Blu-ray Review “Greystone Park”

Director: Sean Stone
Starring: Alexander Wraith, Antonella Lentini, John Schramm, Monique Zordan and Monique Van Vooren, Oliver Stone, Sean Stone
Distributed by: Arc Entertainment
MPAA RAting: Not Rated
Running Time: 83 minutes

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

“Greystone Park” is directed by Sean Stone, who is the son of well-known director Oliver Stone.  The film is based on true events and falls under the found footage genre.  It is also told with Sean playing himself, even gets a cameo from his father.  This is a unique approach for the genre and mixes not only paranormal activities (sorry) but also the occult. Once the film gets started, there are quite a few good jumps. The ending is also quite the shocker as well. I did Sean high points on his first narrative feature and I am sure we will be hearing from him. I mean the guy has learned from one of the best directors in Hollywood. Perfect film for the Halloween season!

Official Synopsis: Based on true events, the film follows three aspiring filmmakers trying to document unexplainable events in an abandoned insane asylum known as Greystone Park. Urban legend has it that anyone who ventures into the forsaken hospital will suffer the consequences and face their own horrors. The trio stumble across a mysterious realm of escaped patients, ghosts and demonic shadows, as they try to uncover the truth behind Greystone Park.

This release from Arc Entertainment comes in a combo pack with both Blu-ray and DVD discs included for the film. This is a film that you really don’t need on high-def Blu-ray though since it is all shot on handheld camera. Nonetheless, it still looks good and sounds good as well with its nice DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The special features are great as well and a nice companion to the film. There a commentary track with Sean Stone, Alexander Wraith and Antonella Lentini. There is a never-before-seen ending including, but I still prefer the original. “Sean Stone’s Ghost Stories: The Making of Greystone Park” goes into the production and how it was made. Lastly, there is a feature called “The Locations of Greystone Park”, which looks into where this film was shot.

DVD Review “The Sorcerers”

Director: Michael Reeves
Cast: Boris Karloff, Elizabeth Ercy, Ian Ogilvy, Victor Henry, Catherine Lacey
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 87 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Boris Karloff was known best for playing the classic horror monster “The Mummy”. “The Sorcerers” was done later in his career, though is still a good film.  He gives a great performance as Professor Marcus Monserret.  I have to admit, this was the first time that I had seen this film and I am very glad I did. If you are looking for a great way to companion the recent release of “The Mummy” on Blu-ray, then this would be your answer.

Warner Archive is yet again behind this release, which is the first time this film has been put out on DVD. This title has not been remastered or restored but has been made from the best-quality video master currently available. It looks sharp for a film that is almost 50 years old. It is presented within its original aspect ratio of 16X9 full frame. The audio track included is the typical Dolby Mono track. Overall I probably do not see myself watching this film again but with Halloween right around the corner, it will definitely get you ready.

Boris Karloff is at his mesmerizing best in this hypnotic chiller costarring Catherine Lacey (The Lady Vanishes) and directed by Michael Reeves (Witchfinder General). A disgraced hypnotist, Professor Marcus Monserret (Karloff) is about to have the last laugh. Inventing a machine that can control the minds of others, he lures Mike Roscoe (Ian Ogilvy) to his dingy flat to take part in a grand experiment. Discovering he can experience Mike’s sensations as well as his actions, Monserret envisions his device as a boon to science. His maniacal wife (Lacey), however, embittered by years of poverty, soon overpowers her husband and proceeds to use Mike for her own selfish gain.

DVD Review “Face of Fu Manchu”

Director: Don Sharp
Cast: Christopher Lee, Nigel Green, Joachim Fuchsberger, Karen Dor, James Robertson Justice, Howard Marion Crawford, Tsai Chin
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 96 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of Christopher Lee and his role of Fu Manchu is one of the classics. Of course it doesn’t compare to Dracula but he is one bad-ass villain.  I remember seeing this film as a kid and not knowing what the hell is going on…well not much has changed to be honest. This does make me want to check out Sax Rohmer’s novels though for sure. The film is still a little weird and confusing but I have learned to appreciated it more for what it is. If you are a fan of this series, than this is a must-have.

Warner Archive is yet again behind this release, which is the first time this film has been put out on DVD. This title has not been remastered or restored but has been made from the best-quality video master currently available.  It looks good but has some spots with issues,  It is shows in it original aspect ratio 2.40:1 and presented in 16X9 full frame. The audio track included is the typical Dolby Mono track. If you want more, “Vengeance Of Fu Manchu”, also starring Christopher Lee, was released on September 25th. Warner Archive needs to keep these film coming.

Synopsis: The world can breathe easier. Fu Manchu, the crimelord who knows the hidden powers of the mind, is dead. No less than Scotland Yard’s Nayland Smith witnessed the execution. But beware. Don’t expect Fu Manchu to die so conveniently when there’s still so much evil to perpetrate. Christopher Lee plays the malevolent anti hero of the popular Sax Rohmer novels for the first time in The Face of Fu Manchu. World domination is the ingenious fiend’s goal, one increasingly within his long-nailed grasp now that he’s discovered a secret potion so toxic that one drop can kill thousands. Pay heed, you Nayland Smiths of the world: The forces of evil are very much alive! Are you so foolish as to believe you can oppose the will of Fu Manchu?

DVD Review “Confessions of an Opium Eater”

Director: Albert Zugsmith
Cast: Vincent Price, Linda Ho, Philip Ahn
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 85 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Vincent Price, I am always interested in his film.  I have never heard of  “Confessions of an Opium Eater” and I am not shocked why.  This film is very – let’s say –  out there.  This film takes a little while to get started but definitely packs a bunch. It is not one of his best but it is still Vincent Price, so sign me up. A neat fact is that is was directed by the producer of the classic “Touch of Evil”.

Warner Archive is yet again behind this release, which is the first time this film has been put out on DVD. This title has not been remastered or restored but has been made from the best-quality video master currently available.  It looks decent overall.  It is presented within its original aspect ratio of 16X9 full frame. The audio track included is the typical Dolby Mono track. Overall I probably do not see myself watching this film again but with Halloween right around the corner, it will definitely get you ready.

Synopsis: Vincent Price faces the death of 1,000 cuts in this delirious pulp adventure directed by Touch of Evil producer Albert Zugsmith. Returning to San Francisco after a long stay in the Orient, two-fisted mercenary Gilbert De Quincey (Price) finds himself caught in the midst of a Tong war. Descending deep below the surface of Chinatown, he plays one side against the other in a daring attempt to break up a human trafficking ring, where slave girls are auctioned for opium.

 

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DVD Review “Care Bears: The Original Series Collection”

Created by: Linda Denham, Elena Kucharik
Starring: Billie Mae Richards, Jim Henshaw, Dan Hennessey, Chris Wiggins, Melleny Brown, Luba Goy, Eva Almos, John Stocker, Tara Strong
Number of discs: 6
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 923 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

It is hard to believe that The Care Bears are approaching 30 years already.  I remember watching them on television every day when I was a kid. Now with a child of my own, I am looking forward to her growing up watching this series as well. The message that this show represented was sharing and caring and those are two great qualities to have.  Let’s just say that some television shows today for kids aren’t that classy.  Thanks to Lionsgate for releasing this limited edition 30-year anniversary collectors’ set. This 6-DVD set features 64 classic episodes and a full-length movie, “Care Bears: The Nutcracker”.

Synopsis: Originally created by American Greetings, the lovable bears of Care-a-lot – Cheer Bear, Share Bear, Harmony Bear and all their buddies – with unique belly badges and a caring mission – have been delighting fans for 30 years! Whether it’s learning the value of friendship, helping someone in need or using their special powers to brighten up the day, the adorable Care Bears are always ready for caring, sharing and giving goodness!

All of your favorite Bears are included in this collection including Cheer Bear, Share Bear, Tenderheart Bear and all of the Care Bear Cousins. Though 30 years old, the Care Bears are not going anywhere soon.  They have resurfaced in the last 10 years and have been more popular than ever appearing in various new series and films including this year’s “Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot”.  The original 80’s episodes are still very colorful and eye-catching though and still fun to watch.  The DVD has the episodes presented in 4×3 Full Screen (1.33:1) and with an audio track of 2.0 Dolby Digital.  A must for all kids that grew up in the 80’s and are still young at heart…or have kids now.

DVD Review “New Girl: The Complete First Season”

Actors: Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, Hannah Number of discs: 3
Rated: Unrated
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Run Time: 526 minutes

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

I have always been a big fan of Zooey Deschanel since she was in 2004’s “Elf”.  This show is so cute, smartly written, smart and quirky.  It is also rare that you watch a show where you literally love every single character in the series. Dermot Mulroney is a laugh riot, as he guest stars as Jess’ older boyfriend and reminds us to be sure to hang that sweater…not fold it. Classic.  This first season had entire scenes that I literally missed the jokes due to almost crying in pain laughing, thank God for being able to rewind (numerous times).  I also think that this show is extremely re-watchable like another one of my favorite comedy series, “The Big Bang Theory”.  One of my favorite new shows of 2011 and I can’t wait for season two.

Official Premise: “New Girl” is a charming, offbeat comedy about friends, flings and modern relationships.  After a bad breakup, free-spirited optimist Jess (Zooey Deschanel) moves in with three bachelors who have plenty of issues of their own.  Winston (Lamorne Morris) is a former athlete, Nick (Jake Johnson) is a law school dropout, and Schmidt (Max Greenfield) is a wannabe womanizer in love with…himself.  Together with her super-hot BFF Cece (Hannah Simone), this New Girl discovers that hanging out with the guys can be a challenging – and hilarious – adventure!

The special features are very impressive for this season.  There is a commentary track on the pilot, “Bad in Bed” and “See Ya” episodes, all highly recommended..  If you love Zooey’s fashion in the show, be sure to watch “Dress Like Jess”.  There are auditions with Lamorne Morris, very glad he replaced Damon Waynes Jr from the pilot. There are also a bunch of deleted/extended scenes, alternate jokes and an outtake reel.  I will take any more of this show that I can get, so I was all in for these extras.  “New Girl: Evolution of an Episode” is a nice look into the show’s production. Overall highly recommended for fans of this show.

 

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DVD Review “Mancation”

Actors: Mike Starr, Joey Fatone, Matt Kawczynski, Jake Matthews
Directed by: Frank Vain
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

Every since “The Hangover” scored with fans, ever comedy has tried to compare. “Mancation” is no different. The only good thing about this film though is *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone and Danica McKellar from “The Wonder Years”. The film starts off well with using its unrated director’s cut well and then, in so many words, pussies out. It become a tale to find true love and overall gets lame very fast. But the time this film kicks it into gear again, it just seems way too late and way too disgusting.

Official Synopsis: Vince has carefully planned out every aspect of his seemingly successful life until his plans come crashing down around him just one day after his wedding, leaving his three under-qualified friends to pick up the pieces. As they head to Atlantic City for the wildest and most spontaneous weekend of their lives they’ll be sure that this “Mancation” will be one that will never be forgotten!

The DVD includes the film in an unrated director’s cut. The special features included in this release are decent but overall too short. There is a behind-the-scenes featurette called “Jake Cam! with Jake Matthews”. There is a funny commercial for Bonerall. There are some outtakes and about 10 minutes of deleted/extended scenes. “Booch to Boots” is a short feature on one of the characters in the film. Lastly there is a trailer gallery.

 

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DVD Review “Basket Case 3: The Progeny”

Actors: Kevin Van Hentenryck, Denise Coop, Annie Ross, Gil Roper
Directors: Frank Henenlotter
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Synapse Films
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

When it comes to the “Basket Case” series, it has always been a great mix of comedy and horror. “The Progeny” has always been one of my favorites. The film is completely over-the-top and doesn’t care what anyone thinks. The practical makeup effects alone in the film are stunning. I would have love to see this film put out and restored on Blu-ray. Synapse Films delivers this DVD with its widescreen presentation with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The audio included is a Dolby Digital 2.0 track. The one downside is that this DVD doesn’t include any special features besides the original theatrical trailer.

Official Synopsis: He’s back. He’s bad. And he’s a dad! Belial, everyone’s favorite beast-in-a-basket, is back in this sensational third film in the wildly macabre horror series. After being separated again from his conjoined twin brother Duane (Kevin Van Hentenryck), Belial finds out he’s going to be a deformed daddy! Mrs. Belial ( Eve, played by Denise Coop) delivers a litter of bouncing baby monsters, but the blessed event turns into a nightmarish ordeal when the police kidnap the little critters. They should know it’s not safe to anger Belial! Attacking the cops in a climactic, gory rampage, everyone’s favorite mutant mauler stops at nothing to get his newborns back!

 

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The Raven Spooks Its Way Onto Blu-ray & DVD on Oct. 9

Win a Raven prize pack with the DVD & mini poster! 

THE RAVEN arrives on Blu-ray and DVD October 9 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment in time to commemorate the 163rd anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe’s mysterious death (died Oct 7, 1849).

John Cusack and Luke Evans star in this blood-curdling tale of terror that’s as dark and haunting as the legendary master of the macabre who inspired it – Edgar Allan Poe.

Baltimore, 1849. While investigating a horrific double murder, police detective Emmett Fields (Evans) makes a startling discovery: the killer’s methods mirror the twisted writings of Edgar Allan Poe (Cusack). Suspecting Poe at first, Fields ultimately enlists his help to stop future attacks. But in this deadly game of cat and mouse, the stakes are raised with each gruesome slaying as the pair races to catch a madman before he brings every one of Poe’s shocking stories to chilling life…and death.

For your chance of winning The Raven prize pack, simply answer the following question below and click here to submit your answer. This giveaway will be open until October 5th at Noon, Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Media Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

Edgar Allan Poe was reportedly found close to death on a  ______.

  • Train
  • Church Pew
  • Park Bench

Follow Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on: Twitter @FoxHomeEnt

DVD Review “Steel Panther: British Invasion”

Directed by: Daniel E Catullo III
Starring: Steel Panther
Guitar Anarchy Studios
Mixing: Jay Ruston
Rated: N/A
Concert Feature: 90 min
Special Features: 60 min

Our Score: Concert- 4 out of 5 stars
Special Features- 5 out of 5 stars

“British Invasion” is the long awaited DVD/Blu-Ray release from the spandex clad band Steel Panther. Release dates for this film go back as far as March of 2010 however the wait is finally over. There are two versions of the film being released in the U.S. on Oct. 22nd with the first being a 2 disc DVD version that will have the concert and special features on two separate discs along with a 16 page color booklet. The Blu-Ray release of the film will feature all of the same material and packaging but contained on a single disc. Shot on location in London, England at the famous Brixton Academy director Daniel E Catullo III (Nickelback, Rush, Godsmack) does a great job capturing all the hairspray filed hijinx as the concert was shot on 16 HD cameras which give the film a really stunning look.

I have been waiting patiently since the first announcements of this DVD were released over 2 years ago so when I finally received the Blu-Ray version of the film for review I couldn’t wait to see what was in store. Satchel, Michael, Lexxi and Stix deliver with every song and cheesy choreographed dance move as they make their way through the 90+ minute set shot during one of their sold out shows at London’s Brixton Academy. Lots of jokes and scantily clad women fill in the empty spaces making this a hysterical watching experience. At times the music does seems a bit too crisp and clean for a live recording however it’s not enough where it distracted my attention. The only other negative I could really find was that because of the film being shot during the highly successful “Feel the Steel” tour the set does not include any songs from the group’s latest release “Balls Out”. However the band does a good job making up for that during the bonus features.

The Special Features portion of the disc was chocked to the brim with over 60 minutes of bonus material. The first is a hysterical 40 minute documentary which takes you behind the scenes of the band known as Steel Panther. Next is a video of the bands performance from this year’s Download Festival which not only features performances of “Just Like Tiger Woods” and “17 Girls in a Row” both off of the “Balls Out” album but a very special guest vocal performance by Corey Taylor of Slipknot on the bands song “Death to All But Metal”. Closing out this portion of the disc are several deleted scenes that even though were obviously staged still managed to garner a number of laughs.

Great laughs and great music is what you find on Steel Panther’s “British Invasion”. So do yourself a favor. Pick up a copy of this film, tuck the little ones away for the night and get prepared to ROCK!!!

Main DVD:
1.) Eyes of a Panther
2.) Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’
3.) Fat Girl
4.) Hair Solo
5.) Party All Day
6.) Hell’s on Fire
7.) Stripper Girl
8.) Asian Hooker
9.) Turn Out the Lights
10.) Girl From Oklahoma
11.) We Want Pussy
12.) Community Property
13.) The Shocker
14.) Death to All But Metal

Bonus Disc:
40 Min. Documentary
Deleted Scenes

Download Festival 2012:
1.) Supersonic Sex Machine
2.) Community Property
3.) Just Like Tiger Woods
4.) 17 Girls in a Row
5.) Death to All But Metal (Feat. Corey Taylor)

DVD Review “12 Dogs of Christmas: Great Puppy Rescue”

Directed by: Kieth Merrill
Actors: Danielle Chuchran, D.B. Sweeney, Sean Patrick Flanery
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 9, 2012
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

I saw the first “12 Dogs of Christmas” on TV a few years ago. I wouldn’t really call it a holiday classic but it was cute. I was assuming the same would happen with this sequel. This really has that ABC Family/Lifetime TV movie quality. It is cute but really doesn’t feel like much of a Christmas film until the end, which is a little too late for me. I wish they would have focused more time around the musical event and less on basketball games etc. This is also said to be “song-filled”, that isn’t really the case. To be honest this is best served a rental or just watch on cable TV.

Synopsis: The dogs of Doverville are in trouble again…but Emma O’Connor (Danielle Churchran) is back to save them in a song-filled, seasonal extravaganza. Mean-spirited mogul Finneas James (Sean Patrick Flaner) plots to shut down the local puppy orphanage, unless Emma can come up with the money to save it. With the help of some friends, she races against time to put together a musical holiday event that might just save the day.

The special features are not bad for a glorified TV movie. They include five featurettes which go behind-the-scenes and up close with the puppies. The first is ““What’s Your Favorite Dog?” with the cast and crew discuss their personal favorite. ““Behind 12 Dogs of Christmas” looks into the production. ““Working With Writer//Director Kieth Merrill” features the cast chatting about their experience on the film. “The Basketball Game Sequence” and ““The Christmas Finale” go in-depth into how those scenes were done.

DVD Review “Barricade”

Directed by: Andrew Currie
Starring: Eric McCormack, Jody Thompson, Conner Dwelly, Ryan Grantham
Distributed by: WWE Studios
Release Date: September 25th, 2012 (Exclusively at Walmart)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 83 minutes

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

I love the fact that WWE Studios is branching out with its films. I was surprised to see that Eric McCormack was starring in this film and not a wrestler but he was well-cast. The film has more horror and terror than a bunch of recent “horror” films I have seen this year combined. It is fast, intense and packs a hell of a bunch. It also aims to play a lot of tricks with your head. Even though the film runs just over 80 minutes it is non-stop and plays perfect to the genre and delivers a really fun-time.

Terrance Shade (Eric McCormack) takes his children on a holiday getaway to a cabin in the woods. But when a blizzard buries the house, the family finds themselves trapped and without communication. As the storm surges on outside, a sinister presence materializes. Unable to explain it, and unable to escape it, they quickly realize that maybe they haven’t locked the evil out…instead they’ve just locked it in.

The film looks and sounds great even though it is on DVD. It’s DTS-HD Master Audio track works perfectly with the suspense and delivers it very well. The special features are also fantastic and a great compliment to the film itself. “Blueprint to Fear: The Cabin” takes us on a tour inside the film’s haunted house. “Whiteout” focuses on creating the special effects and the blizzards. “Breaking Type: Eric McCormack” showcases his characters transforming into madness. Lastly “Manning Park” takes us through how they transformed a ski resort into the film’s set. After really enjoying the film, the features just aided my appetite for more.

“Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season” DVD Giveaway [ENDED]

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Available on DVD September 18th!

To celebrate the release of BODY OF PROOF: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON on DVD, Media Mikes would like to giveaway 20 DVD’s! For your chance to enter-to-win, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite character on the show. This giveaway will be open until September 28th at Noon, Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Media Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

Synopsis:

  • Dr. Megan Hunt (Dana Delany) may have a prickly personality, but she’s a brilliant medical examiner with unique techniques for solving even the most complex crime. Relive every unique medical mystery as Megan seeks justice for each victim, while also putting her life back together and repairing her personal relationships with the living. Dissect each distinctive case with ABC’s “Body of Proof: The Complete Second Season” on DVD, plus exciting bonus features!

Talent/Cast:

  • Dana Delany (“Desperate Housewives”), Jeri Ryan (“Boston Public”), Geoffrey Arend (“500 Days of Summer”), John Carroll Lynch (“Crazy, Stupid, Love”), Windell Middlebrooks (“Scrubs”) Nicholas Bishop (“Necessary Roughness”), Sonja Sohn (“The Wire”), Mary Mouser (“Ghost Whisperer”)

Bonus Features:

  • The Design of Body of Proof: Living Spaces – An exciting opportunity to see the sleek design of the hit series’ set, this cool special feature that gives audiences a cool inside look at the show’s medical examiner’s office.
  • Bodies of Body of Proof – Fans will enjoy an inside look at how the team makes dead bodies look so real.
  • The Stunt Work of Body of Proof: Taking the Plunge – An exclusive look at the stunt team in action, leaping off the balcony of a hotel, capturing the feeling of taking the plunge.
  • The Stunt Work of Body of Proof: Playing With Fire – Another exciting exclusive look into the work of the stunt team, this feature follows the production team’s careful preparation to blow up a house to get the perfect shot.
  • The Stunt Work of Body of Proof: Prepping the Stunt (Part 1) – In the first of a two-part series, fans get an inside look at how the team plans and executes a major show stunt.
  • The Stunt Work of Body of Proof: Collision Course (Part 2) – Fans will join the stunt team for a closer look as all of their preparation is put into action.
  • The Fashion of Body of Proof – A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the medical examiner’s costumes.
  • Body of Goofs – Fans will have a chance to join in on the laughs with a never before seen blooper reel of hilarious moments that the editors couldn’t resist sharing.
  • Outbreak: Webisodes – This series of webisodes follows investigative reporters uncovering an outbreak of an infectious disease.
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DVD Review “Sea Level”

Directors: Aun Hoe Goh
Starring: Diong Chae Lian, Gavin Yap, Kennie Dowle, Christina Orow, Jay Sheldon
MPAA Rating: PG
Distributed by: Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Running Time: 92 minutes

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

“Sea Level” could be a cute movie but just feels a little two dimensional.  The characters are cute as well but the voices are horrendous.  All the great voice talent at there and we get a shark that sounds like Yogi Bear? Really?  The animation is very cool looking though.  I like the shading on the characters and the underwater environment is well rendered.  Lastly the baddies are also pretty bad-ass looking, maybe too bad for some little kids.  Nonetheless though the film deals with some very adult issues like poachers and as sweet as the film is it has a bit of a darker edge. For a kid though, it is colorful, funny and action-packed. So they will be entertained but then probably screaming to watch “Finding Nemo” or something better.

Official Synopsis: Pup, a bamboo shark, discovers egg sacs while playing around the ocean with his friends. When he sees human poachers stealing the eggs from his reef, Pup makes it his mission to save them. As he leaves the sea and enters the beautiful, yet dangerous, world of humans he’ll prove he isn’t too small to save his family.

Lionsgate only delivered this film on DVD but I have a feeling it would have looked ever better on Blu-ray or even 3D Blu-ray, since there were a few scenes calling for it.  The audio track sounds nice on DVD with its 5.1 Dolby Digital track.  The special features are also decent overall.  There is an interesting, yet short, Behind-the-Scenes featurette.  There is a feature on the Sculpture Design and also the Concept Art.  It really shows how much work went into this film.  Lastly there is a trailer gallery included.

DVD Review “Séance: The Summoning”

Directed by: Alex Wright
Starring: Chris Olivero, Bobby Campo, Nazneen Contractor
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Running Time: 89 minutes

Film:1 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

When Halloween comes each year, there is always a flood of new horror pics.  Some are good but most are crap.  “Séance” kinda falls right in line with the crap.  It’s main pride is that it is from an executive producer of “Hellraiser”.  The film suffers from some really bad “grade D” acting. I mean when girls scream should it be scary-like and not annoying as hell? If you are looking for a good exorcism flick from this year, check out “The Possession”. I literally had a really hard time even just finishing this film.  Not to mention that the cover has zero to actually do with the film itself.

Official Synopsis: Four friends decide to break into the city morgue and record themselves holding a séance after Joey (Campo) accuses the other of being a fake psychic medium. When the group summons a demon by mistake, Joey breaks the circle of protection and causes himself to be vulnerable. Once possessed they will have to find a way to drive the demon out of their friend before it destroys them all.

Lionsgate delivers a nice DVD presentation, though in today’s times…why no Blu-ray? The audio track included is a 5.1 Dolby Digital, which sounds good for DVD. The only extra included on this release is the featurette is “The Making of Séance: The Summoning”.  It is worth checking out if you enjoyed the film and looking for just a little more.  Since that is really all you get, overall it is too short.  Lastly there is a trailer gallery included.