DVD Review “Sofia the First: The Floating Palace”

Actors: Ariel Winter, Sara Ramirez, Wayne Brady, Tim Gunn
Directors: Jamie Mitchell
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: April 8, 2014
Run Time: 118 minutes

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

When I first saw the trailer for “Sofia the First: The Floating Palace”, I was really blown away. I have been a fan of the show from episode one but this new full-length adventure really looked and felt like a feature-film. Plus it featured one of my (and my daughters) favorite princesses Ariel from “The Little Mermaid”. The special was good overall, I personally thought it was quite intense for young kids especially Mr. Cedrick’s transformed character. I love the songs including Sofia’s duet with Ariel “Joining Together” and the fun “Merriway Cove”. “Sofia the First” is a great show and I know it is going to be around for a long time. You can tell that a lot of work went into making this full-length feature and I really hope that they plan more of these in the future for the show.

Official Premise: Do YOU believe in mermaids? You will – when you set sail on a magical full-length adventure under the sea with Sofia The First! After Sofia helps a little mermaid named Oona, Sofia’s amulet grants her the power to transform into a mermaid and visit her new friend’s secret underwater kingdom. But when Cedric (disguised as a sea monster) plots to steal Oona’s enchanted Mermaid Comb, danger surfaces for both worlds. With a little help from special guest, Princess Ariel, Sofia embarks on an adventure to rescue Oona and prevent a typhoon before it’s too late. Overflowing with oceans of song-filled fun – plus three more exciting episodes – “The Floating Palace” proves that when families and friends work together, they can weather any storm and save the day.

Honestly, I have to admit that I am a little disappointed with the bonus features on this DVD. In a typical Disney Junior DVD, there is an extended episode as the feature and usually around five additional episodes. But after “Sofia the First: The Floating Palace”, there are only three additional episodes including “Tri-Kingdom Picnic”, “Finding CLover” and “Make Way for Miss Nettle” (one of my least favorites to date). It obviously doesn’t bother by two year old daughter especially since there was also free bonus Sofia Friendship Bracelets, which have been keeping her occupied as well. Look forward to future releases from this show but hopefully next time there will be more bonus episodes included.

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DVD Review “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax”

Starring: Christina Ricci, Billy Campbell, Clea DuVall
Director: Nick Gomez
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: April 8, 2014
Run Time: 91 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

The trailer for this “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax” started off very promising including the very creepy popular children’s skipping-rope rhyme…

“Lizzie Borden took an axe
And gave her mother forty whacks.
When she saw what she had done
She gave her father forty-one.”

…but then I realized that this was a Lifetime Original TV movie and then I lost all expectations. If you know the story of Lizzie Borden, you would expect a very dark and violent film. This film focuses more on the court room battle than on the live of Lizzie Borden and her horrific murder. I have to give it to Lifetime for attempting to tackle a subject like this but personally this needs to be made for HBO or even AMC (they get away with murder -get the pun? haha- on “The Walking Dead”). Lifetime also recently released a bio pic of Anna Nicole Smith, which to be honest felt exactely the same. They both played it too safe for its content. I have always been interested in Lizzie Borden and it blows my mind that even after over 120 years people are still as well. Worth checking out for the performances, if you expect a TV watered down version of the topic.

Official Premise: On a scorching, hot summer day in 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts, Lizzie Borden (Ricci) returns home to the house she shares with her father Andrew, stepmother Abby and sister Emma (DuVall). But, unlike any normal day, Lizzie encounters the bloody scene of her parents violently murdered. Police quickly question multiple suspects in town, but evidence keeps pointing back to the Borden’s youngest daughter Lizzie, the seemingly wholesome Sunday school teacher, as the prime suspect. Lizzie?s lawyer, Andrew Jennings (Campbell), proclaims her innocence arguing that it is inconceivable a woman could commit the heinous crime of brutally murdering her family with an ax. Or is it? Lizzie is put on trial for the murders, both in the courtroom and in the press, sparking a widespread debate about her culpability. As the case rages on, the courtroom proceedings fuel an enormous amount of sensationalized stories and headlines in newspapers throughout the country, forever leaving Lizzie Borden’s name in infamy.

The best thing about this film is no question Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Christina Ricci (TV’s “Pan Am”). She really gets behind Lizzie and nails the role. She is also backed with a great supporting cast including Golden Globe Nominee Billy Campbell (TV’s “Helix”) and Clea DuVall (“Argo”). Unfortunately, the cast cannot make up for the lacking wow factor that this film does not possess. Either way, this film was a huge success like “Anna Nicole”, when it original aired on January 25, 2014 bringing in 4.4 million viewers and making it the night’s number-one telecast among all key demographics. So like it or not, expect more films like this from this station in the near future. No special features at all are included on this DVD.

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DVD Review “Here’s Lucy: The Complete Series”

Actors: Lucille Ball, Gale Gordon, Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr.
Number of discs: 24
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO
DVD Release Date: March 25, 2014
Run Time: 4320 minutes

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

After “I Love Lucy” ended in 1958, Lucille Ball went on to star in two other very successful series. The first being “The Lucy Show”, which ran on CBS from 1962 to 1968 (156 Episodes) to “Here’s Lucy” which ran from 1968 to 1974 (144 episodes). In “Here’s Lucy”, the show brought back veteran Gale Gordon along with Lucille Ball’s own real-life children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr. I wanted alive during the original airing of this show but I recall it quite fondly due to syndication. There was also something about Lucille Ball that I just loved, could have been a first crush, who knows. She is an amazing actress, as well as very funny all throughout here career (except for “Life with Lucy” that will be try and forget). Thanks to MPI Home Video we are getting the complete series of “Here’s Lucy” with all 144 uncut and digitally remastered episodes together for the first time on DVD as a box set.

Like “The Lucy Show”, there was no shortage of guest stars for this show. It was a little slow in the beginning but in the last few seasons had a “guest star of the week”. When I say guest stars, I mean some of the biggest names in Hollywood at the time including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Andy Griffith, Joan Rivers, Danny Thomas, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Frankie Avalon, Eddie Albert, Milton Berle, Chuck Connors, Ed McMahon, Don Knotts, Donny Osmond, Eva Gabor, Joe Namath, Petula Clark, Ricardo Montalban, Elsa Lanchester and many many more. Speaking of as the show went on this show actually got better and better in the first few seasons. In fact, the third was definitely the best in my eyes. After that the show was still good but was on a slight decline though still quite enjoyable.

This Complete Series box set comes complete with each of the 144 episodes from this series, totaling up 4320 minutes, which would literally take you six days straight to watch in a row without bathroom breaks or food. Along with each season DVD, there is TONS of great special features included. Season one comes with new episode introductions on every single episode from either Lucie Arnaz or Desi Arnaz, Jr. and a few other surprises including Joseph Ruskin, Peggy Rae, Wayne Newton, and Bruce Gordon. The rest of the special features are located on disc 4. There is a feature on “Making the Main Title”, which is a cool animation sequence. “Meet the Carters” is a featurette with Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr. talking about the series. “Let’s Talk to Lucy” is a radio program where Lucy interviews her co-star from “Here’s Lucy. feature. There are “Screen Tests” included but not from this show, which is strange, it is from the 1968 film “Yours, Mine, and Ours” for Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr.

Still we season one we have “Slide Show”, which is a collection of photos from the first season with music in the background. Next is “Treasures from Lucy’s Vault”, this again isn’t directly related to “Here’s Lucy” but still a nice addition. “I Love Lucy Home Videos” is home movies from being on the road with “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour”. “Lucy at LAX” contains extended footage shot for the episode “Lucy and the Great Airport Chase”. “The Chase” is a 1965 home video of Lucy and her husband, Gary Morton. “Lucy the Model” are a few more short videos of Lucy doing a little bit of modeling. Finally in the vault, “Golfing with Gleason” is footage of Gary Morton and Lucille Ball playing golf with Jackie Gleason. Lastly there are “Production Files” and tons of original CBS-TV Network & Syndication promos.

Season two brings us some more extras including new episode introductions on every single episode from either Lucie Arnaz or Desi Arnaz, Jr. Then again on disc 4 there are more extras including the featurette “Here’s Lucy: On Location” where Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz, Jr. and others talk about producing episodes outside of the studio. “Let’s Talk to Lucy: Carol Burnett” is a radio interview with Carol Burnett from 1964. “Lucy Sings” is a short extra with Lucy performing on stage. “Lucie and Wayne Newton” is cool vintage footage with Lucie Arnaz talking and performing with with Wayne Newton in front of an audience. We again have another set of “Treasures From Lucy’s Vault”, which is more home videos including “Air Force Academy Adventures”, “Roll ‘Em On the River”, “Lucy Scouts the Rapids”, “At Home With Desi, Jr.” and “USC Honors Lucy”. Lastly there are “Production Files”, a slideshow and tons of original CBS-TV Network & Syndication promos.

Season three starts off with new episode introductions on every single episode from either Lucie Arnaz or Desi Arnaz, Jr. Then again on disc 4 there are more extras including the featurettes and the usual Let’s Talk to Lucy, Treasures from Lucy’s Vault, Production Files, Slide Show and Syndication Promos. A few highlights are “Lucy Meets the Burtons: A Comedic Gem” which is a new featurette with interviews from Lucie Arnaz, Production Executive Howard Rayfiel, Producer Cleo Smith, Columnist James Bacon, Property Master Ken Wescott, Television Critic Cecil Smith, Cue Card Operator Tommy Tucker, Hairstylist Irma Kusely, Writer Madelyn Davis and Carole Cook talking about the series. Also “Lucy with Jack Benny” from a 1971 special called “Everything You Wanted to Know About Jack Benny… But Were Afraid to Ask.” Lucy performs along with John Wayne and George Burns appearing.

If you aren’t seeing a trend here, they extras are pretty similar on each season. Season four continues the trend with new episode introductions on every single episode from either Lucie Arnaz or Desi Arnaz, Jr. Then again on disc 4 there are more extras including the featurettes and the usual Let’s Talk to Lucy, Treasures from Lucy’s Vault, Production Files, Slide Show and Syndication Promos. A few highlights “Here’s Harry”, which is a retrospective on Gale Gordon and features Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr. talking about him and his career. “Let’s Talk to Lucy: Dinah Shore” is another interview with Lucy from her radio program chatting with Dinah Shore.

Almost done here, season five includes the new episode introductions on every single episode from either Lucie Arnaz or Desi Arnaz, Jr. Then again on disc 4 there are more extras including the featurettes and the usual Let’s Talk to Lucy, Treasures from Lucy’s Vault, Production Files, Slide Show and Syndication Promos. A few highlights are “Here’s Lucy Spotlight: Desi Arnaz, Jr.”, which features Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr. talking about the actor’s career. “Let’s Talk to Lucy: Frank Sinatra”, one of my favorite since I love ole blue eyes, is a full audio clip of a radio interview that Lucy did with Frank Sinatra in 1965.

Finally the last season is here, how does anyone even have time to watch this entire series and then ALL of these special features. Season six doesn’t have the new episode introductions on every single episode from either Lucie Arnaz or Desi Arnaz, Jr…just kidding wanted to see if you were paying attention. Yes, they are also included on this season. Then again on disc 4 there are more extras including the featurettes and the usual Let’s Talk to Lucy, Treasures from Lucy’s Vault, Production Files, Slide Show and Syndication Promos. A few highlights “Let’s Talk to Lucy” which is more radio interviews that Lucy did with Andy Griffith on her radio show in March 1965. “Lucy on the Tennessee Ernie Ford Special” (8:36) is a fun skit from the 1968 Tennessee Ernie Ford Special. “Lucy and Vivian Vance on Dinah!” is an extended interview of Lucy from Dinah Shore’s show in 1975 where we get to see Lucy with a new look. Lastly there is a “Film Short: For a Wonderful Life!” introduced by Lucille Ball and Lucie Arnaz.

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DVD Review “Contracted”

Actors: Najarra Townsend, Caroline Williams, Katie Stegeman, Simon Barrett
Directors: Eric England
Rated: Unrated
Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO
DVD Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 84 minutes

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

When you see the box art to “Contracted” you cannot help but get curious about this film, especially being a horror fan. The film starts off slow and gets more and more intense each minute, sort of like the virus that Samantha gets in the film. I wouldn’t call this a zombie film upfront actually but it does have a nice transition into one. Najarra Townsend is quite amazing in the film and really has such an impressive transition from the beginning to the end. Horror fans will also enjoy seeing horror icons (new and old) with Caroline Williams (“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”) and Simon Barrett, (co-director of “V/H/S”). After watching this film. I was a little freaked out and very shocked, which to me means that this was very successful.

Official Premise: After a lapse in her relationship with her lover (Katie Stegeman) forces twenty-something party girl Samantha (Najarra Townsend) to move back in with her overbearing mother (Caroline Williams, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2), things seem to be at an all-time low. But the devil-may-care Samantha soon finds escape in a one-night stand with a mysterious man (Simon Barrett, V/H/S) who leaves her hung-over, guilt-ridden and infected. Uncertain of the disease or the man who gave it to her, Samantha attempts to hide it from her loved ones. But she soon realizes that she is not just the victim of an STD, but rather the host of something much more catastrophic, and that she and those around her are in mortal danger.

IFC Midnight is the studio behind this release and I love that they keep releasing really interesting and unique indies like “Contracted”. Last year, they delivered some awesome films and I can’t wait to see what they have planned for the rest of the year. One thing, I am a bit bummed about is that this is a DVD release only. I would have loved to seen this get a Blu-ray release. In terms of special features, there is some decent content. There is a great commentary track with director Eric England, editor Josh Ethier, cinematographer Mike Testin and composer Kevin Riepl, as well as another commentary with director Eric England and cast included. There is a behind-the-scenes look into “The Making of Contracted”. There is Najarra Townsend audition footage, as well as an Animated pitch for the film and a trailer included.

 

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DVD Review “Monsters: The Complete Series”

Actors: Tempestt Bledsoe, Lili Taylor, Steve Buscemi, Gina Gershon, Deborah Harry
Executive Produced: Richard P. Rubinstein
Number of discs: 9
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Entertainment One
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 1560 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Any horror fan that grew up in the 80’s should remember the series “Monsters”, which used to play in syndication along with “Tales from the Darkside”. This anthology/horror series aired from 1988-91 with 72 half-hour episodes. This show is easily one of my favorites of all-time. No, it may not be the best but it certainly reminds me of my childhood and attributed to my love of horror today. I probably shouldn’t have been watching it at the age I did but I just couldn’t get enough of it. Luckily, thanks to Syfy and Chiller channels, this show was given a second life and has been showing over the last decade. The series has never been released on DVD EVER and thanks to eOne (who are my heroes this month), this series finally gets put out in a fantastic DVD box set.

This series delivered a great blend of horror along with comedy, sci-fi and fantasy. What I love about these episodes the most is that you are able to watch and re-watch them and they never get old. When they were re-airing on Syfy, I used to leave it on loop day after day and I couldn’t get enough. The practical effects in the film are fantastic and look great, of course not to today’s standards, but I remember I used to be quite scared of some of these show’s creations growing up, so I think it was quite effective. The show also was jam packed with an amazing cast of actors whether big stars then and big stars now. If you are reading this eOne, if you can get “Freddy’s Nightmare” complete series on DVD, I will be your best friend forever! This is must have for any horror fan, NO QUESTION!

Season one consists of the following episodes: 1. The Feverman; 2. Holly’s House; 3. New York Honey; 4. The Vampire Hunter; 5. My Zombie Lover; 6. Where’s The Rest Of Me?; 7. The Legacy; 8. Sleeping Dragon; 9. Pool Sharks; 10. Pillow Talk; 11. Rouse Him Not; 12. Fools Gold; 13. Glim-Glim; 14. Parents From Space; 15. The Mother Instinct; 16. Their Divided Self; 17. Taps; 18. The Match Game; 19. Rain Dance; 20. The Cocoon; 21. All In A Day s Work; 22. Satan In The Suburbs; 23. Mannikins Of Horror and 24. La Strega

Season one consists of the following notable talent including David McCallum (“The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”),  Marilyn Jones (“Murder, She Wrote”), ‘Little Mike’ Anderson (“Twin Peaks”), Andrea Thompson (“Babylon 5”), Robert Lansing (“Automan”), Tempestt Bledsoe (“The Cosby Show”), Meatloaf (“Fight Club”), Kin Shriner (“General Hospital”), John Diehl (“Stripes”), Mary Woronov (“Death Race 2000”), Alex Cord (“Airwolf”), Jeff Conaway (“Babylon 5”), Frank Gorshin (“Batman”), David L. Lander (“Laverne & Shirley”), Tori Spelling (“Beverly Hills, 90210”), Kent McCord (“Galactica: 1980”), Teri Copley (“We Got It Made”), Billy Drago (“The Untouchables”), Kim Johnson Ulrich (“As the World Turns”), Adrienne Barbeau (“The Fog”), James Morrison (“Space: Above & Beyond”), Eddie Velez (“The A-Team”), Christopher Noth (“Law & Order”), William Prince (“Dallas”), Linda Blair (“The Exorcist”), Rob Morrow (“Northern Exposure”)

Season two consists of the following episodes: 25. The Face; 26. Portrait Of The Artist; 27. A Bond Of Silk; 28. Rerun; 29. Love Hurts; 30. The Farmer’s Daughter; 31. Jar; 32. The Demons; 33. Reaper; 34. The Mandrake Root; 35. Half As Old As Time; 36. Museum Hearts; 37. Habitat; 38. Bed And Boar; 39. Mr. Swlabr; 40. Perchance To Dream; 41. One Wolf’s Family; 42. The Offering; 43. Far Below; 44. Micro Minds; 45. Refugee; 46. The Gift; 47. The Bargain and 48. The Family Man

Second two consists of the following notable talent including Darren McGavin (“A Christmas Story”), Lydia Cornell (“Too Close For Comfort”), Marc McClure (“Superman”), Ren Woods (“Beauty and the Beast”), Soupy Sales (“What’s My Line?”), George Hall (“The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles”), Fritz Weaver (“The Martian Chronicles”), Gina Gershon (“Showgirls”), Richard Moll (“Night Court”), Barbara Billingsley, Leif Garrett, Lili Taylor (“Almost Human”), Steve Buscemi (“Boardwalk Empire”), Raphael Sbarge (“Once Upon A Time”), Anne Meara (“ALF”), Jerry Stiller (“The King of Queens”), Amy Stiller (“Zoolander”), Orson Bean (“The Hobbit”), Barry Nelson (“The Shining”), Troy Donahue (“Surfside 6”), Judy Geeson (“Star Maidens”), Phillip Abbott (“The F.B.I.”), Abe Vigoda (“The Godfather”) and Kim Griest (“Manhunter”)

Season three consists of the following episodes: 49. Stressed Environment; 50. Murray’s Monster; 51. Bug House; 52. Cellmates; 53. Outpost; 54. The Hole; 55. Small Blessing; 56. Shave And A Haircut, Two Bites; 57. The Young And The Headless; 58. The Waiting Game; 59. Sin-Sop; 60. A New Woman; 61. Malcolm; 62. Household Gods; 63. The Space-Eaters; 64. The Waiting Room; 65. Leavings; 66. Desirable Alien; 67. A Face For Radio; 68. Werewolf Of Hollywood; 69. Talk Nice To Me; 70. The Moving Finger; 71. Hostile Takeover and 72. The Maker

Finally, season three consists of the following notable talent including Carol Lynley (“The Poseidon Adventure”), Joe Flaherty (“Freaks and Geeks”), Karen Sillas (“Under Suspicion”), Maxwell Caulfield (“Grease 2”), Juliet Mills (“Nanny and the Professor”), Julie Brown (“Earth Girls Are Easy”), Kevin Nealon (“Saturday Night Live), David Spade (“Dickie Roberts”), Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Matt LeBlanc (“Friends”), Linda Thorson (60’s “The Avengers”), Ed Lauter (“B.J. and the Bear”), Farley Granger (“Strangers on a Train”), John Saxon (“A Nightmare on Elm Street”), Tony Shalhoub (“Monk”), Deborah Harry (band member Blondie), Morton Downey, Jr. (“trash TV”), Laura Brannigan (American singer), Richard Belzer (“Homicide: Life on the Street”), David Spielberg (“One Life to Live”), Dennis Christopher (“Breaking Away”) and Pam Grier (“Jackie Brown”).

Having watched these episodes on TV as a kid, WAY before anything called high definition was around and then re-watching them on Syfy and Chiller in the last decade, they have never been delivered in great best condition. Today these episodes on DVD are not stunning but they do the trick and personally, I think the show has never looked better. There are no additional special features included in this set. I figure that they had as much talent as they did in this show, they could have gotten at least a few interviews or commentary tracks on these episodes but nonetheless, at least we have them. The set comes with three cases, each with its own season. There is great cover art for each particular season and there is great images in case the case as well. There is no boring black case here. They aimed to impress and succeed no question.

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DVD Review “American Hustle”

Actors: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence
Directors: David O. Russell
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 138 minutes

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

“American Hustle” was really not my cup of tea. I thought that the acting was quite phenomenal especially Jennifer Lawrence but overall, I thought it was long and switched too much from comedy to drama that I wasn’t sure when or if I should be laughing or cringing. Amy Adams and Bradley Cooper definitely deserves their Oscar nominations, no question. Cooper was a nutso in this film (poor Louis C.K.) and Christian Bale should have been nominated for Best Hair of the year. “Silver Linings Playbook” was easily one of my favorite films of 2012 but I was not a fan of “The Fighter” from David O. Russell, so I think him and I are hit and miss. Did I mention that Jennifer Lawrence was amazing in this film, I think more of her could have easily won me over.

Official Premise: A fictional film set in the alluring world of one of the most stunning scandals to rock our nation, “American Hustle” tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner Sydney Prosser (Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Cooper). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia that’s as dangerous as it is enchanting. Renner plays Carmine Polito, the passionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and Feds. Irving’s unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Lawrence) could be the one to pull the thread that brings the entire world crashing down. Like David O. Russell’s previous films (The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook), “American Hustle” defies genre, hinging on raw emotion, and life and death stakes.

Since this film was only available for us to review on DVD, I will not go into the video and audio much but the film this isn’t really a film that NEEDS to be seen in high definition anyway. The DVD is delivered as a combo pack with an HD Digital Ultraviolet copy as well. When it comes down to the special features though, this film does not improve much either. There is only one feature to look behind-the-scenes at “The Making of American Hustle”, which is decent. Besides that there are some deleted and extended scenes. I thought when I first watching this film that maybe I would have enjoyed this a little more again with a nice commentary track to complement the film but I guess that is not going to happen.

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DVD Review “Doc Mcstuffins: Mobile Clinic”

Creators: Chris Nee
Voices: Kiara Muhammad
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Disney Junior’s “Doc McStuffins” is such a great show for kids. It delivers such great messages for young children to learn, while also still having fun. The show has such great (and very catchy) music. The songs are just a blast and my daughter, who nearly has been watching since she was born and now nearly two just loves them. With the start of season two, Doc went mobile with her new mobile clinic which allows her to make house calls to treat broken toys. I think this was a great idea for the show (and also for the merchandise department in Disney). I wish they will take advantage of this mobile unit in future episodes. This is “Doc McStuffins” third DVD release and I am sure there will be more, so just keep them coming Disney.

Official Premise: Now, if you can’t come to Doc, she can come to you! When your toys are hurt or sick, the “Doc Mobile” will get there quick with everything needed – including on-site cuddles – to fix them good as new. Ride with Doc and her trusty team as they rescue Dress-Up Daisy from a tree. Then, race to the park in time to help a wind-up mouse get back to doing fantastic flips. Get ready to get movin’ with five amazing, song-filled episodes. Wherever adventure takes you, Doc’s Mobile Clinic is your ticket to healthy, happy fun!

This DVD contains five episodes from the series including “Doc McStuffins Goes McMobile/Chip Off the Ol’ Block”, “Doc to the Rescue/Don’t Knock the Noggin”, “Out of the Box/Run Down Race Car”, “Rescue Ronda, Ready for Takeoff/All Washed Up”, “Rest Your Rotors, Ronda!/Keep On Truckin'”. These are all fun episodes and don’t want to knock other shows on Disney Junior and repeat myself but they really have great underlying messages. If you watch a show like “Jake and the Never Land Pirates”, they do certain things and get rewarded with coins, this show teaches kids about playing together, how to be safe etc all while having fun. I appreciate that much more for my child to watch personally.

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DVD Review “Tom Holland’s Twisted Tales”

Actors: Tom Holland, William Forsythe, Danielle Harris, AJ Bowen, Sarah Butler
Directors: Tom Holland
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
DVD Release Date: March 18, 2014
Run Time: 142 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

If you are not familiar with the name Tom Holland, he is the horror legend behind films like “Child’s Play”, “Fright Night”. We interviewed Tom back in 2010 and he mentioned this project to us then, so I have been following this project for a while. This series premiered on FEARNET as an anthology short series. It is consists of nine episodes and together add up to nearly 2.5 hours of tales. These vary from fun to clever to terrible. There is no scare factor behind these but it just comes down to what haven’t we seen already these days…but they are no question twisted. You can see if any of this fail it is due to budget, which looks to be virtually nothing on some of these. Nothing groundbreaking, we have some winners but mostly losers so make your own decision here. Hardcore Holland fans only.

“Fred and his GPS” was about a guy that has a chat with his GPS during his getaway after killing his wife. But find that his wife might not be through haunting him. It is a good way to kick off the film and AJ Bowen (“You’re Next”) is awesome as always. “To Hell With You” is your typical deal with the devil bit, which starts Danielle Harris (“Rob Zombie’s Halloween”) and William Forsythe (“Dick Tracy”) but a whole lot of fun. “Boom” stars Noah Hathaway (“The Neverending Story”) and puts him in a scheme to find out if his wife is cheating on him with his best friend…and he does it with a bomb. I liked this one quite a bit and it was quite clever. “Mongo’s Magick Mirror” is about a magician with a special trick. This one was not just bad, it was absolutely terrible. I love Ray Wise (“Twin Peaks”) but this one was almost impossible to watch.

“Bite” is about a drug that turns people into werewolves. Could have been awesome but relies too much on slow motion cuts. This one was also affected by terrible acting. “Shockwave” packs the best cast with Angelis Bettis (“May”), Amber Benson (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer”) and James Duval (“Donnie Darko”). It follows a group of people trying to survive after a nuclear blast hit the planet. Good twist but predictable. I think predictable is the key word for most of these. “Cached” is pretty cool about a guy that steals a dead man’s tablet and lives (or maybe doesn’t) to regret it. “Pizza Guy” is one of the better tales about a group that tries to summon of a demon. Lastly “Vampire Dance” is no question the most pointless entry and worst of them all, which ends this film on the worst possible note.

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DVD Review “The Flintstone Kids: Rockin’ in Bedrock”

Actors: Scott Menville, Bumper Robinson, Hamilton Camp, Elizabeth Lyn Fraser, Henry Corden
Producers: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera, Kay Wright
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Warner Bros Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 11, 2014
Run Time: 300 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Growing up in the 80’s, I used to soak up any and all cartoon that aired either after school or on weekend mornings. I wasn’t old enough to watch the original “The Flintstones” but I was always a fan of the show. My parents told me that I used to run around the house as a kid screaming “YABBA DABBA DOO!”. When “The Flintstone Kids” aired, it was an instant favorite of mine. I was able to watch the pint-sized version of my favorite stone age family, but when they were kids. If you love the original “Flintstones” then it is a no-brainer, “The Flintstone Kids” is a must-own title to add to your collection. I have a 21-month old daughter and she has already watched these episodes numerous times, so I like being able to introduce her to a show that I also grew up with as a kid.

Official Premise: Before Fred and Barney married Wilma and Betty, and became stars of the enormously popular animated primetime series The Flintstones, they were fun-loving kids who hung around together in the town of Bedrock. The Flintstone Kids follows their escapades as adorable schoolchildren and introduces viewers to some new characters, including Rocky Ratrock, Dreamchip Gemstone and Miss Rockybottom, as well as family members Ed and Edna Flintstone, Robert Rubble, Doris Slaghoople and many others.

“The Flintstone Kids” originally aired from 1986 to 1988 on ABC. There were 78 episodes in the series. This is the first time that this show has ever been released on DVD. This release includes ten episodes including: “Barney’s Moving Experience”, “Curse of the Gemstone Diamond”, “Dusty Disappears”, “Freddy’s First Crush”, “Heroes for Hire”, “Poor Little Rich Girl”, “The Bad News Brontos”, “The Fugitives”, “The Little Visitor/Grandpa For Loan” and “The Rock Concert That Rocked Freddy”. This means that there are still 68 episodes left to release, so I have a feeling that Warner Bros is going to be released these volumes for some time.

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DVD Review “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”

Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
Directors: Francis Lawrence
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lionsgate
DVD Release Date: March 7, 2014
Run Time: 146 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When I saw “The Hunger Games”, I plain out hated it. No, I have never read the books and have no interest in doing so either. I thought the movie was completely bland and watered down of what it could have been. It was also during a time when I was not a huge fan of Jennifer Lawrence. Well, thanks to “Silver Linings Playbook” and “American Hustle” that has changed and I have actually become a huge fan of Lawrence now. Unfortunately it only pains me more to say that this sequel could actually be worse the first film. Firstly, it is WAY too late at nearly two and half hours. Nothing happens for the first hour and then is so anti-climatic throughout the rest of the film that the cliffhanger ending just makes you slap your head in disgust.

Official Premise: Based on the best-selling second novel of Suzanne Collins’ award-winning trilogy, with a screenplay by Simon Beaufoy and Michael DeBruyn and directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins as, against all odds, Katniss and her fellow tribute Peeta have returned home after surviving The Hunger Games. Winning means they must turn around, leaving their loved ones behind and embark on a “Victory Tour” through the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses a rebellion simmering – one that she and Peeta may have sparked. At the end of the Victory Tour, President Snow announces a deadly 75th Hunger Games that could change Panem forever.

Since this film was in such high demand (no idea why), we only were able to snag this on DVD. The DVD also comes with an HD Digital Ultraviolet copy. In terms of special features, the DVD once again gets the short end of the stick. There is an audio commentary track from director Francis Lawrence (not relation to Jennifer) and producer Nina Jacobson. No cast involved at all which is a shame since it could have added some life to this track. The only other real special feature are a few deleted scenes. Then there is a sneak peak of “Divergent”, which looks even worse than this film if that is possible. The Blu-ray release comes with a nine-part feature-length documentary called “Surviving the Game: Making Catching Fire”, so fans of the film should be sure not to miss that. I am sure I will still see “Mockingjay: Part 1 & 2” but I really hope they are a vast improvement on these first two.

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DVD Review “Marine Boy: The Complete Second Season”

Voices of: Corinne Orr, Jack Grimes, Peter Fernandez and Jack Curtis
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 637 minutes
Format: Made To Order DVD

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

After revisit “Marine Boy” with the first season recently, I was very excited to dive into the second season. This 3-Disc set includes the next 26 Episodes in this classic anime series, which airs from 1966-67. I warn you as cheesy as this show feels today, it is still entertaining and that damn theme song will definitely get stuck in your head. With 52 episodes in the bag, so far we still have another 26 to go, so I expect the third season to hit DVD later this year completing this series.

Official Premise: Marine Boy returns for a second volume of classic ‘American anime’ adventures! Operating out of the Ocean Patrol Marine Headquarters, super-scientist Dr. Mariner outfits his stalwart son with all the aquatic accouterments needed to keep the seas safe for all mankind. From Oxy-Gum and bulletproof wet suit, to flying subs and propeller shoes, Marine Boy has what it takes to face a variety of fearsome foes above and below the ocean’s surface.

Dive deep into the deep with villains like Skwid, Stormbrane, Count Shark, Professor Beelzebub and Captain Wraithand more who must learn to beware the boomerang of Marine Boy as he cruises the sea aboard the submarine P-1 alongside little Clicli, Professor Fumble, mermaid Neptina, dolphin best friend Splasher, and Ocean Patrol agents Bullton and Piper.

Thanks to Warner Archive Collection, this series is continuing to be available to its fans. It is available MOD (manufacture on demand), so if you want it buy it now before it stops being made. These episodes are not flawless but I expect these episodes to have a certain rugged feel to it. These haven’t been restored but have been taken from the best prints available. There are no additional special features available on this release just like the first season.

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“Grudge Match” Arrives Onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digtial HD on April 8th

NEVER GIVE UP THE FIGHT WHEN
Grudge Match
ARRIVES ONTO BLU-RAY COMBO PACK, DVD and DIGITAL HD ON APRIL 8 FROM
WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Blu-ray and Digital HD include bonus content featuring interviews with the all-star cast!
All disc versions feature UltraViolet

Burbank, CA, February 19, 2014– Past-their-prime boxers pack a comic punch in “Grudge Match,” arriving onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on April 8 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. “Grudge Match” stars Oscar® winner Robert De Niro (“Raging Bull,” “Silver Linings Playbook”) and Oscar® nominee Sylvester Stallone (the “Rocky” films, “The Expendables”) as old boxing rivals who come out of retirement for one final match.

Peter Segal (“Get Smart”) directs the comedy, which also stars Kevin Hart (“Think Like a Man”) as Dante Slate, Jr.; Oscar® winner Alan Arkin as Razor’s former trainer, Louis “Lightning” Conlon, who gets to put Razor through his paces again; and Oscar® winner Kim Basinger (“L.A. Confidential”) as Sally Rose, who was once the love of Razor’s life.

“Grudge Match” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and on DVD for $28.98. The Blu-ray Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in hi-definition on Blu-ray, and the DVD features the theatrical version in standard definition. Both include a digital version of the movie on Digital HD with UltraViolet.* Fans can also own “Grudge Match” in Digital HD on April 8 via purchase from digital retailers.

SYNOPSIS

In “Grudge Match,” Billy “The Kid” McDonnen (De Niro) and Henry “Razor” Sharp (Stallone) are two local Pittsburgh fighters whose fierce rivalry put them in the national spotlight.  Each had scored a victory against the other during their heyday, but in 1983, on the eve of their decisive third match, Razor suddenly announced his retirement, refusing to explain why but effectively delivering a knock-out punch to both their careers.  Thirty years later, boxing promoter Dante Slate, Jr., seeing big dollar signs, makes them an offer they can’t refuse: to re-enter the ring and settle the score once and for all.

But they may not have to wait that long: on their first encounter in decades, their long-festering feud erupts into an unintentionally hilarious melee that instantly goes viral.  The sudden social media frenzy transforms their local grudge match into a must-see HBO event.  Now, if they can just survive the training, they may actually live to fight again.

BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS

 

“Grudge Match” Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:

  • The Bull & The Stallion
  • In the Ring with Kevin Hart
  • Ringside with Tyson & Holyfield
  • Blow for Blow with Larry Holmes
  • Kevin Hart Unedited
  • Alternate Opening
  • Alternate Endings with an Introduction by Peter Segal
  • Deleted Scenes

Standard Definition DVD contains the following special feature:

  • Deleted Scenes

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History’s “Swamp People: Season Four” DVD Giveaway [ENDED]

Media Mikes would like to giveaway a DVD for History’s hit show “Swamp People: Season Four”. If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of this great prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email indicating your what is your favorite “Swamp People” cast member? This giveaway will remain open until February 28th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to all fans of Media Mikes, worldwide!! 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.

In Season 4 of SWAMP PEOPLE on HISTORY, the resolute crews face wild weather, a ticking clock and life-threatening feats. While surrounding states are knee-deep in drought and dehydration, the people of south Louisiana once again wade through the Atchafalaya waters as Hurricane Isaac hits on gator season’s opening day. Dropping temperatures spur prematurely hatched eggs and early retreat for alligators. With the ultimate goal for bigger gators and higher profits, the hunters remain true to their resourceful Cajun traditions while employing newfangled and unconventional baiting techniques.

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DVD Review “Search: The Complete Series”

Creator: Leslie Stevens
Starring: Hugh O’Brian, Tony Franciosa, Doug McClure, Burgess Meredith
Distributed by: Warner Archive Collection
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 1150 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Fans of this series have been awaiting this complete series release for a while. Back in 2011, the Warner Archive Collection put out “Probe” on DVD, which is the pilot telefilm for this 1972 NBC series. This 6-Disc set contains all 23-episodes from this short-lived, yet respected series. I am a technology nerd and this show was way ahead of its time with its gadgets and goodies. I think this is probably why this show didn’t last. “Search” had a great cast including Hugh O’Brian, Doug McClure, Tony Franciosa and the great Burgess Meredith. The show was clever and quite sharp and if you are a fan of this show, this is a no-brainer.

Official Premise: Hugh O’Brian, Doug McClure and Tony Franciosa rotate leads as elite high tech espionage operatives for Probe Division of World Securities Corporation in this spy-sensational SF-flavored actioner from Leslie Stevens (creator, The Outer Limits) and Robert Justman (Producer and one of the guiding lights of Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation). Each agent, dubbed a “Probe”, is wired for worldwide surveillance thanks to a Scanner (miniature video camera) and dental/ear implant. Tracking their telemetry and giving real-time mission advice is a team of specialists at Probe Control directed by the brilliant, irascible V.C.R. Cameron (Burgess Meredith).

This show also has a great collection of special guests including Stefanie Powers, Bill Bixby, Mary Ann Mobley, Sebastian Cabot, Barbara Feldon, Mel Ferrer and Joanna Cameron. This series has never been before released on DVD and thanks to Warner Archive, fans of this show can finally own this complete series. The episodes do not have with a brand new restoration but they are still solid within their original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The episode include a mono track, which works for the DVD. This release from Warner Archive is made to order and will be available only for a limited time. There are no additional special features included on this DVD.

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DVD Review “Scooby-Doo! Adventures: The Mystery Map”

Actors: Frank Welker, Stephanie D’Abruzzo, Grey DeLisle Griffin, Matthew Lillard, John Rhys-Davies
Directors: Jomac Noph
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Run Time: 45 minutes

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

I love “Scooby Doo”, I grew up watching it and now I have a daughter of my own that I can share it with. “Scooby-Doo! Adventures: The Mystery Map” is a unique take on the series since it is done with all puppets. That’s right puppets! I think it works for the most part. I still prefer classic animation but I enjoyed the change. Most importantly, my 20 month old daughter enjoyed this quite a bit. It is short, running 45 minutes, so it also kept her attention the entire time. I would recommend checking this out whether you are an old time “Scooby Doo” fan or if you have kids (for sure).

Official Premise: Get ready to experience the world-famous Scooby-Doo! and Crew like never before in this all-new, original puppet movie! What begins as a routine night for the Gang — which includes the slobbering sleuth and Shaggy eating a triple-extra-large Scooby snack pizza — becomes a mad dash to find the frightening Phantom Parrot, who has a map to pirate Gnarlybeard’s hidden treasure. Scooby sniffs out the map’s clues, which lead him right to a spooky pirate ship. Ruh-roh! What will Gnarlybeard be willing to do to protect his booty? The whole family will love casting off on this mysterious, fun-filled voyage again and again.

There are two bonus cartoons included along with this film. “The Backstage Rage” is the ninth episode of the first season of “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”, which first aired back in 1969. The other is “Robopup”, which is the twelfth episode of the first season of “A Pup Named Scooby-Doo” that aired back in 1988. It may be a whole lot of extras but when you have young child that asks for “More” after the film is over, it was nice to have another 45 minutes of episodes to share with her.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: adventures, dvd, map, mystery, review, scoobydoo, ...
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