DVD Review “Among Friends”

Actors: Alyssa Lobit, Jennifer Blanc, Brianne Davis, Dana Daurey, AJ Bowen
Directors: Danielle Harris
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Run Time: 80 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

If you are a horrorhound like myself then you know who Danielle Harris is. She started down the path of becoming a scream queen after her roles in films like “Halloween 4 & 5” and “Hatchet” series. “Among Friends” is her Harris’ first time directing solo and she does a great good job. But I have to admit, I am a little tired of these psycho party game flicks, especially after IFC’s recent “Would You Rather”.  They are all for shock and gore but it grows old quick and it doesn’t help that this 80 minute flick feels like two hours.

Official Premise: Good times take a dark turn when longtime friends get together for an ’80s-themed murder-mystery party that is soon hijacked by someone from their past. The dinner guests will have to face their lies and secret betrayals as they discover the terrifying lengths to which their host will go to expose the truth.

What film does have is a kick-ass cast including Jennifer Blanc (“The Victim”), AJ Bowen (“You’re Next”) and of course Kane Hodder (“Friday the 13th VII-X”). I haven’t heard of Alyssa Lobit but she is really one crazy son-bitch. Harris even makes an appearing in costume from “Halloween 4 & 5” during drug trip scene. This DVD only comes with one special feature, including a commentary track with director Danielle Harris, Jennifer Blanc and AJ Bowen. I have to admit, they definitely had fun on this track and I preferred it to the film but no enough to win me over.

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DVD Review “Gallowwalkers”

Starring: Wesley Snipes, Kevin Howarth, Riley Smith, Tanit Phoenix
Director: Andrew Goth
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
DVD Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 93 minutes

Film: 2 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Wesley Snipes is out of jail and back in the business! Too bad this is not the great comeback one could have hoped for. “Gallowwalkers” has a cool premise but plays off like a boring Western. Like most low budget films, the opening scene shows promise but then the story kicks in and drags this film down to the ground. Let’s hope that Snipes has a better comeback with “The Expendables 3” next summer!

Official Premise: A mysterious gunman, Aman (Snipes), is the son of a nun who breaks her covenant with God to ensure his survival. This act brings a curse upon Aman – all those that die by his gun will return. Soon, he is hunted by a gang of his undead former victims, led by the vicious Kansa. Aman enlists Fabulos, a new young warrior, to fight by his side.

Lions Gate is releasing this film only on DVD, no Blu-ray treatment. It is also includes a digital Ultraviolet streaming copy but I could not see myself re-watching this film a second time. The special features are also light like the film itself. There is a brief “Behind-the-Scenes look into the production with cast/crew interviews. Lastly there is a trailer gallery included.

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“Fright Night 2: New Blood” – Available 10/1 on Blu-ray and DVD

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

Street Date: October 1, 2013
Screen Format: Widescreen 2.00:1
Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Total Run Time: 83 minutes

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DVD Review “The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec”

Actors: Louise Bourgoin, Mathieu Amalric, Gilles Lellouche
Directors: Luc Besson
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: August 13, 2013
Run Time: 107 minutes

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

When I see the name of Luc Besson (“Taken”, “The Fifth Element”, “Le Femme Nikita”) behind a film my radar immediately goes off. The French filmmaker knows how to deliver entertaining action films, though this film doesn’t fall into that category. “The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec” starts off like a French copy of “Indiana Jones” and shows promise but loses all its steam very quickly. The film is based on a comic from the 70’s. I must say that the film does with some pretty impressive visual effects as is the cinematography Thierry Arbogast, who worked with Besson as well on “The Fifth Element”. Unfortunately it doesn’t save the film.

Official Premise: The year is 1912. A 136 million-year old pterodactyl egg, housed on a shelf in the Natural History Museum, has mysteriously hatched, unleashing a prehistoric monster onto the Parisian streets. But nothing fazes Adele, when she finds a connection with the ancient bird and reveals many more extraordinary surprises. Based on the acclaimed historical fantasy books by Jacques Tardi, The Extraordinary Adventures Of Adele Blanc-Sec follows this intrepid adventurer as she uncovers mysterious Egyptian treasures, attempts to tame a wild pterodactyl, eludes dangerous enemies and braves a formidable phenomenon to save her ailing sister.

This film would definitely benefit from a Blu-ray release for sure to showcase those visuals.  The DVD comes with the original French audio in 5.1 Dolby Digital, as well as the terribly dubbed English track. The special features are ok but not spectacular. The best feature on the DVD is “The Making of The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-sec” which is a solid nearly 30 minute behind-the-scenes look at this production. There a few short deleted scenes but are not even worth checking out.  Lastly there is a brief music featurette, which I did love the score but this is way too short. Personally if you are interested in this film, I would wait until October 1st when Shout! Factory releases this film with a Director’s Cut on Blu-ray combo pack with Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Copy.

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DVD Review “Hurricane Smith (1992)”

Actors: David Argue, Carl Weathers, Jurgen Prochnow, Louise Mc Donald
Directors: Colin Budds
Studio: Warner Archive Collection
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Run Time: 86 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I can’t explain why but I am big sucker for cheesy 80/90’s action films. I can’t help it. It is like an addiction. Plus who doesn’t love Carl Weathers. Before this film, I grew up watching him as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” series and Dillon in Predator. Of course everyone knows him as Chubbs Peterson from “Happy Gilmore”. He is just such a kick-ass guy and he does just that in “Hurricane Smith”. Like I said, this movie screams 90’s action but that is what makes it so good. It is not trying to hide anything. If you feel the same way that I highly recommend you picking up this DVD.

Official Premise: He’s been taken for a ride, roughed up and dumped in the gutter. But that won’t stop him. He’ll tear through Bribane, like a…well, his nickname is “Hurricane”! The man who put the Action in Jackson now puts the Hurricane in Smith. Determined to locate his sister, Billy travels from small-town Texas to Australia’s teeming Gold Coast. There, his search plunges into the street war of drug mobsters who’ll soon wonder what hit them. Jurgen Prochnow (Das Boot) costars as stone-cold evil gangster Charlie Dowd. And Cassandra Delaney is the good-hearted hooker who helps Billy as he blasts through a Down Under of high-rise chic and quaint Victoria buildings, of glorious beaches and back-alley gambling. For action that’ll blow you away, brace for Hurricane Smith.

Warner Archive is behind this release and it is the first time that “Hurricane Smith” is getting a DVD treatment. This film has been newly remastered and looks pretty awesome, especially for a 90’s film.  The film comes with an 1.85:1 aspect ratio and looks very impressive. The audio included is also an impressive Dolby Digital track, it works for the film’s action and cheesy yet funny dialogue.  There are no additional special features included here. I just need to say that Warner Archive deserves an award for giving these great titles some love and attention that would otherwise just remain stuck in the VHS age.

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DVD Review “Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels: The Complete Series”

Created by: Joe Ruby, Ken Spears
Voices of: Mel Blanc, Laurel Page, Marilyn Schreffler, Vernee Watson
Number of discs: 2
Studio: Warner Archive Collection
DVD Release Date: July 23, 2013
Run Time: 440 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I just loved Captain Caveman! When was I kid, I would run down my hallway screaming the “Captain CAAAAAVEMAAAAAAANNNN!” The show was originally aired as a segment on “Scooby’s All-Star Laff-A-Lympics” (1977-79) for the first 24 episodes and after that the remaining 16 episodes shown in its own timeslot in 1980. Captain Caveman’s voice was provided by none other than Mel Blanc (aka voice of Bugs Bunny and hundreds others). There is just something about Hanna-Barbera’s cartoons that always bring my back to a great time from my childhood. They seem all very similar yet they are just so much fun. If you grew up with this show like myself or just discovering it, I would highly recommend this latest addition to the Hanna-Barbera Classic Collection.

Official Premise: As originally announced by Gary Owens’ stupendous stentorian tones: “Set free by the Teen Angels from his prehistoric block of glacier ice, comes the world’s first superhero, Captain Caveman! Now the constant companion to the Teen Angels, Brenda, Dee Dee, and Taffy, in their hilarious, and sometimes scary mystery missions. Get ready for Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels!” Originally a segment on Scooby’s All-Star Laff-a-Lympics (and utility player on the field for The Scooby-Doobies), the Mel Blanc-voiced Neolithic Wonder became a Saturday super-star in his own right, and he and the Teen Angels graduated to headliner status on their own show. This 2-Disc, 40-Episode collection contains every mystery solved by the Teen Angels and the Captain. So, beware villains and miscreants, the trademark battle-cry of “Caaaptain Caaaavemaaaan!!!!” is heard across the land again!

Thanks to Warner Archive, we finally get all 40 episodes of “Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels” for the first time. The episodes looks amazing for a show that is nearing 40 years old. They have been newly remastered and very impressive. They are presented in their original full frame aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The audio is also impressive with a Dolby Digital track. There are no additional special features included. Warner Archive has been a big proprietor of Hanna-Barbera’s cartoons and I can’t wait to see what they have planned next. Sorry just need to scream it one more time…”Captain CAAAAAVEMAAAAAAANNNN!”. Ok I am done…for now!

 

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    DVD Review “Mitchell (1975)”

    Actors: Joe Don Baker, Martin Balsam, John Saxon, Linda Evans, Morgan Paull
    Directors: Andrew V. Mclaglen
    Studio: Warner Archive Collection
    DVD Release Date: July 23, 2013
    Run Time: 97 minutes

    Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

    I came across “Mitchell” like I am sure many people have through “Mystery Science Theater 3000”. I absolutely loved that episode of the show and it introduced me to the actor Joe Don Baker and his great roles for film’s like the “Walking Tall” series. I know it pokes fun at the movie “Mitchell” but it also gave me an appreciation for the film as well. I am able to quote various lines from it and it always makes for a fun time watching it with friends. Even without the funny commentary track from “MST3K”, “Mitchell” is still a very entertaining film.  It may not be perfect but it is fun and action packed.

    Official Premise: Told to lay off a case involving an attorney who shot an intruder in his home, headstrong police detective Mitchell ignores the order — and proceeds to get tangled up in an investigation that connects the lawyer (John Saxon), the head of an import racket (Martin Balsam) and a scheme to unload a million-dollar cache of stolen heroin. Joe Don Baker, who made a name for himself as club-wielding sheriff Buford Pusser in the drive-in classic Walking Tall and whose later credits include a notable role in 2013’s Mud, plays the title role in an action film that’s gained a following among connoisseurs of guilty pleasures. At the center of all the action, of course, is Mitchell, giving as good as he gets in pell-mell sequences involving shootings, brawls, car chases, suicidal dune buggy jousts and a rappel from a police helicopter onto the racketeer’s speeding getaway boat. Linda Evans and Merlin Olsen are also in the cast.

    The film previously was only available on DVD as part the “Mystery Science Theater 3000”, so it is great that Warner Archive is giving this film some solo love and diving people a chance to enjoy it outside of the spoof series.  I personally look forward to sharing this with my friends and enjoying it for numerous repeat viewings over the years.  The DVD transfer itself looks good, I am not sure if Warner Archive has done any more restoration but I was used to watching it on a crappy TV bootleg copy. I would have loved to see this get the Blu-ray treatment especially since Warner Archive has been getting into that market recently. In terms of special features, there is nothing additional included on this DVD release.

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    DVD Review “Sugarfoot: The Complete First Season”

    Starring: Will Hutchins, Slim Pickens, Sheb Wooley and Dennis Hopper
    Created by: Michael Fessier
    Distributed by: Warner Archive
    MPAA Rating: Not Rated
    Running Time: 982 minutes

    Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

    I have to admit, I have never been the biggest fan of the Western genre.  In fact, “Sugarfoot” was never on my radar in the past.  I have heard of it but never saw any episodes. Will Hutchins really does a great job on his role and I really loved that character. The show itself is filled with guest stars right from the pilot including Slim Pickens, Sheb Wooley and Dennis Hopper as Billy the Kid. This show has also brought fame to many other well known talent including Bob Steele, Guinn Williams, Don Barry, Paul Fix, Dan Blocker, Pernell Roberts, James Garner, Charles Bronson and many more.  “Sugarfoot: The Complete First Season” features the first 20 episodes of the series over this 5-disc set.

    Official Premise: Based on The Boy from Oklahoma (1954), an easygoing Western starring Will Rogers Jr., Sugarfoot debuted on ABC-TV on September 17, 1957, where it alternated every other week with Cheyenne. Will Hutchins ably ambled into the boots of Tom Brewster, a peaceable lad aiming to get a law degree via a correspondence course, with a nose for danger and a heart of steel. Sarsaparilla sipping “sugarfoot” Tom has one major difference from the likes of Layne and Bodie, however, he would rather reach for his thinking cap than for his pistols (Not that he can’t ping a peso from twenty yards, mind you!

    Since this first season DVD release only includes 20 episodes, this show ran for four seasons with nearly 70 episodes. So I assume that Warner Archive is planning to releases the remaining seasons as well in the coming months.  So if you are a fan of this classic Western show then this show be music to your ears.  The episodes looks great for a show that is nearing 60 years old.  I am not aware if Warner Archive did a full restore on them but I was impressed enough.  Even though Westerns are not my cup of tea, I look forward to the rest of the seasons just to enjoy the timeless action and amazing cameos.

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    DVD Review “The Adventure of Superboy: The Complete Third Season”

    Actors: Gerard Christopher, Stacy Haiduk, Sherman Howard
    Number of discs: 3
    Studio: Warner Archive Collection
    DVD Release Date: July 16, 2013
    Run Time: 560 minutes

    Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

    Warner Archive is responsible for bringing this complete third season of “The Adventure of Superboy” to DVD for the first time.  They originally released the first season back in 2006 but there was a huge gap for the second season, which was released December 2012. So hopefully the fourth and final season of the show is not far behind. This show is a half-hour live-action television series based on early year of Kal-El aka Superman. The show ran from 1988–1992 and aired over 100 episodes. The title of the show was renamed in fact from “Superboy” to “The Adventures of Superboy” at the start of the third season.

    I personally was not a huge fan of this show.  I think Superman works best when he is Superman.  I am not really interested in his younger days, nor does anyone else. Anyone see “Man of Steel” – fast forward to the good stuff. But this show came at a time in our TV history in the early 90’s where it was considered a little campy as well.  The idea of superhero films or TV shows were focusing more on camp then the darker and more serious tones. Hardcore fans of DC Comics, might want this to complete their collection but I was not a big fan.

    Official Premise: Celebrate the Summer of Steel by diving into Kal-El’s adventures… when he was just a “boy” – and by boy we mean a fully-employed young adult! The show’s third season ushered in more changes as the hit syndicated show redefined itself for a new decade. Now named The Adventures of Superboy, the show leaves Shuster University behind, as Clark (Gerard Christopher) and Lana (Stacy Haiduk) take on internships in Capitol City at The Bureau of Extra-Normal Matters, a government agency dedicated to investigating aliens and the paranormal – years before anyone put an ³X² on a file. Working alongside fellow bureau member Matt Ritter (Peter Jay Fernandez) and under bureau chief C. Dennis Jackson (Robert Levine), Clark and Lana delve deep into the unknown as the show cooks up a comic-flavored confection of SciFi Noir. Fans will want to keep their eyes peeled for a pair of special guest stars in this 26-Episode, 3-Disc Collection – Stuart Whitman as Jonathan Kent and Ron Ely as …Superman!

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    DVD Review “The Best of Fridays”

    “The Best of Fridays”
    Shout Factory
    Starring: Larry David, Michael Richards, Melanie Chartoff
    Rated: N/A
    Runtime: 13 hr. 30 min.

    Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

    “Fridays” was the west coast’s answer to “Saturday Night Live” and is responsible for launching the careers of Michael Richards, Larry David and Melanie Chartoff. Skit comedy and live musical performances make up the 5 DVD set from Shout Factory titled “The Best of Fridays”. Over 13 hours of material make up this release which is a must have for both music fans and fans of sketch comedy.

    The people at Shout Factory have done it again with their latest compilation release titled “The Best of Friday’s”. “Fridays” aired live from 1980-1982 and was probably best known for some of its musical performances by the likes of The Clash, Kiss and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The collection is laid out on four discs which feature the chosen highlights from that particular season with the 5th disc consisting of bonus material. Though the compilation features some interesting appearances by Andy Kaufman, William Shatner and Peter Fonda the musical performances were really what I enjoyed the most. It was great seeing these performances for the first time. Some of which I didn’t even know existed. Kiss performing songs off the ill fated “The Elder” prior to Ace Frehley’s departure, The Clash’s first television appearance along with Devo performing their classic hit “Whip It” was really special to watch. At times the audio is not the greatest however the video which is crisp and clear more than makes up for any other short comings.

    The special features portion of the disc was ok however there was nothing out of the ordinary. Cast and crew interviews/stories make up the majority of this section along with a photo gallery and a skit documenting the making of an episode. Fans of sketch comedy will surely want to make room in their collection as will fans of the bands also featured on the collection.

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    DVD Review “Rock Jocks”

    Actors: Felicia Day, Andrew Bowen, Gerry Bednob, Doug Jones, Robert Picardo
    Directors: Paul Seetachitt
    Rated: Unrated
    Studio: New Video Group
    Release Date: August 13, 2013
    Run Time: 91 minutes

    Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

    Wow! I was not expecting that at all. “Rock Jocks” was a real surprise for me. It is funny, epic and packs some impressive visual effects. If that is not enough, the film packs an impressive cast including Felicia Day (“The Guild”), Andrew Bowen (“MadTV”), Gerry Bednob (“The 40-Year-Old Virgin”), Doug Jones (“Pan Labyrinth”), who of course in full prosthetics playing a character called Smoking Jesus, Justin Chow (“The Twilight Saga”), Robert Picardo (“Star Trek: Voyager”), who is a real pisser, and Jason Mewes (“Clerks”). Actually, all impressive except for Justin Chon who was a big pain-the-ass. You can tell that the director was a big fan of “Clerks” as he took his love for that film and mixed it with a fun space adventure. I am not sure how this film missed my radar but I recommend for sure!

    Official Premise: Housed in a top secret location, the Asteroid Management Initiative (AMI) is a critical element in the Defense Department s struggle to keep the Earth safe from the constant onslaught of oncoming asteroids. Its heroes are the ROCK JOCKS, a group of overworked and underpaid misfits with exceptional satellite piloting skills. Our story begins during a night shift, where the Rock Jocks have arrived to fend off the asteroids, yet spend most of the evening fighting off boredom, themselves, and a meddling government bureaucrat hell-bent on shutting them down.

    New Video Group is behind this DVD release and they did a great job overall. I am not sure why they choose not to release this film on Blu-ray. I think the visual effects could have really benefited from it. The sound design was still very impressive on the DVD, the asteroid fights sound great. In terms of special features, there is nothing special included here. There are some behind-the-scenes interviews with the cast talking about the film and there is also a trailer included. I would have loved a commentary track with the cast, could have been fun and also a visual effects featurette.

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    DVD Review “Magic Magic”

    Actors: Michael Cera, Juno Temple, Emily Browning
    Directors: Sebastián Silva
    Rated: R (Restricted)
    Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
    Release Date: August 6, 2013
    Run Time: 97 minutes

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

    “Magic Magic” has seemed to completely slipped through my radar this year. It packs an impressive young cast including Juno Temple (“The Dark Knight”), Emily Browning (“Sucker Punch”) and Michael Cera (“Superbad”) in his most interesting role to date. Cera delivers the creeps and does a damn good job doing it. This psychological thriller really keeps you on your toes and hits when you don’t expect it. You definitely get this uncomfortable feeling through the whole film, which I did enjoy. I would recommend this for sure as a rainy weekend renter.

    Official Premise: Award-Winning Chilean director, Sebastián Silva, invites you on this thrilling journey to the deepest reaches of your darkest fears. In a foreign country, far from home, Alicia (Juno Temple) arrives in South America to vacation with her cousin, Sarah (Emily Browning). When Sarah is suddenly called away, Alicia is stuck on a remote island off Chile with three of Sarah’s friends, including Barbara (Catalina Sandino Moreno) and Brink (Michael Cera), an American exchange student with a sadistic streak. Bewildered, frightened, and unable to sleep, Alicia’s reality becomes a nightmare from which there is no waking. Ancient indigenous rites, disturbing animal behavior, and captivating hypnotic trances come together in an intense exploration into the darkest corners… when the games go too far, reality unravels with astonishing and deadly consequences.

    I wasn’t aware of the work of director, Sebastián Silva prior to this film but I will be keeping an eye out for him more now. In fact, I am actually shocked that this film was never released in theaters after its critically successful debut at Sundance this past January. Sony also only chose to release this film on DVD and skipped a Blu-ray release, not sure why. But I feel this could have benefited from a high-def surround track with its eerie score. In terms of special features, there is an exclusive to the DVD featurette included, “The “Making Magic Magic””, which gives a look into the production.

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    DVD Review “Teen Beach Movie”

    Actors: Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, Grace Phipps, Garrett Clayton, John DeLuca
    Director: Jeffrey Hornaday
    Rated: G (General Audience)
    Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
    DVD Release Date: July 30, 2013
    Run Time: 91 minutes

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

    Ever since “High School Musical” aired on Disney Channel seven years ago, it has brought back the musical and delivered it to a younger audience. I grew up watching musical like “Grease” and I cannot say not to a fun and excited film with great music. Well “Teen Beach Movie” definitely delivers some major fun for the entire family. I watched this film with my 14 month old daughter and she literally had a blast and was running around screaming. It may be cheesy and but I feel that it is exactly what it should be. Ross Lynch is known best for his role in Disney Channel TV series, “Austin & Ally” and really does great singing and dancing. Maia Mitchell is an Australian newcomer, who is going to be very big in the coming years. It delivers some really catchy fun musical, along with a cute young very talented cast and comes together into a very entertaining 90 minutes. Most importantly the film also packs an important message for kids. Highly recommended.

    Official Premise: “Teen Beach Movie” centers around two teen surfers, Brady and Mackenzie, who are magically transported into a 1960’s beach movie where they must try to blend in until they can find their way out. They soon discover that there is an intense rivalry between the local surfers and bikers. Things don’t go according to plan when our modern-day duo accidentally change the plot of the movie, and the two lead characters fall for them instead of each other! As everyone around them starts singing and dancing, and a fight between the bikers and surfers breaks out, Brady and Mack must attempt to get out of the movie and back to present day.

    There twelve brand new songs within for this film with each one being more fun than the next. Sure they are cheesy but still fun. “Surf Crazy” is a great energtic song. “Cruisin’ for a Bruisin'” is easily my favorite.  I love the dance choreography during this song.  Same goes for “Like Me”, which is ultra catchy and really fun. All I can say is that the minute, we finished watching this movie, I immediately when on iTunes and purchased the soundtrack and I am sure that you will be doing the same. Speaking of “Grease” BTW, fans of the Broadway production, should keep an eye out of stage veteran Barry Bostwick (“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”), who plays Maia’s uncle. I only wish he could have gotten a few line in during a song.

    The biggest thing that I am disappointed with this release is the lack of a Blu-ray release.  Come on Disney, I know DVDs are still marketed primarly towards kids but this film would have really benefited with its music and colors sets on a Blu-ray disc.  The DVD does include some decent special features. There is exclusive Rehearsal Footage, which is fun to watch.  I saw a spot for the film on Disney Channel and they said that actors make the best dancers and these kids really have a lot of life in them. I would love to been able to move like they do. There is also a Never-Before-Seen Song included, which is a must for any fan of the film. Lastly, I would have loved to seen a sing-along version available but we can still hold our breath if they ever come out with a Blu-ray release. Can’t wait till “Teen Beach Movie 2”!

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    DVD Review “Olympus Has Fallen”

    Actors: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, Robert Forster
    Directors: Antoine Fuqua
    Rated: R (Restricted)
    Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment
    DVD Release Date: August 13, 2013
    Run Time: 120 minutes

    Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    Extras: N/A

    When you watch a film like “Olympus Has Fallen”, you have to go in just expecting a mindless kick-ass action thriller and that is exactly what you get. The director Antoine Fuqua has delivered us great films in the past like “Training Day” and delivers here again.  It packs a powerful cast including Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Dylan McDermott, Angela Bassett, and Melissa Leo. The talent is there, the action is there.  This film is plain and simple fun.  I am not sure why though Hollywood has this obsession with destroying the White House but it makes for an entertaining film, no doubt.

    Official synopsis: When the White House (Secret Service Code: “Olympus”) is captured by a terrorist mastermind and the President is kidnapped, disgraced former Presidential guard Mike Banning finds himself trapped within the building. As our national security team scrambles to respond, they are forced to rely on Banning’s inside knowledge to help retake the White House, save the President, and avert an even bigger disaster.

    “Olympus Has Fallen” is a film that needs to be seen on the biggest screen and in with the best audio/video quality. I feel that besides theatrical, Blu-ray is the only way to really watch this in my opinion. Despite the audio/video, aspect, my biggest issue with DVD’s today is that they lack a lot of the extras that Blu-ray contains.  There are tons of great special features included on the Blu-ray and yet we get nothing on the DVD release. It is completely bare-bones and that to me is very disappointing.  The only positive is that there is an Ultraviolet digital copy. I definitely would recommend going Blu with this one!

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    DVD Reviews “Dragons: Riders of Berk – Part 1 & 2”

    Actors: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, T.J. Miller, Julie Marcus, Nolan North
    Directors: Joe Sichta, John Eng, John Sanford, Louie del Carmen
    Rated: NR (Not Rated)
    Studio: 20th Century Fox
    DVD Release Date: July 23, 2013
    Run Time: 299 / 255 minutes

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

    Who doesn’t love “How to Train Your Dragon”? It is easily one of Dreamworks best animated features to date. So when I heard that they were making an animated series, I was really excited. Even more so that it actually contains original voice talent from the film including Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Zack Pearlman, and more. Fox is releasing the first 20 episodes of this exciting and fun show which aired in its first season in a two part DVD set. This show holds the same charm that the animated film has, including action, heart and humor. So if you love the film, then you need to immediately watch this show for sure. Also keep an eye out for the new second season of DreamWorks’ “Dragons: Defenders of Berk” returns this Fall on Cartoon Network (note the new title).

    Episodes include on Part 1 are “How to Start a Dragon Academy”, “Viking For Hire”, “Animal House”, “The Terrible Twos”, “In Dragons We Trust”, “Alvin and the Outcasts”, “How to Pick Your Dragon”, “Portrait of Hiccup as a Buff Young Man”, “Dragon Flower”, “Heather Report Part I”, and “Heather Report Part II”. Episodes included on Part 2 are “Thawfest”, “When Lightning Strikes”, “What Flies Beneath”, “Twinsanity”, “Defiant One”, “Breakneck Bog”, “Gem of a Different Color”, “We Are Family Part I”, and “We Are Family Part II”.

    There is actually some decent special features included on these DVD as well. Part 1 & 2 included the following: “World of DreamWorks” and Sneak Peaks. Part 1 also includes “Dragon Tracker Part 1”, “Evolution of Thunderdrum” and “Heavy Metal” Dragon Mash-Up, while Part 2 includes “Dragon Tracker Part 2”, “Evolution of Whispering Death”, “Fly High” Dragon Mash-Up. Definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of the series. Also each DVD comes with a code to unlock an ultimate battle pack on DreamWorks’ online and mobile game, “School of Dragons”. For more information, visit http://www.schoolofdragons.com.

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    Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 1, 2, berk, dragons, dvd, part, ...
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