DVD Reviews "Alice Through the Looking Glass (1973) & Alice in Wonderland (1986)"

Actors: Brenda Bruce, Freddie Jones, Judy Parfit, Geoffrey Bayldon, Kate Dorning, Ian Wallace, Jonathan Cecil,
Directors: Barry Letts, James MacTaggart
Rated: Unrated
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 12, 2013
Run Time: 66 minutes / 120 minutes

Alice Through the Looking Glass: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Alice in Wonderland: 3 out of 5 stars

When it comes to “Alice in Wonderland”, I am first in line.  BBC is known for their classic productions of “Alice Through the Looking Glass” from 1973 and “Alice in Wonderland” from 1986.  I was never a huge fan of the “Looking Glass”, the production is extremely low and not as friendly as “Wonderland”.  I love the songs in “Alice in Wonderland” it’s not Disney quality but still fun for what it is. Both films definitely show their age but having watched them growing up they have that certain charm that still draws you in.  If you did the same then I would recommend checking out at least “Alice in Wonderland” again for sure.

“Alice Through the Looking Glass” – Official Synopsis: Join Alice on her journey through the mirror in BBC’s fanciful adaptation of Lewis Caroll’s classic novel! In an alternate world, just on the other side of the mirror’s reflection, Alice finds herself in the middle of a life-sized chess game, where she encounters a variety of surreal scenarios and fantastical characters, including Tweedledee and Tweedledum, Humpty Dumpty, the Red Queen and others. To be crowned queen and return home, Alice must traverse all the ranks to the end of this massive chessboard-but will she make it?

“Alice In Wonderland” – Official Synopsis: This classic BBC production of the family favorite tale begins one summer afternoon as Lewis Carroll regales his picnic companions with the tale of young girl named Alice who sees a fully-dressed, talking rabbit run past her. She follows the rabbit down a hole and enters a nonsensical world where it seems the normal rules of logic do not apply. In Wonderland, Alice participates in a winnerless race, alternates between being tiny and giant, hears riddles at a “mad” tea party, plays croquet with live flamencos, and attends a trial where the Knave of Hearts is accused of stealing the Queen’s tarts. Featuring Doctor Who’s Elisabeth Sladen as the Dormouse, and filled with memorable characters and songs, this is a version the whole family is sure to enjoy.

I do not remember “Alice Through the Looking Glass” looking that incredibly cheap.  They even have scenes that don’t match up with the overlay on the characters. The production on “Alice in Wonderland” is decent improvement on “Alice Through the Looking Glass” but that could have also been the 13 years between the two. Both films are presented in full frame with a 4×3 aspect ratio.  The audio tracks included are a standard DVD stereo track, which works for the age of the films.  Wasn’t looking for a DTS Surround track here.  There are no special features includes on these DVD releases, which is a little bit disappointing overall. Nostalgia is going to determine the success of these release since  time has revealed both of their ages.

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DVD Review "Help!…It's The Hair Bear Bunch!: The Complete Animated Series"

Creators: Hanna-Barbera
Starring: Daws Butler, Paul Winchell, Hal Smith, Joe E. Ross, William Callaway, John Stephenson
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 328 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I am a big fan of pretty much anything Hanna-Barbera. I have to admit, I guess I am too young but I have never heard of “Help!…It’s The Hair Bear Bunch!”, which dates back to 1971. It only lasted one season and 16 episodes on the air. Even though it may not be Hanna Barbera’s best product, they have appeared in various other programs including Hair Bear’s cameo in “Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law”. There was even a reference in “The Brady Bunch” to the show. After watching all 16 episodes I have to admit, I went to grab the next disc for more episodes. So to me that means that I really enjoyed this show. It is zany, silly and just plain fun. It also features great voice legends like Daws Butler (who takes a page from his Yogi Bear voice), Hal Smith (who was one of the original voices of Winnie the Pooh). I would recommend checking out this DVD.

Official Premise: In the Wonderland Zoo there are the certain bears who stay at home every night and never quarrel or fight, aw, they don’t even bite! So don’t yell “Help! Help!”, it’s the Hair Bear Bunch! Yep – it’s the heppest, savviest and silliest ursines to ever crash out of a zoo, Hair, Square and Bubi Bear. Their bear cave transforms from stone and straw to a swinging, scientific bachelor bear pad at the touch of a button – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Quick-talking Hair (voiced by Daws Butler), befuddling curlicue talker Bubi (voiced by Paul Winchell) and master of the invisible motorcycle, the zen-drawling Square Bear (voiced by William Callaway) are more than a match for their “keepers” Mr. Peevly (voiced by John Stephenson) and Botch (voiced by Joe E. Ross) – with or without the other delightful denizens of Wonderland Zoo, who are always ready to help the Bears in their bigger-than-the-zoo schemes. This two-disc, 16 episode collection contains all the mod bears madcap extra-zoohicular adventures.

This complete series are said to be newly restored but I am not doing back flips with the transfers. They are good but they look like they are still dated from 1971. The colors are a little muted but work enough to enjoy the series. The episodes are presented in full screen 4×3 with an aspect ratio of 1.37:1. This is the first time that this series has been released on DVD, so I am thrilled enough just to see it get some love. Thanks as always to Warner Archive. They are always responsible for pulling out some very unique and rare shows from the vaults and give them a new life. I can’t wait to see what they come up with yet. This release is available on only on WBShop.com and is MOD, which means “Manufactured on Demand”.  So if you are a fan of this show there is no telling how long they will be available so get it now.

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"Dark Feed" DVD Giveaway, from the Writers of "John Carpenter’s The Ward" [ENDED]

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To celebrate the release of “Dark Feed”, from the Writers of “John Carpenter’s The Ward”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway TWO copies of the film on DVD. If you would like to enter for your chance to win this great prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite horror film and why?. This giveaway will remain open until March 29th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to residents of the United States 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.

A film crew moves to an abandoned psychiatric hospital with a shadowy past to shoot a low budget horror film. The late nights and lack of sleep begin to take a toll, and the longer this crew works, the more the leaky, wet building seems to be coming back to life, feeding off its new inhabitants. As the shoot wears on, members of the crew exhibit increasingly strange behavior leaving those still sane realizing they need to get out of this place before they too succumb to the building’s infectious hold. The only problem—the old hospital is not ready to let them go. Written, produced and directed by Michael Rasmussen & Shawn Rasmussen.

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DVD Review "The Frankenstein Theory"

Actors: Kris Lemche, Joe Egender, Timothy V. Murphy, Eric Zuckerman
Directors: Andrew Weiner
Rated: Unrated
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
DVD Release Date: March 26, 2013
Run Time: 87 minutes

Film: 1 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

When I read “From the makers of The Last Exorcism”, I was interested and yet also hesitant. I liked “The Last Exorcism” but didn’t really love it.  I love the topic of Frankenstein though and I  was loving the idea of a “Blair Witch”/found footage twist on the classic Mary Shelley’s story.  This film though took away 90 minutes of my life that I will never get back.. I couldn’t help relate this back to “The Troll Hunter” with a group of people heading to a strange place to try and find the mystery character. Except “The Troll Hunter” was ace and had some amazing visual effects and delivers some great scares.  The only payoff in “The Frankenstein Theory” is on the box cover.  The rest is waiting 90 minutes and being let down.  I would steer clear of this film by all means and don’t get tricked by its flashy/lenticular box.

The premise for this film is pretty interesting. What if the most chilling novel of all time was actually based on a true account of a horrific experiment gone awry? Professor John Venkenheim takes a documentary film crew to the Arctic Circle in order to prove the theory.  Of course things go array and pretty much nothing happens until the last 5 minutes. The film tries it best to be another “Blair Witch” meets “Jaws” with them hunting down the beast (who almost is not even seen, except on the box cover). They have many moments of “What was that sound?” and they even have a Quint-like U.S.S Indianapolis speech from “Jaws”, which I was laughing at loud at.  There are virtual no scares at all and the ending is actually makes the film even worse since it delivers zero payoff. On top of the terrible film, there is also zero special features included…not even a trailer. Do yourself a favor skip this and rent “The Troll Hunter”, which is basically the same movie for 100% better.

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DVD Review "Zero Dark Thirty"

Actors: Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt, Mark Strong, Scott Adkins
Directors: Kathryn Bigelow
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 19, 2013
Run Time: 177 minutes

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

As I am sure everyone does, I remember exactly where I was on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Being a native New Yorker, I think that it affects us even more. “Zero Dark Thirty” brings us right back to that day with their very intense black screen opening sequence. I have to say I am typical not a big fan of war movies, though this film is not that. The film nears three hours yet it completely grasps your attention throughout. It only let up is when they were doing the Seal raid on Bin Landen’s compound. I felt like it broke apart from the rest of the film. Before that though I didn’t check my watch once and was completely enthralled in the drama. Kathryn Bigelow has done it again, after “The Hurt Locker”, she delivered another very powerful film and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Official Premise: For a decade, an elite team of intelligence operatives, working in secret across the globe, devoted themselves to a single goal: to find and eliminate Osama bin Laden. Zero Dark Thirty reunites the Oscar® winning team of The Hurt Locker, director-producer Kathryn Bigelow and writer-producer Mark Boal, along with producer Megan Ellison, telling the story of history’s greatest manhunt for the world’s most dangerous man.

Jessica Chastain was amazing in this film. She is probably one of my favorite actresses right now. She was amazing and stole the show in “The Help”. She kicked some ghost ass in “Mama” and yet she still takes on this extremely intense role and delivers one of the best performances of the year. She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Performance By an Actress in a Motion Picture in the Drama. Like Bigelow, I can’t wait to see what she is doing next. I really love the strong female role that Bigelow had created here. I also thought that Jason Clarke was absolutely amazing and another great performance after “Lawless” (also with Chastain). I would have love to see more of him. I was really taken back by every single scene he was in.

Let’s get to the special features, which I was dying to get to after watching this film. To start I was a little disappointed. I feel like this was rushed to DVD quickly due to the awards. I would have loved to see some commentary tracks included and also some longer featurettes. The four featurettes included are very informative but all run under ten minutes. First off we have “No Small Feat”, which is a brief look at the making of “Zero Dark Thirty”. “The Compound” is a look into how the film rebuilt the compound. “Geared Up” shows the cast training with the authentic SEAL gear. Lastly “Targeting Jessica Chastain” shows her talking about the role of Maya and her reflections.

 

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DVD Review "Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess"

Created by: Craig Gerber
Voices of: Ariel Winter, Wayne Brady, Sara Ramirez, Travis Willingham, Jess Harnell, Tim Gunn
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 5, 2013
Run Time: 48 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess” is a full-length movie that also served as a pilot to the television series. The show introduces us to the latest (and cutest) Disney princess, Sofia. This series lives on Disney Junior, which is a 24-hour channel made for preschoolers (and my 9-month old’s favorite channel). Watching this film (and series) with my daughter, Bella, really makes my day a little brighter.  She just lights up from the moment the theme song starts and is kicking her little legs for the beautiful colors and wonderful music. I also have had the privilege to chat with the creator Craig Gerber, read here, and I just love his passion behind this project. The good news is that “Sofia The First” was already renewed by Disney Junior for a second season, which would bring the episode total to 45 already. But I am sure that this is only the beginning of this wonderful franchise.

The story is set in a new storybook world called Enchancia.  Like I said the film introduces Sofia, an everyday day whose life suddenly transforms when her mother marries the king and she becomes a princess, Sofia the First. Assisting her in the transition is the help of three headmistresses of Royal Prep Academy – Fauna, Flora, and Merryweather, you might know them as the fairies from the Disney’s classic “Sleeping Beauty”, also the royal steward, Baileywick and some cute woodland creatures led by a sharp-talking rabbit, Clover.  The film also gets a special appearance from Disney Princess Cinderella to share her wisdom with new fellow Princess Sofia. With the help of her new friends, Sofia tries to get used to this new life of royalty, while holding onto her own hopes and dreams.

Ariel Winter gives life to Sofia and really could not be a better voice for her. Wayne Brady is also very fun as Clover the rabbit. Overall though, this film is so magical and has that Disney charm. I have watched it numerous times now and it never gets boring.  It not only entertains kids (and their big kids) but also educates and teaching some very important values. The songs in the film are also very classic Disney and yet very hip. “Rise and Shine” is a really sweet song and a new princess instant classic. Since Cinderella makes an appearance, it is only right that she should have a song as well with Sofia.  That song is “True Sisters” and it is also very fitting for a princess. So speaking of music, this DVD also includes a Royal Sing-Along version of the film, as an added bonus. This DVD also comes with a free “Princess in Training Activity Kit” with stickers and tiaras.  I would recommend this very highly for any Disney fan young or old.

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DVD Review "Action Heroes of the Cliffhanger Serials"

Actors: Lee Powell, John Wayne, Gene Autry, Clayton Moore, George Reeves and Adam West
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Legend Films
DVD Release Date: February 26, 2013
Run Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I know the action heroes serials were before my time, I still always loved watching these with my Grandfather. I mean firstly who doesn’t love heroes like Superman, The Lone Ranger and The Green Hornet? Not today’s flashy reboots but the classics serials. I remember the classic cliffhangers, “Tune in tomorrow to see…” George Reeves is always who I think of first when I think of Superman. I always love going to Walt Disney World’s Sci-Fi Diner to see “Rocket Man” still blazing on the big screen. These serials aren’t as showy as today’s films but they have that certain charm of what it was like in the good ‘ole days.

Official Premise: The movie serials came to be known as Cliffhangers because time and time again, the chapter close would find the hero or heroine literally hanging off a cliff or caught in the jaws of death — only to be continued the following week, where he or she would accomplish a daring and miraculous escape. Many serials of the 30s and 40s served as inspiration for modern-day epic films such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones. This compilation features segments of some of the best serials starring western and superheroes alike including Batman, Superman, Flash Gordon, The Lone Ranger, The Green Hornet, Rocket Man, John Wayne and so many more!

Legend Films is releasing this 1992 special, which is basically a collection of trailers and excerpts  showcasing some of these classics.  It starts off with a narration but then jumps right into the trailers and let’s them do the talking. As described above there is a little bit for everyone here whether you were a fan of superheros, westerns, or sci-fi. I would have loved to see a few actual full serial episodes included, but still though the trailers are quite fun.  They also reminded me of sitting in the drive-in cars at Walt Disney World’s Sci-Fi Diner. So if you are a fan of these serials then you will get a kick out of seeing them again and together on this DVD.

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DVD Review "Gumby's Best Episodes: The Original Adventures"

Created by: Art Clokey
Voices of: Dallas McKennon and Art Clokey
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Legend Films
DVD Release Date: February 26, 2013
Run Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

As I am a child of the 80’s, I came to love “Gumby” during his revival in the late 1980’s. I remember it also being my first reveal with claymation or stop-motion animation besides the Rankin/Bass holiday specials. I don’t know what it is but I have always had a special place for this green clay hero and his little dog Pokie. There are way over 200 episodes spanning from this series dating back to the mid-1950’s. So since I doubt we will ever get a complete series release, the closest we ever came was with Rhino’s 7-DVD boxed set with over 100 episodes from 2002, I am excited to see that Legend Films is giving this series some love. I hope that this release is the first of many volumes of this series.

Official Premise: Legend Films is proud to offer this collection of the best episodes from Gumbys Original Adventures series. See Gumby and Pokey as they find adventure and learn valuable lessons along the way. Watch Gumby as he attempts to sneak away for fun with Pokey by setting robots to do his chores in Yard Work Made Easy, see a wonderful masterpiece of music and animation in Gumbys Concerto, and find out how Gumby helps the poor King save his only daughter with a 25 cent toy in Sad King Otts Daughter. These claymation masterpieces are just as heartwarming and charming today as they were at their beginning — more than fifty years ago! Its perfect entertainment fun for the entire family!

The 16 episodes included here are: “Tree Trouble”, “Lion Drive”, “Yard Work Made Easy”, “Sad King Ott’s Daughter”, “The Block Heads”, “Gumby’s Concerto”, “The Glob”, “Baker’s Tour”, “The Black Knight”, “The Kachinas”, “In a Fix”, “The Witty Witch”, “The Groobee”, “Gumby Racer”, “Rain for Roo” and “Hidden Valley”. There is a nice combination of episodes from the 50’s and 60’s run of this show. I still remember exactly where I was and what I was doing the first time I saw the episode “Gumby Racer”. That really brought back some fun memories. The episodes are old and aren’t restored at all here but it is great to see them like I remember. Here is a fun fact for horror fans the episode of “Gumby” titled “Clay Play” (not on this release) appeared in an episode of “Freddy’s Nightmares” titled “The End of the World”, also from the 80’s.

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DVD Review "Curandero: Dawn Of The Demon"

Actors: Sergio Acosta, Gizeht Galatea, Carlos Gallardo
Directors: Eduardo Rodriguez
Rated: R (Restricted
Studio: Lionsgate
DVD Release Date: March 12, 2013
Run Time: 92 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

A curandero is “a traditional Native American healer or shaman in Latin America, who is dedicated to curing physical or spiritual illnesses” (thanks Wikipedia).

“Curandero: Dawn Of The Demon” was made back in 2005 and I have no idea why it sat unreleased almost for almost 10 years. This supernatural horror pic is a quite impressive with no shortage of gore and some decent action as well. Be sure not to blink though as some of the “grisly images” are gone in a flash but they will stick around as nightmares. “Curandero” also comes presented by Robert Rodriguez (“Sin City”, “Machete”, “Planet Terror”), who wrote and co-produced this film. This is must watch for horror fans and fans of Robert Rodriquez.

Official Premise: “Curandero: Dawn of the Demon” is an action-packed horror flick that takes a couple on a horrifying journey through the deepest bowels of the Mexican underworld. When beautiful federal agent Magdalena calls upon the local curandero (Gallardo) for his services to purify a police station, the two of suddenly find themselves immersed in a satanic cult’s blood-thirsty battleground.

Fans of Robert Rodriquez’s “El Mariachi” will be glad to see Carlos Gallardo in the title role. He is a long time collaborator with Rodriguez also on “Desperado” and “Planet Terror”. I am proud to say that I picked him out right away. Eduardo Rodriguez, no relation to Robert, did a very nice job directing. He is also the director behind last years “Stash House” and this year’s upcoming “Fright Night 2”. So this guy knows his horror and is becoming a force to reckon with quickly.

Lionsgate is releasing this film only on DVD. There is an option of either English or Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 audio tracks. I prefered the Spanish since the English dub is extremely laughable. This release also comes with an Ultraviolet Digital Copy and only comes with the Spanish version, which is good. But I was unable to redeem at time of review since the webpage stated on the coupon is not accessible. The only special feature here is a audio commentary track with director Eduardo Rodriquez and director of photography Jaime Reynoso. Decent and worth checking out but I would have loved to seen more including some featurettes or cast interviews.

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Win an Autographed DVD of the New Film "Broken Roads" [ENDED]

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Media Mikes is proud to offer two of our readers the opportunity to win a copy of the new film “Broken Roads” on DVD. The film, recently reviewed HERE, stars Academy Award nominee Sally Kirkland and was written and directed by Justin Chambers, who has autographed the DVD cover. All you have to do is tell us which “small” film really impressed you when you saw it? Was it the Coen Brothers’ “Blood Simple?” P.T. Anderson’s “Hard Eight?” What movie made you sit up and take notice of a new and exciting filmmaker?

At the end of the giveaway (2) random entries will be selected and the winners notified by email. This contest runs until Friday, March 15, 2013. Good luck!

 

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DVD Review "Men at Work: The Complete First Season"

Created by: Breckin Meyer
Starring: Danny Masterson, Michael Cassidy, Adam Busch, James Lesure
Number of discs: 2
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 26, 2013

Series: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Men at Work” is one of the newest gems that has come out of TBS last year. TBS’ tag line is “Very Funny” and this show is the reason why they have that tagline. The series was created by Breckin Meyer (“TV’s “Franklin & Bash”) and stars Danny Masterson, Michael Cassidy, Adam Busch and James Lesure. We had the privilege of interview the whole cast, click on their names about for each one. The show is a simple comedy but there is tons of wit and creativity spewing out of it.  The jokes are laugh-out-loud and memorable. The show ended its July 2012 and yet it is March 2013 and I am still quoting it. “BOOM! That is a truth bomb!” The other thing I respect about this show is that creator Breckin Meyer was on the set every day, according to the guys busting his ass and making sure that the show was as good as it could be.  Check this DVD out for sure and get ready to have fun.

Official Synopsis: Man up with the guys from TBS’ original series MEN AT WORK – the bold new sitcom following four friends navigating their ways through work, friendship and women. Danny Masterson (TV’s “That ‘70s Show”), Michael Cassidy (TV’s “The OC”), Adam Busch (TV’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), Meredith Hagner (TV’s “Royal Pains”) and James Lesure (TV’s “Las Vegas”) star in this edgy series’ freshman season, which introduces Milo just as he breaks up with his longtime girlfriend. But rest assured his three closest buddies are right there to help him get back in the game, and no matter what mischief ensues, these friends have each other’s backs.

The only bad thing about this show is that it is only 10 episodes.  With all the shitty shows on TV that gets 26 episodes a season, I would have loved to had more but at least with this show…every single episode is gold. The show is about relationships and the guys just get into nothing but trouble.  Some of the crazy shit they do is get into include a “devil’s threesome” (watch the show to find out), fight over a toilet bowl and only speak in song titles during work meetings.  That is only the tip of the iceberg here.  The DVD contains the 10 episodes from the first season and also a bunch of very funny deleted scenes and outtakes, which are a must see for fans of the show. I would have loved to seen some commentary tracks from the cast but either way. I am still left very satisfied here. I am literally counting down the days and can’t wait for season two, which airs on TBS on April 4, 2013.  So be sure to be tuned and spread the word about this great show!

 

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DVD Review "The Mob Doctor: The Complete Series"

Actors: Jordana Spiro, William Forsythe, Floriana Lima
Created by: Josh Berman, Rob Wright
Number of discs: 3
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 12, 2013
Run Time: 566 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“The Mob Doctor” is one of this year’s victims of TV network fast pacing. The show was canceled after its 8th episode but was allowed to air all 13 episodes. The series was based on the book: Il Dottore: The Double Life of a Mafia Doctor by Ron Felber. The Complete Series releases contains all 13 episodes in a three-disc DVD set. Even though the show was short lived it packed a very strong cast including by Jordana Spiro (TV’’s ““My Boys””), William Forsythe (TV’’s “Boardwalk Empire”, “Dick Tracy””). It also had some strong guest stars including Michael Rapaport (“Cop Land”), Michael Madsen (“Kill Bill”) and Jennifer Beals (“Flashdance”). I have always been a huge fan of Forsythe, the guy is brilliant he deserves the attention. He fully committed to this show and rocked it, yet the network didn’t back it.

Official Premise: Dr. Grace Devlin (Jordana Spiro, TV’s “My Boys”) is a promising young surgeon working in Chicago’s most pre-eminent hospital. Still, she can’t escape her Southside roots. With her kid brother facing a mobster’s wrath, Grace makes a deal and agrees to work “off book” for the infamous Chicago Outfit. As Grace’s “day job” forces her to take on emotionally compelling cases – a convict determined to donate his heart to his estranged daughter, a whole family injured in a horrific hit-and-run – she is also forced to deal with mob-related tasks, doing emergency medical procedures in back rooms, treating mobsters hiding from the law and even working on a stolen thoroughbred only hours before he’s due to race. Through it all, Grace fights to keep her dual life a secret…except from the one man who knows Grace best – Southside mob boss Constantine Alexander (William Forsythe, TV’s “Boardwalk Empire”), whose relationship with Grace is more than it seems.

The series was created by Josh Berman and Rob Wright (TV’’s ““Drop Dead Diva””). They really captured the essence of a mob TV show. The show was very sharply written. It has great suspense and drama weaved within. I would have liked to see this show get a little time to mature and gets its legs. I have a feeling this could have been something special. The talent was present with a great cast and get minds behind the screen. “Drop Dead Diva” was a very popular show and the creators know how to make a successful show. But as Fall shows come and go, this one was not giving a chance. At least thanks to Sony Home Entertainment, we are able to still enjoy the show at home.

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"Special Forces" DVD Giveaway, in the Vein of "Zero Dark Thirty" [ENDED]

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

To celebrate the release of of “Special Forces”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway TWO copies of the film 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 indicating your favorite war film. This giveaway will remain open until March 8th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to residents of the United States 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.

In the acclaimed 2012 theatrical film, an elite French military unit takes on the Taliban in a desperate hostage rescue mission; it stars Diane Kruger (Inglorious Basterds, Farewell, My Queen) as kidnapped journalist Elsa Casanova and Academy Award® Nominee Djimon Hounsou (Gladiator, Blood Diamond) as the lead commando, Kovax. After the team manages to free Elsa, their radio is destroyed in a firefight. Now, deep behind Afghan enemy lines, the group faces the ultimate challenges of survival, honor and sacrifice as they try to outrun their pursuers through the treacherous mountains of the Hindu Kush.

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DVD Review "Street Sharks – The Complete 40 Episode Series"

Actors: Lee Tockar, Matt Hill, Andrew Rannells, D. Kevin Williams, Tony Wike, Terry Berner, J. Michael Lee, Pam Carter, Jim Hogget
Created by: David Siegel and Joe Galliani
Number of discs: 4
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Mill Creek Entertainment
DVD Release Date: February 19, 2013
Run Time: 887 minutes

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

DIC Entertainment was responsible for much of my TV “babysitting” time when I was growing up with shows like “The Real Ghostbusters”, “The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!” and “G.I. Joe”. “Street Sharks” always interested me since I have been a lifelong fans of anything related to sharks.  Of course they show is very silly and far-fetched…but aren’t all cartoons.  This show turns four regular guys turned into sharks due to “gene-slamming” from..you guessed it…any evil scientist. Ripster was always my favorite being a great white shark.  Jab was a hammerhead. Streex was a tiger shark. Last but not least was Big Slammu, who was a whale shark. Do you really need more that that to draw you in…nope! The show is simple, very colorful and just brute action-packed fun.  This wasn’t the best thing to come out the 90’s but still worth checking out on DVD, especially for the cheap price of under $10 bucks for all 40 episodes! No brainer!

Official Synopsis: Shark N’ Roll with all 40 episodes of your favorite fresh water sharks! When an evil genetic-engineer, Dr. Paradigm illegally experiments with an untested DNA genetic formula, four brothers are accidentally transformed into monstrous half shark – half humans! Delighted with his success, the diabolical madman seeks to alter nature and tailor all humanity into sea creatures of his own design and control! The Bolton brothers – John, Bobby, Coop and Clint – team up to stop Dr. Paradigm and his deadly Seaviates from transforming the citizens of Fission City into mutants with no free will. So hold onto your fins as the heroic Street Sharks kick some serious fin as well as satisfy their voracious appetites in ALL 40 Jawsome Episodes!

Mill Creek Entertainment did a nice job with the casing and delivery of the release.  The episodes haven’t gone under a 4K restoration or anything but they look and sound good enough for me, especially on DVD. Honestly, I am just glad to be able to own this complete series for the first time on DVD. The only special features on this DVD release is a bonus episode include for the short lived 1988 series “C.O.P.S.” aka (Central Organization of Police Specialists). The episode included is called “The The Case of the Boy Who Cried Sea Monster” and aired originally all the way back in October of 1988 (which I actually remember…feeling old).  If you were a fan of “Street Sharks” in their original run, then you would recognize this show more as “CyberCOPS” when it re-aired back in 1993. Not really relevant as an extra, I would have thought that “Extreme Dinosaurs” would have been a better fit but still cool to see this show again after all these years.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 40, complete, dvd, episode, review, series, ...

DVD Review "Eaters"

Actors: Alex Lucchesi, Guglielmo Favilla, Claudio Marmugi
Directors: Marco Ristori, Luna Boni
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Entertainment One
DVD Release Date: March 5, 2013
Run Time: 95 minutes

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

When I read the words “Italian zombie flick”, I was interested in “Eaters”.  I have a big respect for classic Lucio Fulci and Ruggero Deodato films. This film is presented by Uwe Boll (“House of the Dead”, “Bloodrayne”), so I started with a little extra respect for it since I enjoy his work quite a bit. This film features some solid gore and zombie effects for a low-budget horror flick. The film also features a decent soundtrack by Steve Sylvester, founder of black metal band Death SS. May not be the best zombie flick but it is worth checking out if you are looking for some gore and walking dead fun.

Official Synopsis: After the devastation of the Great Epidemic, the world is overrun by hordes of living dead. Two zombie hunters and a scientist set out to find the cause of the obliteration of the human race and a cure for the epidemic, all while trying to stay alive amidst the growing number of ferocious zombies, including neo-Nazis and the daughter of the feared plague-spreader.

Since this film is an Italian zombie film, the film is available to watch in 5.1 Italian Dolby Digital. That would be the way to watch this film if you don’t might subtitles. The other option would be the horribly dubbed, stress horrible, English 2.0 Dolby Digital track.  It is good for a laugh since it is so terrible (have I mentioned that aspect yet?) The only special feature included on the DVD is a behind-the-scenes making of featurette.  Decent extra but runs too short. That is all she wrote in terms of bonus features.  No trailer or commentary tracks included.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, eaters, review
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