Avatar”; Halloween Video; Guild Applicant Rejects; How to Build Vork’s Sword; Audio Commentary with the Cast; Audio Commentary with the Creator, Director, and Producer; Interviews with the Axis of Anarchy; Gag Reels and Script PDF File.

Season Four includes “Game On” Music Video; The Making of “Game On”; Cheesybeard’s Commercial; Audio Commentary with the Cast, Creator, Director and Producer; Gag Reel; Table Read; Script PDF File. Season Five includes Cast Interviews; “Double Trouble” Featurette; “How to Build A Con” Featurette; Steampunk Verite” Featurette; Audio Commentary with the Cast; Gag Reel;Table Read and Script PDF File. Lastly Season Six includes Commentary track; Production Diary Featurette; Behind the Scenes of The Guild; “I’m the One That’s Cool” Music Video and Gag Reel.

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DVD Review “New Girl: The Complete Second Season”

Actors: Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Hannah Simone, Lamorne Morris
Number of discs: 3
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: October 1, 2013
Run Time: 545 minutes

Season: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I wondered how they were going to top the first season of “New Girl” but they managed to make this second season even better.  “New Girl” is easily one of the best comedies on television right now.  It is hip, funny, packs a great cast and some amazing writing. There is perfect balance of comedy and drama as well in this season. Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield,  Lamorne Morris and Hannah Simone are amazing together.  They each work off each other and it works so well. Season three is already off to a great start and I can’t wait to see what they have planned.

Official Premise: The romantic tension between Jess (Emmy Nominee Zooey Deschanel) and Nick (Jake Johnson) escalates in the hilarious, quirky second season of New Girl – but will they ever hook up? Meanwhile, Schmidt fails to be hip, Winston isn’t “prepared” for a hot date, and Nick faces a death in his dysfunctional family. While Jess does her best to replace Cece on a modeling job and a drunk Elvis impersonator at a funeral, Schmidt and Winston hope to rearrange Cece’s arranged marriage.

Season two packed 25 amazing episodes and featured some guest stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, Rob Reiner and Dennis Farina. I loved that Curtis and Reiner played Jess’ parents, they were really cute together and really added a lot to the season.  Farina also delivered a great role as Nick’s dad, who ended up passing away on the show (and also in real life this year). He is a great actor and was a great addition to the show. I also loved David Walton (TV’s short-lived “Perfect Couples”) as Jess’ doctor boyfriend. He was funny and meshed very well with the rest of the cast. This show is just filled with so many great one-liners, I am waiting for someone to start a website with nothing but quotes from this show.

I wish Fox would give this show the Blu-ray treatment but for now we just have DVD. The special features are pretty solid. We do though get he extended version of the very popular episode, “Virgins”, which is one of my favorite from the season. It is only available on this DVD and is a must see for any fan of the show. Besides that there is a commentary track for the episode “Cooler” and “Full of Schmidt”, which is a fun featurette on my favorite character. Lastly there are some great Deleted Scenes and a hilarious Gag Reel included.

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DVD Review “Mama’s Family: The Complete Series”

Actors: Vicki Lawrence, Beverly Archer, Ken Berry, Dorothy Lyman, Eric Brown
Directors: Dick Martin, Harvey Korman, Roger Beatty
Number of discs: 24
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Starvista Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 10, 2013
Run Time: 3900 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love “Mama’s Family”? It really brings the dysfunctional into the word family. The series started off as spin-off from reoccurring comedy sketches on “The Carol Burnett Show”, which were called “The Family”. When I think about this show I just think about classic ’80s-era TV. This is before the madness of reality TV, where the talent actually had to be talented! Vicki Lawrence is so amazing playing Thelma ‘Mama’ Harper. She stars alongside a fantastic cast including Rue McClanahan, Betty White, Ken Berry, Harvey Korman and Carol Burnett. For the first time ever, thanks to StarVista Entertainment/Time Life this show is making its debut as a complete series in a very nice Collector’s Set featuring all 130 Episodes taken from the the original broadcast masters. If you are a fan of this show, you do not want to miss this set.

Official Premise: Set in the fictional city of Raytown, “Mama’s Family” revolves around the eye-opening escapades of the Harper clan, headed by formidable matriarch, Mama Harper, a fiery-tempered no-nonsense woman who does not suffer fools gladly. In fact, she makes everybody suffer a little with her patented snappy retorts that truly put the “diss” in dysfunction. Adding to the unforgettable mix are Mama’s journalist sister, Fran (Rue McClanahan, The Golden Girls), who lives with her; her youngest son, Vint (Ken Berry, F-Troop), who moves in with his two teenagers after he is evicted; and Naomi (Dorothy Lyman, All My Children), who marries Vint by Episode 4. Mama’s extended family includes her two daughters, highfalutin’ Ellen (Betty White) and high-strung Eunice (Carol Burnett), as well as Eunice’s husband, Ed (Harvey Korman).

This collector’s set features all 130 episodes on 24 DVDs. Overall this set also contains over ten hours of special features, which are worth the purchase alone. The first two seasons feature the rare, original broadcast masters (aka the “Joe Hamilton” cuts) of the episodes. Each one also included an introductions from  Harvey Korman. There is a cast reunion roundtable with Vicki Lawrence (Mama), Ken Berry (Vint), Dorothy Lyman (Naomi), Beverly Archer (Iola), and Allan Kayser (Bubba).  There are all-new cast and the interview with Vicki Lawrence “interviewing” Mama through the magic of split-screen technology. There is the 1982 CBS-TV movie “Eunice focusing around Mama’s daughter (played by Carol Burnett), There are key “Family” sketches from “The Carol Burnett Show” and much more. Lastly there is also a “Collectible Mama’s Family Album” featuring character bios and a “Mama’s Family Tree”.

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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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DVD Review “Nichols: The Complete Series”

Starring: James Garner, Margot Kidder, Neva Patterson, John Beck, Stuart Margolin
Created by Frank R. Pierson
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 1225 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Prior to receive an email about this new DVD release from WB Archive, I have never heard of this TV series “Nichols” but I am a fan of James Garner. So I decided to check it out. The show was originally broadcasted during the 1971/72 season and only 24 episodes were made. Garner is great as always in this Western along with a pre-Lois Lane Margot Kidder but I didn’t lasso me in. I guess I am not the only one either as it didn’t last very long during back in the day.

Official Premise: James Garner is Nichols, the reluctant sheriff of a small Western town, in this quirky, offbeat series. It’s 1914 and a violence-weary Nichols (Garner) has returned to his Arizona home after 18 years in the army. Forced into becoming its new lawman by the tough and powerful rancher (Neva Patterson) whose family runs the town, Nichols refuses to carry a gun as he takes on bank robbers, Apaches, con artists, banditos and more, armed with only his wits and his charm.

The one thing this releases has going for it that it has been newly remastered and looks great for a show that is over 40 years old. It is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. For anyone who is a fan of the show, you can give thanks to WB Archive, since they recovered this lost series from oblivion with their Made To Order DVD service. The audio format included is a decent Dolby Digital track. There are no additional special features besides the 24 episodes.

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

Starring: Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten, Eric Close, Clare Bowen, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio, Robert Ray Wisdom and Powers Boothe
Created by Callie Khouri
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 17, 2013
Run Time: 903 minutes

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

I have to admit, I was drawn to “Nashville” due to my love to country music but I was immediately pushed back by Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere. I am really not a fan of either of these actresses. So due to that I kind of steered clear from this show during its first season. It received some success from critics and fans, which made me consider checking it out on DVD. It is a decent show, certainly not the best thing on television. Besides just country music, I consider myself a music buff and I enjoy shows that add that extra factor within the normal (and sometimes boring) drama. Overall after watching this show, I will not be setting the DVR for season two but I am glad that I checked it out for sure.

Official Premise: Behind the music of Nashville lies a captivating web of betrayal, heartbreak and rivalry. Rayna Jaymes is the reigning Queen of Country, yet hot young diva Juliette Barnes is poised to knock her off her throne. Adding more fuel to the fire is Rayna’s rich, scheming father, whose political ambitions for Rayna’s husband hide sinister ulterior motives. Surrender to a seductive mix of music, intrigue and passion with “Nashville: The Complete First Season,” including all 22 tantalizing episodes.

One thing I have to give this show is the music, despite my like of the cast, the show still has some pretty good music. In fact, if you are a fan of this show then you will know this already, they even released two albums with “The Music of Nashville” with 11 songs on each. So I like it when a show break out of just being a show and expands its grips, sort of like “Glee”. I am a country fan, so the music appeals to me but it may not appeal to everyone, as a main selling point

The special features are decent but lacking any commentary tracks, which would have a nice bonus. “Nashville” Comes to Nashville is a tour of the city and its historical locations with the cast. “On The Record: The ‘B’ Side” is an inside scoop of the stories from the writers and musicians who create the show’s music. “The Stellas Go On ‘Tour'” looks into the show with Lennon Stella (Maddy) and Maisy Stella (Daphne). There are a few Deleted Scenes including some compelling drama from the hit series. Lastly there are never-before-seen outtakes from the set.

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Blu-ray Review “Haven: The Complete Third Season”

Actors: Emily Rose, Lucas Bryant, Eric Balfour
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Entertainment One
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Run Time: 572 minutes

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

Syfy’s “Haven” is based on Stephen King’s “The Colorado Kid”. The show has since expanded so much from the novella that it has become its own entity. Season three was actually my favorite season to date from this show. I thought they went very deep into the mythology behind the show and really answered some long-wanted questions and even dug up a few more. The cliffhanger finale was a major turning point for the show and it really set up for an explosive fourth season, which premiered on September 13.

Official Premise: Season three of Haven picks up immediately following the events of the gripping season two finale with Audrey (Emily Rose) having been brutally kidnapped; Nathan (Lucas Bryant) warned against pursuing a romantic relationship with Audrey; and Duke (Eric Balfour) seemingly engaged in a fight to the death with Nathan after he discovers his family lineage is to kill Haven citizens with troubles.

The cast in “Haven” is really key.  It is a real all-star cast with everyone giving their A-game! In fact, we did a full cast interview series for this season, click here to check it out. The trio of Emily Rose, Lucas Bryant, Eric Balfour really are great this season and each of their characters really get some fantastic new arcs. There is also some great reveal for our favorite duo Dave & Vince Teagues (John Dunsworth & Richard Donat). WWE Superstar Aaron “Edge” Copeland joins on the show as reoccurring cast this season as well. Bree Williamson (“One Live to Live”),  Iain Glen (“Game of Thrones”), Claudia Black (“Farscape”, “Stargate SG1”) and Nolan North (“Uncharted” game series) all have guest stars as well.

Entertainment One has delivered “Haven: The Complete Third Season” on Blu-ray with a great presentation like they have with the first two seasons. The 1080p transfer in 1.78:1 comes with a very impressive high definition presentation. Having only watching this show on TV’s “high def”, it looks so much crisper on this release. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track works well with the show’s dialogue and action. Also included in this release is a very cool exclusive 16-page comic, called “After the Storm”, which gives a sneak into the next season. A must read for any fan of the series.

The special features on the show are as impressive as the season itself. The six great audio commentaries, which are a nice reason to revisit the show. On “Stay” and “Over My Head”, we get commentary from Gabrielle Stanton and Matt McGuinness. On “Sarah” we get Nora Zuckerman and Lilla Zuckerman. With “Last Goodbyes with”, we get commentary from Brian Millikin and Shernold Edwards. On “Reunion”, the commentary is from Gabrielle Stanton and Brian Millikin. Lastly with “Thanks for the Memories”, the commentary is from Sam Ernst and Jim Dunn.

There is a great behind-the-scenes look into the season with “The Haunting Truth About Haven”, which runs about 45 minutes and features some great interviews. “Haven Panel from New York Comic Con” is a fun panel with stars Emily Rose, Lucas Bryant, Eric Balfour, Adam Copeland, Co-Creators and Executive Producers Sam Ernst and Jim Dunn, Consulting Producer Charles Ardai, Writers Shernold Edwards and Brian Millikin with Moderator Tiffany Vogt. If you want more interviews, there is an additional 30 minutes of interviews with Emily Rose, Lucas Bryant and Eric Balfour; Iain Glen; and Nolan North and Emily Rose.

Also included is the complete webisodes form the series “Escape to Haven”, which aired online and gives more backstory about the Troubled. There are eight videos included with each one running about one to three minutes  and are narrated by Jordan McKee or Dwight Hendrickson. There are about 10 minutes of additional Deleted/Alternate Scenes. There is another short Behind-the-Scenes Reel, showing more footage from the production. Lastly there are Season 3 Trailers and a Season 4 Teaser included.

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

Blu-ray Review “Homeland: The Complete Second Season”

Actors: Claire Danes, Damian Lewis, Morena Baccarin, Jackson Pace, Morgan Saylor
Directors: Daniel Attias, David Semel, Guy Ferland, Jeremy Podeswa, John Dahl
Number of discs: 3
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: September 10, 2013
Run Time: 629 minutes

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

I have to admit, I was not aware of “Homeland” until it cleaned up the Emmy’s last year with six wins.  After that I took an interest in the show.  I watched the first season and enjoyed it but wasn’t going around bragging how much I loved it. “Homeland” though is not the typical type of show that I would watch normally.  It does have a A+ cast though leading with Claire Danes (“My So Called Life”), Damian Lewis (“Life”), Morena Baccarin (“V”). I found the cast to be the main draw for me to keep watching.  It is not that I didn’t enjoy the season, the second season is actually a decent improvement over the first and our characters have development our well. It is definitely packed with great drama, exciting episodes, and smart writing but it is not my cup of tea. The show is already in its third season, which I have to admit does look promising, and no signs of slowing down.

Official Premise: “Homeland” makes its triumphant return after winning six Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actress for Claire Danes, Outstanding Lead Actor for Damian Lewis and Outstanding Drama Series. Marine Sgt. Nicholas Brody (Lewis) is now a U.S. congressman, and former CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Danes) has returned to civilian life. But when a new and potentially devastating terrorist threat emerges, Brody and Carrie’s lives become intertwined once again and they resume their delicate dance of suspicion, deceit and desire.

20th Century Fox delivered us with a very sharp Blu-ray presentation.  The 1080p transfer looks quite amazing with its aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The show was shot in HD and it reallu benefits from this aspect. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is also quite impressive, especially with the dialogue heavy moments of this series. In terms of special features, they really don’t blow me away.  There are a few short deleted scenes on each of the three discs. “Returning to the Homeland: Filming in Israel” is short feature on location shooting. “The Border: A Prologue to Season Three” is another short sneak peak. “A Super 8 Film Diary by Damian Lewis” is a fun feature with a home video feel. Lastly “The Choice: The Making of the Season Finale” looks into the shows cliffhanger ending.

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

“New Girl: The Complete Second Season” DVD Giveaway [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

“New Girl” is easily one of the best comedies on television.  The show starts its third season this month. To celebrate the release of “New Girl: The Complete Second Season”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway the season on DVD. If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite one-liners from the second season. Check some of the great one-liners below or be creative or choose others since there are tons. This giveaway will remain open until October 4th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to all fans of Media Mikes in US and Canada only! One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

The Best One-Liners from Season 2 Available on DVD October 1

Watching an episode of New Girl without laughing is pretty much impossible. With Schmidt’s crazy antics and Jess’ perky personality there’s bound to be at least a few good one-liners in each episode. Although it’s hard to narrow down the options, below are the ten best quotes from season two.

The romantic tension between Jess (Emmy® Nominee Zooey Deschanel) and Nick (Jake Johnson) escalates in the hilarious, quirky second season of “New Girl” — but will they ever hook up? Meanwhile, Schmidt fails to be hip, Winston isn’t “prepared” for a hot date, and Nick faces a death in his dysfunctional family. While Jess does her best to replace Cece on a modeling job and a drunk Elvis impersonator at a funeral, Schmidt and Winston hope to rearrange Cece’s arranged marriage. Relive all 25 outrageous episodes featuring guest stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, Rob Reiner and Dennis Farina, and enjoy fun bonus material — including the extended version of the hugely popular “Virgins” episode — only available on the DVD.

Jess: “I am throwing Cece’s surprise bachelorette party here tonight, and the only males invited are strippers, so oil up or get out, guys.”

Schmidt: “Please take that off, you look like a homeless pencil.”

Nick: “I’m just trying to figure out the level of Elvis impersonator we can afford. I think a white one is out of reach.”

Schmidt: “Maybe none of us should go to this funeral. The early buzz on this thing is it’s gonna be a real drag.”

Jess: “I don’t want to kiss and tell, but I ruined my dresser during intercourse. Will you go to Ikea with me?”

Nick: “I can’t believe I’m the sober one. That’s actually never happened before in my life.”

Jess: “You’re dating a stripper, I’m dating a tall handsome doctor. We’re kinda living the dream.”

Schmidt: “You are a gynecologist and a lesbian. This makes you a vagenius.”

Jess: “If any of you cross me, I’m gonna kick the testicles clean off your bodies! Clean off! You’ll look like Ken dolls down there!”

Nick: “If you were a hat, you’d be a top hat, but like a really big Monopoly one. And I say that with deepest compliments.”

 

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: complete, dvd, girl, giveaway, season

Blu-ray Review “Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th”

Actors: Corey Feldman, Sean S. Cunningham, Adrienne King, Amy Steel, Dana Kimmel
Directors: Daniel Farrands
Producers: Thommy Hutson
Number of discs: 4
Rated: Unrated
Studio: 1428 Films
Release Date: September 13, 2013
Run Time: 400 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Friday the 13” is one of my favorite horror franchises. Jason Voorhees is also one of my favorite horror icon. The films are so fun and have held up so well over the last 30+ years. The franchise has not only consisted of twelve films but also a TV series, books and tons of collectible merchandise. When you factor in all those aspect, “Friday the 13th” becomes much more than a horror series. It actually is more of a pop-culture phenomenon, which has been over three decades. This is not the first documentary on the films and won’t be the last but it is definitely one of the best, especially alongside others like “His Name is Jason”. When you read the title of this film, it is not taking lightly it’s title…it is “The Complete History of Friday the 13th”. Did I mention that this is 400 minutes long…take a sec and do the math…yes, that nearly seven hours long. This is not a joke. It is a hardcore documentary for a hardcore “Friday the 13th” fan.

Official Premise: Inspired by the critically-acclaimed book, “Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th” takes viewers behind the mask on an epic journey into the making of the landmark horror franchise — from its humble beginnings in 1980 at a New Jersey summer camp to the blockbuster release of its 2009 “reboot.” Combining hundreds of rare and never-before-seen photographs, film clips, outtakes, archival documents, conceptual art and behind-the-scenes footage, and featuring interviews with more than 150 cast and crew members spanning all twelve films and the television series, “Crystal Lake Memories” is the ultimate tribute to one of horror’s most iconic and enduring franchises.

So being a huge fan of this franchise, I was really taken back by the fact that this documentary reached out to so many people who have been involved with the series over the year. This also included a bunch of people who have never appeared in camera interviews, which is a mega plus. A few of the great talent who participated with this doc includes Kane Hodder, Robert Englund, Tom Savini, Sean S. Cunningham, Derek Mears, Betsy Palmer, Wes Craven, Ken Kirzinger, Robert Shaye and Alice Cooper, along with many more. “Crystal Lake Memories” is written and directed by Daniel Farrands and produced by Thommy Hutson. This is the same team who also delivered us the amazing “A Nightmare on Elm Street” documentary, “Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy”. These guys deserve an award for all the word that they put into this doc.

1428 Films released this film as a combo pack with the documentary spread out over two Blu-rays and two DVDs. The 1080p transfer with it’s 1.78:1 aspect ratio works well with the interviews and footage from the films. I was a little bit let down to see that the audio track included was only a Dolby Digital 5.1 track, which is not really screaming Blu-ray quality but it worked for the most part. In terms of special features, there are not any additional extras besides a commentary track. But wait a sec…the commentary track is insane a must watch for any true “Friday the 13th” fan. It includes director Daniel Farrands, author Peter M. Bracke, and editor Luke Rafalowski throughout all seven hours. I remember seeing a photo on Facebook of the trio after recording this track and it just shows how much love went into it. Must listen for any fan and a great companion to the documentary.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 13th, bluray, complete, crystal, friday, history, ...

DVD Review “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: The Complete Season 8”

Cast: Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVito
Rated: Unrated
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: September 3, 2013
Run Time: 220 minutes

Season: 5 out of 5 Stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 Stars

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia continues to be one of my favorite comedies on TV and revisiting its eighth season just as the ninth has begun this month (on new network, FXX) only reinforces this.

When we left Dee, Charlie, Mac, Frank and Dennis in the finale of season seven, they’d been very publicly rejected by all of their peers at a disastrous high school reunion. Consequently, either by accident or design I feel like many highlights of season eight saw the Paddy’s Pub crew in isolation facing their own twisted internal conflicts and the episodes were stronger for it. Putting each character separately under a microscope in my personal favorite, “The Gang Gets Analyzed,” for example was a genius way of checking in on where they all stand. From Dennis’s sociopathetic drive to control those around him (he gets worse every year and Howerton is amazing to watch as he just barely keeps Dennis’s mania in check) to Mac’s “reverse body dysmorphia”, the psychiatrist only has to scratch the surface to expose all of these characters’ neuroses. The finale as well sees the gang holding their own trial in “Reynolds Vs Reynolds: The Cereal Defense” which began over a simple rear-ender and yet somehow spirals into theological debate complete with charts. Escalation is something Always Sunny does best.

By far however, season eight will most likely be remembered for standout episode “The Maureen Ponderosa Wedding Massacre” which has Dennis’s disgusting ex-wife from season six marrying into the even-more-disgusting McPoyle clan. Told in flashback from an interrogation room, it’s the only episode lacking the traditional Sunny credit sequence and goes into full on zombie horror mode. It also features a hysterical cameo by Guillermo Del Toro (apparently he asked for a part while directing Day on Pacific Rim) as a cannibalistic McPoyle. As if that family could get any worse.

The extras include commentaries on four episodes that are not particularly enlightening, though fun for die-hard fans. The cast here also gets a chance to vent a bit about twitterverse complaints, particularly in regard to the episode aptly titled “The Gang Recycles Their Trash.” The answer’s in the name, folks. Personally, I had fun with that cleverly constructed episode, catching some references only upon repeat viewing. There’s also a blooper reel, a fully produced cheesy sitcom featuring Mac and Charlie’s mothers inhabiting a Golden-Girls-like sitcom universe and a brief moment of “In Memoriam” to Fat Mac to acknowledge actor/creator Rob McElhenney’s sixty pound transformation between seasons.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 8, complete, dvd, philadelphia, review, season, ...
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