DVD Review “After Dusk They Come”

Directed by: Jorg Ihle
Starring: Jewel Staite, Marc Bacher, Nikki Griffin, Justin Baldoni, Kellan Lutz,
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Running Time: 97 minutes

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

I understanding marketing but it never seems to aggrevate me. This film is put up to be the Kellan Lutz show, but he has very few scenes and lacks a major role in the film. He is still front and center on the box. The box tagline also states “As twilight sets an epic battle begins”. Now this has zero to do with vampires and the creatures also hunt in broad daylight, so I am clueless. This film should be put up as the Jewel Statite show (who I love BTW), she is the whole film and the main star but gets snubbed. The creatures are ok but end up looking more like hairy men in dreadlocks. The second half of the film is the better half and feels like “The Descent” in the jungle.

Official Premise: A group of friends set out on a luxury yacht for a gorgeous island vacation. But they soon realize that they have veered off-course to a strange uncharted island. After a horrific boat crash shipwrecks them in the dense jungle, it quickly becomes evident that they are not the first to arrive to their new island prison. Instead, an unknown, cannibalistic beast stalks the group from the shadows, picking them off one-by-one.

The sound on the DVD is quite decent packing a nice 5.1 Dolby Digital audio track. The special features are let down as well. There is a making of featurette included, running just over 10 minutes. It is decent but too short. There is also a photo gallery and trailer thrown in. I think if this film just delivered itself for what it was it would delivered for me a much better viewing experience. I guess that is why this has sat on the shelf since it was made in 2009. Horror fans and fans of Staite, this is not the best horror title of the year but she is always a pleasure to watch. Overall, this will appeal only to confused “Twilight” fans looking to get see Kellan Lutz.

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DVD Reviews “Pac-Man: The Complete First & Second Seasons”

Created by: Hanna-Barbera
Cast: Marty Ingels, Barbara Minkus, Russi Taylor, Frank Welker, Peter Cullen, Alan Lurie, Susan Silo, Barry Gordon, Chuck Mccann, Neilson Ross
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 312 minutes / 216 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Hanna-Barbera really knows animation.  Back in the day, I would always jump on the chance to visit any product that they delivers and that is still true to today.  Pac-Man is brilliantly voiced by Marty Ingels, known best for his role in “He’s Dickens…I’m Fenster”.  I love his voice and he just embodies the character,  who knew Pac-Man had such a cool voice.  The show follows Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man and Pac-Baby as they set off on their adventures. Pac-Man also meets up with those pesky ghosts: Inky, Blinky, Pinky, Clyde and Sue, as well as the dreaded Mezmaron, who wants their power bellets.  The second season also introduces cast additions including Pac-Man’s teenage cousin PJ and the super-heroic Super-Pac! Overall, this show is just plain stupid fun and nothing more.  If you grew up watching this show, revisiting it with these season release will be a real treat guaranteed to get a high score.

The first season includes all 26-episodes from the season.  The second season includes 16-episodes. It is presented in 4X3 full frame and its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1.  The audio format is the typical Warner Archive mono track but works super well with the show. The second season also comes with a great special bonus feature! This release includes the fan-favorite prime-time holiday special “Christmas Comes to PacLand”.  I grew up watching this and look forward to watching it ever year on TV till today…but now I am happy to have it on DVD.  Each season looks great on DVD and is newly restored by Warner Archive.  One question left though where is the “Pac-Man Halloween Special”?

“Pac-Man: The Complete First Season”
Pac-Man! The game that gobbled up a nation’s quarters while its hero gobbled up those annoying Ghost Monsters spawned sequels, spin-offs, toys, games and more. Taking note of Pac-Man’s avid fan base, famed carton studio Hanna-Barbera hit upon the idea of adapting the game for Saturday morning animation – becoming the first video game to make the jump to TV. Kids were immediately enraptured and a score of other arcade favorites soon followed Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man and Baby Pac-Man from the gaming console to the cathode ray tube. In this 2-Disc, 26-Episode collection, Pac-Man does battle with Inky, Blinky, Pinky, Clyde and Sue, the Ghost Monster minions of the dreaded Mezmaron, who lusts after Pac-land’s precious power spheres. Aided by his plucky and charming wife and son, Pac-Man saves the Pac-President, confronts the vampiric Pacula, discovers the Abominable Pac-Man and more. Pac-Venture awaits – no quarters required!

“Pac-Man: The Complete Second Season”
Pac-Man returns for a Power Pellet chomping second season of adventures, with some very special cast additions – teenage cousin PJ and the super-heroic Super-Pac! Together with the rest of the Pac pack, they continue to thwart Mezmaron and his minions while time-travelling, battling Robo-Pacs and Pac-Apes, and taking a trip to Pac-Hollywood. Save your quarters, this game’s been extended! Contains all 16 sophomore season adventures. Special Bonus! You’ve hit the high score – this collection also includes the fan-favorite primetime holiday special Christmas Comes to PacLand! Originally airing during Pac-Man’s first season (but as an evening broadcast event), Christmas Comes to PacLand sees Pac, Pepper, Baby and the Pac-Pets enjoying an unexpected snowfall when an errant ghost attack sends Santa’s reindeer WAY off course. Can Pac-Man save the most special day of all? Guest-starring Santa and some very special reindeer.

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“Castle: The Complete Fourth Season” DVD Giveaway [ENDED]

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

Available on DVD September 11th!

To celebrate the release of “Castle: The Complete Fourth Season”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway 10 copies of this season on DVD. If you would like to win one of these great prizes, 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 21st 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:

  • Television’s most unlikely crime-fighting team is back and their relationship is stronger than ever! Prepare for a season full of suspense where lines are drawn, sides are chosen and careers are put on the line as Castle tries to protect Beckett following her near death encounter. Castle’s relationship with Beckett radically changes during the season, leading to a final confrontation with a mysterious man who holds all the answers that Beckett has been searching for since the night her mother was murdered. Features all 23 episodes plus exclusive bonus material including “Nathan & Friends: Castle Goes Radio;” “Anatomy of A Stunt;” audio commentaries, deleted scenes, and bloopers.

Talent/Cast:

  • Nathan Fillion (“Firefly”), Stana Katic (”24”), Jon Huertas (“NCIS”), Seamus Dever (“Army Wives”), Susan Sullivan (“Dharma & Greg”), Molly C. Quinn (“A Christmas Carol”), Tamala Jones (“My Name Is Earl”)

Bonus Features:

  • Fillion & Friends: Castle Goes Radio – An exciting chance to follow Nathan Fillion as he makes his long awaited return to guest in the newest installment of the Thrilling Adventure and Supernatural Suspense Hour stage, a.k.a. TASSH, in Los Angeles – but this time he’s not alone as he brings the show’s Molly Quinn and other familiar faces along for some laugh out loud comedy. Fans will get a behind the scenes look as the cast goes through rehearsals and prepares to perform live for a standing room only crowd.
  • Submerged: An In-Depth Look At Stunts – Behind the scenes with the creation of a heartstopping car stunt from development to the final product. This bonus also features interviews with cast about the show’s thrilling stunts.
  • Bowman, Bowman & Castle – A day on set with father and son, director Chuck Bowman and executive producer Rob Bowman, as they work together to create an episode of CASTLE with a unique style and narrative that takes place across two different generations.
  • Audio Commentaries – An exciting commentary, the series’ colorful cast and crew share their on-set experiences.
  • Deleted Scenes – Fans will uncover another level of crime solving through several deleted scenes from the hit series.
  • Bloopers – Hilarious moments from the set of the hit series’ exciting fourth season.

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“Private Practice: The Complete Fifth Season” DVD Giveaway [ENDED]

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

Available on DVD on September 11th!

To celebrate the release of “Private Practice: The Complete Fifth Season”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway 10 copies of this season on DVD. If you would like to win one of these great prizes, 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 21st 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:

  • From the creators of “Grey’s Anatomy” comes the fifth season of ABC’s sexy, medical drama, “Private Practice.” Addison and her friends at the practice are faced with new challenges as unexpected people enter and complicate their lives. From a sexy new doctor to an illegitimate son, the lives and loves of these doctors are put to the test. Relive every memorable moment plus never-before-seen bonus features only on DVD. Bring home ABC’s “Private Practice: The Complete Fifth Season” on DVD September 11!

Talent/Cast:

  • “Private Practice” stars Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Forbes Montgomery, Tim Daly as Dr. Pete Wilder, Benjamin Bratt as Jake Reilly, KaDee Strickland as Dr. Charlotte King, Paul Adelstein as Dr. Cooper Freedman, Brian Benben as Dr. Sheldon Wallace and Caterina Scorsone as Dr. Amelia Shepherd, with Taye Diggs as Dr. Sam Bennett and Amy Brenneman as Dr. Violet Turner.

Bonus Features:

  • The Practice of Parenthood – The pitter-patter of little feet found its way onto the set this past season in a number of ways. In this exclusive feature, fans can listen in as the cast of the hit series discusses filming with the young actors during the fifth season.
  • Deleted Scenes – Through these deleted scenes, fans will learn even more about their favorite characters from the hit series.
  • Bloopers – Fans will laugh out loud at a hilarious blooper reel of the season’s most funny on-set moments.

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DVD Review “Conception”

Directed by: Josh Stolberg
Starring: Connie Britton, Julie Bowen, Sarah Hyland, America Olivo, Jonathan Silverman, Alan Tudyk and David Arquette.
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed: New Video Group
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Running Time: 97 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect for with “Conception” but I was very pleasantly surprised. The film was sharp, clever and funny…all while having a decent heart. The main draw for me was really it’s amazing ensemble cast including Julie Bowen and Sarah Hyland both from “Modern Family”, Connie Britton (“American Horror Story”, Alan Tudyk (“Firefly) America Olivo (“Friday the 13th”), Jonathan Silverman (“Weekend at Bernie’s”), and even David Arquette (“Scream”) pops in for a sec.

“Conception” is a clever, romantic comedy that proves it takes more than sex to make a baby. From a couple fighting the odds of fertility to young teenagers losing their virginity, the film follows nine very different couples on the night they conceive, showing that sex can sometimes be more neurotic than erotic.

“Conception” is a sexy yet hilarious neurotic comedy that shows the real side of relationships. Overall, it surprised me since I wasn’t expecting much. The DVD does comes with a few special features. There is an interview with Director Josh Stolberg and Producer Leila Charles Leigh, which is presented by American Express. There are a also a few deleted scenes and outtakes included. Overall nothing special but worth checking out if you enjoyed the film.

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DVD Review “388 Arletta Avenue”

Directed by: Randall Cole
Starring: Nick Stahl, Mia Kirshner, Devon Sawa
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed: New Video Group
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Running Time: 97 minutes

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

Prior to receiving this DVD, I had never heard of “388 Arletta Avenue”. But the front of the box was a real draw for me since it is from the makers of “Splice” and “Cube”, Vincenzo Natali, whom I am big fan of. This also packs a very impressive genre cast including Nick Stahl (“Terminator 3”), Mia Kirshner (“The Vampire Diaries”), Devon Sawa (“Finding Destination”). The film itself isn’t scary but it is super creepy and very effective. It is was also shot from the point-of-view of hidden cameras hidden throughout the house, the car etc. I really enjoyed the Randall Cole’s fresh take on found-footage horror genre.

On the surface, James Deakin (Stahl) lives a quiet, routine, comfortable life with his wife Amy (Kirshner) in their suburban home. Under the subtle manipulation of a faceless voyeur, however, cracks in their relationship begin to emerge. When Amy suddenly disappears, James is left to wonder if she’s been abducted or simply abandoned him, but their tormentor doesn’t stop there. As the manipulations become more twisted and violent, James desperately tries to identify just who’s doing this to him and why, but his adversary always seems to be one step ahead.

“388 Arletta Avenue” runs a really tight 97 minutes and literally has you sitting on the edge of your seat and trying to figure out the ending. Though, The film doesn’t deliver in terms of special features. There is only one extra, which is cast/crew behind-the-scenes interviews. It is not bad overall and like most Tribeca Film release it is presented by American Express. Randall Cole is definitely on my radar and will definitely keep an eye out for his future films. Overall though, I would definitely recommend this film highly.

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Blu-ray Review “The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Fifth Season”

Created by: Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady
Starring: Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch and Mayim Bialik
Number of discs: 3
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 552 minutes

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

Right from the start whether you have seen this show before or not, you can tell that these show is amazing. I mean do you see the cover art? It  doesn’t get cooler than that.  These guys are nerdy comedy superstars and the cover art definitely reflects that. It is really rare that a show in its fifth season gets better and better with each episode. I always thought that the first few seasons where the funniest but after re-watching this season it is clear and the show’s best is it current episodes. This season also has cameos from Stephen Hawkins and Leonard Nimoy, can you ask for anything more?

The Blu-ray presentation is comparable to the past “Big Bang” Blu-ray releases. The 1080p video is a real treat for the show.  The color pop and overall looks very sharp.  The audio track included work well especially since the show is dialogue based.  You don’t miss a word of their clever smarty-pants dialogue.  This release of the season not only but with the show on Blu-ray but also DVD discs.  Also included is the entire series on Ultraviolet digital streaming, which is SUPER cool to be able to just pop on anytime, anywhere.

You can tell that the show changed a lot this season…in a positive direction. The characters are getting new arc and not only growing but also maturing. I think that the addition of Bernadette and Amy, amazingly played by Melissa Rouch and Mayim Bialik respectively, really compliments a lot more to the original cast with added depth. Mayim Bialik literally steals every single scene she is in and deserves a freaking Emmy…HELLO??!! It is rare that when a season ends that I am literally upset and dying for more, this was the case when this season ended. I actually had to go back to previous seasons and re-watch just to get my “Big Bang” fix.

The special features on this season are also the best of the series to date. There is some really great extras included in this release. “The Big Bang Theory @ 100” showcases the cast and crew as they celebrate the show’s 100th episode. “The Big Bang Theory’s Laws of Reflection” features interviews with the cast as they reflect on their favorite moments from season 5. “Professors of Production” is a behind-the-scenes look at the various section of the show that assist to bring this wonderful show together week after week. Lastly there is a terribly funny “Gag Reel” included.

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DVD Review “The Revenant”

Directed by: Kerry Prior
Starring: David Anders, Senyo Amoaku, Chris Wylde
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 18, 2012
Running Time: 117 minutes

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

What maker me curious about this film is where the hell has it been?  The horror-comedy was the Winner of the Best Feature, Best Director, Best Actor and Audience Choice at the 2009 New York City Horror Film Festival.  Did you catch that? 2009.  I am not sure what took so long to reach DVD but this was a pretty damn decent flick.  It is a sharp blend of horror and comedy. The main issue though I have is the nearly two hour running time. Horror films NEVER need to be over 90 minutes, no matter how good they think they are.  If this film was 30 mins shorter, it would have been a lot tighter and better executed.  Nonetheless, horror fans should definitely consider this release for a good laughs and some good gore.

SYNOPSIS: The breakout film centers on a fallen soldier who somehow finds he has joined the ranks of the living dead. Bart Gregory (Anders) has just recently been laid to rest – so why is he still up and walking around? The only way he can keep himself from diminishing to dust is to supply himself with a constant supply of fresh blood. He quickly decides to do law enforcement a favor by cleaning up the streets.

The DVD special features are actually quite decent for this little film. There are two audio commentary tracks included. The first is with the director Kerry Prior and the second is with the actors David Anders and Chris Wylde. Both decent and very listenable. There is a brief but also decent behind-the-scenes featurette caled “Revealing The Revenant”, as well as a few deleted scenes. The scenes aren’t anything special but if you enjoyed the film it is worth checking out. Lastly there is a photo gallery included.

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DVD Review “6 Bullets”

Directed by: Ernie Barbarash
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bianca Bree, Kristopher Van Varenberg, Joe Flanigan, Anna-Louise Plowman
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 115 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 0 out of 5 stars

Especially after seeing Jean-Claude Van Damme kick some ass in this summer’s “The Expendables”, I am gung-ho to watch him in just about anything I can right now, so this release is completely welcomed. Honestly, the film is quite decent for a direct-to-DVD release. Jean-Claude Van Damme even get in a few decent roundhouse kicks. The cast is also rounded out with Joe Flanigan from “Stargate: Atlantis”. But overall, “6 Bullets” packs some good action and one hell of an intense plot.

Official Synopsis: Veteran mercenary Samson Gaul (Jean-Claude Van Damme) knows that in the heat of battle, every bullet counts. He retired from combat when his actions resulted in the deaths of helpless victims, but now he’s the last hope for a desperate father. Mixed Martial Artist, Andrew Fayden (Joe Flanigan, Stargate: Atlantis) knows how to fight, but alone he’s unprepared to navigate the corrupt streets of a foreign city to find his kidnapped daughter. Together, these warriors will stop at nothing to tear apart a vile network of criminals that preys upon the innocent.

Fans of Van Damme are going to jump all over this release for sure. I  am not sure why though Sony decided to skip a Blu-ray release for this, which is basically the norm these days, especially for an action film.   If you prefer digital this film was also release in various VOD formats, so for $3.99 you honestly can’t go wrong. Though if you are looking for any special features, you will be disappointed since this is completely bare-bones.

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DVD Review “The Complete Hammer House of Horror”

Director: Peter Sasdy, Tom Clegg, Alan Gibson
Starring: Peter Cushing, Denholm Elliott, Pierce Brosnan
Distributed by: Synapse Films
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 702 minutes

Series: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

If you are wondering who to so thank you for this great release, all the praise needs to go to Synapse Films. They are the ones behind this complete series of “Hammer House of Horror”, which is presented in their original airdate order, with all-new introductions. Even those this show is from the 1980, the episodes are still creepy and feel rather timeless. The episodes presentation…well that’s another story, which I’ll cover more below. I just wish that this series ran longer than 13 episodes. Nonetheless hardcore fans will be doing back flips for this release.

There is plenty of Hammer regulars, including Peter Cushing (Twins of Evil, Star Wars) and Denholm Elliot (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Patricia Quinn (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) and even Pierce Brosnan (GoldenEye) shows up. Like other anthology shows like “The Twilight Zone”, each episode of this series takes us on a completely new tale of horror and suspense. Being a die-hard fan of Hammer, this release is truly the shit. It carries the Hammer name with pride and makes sure to include plenty of gore, boobs, and plain ole gothic macabre, which is what made Hammer so great.

The episodes are presented it full frame with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1. This is exactly how the show was originally filmed and broadcasted. Don’t worry though these episodes look damn good. There is some fuzzy spots and print flaws pretty but overall nothing that affects the viewing experience. All of the episodes are pumped with Dolby Digital mono tracks, which of course is true to the original airings over 30 years ago. The special features are decent but not amazing. Like i said above their are episode introductions from Film Historian Shane M. Dallmann. There are two featurettes included as well. The first is called “Grave Recollections: A Visit with Kathryn Leign Scott and the second is called “Hammer Housekeeping: A Visit with Mia Nadasi. Both are short but sweet. Lastly there is a decent “Animated Still Gallery”, which Hammer always deliver on stills.

EPISODE LISTING:
Witching Time
The Thirteenth Reunion
Rude Awakening
Growing Pains
The House That Bled to Death
Charlie Boy
The Silent Scream
Children of the Full Moon
Carpathian Eagle
Guardian of the Abyss
Visitor from the Grave
The Two Faces of Evil
The Mark of Satan

 

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DVD Review “Tom and Jerry: Tricks & Treats”

MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Running Time: 161 minutes.

Tom and Jerry are back and this time they are in store for spooks galore in this monster collection of 20 eerie episodes plus two bonus episodes. “Tricks & Treats” is non-stop cat-mouse run ranging from ancient Egypt to Transylvania and from creepy houses to haunted forests. The duo are at their best delivering non-stop hilarity mixed with ghosts, mummies, werewolves and witches throughout these terrific episodes. If you are looking for something to get the whole family in the mood for Halloween, this is the release to pick-up for sure.

What I liked most about these episodes is that they are all shorts and are just enough to keep your attention. I also like the mix of classic and new adventures, like past Tom and Jerry releases. Just because they are short though, don’t take that literally there is almost three episodes of great episodes here. “Touché Pussy Cat!” is one of my favorites and always gets a good laugh. “Invasion of the Body Slammers” and “Spook House Mouse” are also two more of my favorite episodes. As I get older, these amazing character always manage to entertain and just prove how timeless they are.

Here is a complete list of episodes included:More Powers to You, Over the River and Boo!, The Woods, Fire Breathing Tom Cat, Touché Pussy Cat!, The Flying Sorceress, Tiger Cat, Robin Hoodwinked, Jerry’s Cousin, Invasion of the Body Slammers, Haunted Mouse, Trap Happy, Spook House Mouse, Bats What I Like About the South, Fraidy Cat Scat, Which Witch, Monster Con, Tomb It May Concern, Power Tom, The Itch, Hi Robot.

 

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DVD Review “Sky Commanders: The Complete Animated Series”

Created by: Hanna-Barbera
Director: Don Lusk
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 273 minutes

Series: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Growing up in the 80’s watching daily afternoon cartoons, I always enjoyed shows like “G.I. Joe”, “Thundercats” and of course “Sky Commanders”. This show was short but definitely left an impact on animated cartoons. It is not one of Hanna-Barbera’s best works but if you are looking for a trip back to the late 80’s, this is a great choice. “Sky Commanders” follows Commander Mike Summit as he leads a ragtag team of mountaineers against the forces of General Plague for control of a mysterious new continent and, of course, the world. The complete series is spread out over 2-discs and lasts only a short 13-episodes.

Unlike most Warner Archive releases, this series has not been remastered or restored for this DVD. The colors and animation still look decent but could have used a little extra love. It has though been manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available. The episodes are presented in 4×3 full frame and within its original aspect ration of 1.37:1. The audio includes a mono track like all Warner Archive releases and it works well with the series for sure. Nonetheless, this release should be very much welcomed as it is the first time that “Sky Commanders”, as a complete series, is hitting DVD.

Synopsis: Deep in the South Pacific, a tumultuous and untamed new continent has erupted, spawned by a highly unstable new element, known as Phaeta-7. If this powerful new element could be controlled, whoever possessed it would be the undisputed ruler of the world! One man, General Lucas Plague, is determined to hold that title. And it’s up to a rugged team of mountaineering experts, led by Commander Mike Summit, to stop him. Employing revolutionary new gravity-lock and laser-cable technology to traverse the ever-changing terrain of the High Frontier, Mike Summit’s Sky Commanders, and General Plague’s Raiders, are locked in mortal combat, with the fate of the entire world hanging in the balance! That narration heralded the arrival of a Sci-Fi show that truly boasted sky high action, depicting the battles of a group of hi-tech climbers against a terror militia for control of the planet in this complete 2-Disc, 13-Episode Collection.

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DVD Review “The Garfield Show: Holiday Extravaganza”

Series Creators: Philippe Vidal, Robert Rea & Steve Balissat
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Distributed by: Vivendi Entertainment
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Episodes: 6
Running Time: 75 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to “The Garfield Show”, I have always been a fan. Of course it doesn’t compare to the classic Jim Davis cartoon but it is all we have right now. This release in particular is great since it focuses on my favorite time of the year, the Fall holidays. Well I guess I am not the only one since this release includes a hilarious collection Garfield’s favorite holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas! If you are looking for a fun pack of episodes that will surely get you and your family in the holiday mood, look no further.

The episodes included are “The Haunted House”, “Which Witch”, “Turkey Trouble”, “Caroling Capers” and “Home For The Holidays Part 1 & 2″. Oh course I am partial to the Christmas episodes but all of them are very entertaining. There is also a bonus episode included called “Heir Apparent”. Each episode is about 10 minutes and in that time it delivers a good dose of our feline friend and his clueless mutt….oh and Odie also 😉 Vivendi Entertainment has been releasing a bunch of these collections for this show and let’s hope that they continue in the future.

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DVD Review “The Hanging Tree”

Directed by: Delmer Daves
Starring: Gary Cooper, Maria Schell, Karl Malden, George C. Scott, Karl Swenson
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Release Date: August 16, 2012
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 107 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When I think of westerns, two people should come to mind, John Wayne and…Gary Cooper.  This movie was beautiful filmed during the later days of Gary Cooper’s career. “The Hanging Tree” is based of a prize winning novel and is well represented in the film. The scenery is also quite epic in this film, courtsey of the mountains west of Yakima, WA. Thanks to Warner Archive for finally releasing this classic on DVD. The newly remastered transfer looks fantastic.

For a film released back in 1959, it sure looks good.  The colors are really vibrant and sharp.  The film is also nicely presented in 16 X 9 letterbox with its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The audio is also quite satisfying with its mono track.  It showcases the dialogue and the film’s score very well. The only special feature included in a trailer, like most Warner Archive releases. This film is really well-presented  and is sure to make happy any fans of Cooper’s work.

Premise: Many stars saddled up and rode into Technicolor sunsets during the great Western revival of the 1950s, but only a few would be forever associated with the rugged individualists of the West. Among them are John Wayne, Randolph Scott and the start of The Hanging Tree, Gary Cooper. The story takes place in Skull Creek, an 1870s Montana gold camp. Dr. Joseph Frail (Cooper) arrives, setting out his shingle near the camp’s boom-or-bust hubbub of adventurers, ladies of fortune, mountain men and just plain decent folks. As skilled with a six-gun as with a scalpel, Frail will need both. A tragic past shadows his days. The treachery of the mob clouds his future. A determined immigrant (Maria Schell), a shifty-eyed miner (Karl Malden) and a hellfire preacher (debuting George C. Scott) figure prominently in Frail’s showdown with fate. Prominent, too, is the breathtaking countryside. Here the mountains are imposing. And a man alone looms ever taller.

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

DVD Review “The Halloween Tree”

Directed by: Mario Piluso
Narrated by: Ray Bradbury
Starring: Annie Baker, Alex Greenwald, Edan Gross, Andrew Keegan and Leonard Nimoy.
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 70 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I remember growing up and looking forward to seeing this film each Halloween.  I have always been a big fan of Hanna-Barbera animated style. I am not sure what it is about animation but you can just tell that this is from the 90’s.  The fun little film also features the great voice talent of Leonard Nimoy (“Star Trek”) as Moundshroud. One thing that is a little bit disappointing about this release is that unlike most Warner Archive films, this film has not be remastered or restored. It was taken from the best-quality video master currently available, so it doesn’t look terrible but it could look MUCH better.

The film is presented in full frame with it’s original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The animated is almost 20 years old and it shows its wear a little. The colors seem a little dull and could have used a little sprucing up. The audio included is a typical Warner Archive mono track and sounds good enough. The only special feature included on this release is the film’s trailer. If you are looking for a trip down memory lane and something to get you in the holiday mood (and don’t have high expectations) then this film is for me.

Synopsis: Sit on the edge of your seat and enjoy master storyteller Ray Bradbury’s classic adventure of four youths who try to save the spirit of their friend Kip from the ghosts of Halloween past. The four encounter a mysterious character, Moundshroud who takes them on a magical journey that sweeps them back as far as 4,000 years and touches down in exotic places all over the world like Egypt, England, France and Mexico. Along the way they discover the magic and meaning of Halloween – and friendship. This enchanting adventure features the voice talents of Leonard Nimoy as Moundshroud and the animation wizardry of Hanna-Barbera. It’s a story as timeless as Halloween itself – a bubbling cauldron of thrills and suspense that will stir the imagination of the entire family. Bradbury’s popular story is destined to become a perennial Halloween favorite.

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