DVD Review “Minds in the Water”

Starring: Dave Rastovich, Isabel Lucas
Directed by: Justin Krumb
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Saltwater Collective
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Running Time: 86 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Prior to finding this film, I was well aware of pro surfer Dave Rastovich and his career.  He is not just your typical surfer though he is also a an activist and embarked on a mission to protect dolphins, whales and the oceans that they all share and also to inspire change. This film is nothing short of inspiring.  It is not force fed to “save the oceans etc”. It really shows the love that Dave has for the water and it’s inhabitants. This five-year journey spans all of the world from Australia to the Galapagos to Tonga to California to Alaska and Japan. Like I said it really feels like an adventure and hopefully this will get people to realize what is happening and make a stand.  Even though, I have know about Dave prior to this film, I have have a new respect for him and his passion is infectious.

Official Premise: “Minds in the Water” documents the journey of traveling professional surfer Dave Rastovich, From an ocean minded admirer to an ocean activist. Through the charismatic journey of Dave’s life witness an adventure spanning the globe from Australia and the Galapagos to Tonga, Alaska and Japan. See first hand how one surfer’s quest to protect dolphins and whales has blossomed into a movement of like minds. Minds In The Water message: if ocean minded people are to pass on a sustainable culture, then they must become responsible stewards of their coastal environment.

This award winning documentary not only tells the story of Pro soul surfer Dave Rastovich but also has appearances from Hayden Panettiere, Isabel Lucas, Howie Cooke, Chris Del Moro, and Captain Paul Watson.  There is also some great tunes included from by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jack Johnson, and Xavier Rudd. Definitely a very chill soundtrack to relax to.  I see this film being revisited very often just to experience the vibe and it’s message.  The film is executive producer and directed by Justin Krumb, who is an Emmy Award winning filmmaker and the founder and president of The Saltwater Collective and RoughCuts Productions.  He is the perfect fit for this film and does a wonderful job leading and directing this doc. Highly recommend for not just surfers but everyone who cares about these very important issues.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.mindsinthewater.com/
OFFICIAL TRAILER ON YOUTUBE:

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DVD Review “Monster Squad: The Complete Series”

Actors: Fred Grandy, Henry Polic II, Buck Kartalian, Michael Lane, Julie Newmar
Directors: James Sheldon, Herman Hoffman
Number of discs: 2
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: VCI Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 18, 2012
Run Time: 312 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Not to be confused with the 80’s movie of the same name, “Monster Squad” was a campy Saturday morning kid’s action adventure series. It was created by the same team that was behind the 1960’s “Batman” series and has the exact same camp feel. Thanks to VCI Entertainment, all 13 episodes of this cult classic series are available again on DVD after being out of print for a long time. They are fully restored and are a great way to experience this 1976 series again on DVD. The episodes are still very fun…and did I mention they are campy?  This is a must own for all horror fans and lovers of classic monsters.

Official Premise: Originally screened on Saturday mornings on NBC in the late 70s The show stars Fred Grandy (The Love Boat) as Walt, a criminology student working as a night watchman in a wax museum. To pass the time, Walt built a prototype “Crime Computer”. When Walt plugged in his Crime Computer, the “oscillating vibrations” brought to life three legendary monsters. Dracula, The Werewolf and Frankenstein. These creatures hated and feared for centuries are now determined to make up for their past misdeeds by using their unique abilities to fight crime and bust super villains wherever they find them. Together they are the Monster Squad!

All 13 episode are included over two discs, the first disc includes 1: Queen Bee, Episode 2: Mr Mephisto, Episode 3: The Tickler, Episode 4: The Ringmaster, Episode 5: Music Man, Episode 6: No Face, Episode 7: The Astrologer.  The second disc includes – Episode 8: Ultra Witch, Episode 9: The Wizard, Episode 10: The Skull, Episode 11: The Weatherman,  Episode 12: Lawrence of Moravia and Episode 13: Albert/Alberta. Each episodes does look quite nice for a show that is over 35 years old. There is a little grain throughout but still impressive. There are really no special features on the release but to be fair, there is a stills gallery included. Lastly, there is an episode Synopsis on the inside of the DVD case.

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DVD Review “Dark Night of the Scarecrow (Deluxe Collector’s Edition)”

Actors: Charles Durning, Tonya Crowe, Larry Drake, Lane Smith
Directors: Frank De Felitta
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: VCI Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 11, 2012
Run Time: 96 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of horror, then you surely know about “Dark Night of the Scarecrow”.  The film has never had love from studios and was only just finally released on DVD for the first time in late 2010, thanks to VCI Entertainment.  It is hard to believe that this was a made-for-TV movie back in the day. Even for a TV movie, the film is still extremely disturbing and unsettling.  If it wasn’t for VCI, this film might still be missing and might have never seen the light of day. This Deluxe Collector’s Edition includes some great new special features and worth the purchase you don’t already own this.  There are certain horror films that have stood the test of time and this is certainly one of them.  Thanks to VCI, the film was given a wonderful restoration for the DVD release and really looks amazing.

Official Premise: When young Marylee Williams (Tonya Crowe) is found viciously mauled, all hell breaks loose in her small rural town. Officious postmaster Otis P. Hazelrigg (Charles Durning) leads a gang of bigots in pursuit of the suspect: her mentally challenged friend Bubba Ritter (Larry Drake). Finding him hiding inside a scarecrow, they exact brutal mob “justice”…only to discover a tragic mistake! Now a strange apparition stalks the land seeking each of them out, as the legend of the Scarecrow begins.

This DVD comes with two fantastic audio tracks, a Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono & 5.1 Surround track.  I prefer the 2.0 since it feels original but the later is very well-done.  Like I mentioned above, the transfer is very sharp and the colors look brand new and not from 1981 at all, especially within its original aspect ratio – 1.33:1. There special features are a nice improvement from the 2010 release.  There is a commentary track from director Frank De Felitta and writer J.D. Feigelson.  There are two trailers including the Original CBS World Premiere Trailer and CBS Rebroadcast Trailer.  There is also a great Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery included.  The new features include “Bubba Didn’t Do it: 30 Years of the Scarecrow” (2012 Extended Version) it is directed by Daniel Griffith and produced by Ballyhoo Motion Pictures.  It includes a new video interview with composer Glenn Paxton.   There is also the “DNOTS Cast Reunion Q & A” -that was recorded at the 2011 Frightfest Film Festival in Louisville, KY.

 

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DVD Review “The Definitive Document Of The Dead”

Actors: George A. Romero, Tom Savini, Roy Frumkes
Directors: Roy Frumkes
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Synapse Films
DVD Release Date: November 13, 2012
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

When “The Document of the Dead” was first released in 1985, the documentary by filmmaker Roy Frumkes focused purely on the production of the 1978 film “Dawn of the Dead”. “The Definitive Document Of The Dead” expands more on Romero’s career including work on “Land of the Dead”, “Diary of the Dead” and “Survival of the Dead”. There is a disclaimer in the beginning stating that this film was film over 32 years and the film’s vision has changed over the years. Fans of “Dawn of the Dead” and Romero should already known about this film and respect that Roy Frumkes is a life-long fan of his work. The film as a documentary isn’t Shakespeare but I feel that it does give Romero the credit that he deserves and never seems to get. Synapse Film released a DVD of this film going back almost 15 years now. So this is a welcomed revisit and packaged with a new “Definitive” cut. Also if you are a mega-big fan of this film, there is an Exclusive Limited Edition Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack limited to just over 1,000 copies on the Synapse Website. So that would be the ticket for hardcore fans, if it is even still available at the time of writing this.

“The Document Of The Dead” primary focus is “Dawn of the Dead” and it covers everything from pre-production, production and post-production. Frumkes was there shooting during the production and includes some very intimate interviews with Romero, (producer) Richard Rubinstein, special effects artist/actor/stuntman Tom Savivi, as well as several cast and crew members. I also liked how the film comes around through time and we get to see Frumkes and Romero reunited and reflecting on the film over time specifically during a segment on “Two Evil Eyes”, which showcased on a detailed special effects segment. The new interviews included in this are also a real treat.  Being a horror fan myself “Dawn of the Dead” is so iconic and this is a perfect companion piece to the film itself. This “Defintive” cut really dives further into his career and the film/series over the years…especially with spin-off like “Night of the Giving Head”. Trust me if your a guy, you need to watch this!

Official Premise: “George A. Romero, director of the original Night of the Living Dead, is one of the horror genre’s most celebrated filmmakers. Roy Frumkes amazing 1978 documentary Document Of The Dead was an intimate look at Romero’s creative process, with an outstanding collection of interviews, effects demonstrations (courtesy of make-up artist, Tom Savini) and behind-the-scenes footage from the classic horror film, Dawn of the Dead. This newly re-edited and re-mastered 2012 version of the award-winning documentary contains all-new exclusive material including additional interviews with Romero’s family and friends, candid on-set footage from Two Evil Eyes, Land of the Dead, Diary of the Dead, Survival of the Dead and Many More Surprises! the Definitive Document of the Dead is a loving portrait of a horror legend, and a must-see for any hardcore horror fan!”

The DVD special features are a little bit of a let down since it is missing quite a bit of extras from the previous release. The only extra included on this release is an all-new 2012 audio commentary track with Roy Frumkes. It is fantastic to get a chance to hear a new perspective on the film from the director. I would have also like to had the previous audio commentary with director Frumkes, cinematographer Reeves Lehmann, and narrator Nicole Potter included as well, as well as the twenty minute interview segment from “Two Evil Eyes” with Adrienne Barbeau, George Romero, and Tom Savini. Still though if you already own “The Document of the Dead” DVD you have that already. This is the “Definitive” release with a longer cut doc and a new commentary, so it is all worth it in that sense.

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DVD Review “Hawkins: The Complete TV-Movie Collection”

Created by: Robert Hamner, David Karp
Starring: James Stewart
Distributed: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 588 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I think about Christmas, I can’t help it but think about Jimmy Stewart in “It’s a Wonderful Life”. With the holidays just around the corner, I am excited to get a chance to check out a maybe lesser-known collection of work from Mr. Stewart. I think I can listen to his voice for hours, especially later in his career. There is nothing like it. Jimmy Stewart is perfectly cast as the slow-drawling Southern lawyer Billy Jim Hawkin. This mystery TV series aired for one season on CBS from 1973 and 1974 and was created by Robert Hamner and David Karp. Even though it was cancelled after one season Jimmy Stewart ended up winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in Television Drama Series. If you are a fan of his work, this is a must purchase!

This 4-disc set consists of an eight film collection including “Death and the Maiden”, “Murder in Movieland”, “Die, Darling, Die”, “A Life For a Life”, “Blood Feud”, “Murder and the Slave Trade”, “Murder on the 13th Floor” and “Candidate for Murder”. There is something special about watching these classic TV movie adaptions.  “Hawkins” used to air during The New CBS Tuesday Night Movies back in the day. I think if they gave this show a bit of a chance it could have been the a very long running and successful series. He reminds me a pre-dated “Monk”. Each film stands alone and delivers some classic murder mystery. This is the first time that this has ever been released on DVD, thanks to Warner Archive. This release is presented in 4X3 full frame with the its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The audio track is the original mono audio, which works perfectly within the legalese dialogue.

Official Synopsis: A decade before TV saw another silver-haired, slow-drawling Southern shyster with a knack for sleuthing out the truth, M-G-M welcomed back two titanic talents, TV producer Norman Felton and screen legend Jimmy Stewart, for Hawkins. Stewart played Billy Jim Hawkins in rotation with the Shaft TV movies (Talk about Country Mouse and City Mouse!), solving crimes alongside his cousin RJ (Strother Martin) and a bevy of sensational costars. Bonnie Bedelia plays a troubled young woman accused of familicide, Cameron Mitchell plays a tinseltown spouse facing murder charges, Julie Harris plays an accused mercy killer, William Windom plays a parent with a vendetta, Lew Ayres and James Best play folk caught up in a deadly Civil War re-enactment, James Luisi plays a football pro caught up in foul play, Teresa Wright plays an ex-amour of Bill Jim’s, and Paul Burke and Pernell Roberts play a senator and aide caught up in a slaying.

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DVD Review “Bugs Bunny Superstar”

Directed by: Larry Jackson
Narrated by: Orson Welles
Starring: Bob Clampett, Tex Avery, Friz Freleng
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 91 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Bugs Bunny and Looney Tunes, I have been a life-long fan. This film is not your typical Looney Tunes special.  It is a documentary, hosted by animator Bob Clampett with interviews with Friz Freleng and Tex Avery.  This is also narrated by legendary director Orson Welles.  It includes nine Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies cartoons which were previously released during the 1940s.  This is a must for any Looney Tunes fans.

The shorts included are “What’s Cookin’ Doc? (1944)”, “The Wild Hare (1940)”, “A Corny Concerto (1943)”, “I Taw a Putty Tat (1948)”, “Rhapsody Rabbit (1946)”, “Walky Talky Hawky (1946)”,  “My Favorite Duck (1942)”, Hair-Raising Hare (1946)” and “The Old Grey Hare (1944)”

This is the first time that this has ever been released on DVD, thanks to Warner Archive. This release is presented in 4X3 full frame with the its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The audio track is the original mono audio, which works perfectly. Surprisingly  there is actually some decent special features including a commentary track from director Larry Jackson and an image gallery with behind-the-scenes photos.

Official Premise: What was it like to work in Termite Terrace, birthplace of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and a veritable horde of cartoon icons? Get a taste of that crazy and creative fun factory in this loving and droll documentary, hosted by ace animator Bob Clampett. Featuring interviews with fellow Termite Terrace residents Friz Freleng and Tex Avery and narrated by Orson Welles, Bugs Bunny Superstar includes nine complete cartoons that are prime examples of the collaborative efforts of Warner cartoonists, ink-and-painters, effects artists and others. “No idea was too outrageous,” Clampett says. Seeing rare home movies of the animators as they act out ideas adds to that sense of unrestrained creativity.

 

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DVD Review “The Dog Who Saved The Holidays”

Actors: Dean Cain, Gary Valentine, Elisa Donovan, Joey Lawrence, Michael Gross, Shelley Long
Directors: Michael Feifer
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
DVD Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 87 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Believe it or not “The Dog Who Saved The Holidays” is the fourth film in this franchise following: “The Dog Who Saved Christmas”, “The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation” and “The Dog Who Saved Halloween”. Mario Lopez was the voice of Zeus for the first two with Joey Lawrence taking over for his starting with “Halloween” and now this film as well. The combination of Dean Cain and Joey Diaz are hysterical together and have been through this series. Gary Valentine and Elisa Donovan are also very funny together.  This installment wraps up the cast with Michael Gross and Shelley Long.  A must for all families looking to get in the holiday mood.

Official Premise: It’s a sun-soaked holiday season for the Bannister family as they travel to Southern California to stay with Aunt Barbara (Shelley Long), who surprises them with a new puppy named Eve (voiced by Peyton List). Everyone is smitten with Eve — except for the Bannister’s dog, Zeus (voiced by Joey Lawrence), who sees what a mischievous animal she is when no one else is around. After deciding to run away, Zeus sees Ted and Stewey, two thrifty thieves, trying to break into the family home while the Bannisters are at church. It’s up to Zeus and his newest sister Eve to join together to save the holidays for their family!

There is only one special feature included on this DVD.  It is a very busy commentary track with director Michael Feifer, co-producer Peter Sullivam, executive producers Barry Barholtz and Jeffrey Schenck and lastly sound designer Andres Boulton.  To be honest, when I think about cheesy family Christmas movies, I do not think about listening to a commentary track.  It is definitely not for the kids specifically and I do not see parents re-watching this just for the commentary either. Either way, this series has always been a pleasure to watch during the holidays and I look forward to future installments of the adventures of the Bannister family.

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DVD Review “Shazam! The Complete Live-Action Series”

Directors: Hollingsworth Morse, Arthur H. Nadel
Starring: Michael Gray, Les Tremayne, Jackson Bostwick
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 588 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of superheros they everyone knows DC Comics’Captain Marvel. “Shazam!” is a live-action TV series based on that series, which ran from 1974 to 1977 and consisted of 28 episodes. Thanks to Warner Archive, this is the first time that this complete live-action series is released on DVD. I have to say though, if you were a fan of this series in its original days…it has aged quite a bit.

Michael Gray plays Billy Batson aka Captain Marvel.  He certainly looks sharp in his pajamas and his cape, I mean his superhero costume. The show still has some charm if you are a hardcore fan or just looking for a good laugh but otherwise it definitely has not lasted the test of time. When I was watching this, I couldn’t stop of thinking about the cheesy live-action TV films of “Captain America” and the failed TV movie “Fantastic Four”.

I liked the use of blended animation for the elders and mixed with the live-action. It reminded me of something out of Ralph Bakshi’s mind. Overall, the episodes do not look the greatest. They are presented in 4X3 full frame with the show’s original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. There is no special features included on this release besides the episodes.

Official Premise: By uttering a single magic word young Billy Batson transforms himself into the world’s mightiest mortal, Captain Marvel. The acronym of the first letters of the names of the six elders who train Billy with their respective special gifts: Solomon, wisdom; Hercules, strength; Atlas, stamina; Zeus, power; Achilles, courage; and Mercury, speed, in a word…SHAZAM! Now, the entire series is available in this 3-disc set featuring every exciting episode of this classic television show!

 

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DVD Review “Elf-Man”

Actors: Jason “Wee Man” Acuna, Jeffrey Combs, Mackenzie Astin, Mirelly Taylor
Directors: Ethan Wiley
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
DVD Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 87 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When I first saw this film, I was almost immediately tempted to pass on reviewing it.  I know Wee Man from his role in the “Jackass” series.  He is funny but playing an elf…really?  Then I saw that Jeffrey Combs from “Re-Animator” was also in it.  I started to get interested.  Well the film is exactly what I expect but not in a bad sense.  It is cute and definitely has a few good laughs.  Believe it or no it even has some nice Christmas cheer.  It is a nice film for the whole family to get into the holiday mood.

Official Premise: It’s Christmas Eve at the Harper house, and young Ryan and Casey are excited that their scientist father (Mackenzie Astin of ”The Facts Of Life”) has finally perfected his new invention! But when dad is kidnapped by a bumbling gang of thieves (led by Jeffrey Combs of Re-Animator), Casey’s wish on a magic doll causes Santa to leave behind a mischievous elf (‘Wee Man’) to save the day. Will Santa’s little helper lose all faith in his elf self, or can he discover his true powers to become a real superhero? Mirelly Taylor (”Lost”) co-stars in this big-hearted family comedy about holiday wishes, scary fruitcakes and Christmas miracles that come in every size!

With superheros hot on everybody’s mind…why not an elf superhero? Alright it is cheesy but aren’t all holiday-themed movies.  This is not perfect but is also far from the worst in the scenes of direct-to-DVD Christmas films.  Wee Man is fun in the role and actually gets a decent chance to ask and not just be a jackass.  Jeffrey Combs is also fun as the villain and overacts his way to get some great laughs.  The only special features included on this release is just a trailer but besides that I would definitely recommend this for at least a rental if not purchase.

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DVD Review “Steve Jobs The Lost Interview”

Actors: Steve Jobs, Robert X. Cringely
Directors: Paul Sen
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 23, 2012
Run Time: 72 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

Steve Jobs is a man like Walt Disney.  He is a visionary that left us way too early. Like Disney himself, I am sure people said “I could only have imagined the things he would have thought up”.  Luckily, Jobs’ legacy will live on like Disney’s himself.  “Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview” is a 70 minute intimate chat with the man behind so many great things like Apple and Pixar.  What is most interesting about this is that it was conducted way before he took over Apple and made it what it is today.  It is fascinating to listen to Jobs talk about the future, knowing what how it turned out.  This was lost for 17 years and now thanks to Magnolia Home Entertainment we get a chance to behind-the-scenes to the early days with the late and great Steve Jobs.

Official Premise: In this candid, in-depth interview with the late visionary filmed in 1995, Steve Jobs discusses at length his early days, career battles, and vision for the future. Small portions of the piece were used for a television series at the time, but the vast majority was shelved and for 17 years thought to be lost. Resurfacing, it is being presented in its entirety, providing a fascinating look at Jobs at a particularly interesting moment in his career, two years before he would go on to retake control of Apple

The special features included on this DVD are quite impressive for a lost documentary.  This is not a memorial on his life, it is justlost interview.  So if you are looking for a life-story, then you are looking in the wrong place.  On the topic of the interview, there is a wonderful additional hour long interview with Andy Hertzfeld, the original Macintosh programmer at Apple.  It is a must-watch! There is an audio only interview with writer/presenter Robert X. Cringley, which is conducted by producer of this film, John Gau.  Lastly there is a commentary track also included over the interview with Robert X. Cringley and director/producer Paul Sen.  Each feature is better than the next and will leave you 100% satisfied.

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DVD Review “The Ghostmaker”

Actors: Aaron Dean Eisenberg, Liz Fenning, J. Walter Holland, Jared Grey, Domiziano Arcangeli
Directors: Mauro Borrelli
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
DVD Release Date: November 13, 2012
Run Time: 91 minutes

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

With Halloween ending now, my urge to watch horror will seriously begin to curb, especially bad horror. “The Ghostmaker” is a different kind of horror movie though, with a unique story that is inspired by true events! I love the whole mechinical aspect of the film and the visual effects are even quite decent for a low-budget flick. The cover of the box though is a little misleading since the Reaper is made to make this look like a slasher flick but it is much more. This is not your typical horror flick and I would actually recommend this to all genre fans.

Official Premise: A group of friends discover an ancient coffin equipped with a strange mechanism that allows them to experience the world as a ghost. While their first attempt into the spirit world is innocent, the coffin soon brings out their most dangerous impulses and desires. As they are being pulled into a world of evil by the reaper they soon discover there’s a thin line between good and evil.

The special features on the DVD are quite impressive. There is commentary track from the director Mauro Borrelli and producers Ed Polgardy and Scott Rudolph. It is a little slow moving but I thought it was a nice companion if you enjoyed the film like myself. There is a decent look behind-the-scenes lookig into the makingt of “The Ghostmaker” called “Behind the Box”. There are a few deleted scenes here but nothing to call home about. Lastly there is a trailer gallery for other Lionsgate films.

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DVD Review “Chilly Christmas”

Actors: C. Thomas Howell, Tom Arnold, Karan Brar, Brooke Langton
Directors: Gregory Poppen
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
DVD Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 84 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When it comes to this direct-to-video or TV family Christmas movies, they are usually not the greatest pieces of film cinema every released. “Chilly Christmas” is actually cute, not the best Christmas film over but still worth checking out. Kids will definitely enjoy the humor and heart in the film. After recently watching C. Thomas Howell in “The Amazing Spider-Man”, I am not a big fan of him right now. Tom Arnold is not really used to his potential in this. But the real appeal for me is the kids, they are funny and strong characters. The dog is also very cute. The story like most of these are cheesy but overall cute. Besides the film though this DVD does not come with special features included. But in the end, “Chilly Christmas” does end up spreading a little Christmas cheer and joy to get you in the mood for this holiday season.

Official Premise: “Chilly Christmas” follows 11-year-old Bobby Cole, his detective dad (C. Thomas Howell), and their lovable-but-destructive pooch, Chilly, who live together in Sunshine Beach, California. When Bobby’s father is offered a job promotion in New York City, Bobby is thrilled for him – but his excitement quickly turns to heartbreak when he realizes he may have to say goodbye to Chilly, who is too rambunctious to live in a tiny city apartment! Desperate not to leave Chilly behind, Bobby and his friends try to acclimate him to city living (including using the toilet and a treadmill!). But, while the Coles prepare Chilly for the Big Apple, trouble begins brewing in their own backyard when a dog-napper (Tom Arnold) and his crew suddenly show up in Sunshine Beach, hot on Chilly’s tail! It’s up to Detective Cole, Bobby and Chilly to stop the thieves in their tracks and keep their family together for the holiday season – and for good!

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DVD Review “Outlaw Brothers (1990)”

Actors: Frankie Chan, Ken Boyle, Anthony Carpio
Director: Frankie Chan
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Weinstein Company
Release Date: October 30, 2012
Run Time: 102 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

With all the special effects in films these days it is rare to see classic martial arts films. If rare that action films don’t have any CGI. “Outlaw Brothers” definitely scream 1990 action but still is just raw and out-the-top fun. There is classic car stunts and also some fast and furious martial arts. The reason for this is that the legendary Jackie Chan is behind the action direction in this film. It is also directed by Frankie Chan, who is very well respected as well.

“Outlaw Brothers” is an action-packed film follows the exploits of two car thieves, and the butt-kicking female police officer who is on their trail. Add in drug smugglers and choreographed fight scenes with brooms, fans, wrenches, and knives to make this a turbo-charged, high-octane, martial arts action film.

The DVD itself shows a little age in its transfer. It was obviously not restored for this release, but it still looks decent for its age and this isn’t Blu-ray. So a little bit of noise is expect here. The film also includes both a Chinese and English audio tracks. Honestly, I really enjoyed the English track…since it was so bad it was good. There are no special features included besides the film. There is not even a trailer. Would have loved to seen some behind-the-scenes featurettes on the stunts and martial arts. Nonetheless, fans of Chan and classic action films should not miss this.

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DVD Review “[REC]3: Genesis”

Starring: Leticia Dolera, Javier Botet, Diego Martín
Director: Paco Plaza
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 80 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

I was a huge fan of [REC], before the crappy US remake and sequel. I thought the idea of the film was so scary and very ballsy. [REC] 2, I was not that big of a fan of. I thought it was too much of a tag-along to the first film. “[REC]3: Genesis” is believe it or not, one of my favorite films of 2012, so far. It is such an improvement over the last film and the franchise. The film is a nice plenty of horror and comedy and comes packed with some amazing gore and kill scenes.  The film also takes a different approach from the whole hand-held shakey aspect, which I really dug.  But most importantly, Leticia Dolera looks beyond hot as a vengeful bride with a chainsaw.  I mean come-on that is a no-brainer!! She needs to be in every movie that I see!

Official Premise: Koldo and Clara are about to celebrate the most important day of their lives: their wedding. Everything appears to be running smoothly, and the bride and groom and their families are enjoying a wonderful day-that is, until some of the guests start showing signs of a strange illness. Before they know what’s happening, the bride and groom find themselves in the middle of a hellish ordeal as an uncontrollable torrent of violence is unleashed on the wedding. Amidst the chaos Koldo and Clara become separated and begin a desperate search for one another. What started off as an idyllic day quickly descends into a nightmare of the worst kind

I am very disappointed in this series, Sony is to blame this time, for not releasing this on Blu-ray.  I am not sure what the hell is going through their minds, since the series is available on Blu-ray everywhere but the US. To top it off, the special features are lacking a bit overall.  There are 12 deleted scenes included, some are pretty good and could have been put into the film…others are a big no.  Lastly there is a blooper reel included, which is definitely worth checking out.  But that is it, I was hoping for a little more.  Maybe the foreign market’s Blu-ray release will have some more goodies.  Heading to eBay now… Thank God this movie is completely awesome! This is a must for all horror fans!

 

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, Genesis, rec3, review

DVD Review “Hirokin: The Last Samurai”

Actors: Julian Sands, Wes Bentley, Angus Macfayden
Directed by: Alejo Mo-Sun
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lions Gate
DVD Release Date: November 6, 2012
Run Time: 105 minutes

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

When I first heard of this film, I didn’t even recognize Wes Bentley on the cover. Then I realized that he was in “The Hunger Games” and this was a mere cash in on that role.  The film itself is an awesome premise dealing in a post-apocalyptic setting with samurai and dark magic but it doesn’t take advantage of this total coolness.  There is some decent CGI effects but nothing that really blew me away.  This feels like a low-budget “Dune” without the cool worms and blue eyes. Worth a went but I wouldn’t recommend this as a buyer.

Official Premise: On a planet where humans must scavenge the post-apocalyptic barren wasteland, Hirokin, a reluctant samurai with a dark past sets off on a mission to fulfill his destiny. Having fought to the death to save his wife and son from the planet’s evil dictator, Griffin, and his elite army of warriors, the lone samurai is left for dead in the vast desert. Armed with his samurai blade Hirokin is forced to choose between avenging the murder of his family and fighting for the freedom of his people. As he goes into war he’ll discover a shocking revelation about his family leaving revenge running through his veins.

The special features are ok but not spectacular on this DVD.  There is a short but sweet featurette called “Creating Aradius: The Making of Hirokin: The Last Samurai”.  I would have liked to seen more of Aradius in this film to be honest, just looked like a desert set to me.  There are also two featurettes on the fighting called “Training the Samurai” and “Fight Choreography”.  Lastly there are a few deleted scenes.  I should point out in closing that even though this is only DVD, the Dolby Digital 5.1 track is quite decent with the few action scenes in the film.

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