DVD Review “Battle Circus”

Director:   Richard Brooks
Cast:   Humphrey Bogart, June Allyson, Keenan Wynn, Robert Keith
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Humphrey Bogart carries such a presence and always delivers such a great performance.  He is one of the Hollywood legends and this film is no different.  Humphrey Bogart and June Allyson together in the film just work so well. This really represents the classic 50’s MGM productions.  Thanks to Warner Archive, this film is released on DVD for the first time and is also newly remastered.

The film is presented in 4 X 3 full frame and its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The audio included is a mono track like most released from Warner Archive. The B&W film looks awesome for a film that was released in 1953 that has has never been on DVD. The only extra that comes on this release though is a trailer.  But nonetheless, all fans of Bogart’s classic films will definitely want to check out this release.

Synopsis: Long before M*A*S*H, there was Battle Circus. Made during the Korean War, this tribute to the indomitable human spirit takes an authentic, almost documentary-like look at the nurses and doctors who operated in the battlefront Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals. Major Jed Webbe (Humphrey Bogart) is a brilliant, hard-bitten Army surgeon with a weakness for women and strong liquor. Fresh from the states arrives Lt. Ruth McCara (June Allyson), a naïve young nurse ready to save the world. The story of their love and heroism, told against the grimly realistic background of pounding artillery and deadly ambushes, forms the core of the film. The title Battle Circus comes from the way the mobile field units can strike their tents, move to a new battle area, then set them up again like circus roustabouts in nothing flat. And, like circus daredevils, these heroes risk life and death on a daily basis.

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DVD Review “Born to be Bad”

Directed by: Nicholas Ray
Starring: Joan Fontaine, Robert Ryan, Zachary Scott
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Joan Fontaine is such a Hollywood legend and definitely holds a presence on the screen. Thanks to Warner Archive, this film is released on DVD for the first time and is also newly remastered.The film is presented in 4 X 3 full frame and its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The audio included is a mono track like most released from Warner Archive.

Fans looking for a glimpse of Nicholas Ray’s earlier works, then you will enjoy this film. I personally didn’t enjoy the film very much, even though Ms. Fontaine is amazing. The film is categorized under Warner’s Film Noir Archive Collection, but I really don’t feel that this film really lands in that category. The real catch this release is an alternate ending with never-before-seen footage. The DVD also comes with a trailer of the film as well.

Synopsis: One of Nicholas Ray’s earliest works is a shockingly stark and unforgiving look at a woman blessed with no restraint whatsoever when it comes to her own ambition. Joan Fontaine plays Christabel Caine, the anti-heroine who has the face of an angel and the heart of a savage. King of Noir Robert Ryan plays the rough-hewn writer who is good enough to share her bed, but not her hand, while Zachary Scott plays the aviator millionaire too much the naïf to escape his fate. Joan Leslie and Mel Ferrer deliver standout performances as the bystanders, one victim, one ambivalent witness, to the wreckage Christabel leaves behind. And now, Born to be Bad is more shocking than ever, thanks to the recently discovered — and never before seen — alternate, extended ending. An ending that transforms the film from biting critique to a dark, sardonic work of joy.

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“I Heart Shakey” DVD Giveaway [ENDED]

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To celebrate the release of “I Heart Shakey”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway 4 copies of the film 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 animal-themed film. This giveaway will be open until September 14th 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: Single father J.T. and his precocious daughter Chandler move from a small town to Chicago with their lovable family mutt Shakey. After missing the fine print in their rental contract, J.T. is forced to find Shakey a new home. Chandler hatches a plan to keep Shakey and teach J.T. a valuable lesson about loyalty and the importance of keeping family together.

The film stars Steve Lemme, Steve Guttenberg, Beverly D’Angelo and is directed by Kevin Cooper.

 

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DVD Review “100 Greatest Horror Classics – Horror Classics + Legends of Horror”

Starring: Vincent PRice, Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney Jr., Christopher Lee and Alfred Hitchcock
Number of discs: 24
Distributed by: Mill Creek Entertainment
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Running Time: 7600 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I saw this release titled “100 Greatest Horror Classics”, I had no choice but to request it to review. It just screams my name. Being a horror buff, I love all things horror and that including this. This release is split into two sets of 50 films including “Horror Classics” and “Legends of Horror”. Let me start by telling you they are not the best transfers of these films but nonetheless, they are 100 of horror greatest films together in one place and that is enough for me. The packaging could have used a little extra loving as the each set includes a jumbo DVD case, both which are held together by one long slipcover. Inside each DVD case are individual DVD sleeves with 12 dual discs. There are two films per side/per disc, obviously totally 50 films per set. I suggest you pick a rainy day put in disc 1 and have yourself a day-long marathon.

So before you get overwhelmed the fact that there are 100 films to watch. Let me throw out a quick number…7600. That is the amount of minutes of horror greatness included in this set. If that doesn’t make you run out and pick this up then nothing will. This release even includes a few films that I have never heard of or seen, so I was very excited about that as well.  Mill Creek Entertainment is known for releasing these amazing box sets. They also have a sci-fi themed release as well that I am looking forwarding to reviewing called “100 Greatest Sci-Fi Classics – Sci-Fi Classics + Sci-Fi Invasion”. Keep a look out for that review as well. From cinematic greats to genuine obscurities, this wonderful collection of films easily offer months of entertainment in a single release.

While I not going to give an individual review for each film, as I sure you’ve seen these films already.  I will point on some of the notable titles that I really enjoyed.  I grew up watching the following titles: The Brain That Wouldn’t Die (1962), Carnival of Souls (1962), Dementia 13 (1963), Horror Express (1972), House on Haunted Hill (1959), The Last Man on Earth (1960), The Little Shop of Horrors (1960), Metropolis (1927), Night of the Living Dead (1968), Nosferatu (Silent) (1922) and of course The Phantom of the Opera (Silent) (1925).  I am very happy to be able to have them all in one place.  I also am looking forward to introducing all of these titles to my own daughter…but not for a few years since she is only three months currently.  I will be re-visiting these titles quite often and I look forward to future installments.

Here are the complete list of the 100 titles including in this fantastic release:

Alfred Hitchcock Presents: The Chaney Vase (1955)
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (1961)
The Amazing Mr. X (1948)
The Ape (1940)
The Ape Man (1943)
Atom Age Vampire (1960)
Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959)
The Bat (1959)
The Beast of Yucca Flats (1961)
The Black Dragons (1942)
Blackmail (1929)
Bloodlust (1959)
Bluebeard (1944)
The Bowery at Midnight (1942)
The Brain That Wouldn’t Die (1962)
Carnival of Souls (1962)
Champagne (Silent) (1928)
The Corpse Vanishes (1942)
Count Dracula and His Vampire Bride (1974)
Creature from the Haunted Sea (1961)
Crimes at the Dark House (1940)
The Crimes of Stephen Hawke (1936)
Dead Men Walk (1943)
Dementia 13 (1963)
The Demon (1979)
The Devil Bat (1940)
The Devil’s Messenger (1962)
Doomed to Die (1940)
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Silent) (1920)
Easy Virtue (Silent) (1926)
The End of the World (1977)
The Face at the Window (1939)
The Farmer’s Wife (Silent) (1928)
The Fatal Hour (1940)
The Fury of the Wolf Man (1972)
The Ghost (1963)
The Giant Gila Monster (1959)
The Gorilla (1939)
Horror Express (1972)
House on Haunted Hill (1959)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Silent) (1923)
The Incredible Petrified World (1957)
The Indestructible Man (1956)
The Invisible Ghost (1941)
The Island Monster (1954)
It’s Never Too Late to Mend (1937)
Jamaica Inn (1939)
Juno and the Paycock (1930)
The Killer Shrews (1959)
King of the Zombies (1941)
The Lady Vanishes (1938)
The Last Man on Earth (1960)
The Last Woman on Earth (1960)
Legacy of Blood (1971)
The Little Shop of Horrors (1960)
The Lodger (Silent) (1926)
The Long Hair of Death (1964)
The Mad Monster (1942)
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)
Manfish (1956)
Maniac (1934)
The Manxman (Silent)
Metropolis (1927)
Monster from a Prehistoric Planet (1967)
The Monster Maker (1944)
The Monster Walks (1932)
Murder in the Red Barn (1935)
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Nightmare Castle (1965)
The Nightmare Never Ends (1980)
Nosferatu (Silent) (1922)
Number Seventeen (1932)
One Body Too Many (1944)
The Phantom Creeps (1939)
The Phantom from 10,000 Leagues (1956)
The Phantom of the Opera (Silent) (1925)
Revolt of the Zombies (1936)
Rich and Strange (1932)
The Ring (Silent) (1927)
Sabotage (1936)
A Scream in the Night (1935)
The Screaming Skull (1958)
Secret Agent (1936)
Shadow of Chinatown (1936)
The Shadow of Silk Lennox (1935)
The She-Beast (1966)
Shock (1946)
A Shriek in the Night (1933)
Silent Night, Bloody Night (1974)
The Skin Game (1931)
Swamp Women (1955)
The Terror (1963)
The Thirty-Nine Steps (1935)
The Ticket of Leave Man (1937)
Tormented (1960)
The Vampire Bat (1933)
The Werewolf vs. Vampire Women (1971)
White Zombie (1932)
The World Gone Mad (1933)
Young and Innocent (1937)

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DVD Review “The Loved Ones”

Directed by: Sean Byrne
Starring: Xavier Samuel, Robin McLeavy, Victoria Thaine, Jessica McNamee, Richard Wilson
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: Paramount
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Running Time: 84 minutes

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

“The Loved Ones” is a a 2009 Australian horror film that is just seeing the light of day in the US, thanks to Paramount.  Australian horror has been known to be extremely intense like “Wolf Creek” and this film is no different.  There is a certain comedic approach to this film, so it leans back a little otherwise it would be so brutal.  As a horror fan, I have to admit that this film was definitely not on my radar but I am very happy to have experience it.  That is kind of the word to use as well.  I would like to compare it if “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” went to the prom and things get very bloody.

Premise: Hell hath no fury…like a prom queen scorned. When Brent rejects Lola’s invitation to prom, he sets off a chain of events that leave him the victim of her twisted revenge. Now he’s the only guest at Lola’s terrifying and demented prom, and must fight to survive what could be his final dance. Will Brent live through this nightmare of drills, nails, glitter and syringes…or become one of Lola’s “loved ones”?

This film runs 84 minutes and it is perfect timing.  It runs just long enough to leave you with your mouth opening wondering what the hell just happened.  This film is also presented unrated, so you know that this is no PG-13 teen friendly prom horror film.  As far as special features go, there is only a few interviews from the cast and crew.  But I really liked that fact that the film also comes with an Ultraviolet digital streaming copy of the film. Overall horror fans should not miss this film for sure.

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DVD Review “The Cool Ones”

Directed by: Gene Nelson
Starring: Roddy Mcdowall, Debbie Watson, Gil Peterson, Phil Harris, Robert Coote, Nita Talbot,George Furth, Mrs. Miller, The Bantams, Glen Campbell, The Leaves, T.J. And The Fourmations
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 110 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I enjoy the musical genres, just as much as the new person.  This isn’t really a musical more a film based in the music world. I feel that the film is really aged and although this entertaining was a bit of struggle to get through.  Roddy McDowall co-starring in this film was a real draw for me but he wasn’t really front and center enough for me to really dig it.  But the music in the film was easily enough to make this film at least watchable including classic tracks like “This Town”.  

Like in the past though, Warner Archive does not disappoint the the newly restored transfer of this film.  It is presented in its original aspect ration of 2:40.1 and in 16X9 widescreen letterbox.  The audio in the film works well with the music scenes with its Dolby Mono track. Fans of 60’s music films should definitely check this out, worth at least one watch.  The only special features included on this release is just the trailer for the film.

Synopsis: Hey, you! Wanna catch the L.A. garage band that first recorded the oft-covered rock essential “Hey Joe?” That would be the Leaves, seen here in a performance of “In the House of Dr. Stone.” The Cool Ones has more cool musical stuff, too. Like Glen Campbell on his way to country/pop renown. Plus “This Town,” the song composed by Lee Hazlewood (the film’s music supervisor) that would become a Frank Sinatra staple. And the quirky song styling of mid-’60s camp sensation Mrs. Miller. The film’s story spoofs the music industry as it unwinds its loopy tale of a rock kingmaker (Roddy McDowall) and the girl-boy singing duo he plans to rocket to the top of the charts by making them everyone’s favorite romantic pair. Tammy TV and film star Debbie Watson plays the duo’s starry-eyed ex-go-go dancer, and Gil Peterson portrays the handsome crooner whose career had been flatlining. Look for uncredited Teri Garr (Young Frankenstein).

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DVD Review “Young Cassidy”

Directed by: Jack Cardiff
Starring: Rod Taylor, Julie Christie, Edith Evans, Michael Redgrave, Flora Robson, Maggie Smith
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 110 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

Warner Archive’s is releasing another film in Rod Taylor’s filmography following “The Liquidator”. This film is not as entertaining. It was stated that Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide’s has called this his “best role ever” for Rod Taylor. I agree that is it a very engaging and emotional role and he did nail it but the film itself is where I had issues. The running time dragged for me at almost two hours. Good supporting roles comes from Julie Christie and Maggie Smith. At least this film carried the approval from O’ Casey himself and was based on his autobiography.

Like in the past though, Warner Archive does not disappoint the the newly restored transfer of this film.  It is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1 and in 16X9 widescreen letterbox.  The audio in the film is nothing that the Dolby Mono track can’t handle either.  Nonetheless, if you are a fan of Taylor’s work and looking for a chance to own this piece of cinema on DVD…you know have the chance.  The only special features included on this release is just the trailer for the film.

Synopsis: Young John Cassidy is a driven man. By day, he works manual labor, secretly trains in the hills with a band of revolutionaries eager to take Ireland’s fate into their own hands, joins mates for a pint, or sometimes enjoys the company of a lovely Dublin lass. By night and into the wee hours, he puts pencil to paper and writes of working-class Irish life. He will – he must – be a writer. The coming of age of renowned Irish playwright Sean O’ Casey (Cassidy is a name O’ Casey sometimes used for himself) comes to the screen in a colorful and atmospheric biopic directed by legendary John Ford (who left the film due to illness) and Jack Cardiff. Rod Taylor plays the title character, bringing strength and earthiness to his “best role ever” (Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide). A talented cast – including Julie Christie and Maggie Smith – adds to the appeal of a film whose script was

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DVD Review “The Liquidator”

Directed by: Jack Cardiff
Starring: Rod Taylor, Trevor Howard, Jill St. John, Wilfred Hyde White, David Tomlinson, Akim Tamiroff, Eric Sykes, Gabriella Licudi
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 104 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I don’t think that anyone can deny that Rod Taylor is bad-ass. I just don’t see him working as well as Sean Connery did in this James Band rip-off. The film entertains for the most part but is missing the suave and gadgets to be considered a respectable spy entry. Cool fact, the two women in this film actually ended up being in Bond-related films anyway. Gabrielle Licudi was 1967’s “Casino Royale” and Jill St. John, played Tiffany Case in “Diamonds Are Forever”. I guess you can say they willed the roles.

Warner Archive is responsible for digging this 1965 film out of the vault and bringing it to DVD for the first time ever. It is presented in 16X9 widescreen letterbox with its original aspect ratio of 2.40:1.
The audio included is a Dolby Mono track, which works mostly well but the action scenes are little deprived. The only special features included on this release is just the trailer for the film. If you are looking for a fun action-film that aims to steal a little thunder from 007, then I would definitely check this out.

Synopsis: In an era when Sean Connery, Michael Caine, James Coburn, Dean Martin, Robert Vaughn and more brought varying styles of secret-agent cool to movie screens, along came one of the most unusual spies ever to enter the Top Secret realm of hush-hush, bang-bang and kiss-kiss. Rod Taylor plays Boysie Oakes, Agent L, who enjoys the swinging-London lifestyle perks that come with espionage but would rather not engage in the squeamish business of killing, so he hires a professional hitman for that part of the job. Of course, events soon plunge Oakes into situations that require him to be a hero in spite of himself. Jack Cardiff directs this offbeat caper based on the John Gardner novel, reuniting with the star he guided previously in Young Cassidy. The cast includes two beauties who would soon return to sexy subterfuge: Gabrielle Licudi in 1967’s spoof Casino Royale and Jill St. John, who played Tiffany Case in Diamonds Are Forever.

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DVD Review “Revenge: The Complete First Season”

Creator: Mike Kelley
Starring: Emily VanCamp, Madeleine Stowe, Gabriel Mann, Henry Czerny, Ashley Madekwe
Number of discs: 5
MPAA Rating: TV-PG
Distributed by: ABC Studios
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Running Time: 924 minutes

Season: 4 out of 5 stars
EXtras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When I started watching “Revenge”, I enjoyed it but then I thought to myself how are they going to keep this going.  How long can she really seek revenge?  Well I was very pleasantly surprised with this season and each each episode on the show only get better and better and reveals many new mysteries throughout.  Emily VanCamp is one tough girl, I would definitely not want to cross her (I have a feeling she holds a grudge). Madeleine Stowe really steals the spotlight in this show.  Her portrayal of the high-society Hampton wife was one of the best roles on television.  If you are a fan of this show, you will know my concerns on the topic.  ABC Studios is not one to usually release their shows on Blu-ray (besides “Once Upon a Time”).  I am not sure why they did not in the case, especially since the norm is leaning towards Blu-ray releases and the show is already presented in HD.  The DVD itself does look nice though within its aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and an audio track of Dolby Digital 5.1. Nonetheless Mike Kelley has really developed a very deep and interesting season that I have the feeling will be able to continue for many years to come.

ABC’s “Revenge” takes us through Emily Thorne’s (Emily VanCamp) quest for revenge. She plans to uncover every deep, dark secret for one of the Hampton’s most powerful family, the Graysons.  She finds that beneath the luxurious lifestyle of the Hamptons, lies a dark secret within that family concerning the wrongful arrest and leading death of her father.  As Emily unraveled this twisted tale of passion, suspense, and ultimate redemption, she finds clues about her father and the people responses for his framing.  Emily Thorne sets (Emily VanCamp) her vindictive plot against Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe), the reigning queen of the Hamptons, and everyone else who destroyed her family.  Of course things don’t always go to plan and things her complicated and unravel in the wake of an unexpected love triangle between Emily, the son of her greatest nemesis, and a forgotten face from her past.

If this show isn’t good enough it’s bonus features are also extremely impressive. “Nolan Ross Exposed” is a faux feature, which exposes the truth behind the character Nolan Ross (Gabriel Mann) with sit-down interview footage and reporter Sarah Juarez (Stephanie Maura Sanchez) looks to get answers.  “Roadmap To Revenge” is narrates by Emily VanCamp as she goes through her road to revenge for the show.  “At Home In “The Hamptons”” is a look into the high life with Ashley Madekwe as she plays tour guide into the larger-than-life role in the show.  “Haute Hamptons: Femme Fatale Fashion” takes a look into the styling of the two leading ladies, Emily VanCamp and Madeleine Stowe with Costume Designer Jill Ohanneson.  There are six quite decent deleted scenes and a bunch of great bloopers and outtakes.  There is also an audio commentary on the pilot episode with Creator Mike Kelley and Actress Emily VanCamp.  Lastly there two music videos including Christina Perri’s “Distance” and Angus & Julia Stone’s “For You.”

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DVD Review “The Heathcliff and Dingbat Show”

Starring: Mel Blanc, Frank Welker
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
13 Episodes
Running Time: 312 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I grew up watching “Heathcliff”.  The first season of the show back in 1980 was called “Heathcliff and Dingbat”, which ran for 13 episodes.  It was really run revisiting the show, which is still sharp and funny.  Plus, who doesn’t love to listen to Mel Blanc, the man of 1,000 voices, do what he does best and given Heathcliff his trademark laugh.  Warner Archive is behind this great DVD release.  Once again they have delivered a great classic 80’s cartoon to DVD for the first time ever!  I hold this series very close since I grew up on it.  I am more excited to now be able to share my childhood series with my own daughter now.

For a show that is over 30 years old, it still looks sharp.  The colors aren’t as crisp as they could be sure this isn’t a HD Blu-ray release, so for what it is worth it looks great.  The show is presented in 4X3 full frame within its originial aspect ratio of 1.37:1.  The audio included on this release is an Dolby Mono track. After watching 13 episodes, I was craving for more.  I hope that Warner Archive is considering to release the following seasons of this show as well, like “Heathcliff and Marmaduke”.  This is a must for all fans of classic animation or Saturday morning cartoons.

Premise: The sassiest, frassiest, classiest cat, Heathcliff, jumps from the comic strip to the TV screen in the first of his animated adaptations and is joined by the silliest trio of monsters ever seen, the aptly named Dingbat and the Creeps. The feline half of the show is pure classic Heathcliff high jinks, with the highfalutin’ low-livin’ tomcat living the life while romancing Sonja, avoiding the dog-catcher and tormenting Spike. And as an added soupcon of catnip, Heathcliff is voiced by the legendary man of 1,000 voices, Mel Blanc! Meanwhile, a dog heads up the second half, but this is no common canine. Dingbat is a vampire dog, who with fellow Creeps the fat skeleton Sparerib and teamleader Nobody, a talking jack-o-lantern, makes up the strangest service biz ever seen, Odd Jobs, Inc. So grab a seat and get ready for the funniest antics this side of alleyway and graveyard in this complete 2-Disc, 13-Episode collection.

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“Revenge: The Complete First Season” DVD Giveaway [ENDED]

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Available on DVD August 21st!

To celebrate the release of “Revenge: The Complete First 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 “Revenge” character. This giveaway will be open until September 4th 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.

Premise: Almost twenty years ago, Hamptons’ wealthiest elite destroyed a young girl’s life. Relive Emily Thorne’s (Emily VanCamp) quest for revenge and uncover every deep, dark secret. The complete first season includes exclusive bonus features including an in-world sitdown interview with the infamous Nolan Ross in “Nolan Ross: Exposed,” “Lifestyles of the Rich and Dangerous”; “Hamptons Bound: Preparing for Life at the Shore”; “Haute Hamptons: Femme Fatale Fashion”; bloopers; deleted scenes and insightful episode commentaries.

Bonus Features:
  • Nolan Ross Exposed (in-world feature) – What the audience think they know about Nolan Ross (Gabriel Mann) is only part of the story. In the recently unearthed sit-down interview footage, reporter Sarah Juarez (Stephanie Maura Sanchez) questions Nolan on his past… and gets some answers fans might not expect!
  • Roadmap To Revenge – Revenge is sweet, and set within the rich, beautiful, and elite world of The Hamptons, it’s even sweeter. Emily VanCamp narrates some of the checkpoints on the road to revenge, walking fans through the genesis, pilot, themes, and characters of the show. Woven throughout, are interviews from writers, producers and cast members who share how they undertook creating a world where money and desire can make anything possible.
  • At Home In “The Hamptons” – Swank parties and lavish houses are as much a part of “Revenge” as the characters that attend and inhabit them. Viewers can watch as Ashley Madekwe plays tour guide to the not-so-humble abodes – including the plush extravagance of the Grayson’s estate as well as the contrasting rustic ambiance of the Stowaway bar, illustrating everything that goes into making things larger-than-life.
  • Haute Hamptons: Femme Fatale Fashion – They say ‘clothes make the woman’, … and this exciting bonus feature gives a glimpse into the secrets of styling the show’s two leading ladies, Emily VanCamp and Madeleine Stowe. Costume Designer Jill Ohanneson shares key pieces from both of the series’ femme fatale’s closets as she and the cast discuss what it takes to dress a show for success.
  • Deleted Scenes – Fans can turn up the heat with six revealing deleted scenes
  • Bloopers/Outtakes – Hilarious moments from the production fans won’t want to miss
  • Pilot Commentary – Creator Mike Kelley and Actress Emily VanCamp take viewers through all the details of the pilot episode.
  • Music Videos – Key music from the show is featured, including Christina Perri’s “Distance” and Angus & Julia Stone’s “For You.”

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DVD Review “Gene Roddenberry’s The Lieutenant: The Complete Series”

Created by: Gene Roddenberry
Starring: Gary Lockwood, Robert Vaughn, James Gregory, Richard Anderson
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: August 14, 2012
8 Discs / 29 Episdoes
Running Time: 1555 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I am a big fan of Gene Roddenberry’s work for “Star Trek” but I have to admit I was not aware of this fantastic series. This complete series is split into a Part 1 and Part 2 DVD sets. The show follows a young Marine Corp lieutenant (Gary Lockwood) as he struggles to carry out his duties while under the guidance of a by-the-book captain (Robert Vaughn) during cold war peacetime. The show only last 29 episodes airing between 1963-1963, which is quite sad since it was a really great series. Once I got started watching I complete all 29 episodes in just two days, my eye hurt but I was locked in. Thanks to WB Archive, who beautifully restored this series and finally we are able to own Roddenberry’s pre-Star Trek series on DVD for the first time!  Highly recommended.

The TV series looks sharp on DVD in black and white 4X3 full frame presentation and its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1.  The audio included on the DVD is the original Dolby Mono track, which sounds great as well.  Part 1 of the complete series includes 16-episodes spread out over a 4-disc collection.  Richard Donner (“Superman”, “Lethal Weapon”) even lended his early directing skills to the series.  “Star Trek” fans keep an ear out since Roddenberry naming Lockwood’s character William Tiberius Rice. Also included are re-occuring roles from TV legend’s James Gregory and Richard Anderson.  Part 2 of the complete series includes the remaining 13-episodes also spread out over a 4-disc collection.  The second half of the season is extremely jam-packed with guest stars including Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper, Woody Strode.  There is also a bunch of future “Star Trek” alums like Leonard Nimoy, Majel Barrett, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, and Ricardo Montalban. There is even a great bonus episode “To Kill aMan”, the feature film version of the series’ final episode, unseen since its original international theatrical release in 1964!  This is a real treat sure to please any fan of Roddenbery.

Part 1: A man of war. A time of fragile peace. This is the set-up for Gene Roddenberry’s The Lieutenant, the tale of a brash and charming Marine lieutenant (2001: A Space Odyssey’s Gary Lockwood) serving at Camp Pendleton under a steely, button-down captain (The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’s Robert Vaughn). The Lieutenant is packed full of themes, tropes, and quirks that Roddenberry would further explore in his next series, Star Trek. Lockwood’s William Tiberius Rice (yes, Tiberius!) is every bit the charming devil, but that’s just the glossy veneer that covers his firm commitment to Corps and Country. While Vaughn’s Captain Rambridge has the reasoning and the seasoning to keeps Rice in line when his passions overflow. TV greats James Gregory (Barney Miller) and Richard Anderson (The Six Million Dollar Man) enjoy recurring roles and a young Richard Donner (Superman, Lethal Weapon) directs many an episode. 16-Episodes, 4-Disc Collection.

Part 2: Lt. Rice and Capt. Rambridge continue their mission to train new recruits and explore the nature of honor and duty in this 4-Disc, 13-Episode Collection. The simmering background of the brewing conflict in Asia heats up and takes center stage as the series builds up to its ultimate away mission, and Lt. Rice finds himself serving as a military advisor in Vietnam. Rice’s other missions include investigating film, fame, race relations, faith and loyalty with the aid of hi-caliber guests like Robert Duvall, Dennis Hopper, Woody Strode and future Trek alums Leonard Nimoy, Majel Barrett, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, and Ricardo Montalban. Rarely seen since its original airing, The Lieutenant proves to be an unheralded harbinger of TV yet-to-come, “light years” ahead of its time. Special Bonus: To Kill a Man – the feature film version of the series’ final episode, unseen since its original international theatrical release in 1964!

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

DVD Review “Lisztomania”

Directed by: Ken Russell
Starring: Roger Daltrey and Ringo Starr
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Release Date: August 7th, 2012
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 103 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit, I have never heard of the film “Liztomania” before it showed up on my doorsteps, thanks to Warner Archive. Boy, I was very happy to have seen this film. I am a big fan of Roger Daltrey and he is such a hoot in this film. He is over-the-top and does what he does best sings! We even get guest appearances other rock legends like Ringo Starr. The film is filled with woman, music, what else can you ask for? It is set in the 1840’s but really plays like a film in the 70’s. It has these unbelievable stage production and large scale feel. I have to say overall it is just one hell of a trip, literally.

The film is also outrageous funny and feels like “Pink Floyd: The Wall” meets “The Beatles: Yellow Submarine but on acid…and that is saying something for sure. The DVD presentation looks great and comes sporting 16X9 letterbox and with its original aspect ratio of 2.40:1. The audio track is Dolby Digital Mono track but it works well.  The film has a bunch of musically tracks throughout and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. Thanks again for Warner Archive for releasing this musical gem.

Synopsis: The shaggy-maned idol rips into his song – and the audience screams with excitement. Some ecstatic fans storm the stage, wanting simply to touch him. Some want to bear his child. One adoring woman announces she already has. And outside the hall, a horse-drawn carriage waits to whisk the performer away. Meet Franz Liszt (Roger Daltrey), rock star, circa 1840. And great ready for all the glitter, groupies and gaudy good times of Lisztomania. The incredible list of frenzied delights goes on and on in this splendiferous extravaganza from writer/director Ken Russell, whose works include Women in Love, Altered States and Crimes of Passion. He takes you where no one else does. Or dares. Brace yourself for Lisztomania. Viewers expecting a polite gathering of people neatly posed on Louis XVI furniture are going to be blown out of their chairs, but good!

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

Grand Entertainment Group is Proud to Announce the DVD Releases of “Rewind” & “Neverlost”

LOS ANGELES, CA – Grand Entertainment Group (GEG), a newly founded independent multi-platform content and distribution company based in Los Angeles, is proud to announce the DVD releases of “Rewind” and “Neverlost”, two independent thrillers, on August 14, 2012.

“Rewind” stars Allen Leech (“The Sweeney”), Amy Huberman (UK’s “Threesome”) and new comer Sophie Brosnan.  This thriller takes you on a journey into a young woman’s past.   Karen (Huberman), a recovering addict, has settled into a successful new life with her husband and young daughter. When Karl (Leech), an old boyfriend recently released from prison, turns up unexpectedly, Karen’s buried past comes back to haunt her; and she is forced to confront a world she thought she’d escaped from, to protect her family and her future.

“Neverlost”, written and directed by Chad Archibald (“Bounty Hunters”) stars Emily Alatalo (“Dead Genesis”), Ryan Barrett (“Exit Humanity”) and Jennifer Polansky (“I Hate Toronto: A Love Story”).  After losing Kate (Alatalo), his high school sweetheart, in a horrific fire, Josh Higgins’ (Barret) life tumbles into a depressing mix of insomnia and poor choices. After taking seemingly harmless sleeping pill, Josh is thrusted from his current banal existence to one that he had lost years earlier. As the walls of his own psychosis slowly start to close in around him, Josh must race to save himself, Kate and the parallel life that he vows can never again become…lost.

Both “Neverlost” and “Rewind” are available at most major retailers and on Amazon.com along with GEG’s first release “Zyzzyx Road”.  President/CEO David Rand stated “These are the first of many films that GEG plans on distributing.  We will be releasing at least two films per month, through 2012 and anticipate more in 2013.”

For more information on these releases and other Grand Entertainment Group DVDs can be found online at www.GrandEntertainmentGroup.com

Grand Entertainment Group (GEG), launched in early 2012, as a complete destination for programming.  With the ability to distribute DVD, digital, streaming, television and limited theatricals, Grand Entertainment gives filmmakers and their films the platform they deserve. Grand Entertainment Group is a subsidiary of Grand Distribution Group that encompasses production and distribution for diversified products, services, and technologies.  With a line-up of films slated through 2013, GEG is moving forward in a “Grand Way.”

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: announce, dvd, entertainment, grand, group, neverlost, ...

No Safe Haven from The Asylum’s Latest Creatures “Bigfoot” and “Shark Week” Available on Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand this August

LOS ANGELES, CA (August 14, 2012) – From the studio that brought you Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus and Zombie Apocalypse come two new action-thrillers – featuring Alice Cooper, two former teen heartthrobs, an especially tall and hairy beast and a large array of deadly species of shark – that prove that there is no escape from monsters both terrestrial and aquatic.

Two of TV’s most beloved child actors, Danny Bonaduce (The Partridge Family) and Barry Williams (The Brady Bunch) unite, assisted by Sherilyn Fenn (Rude Awakening, Boston Public), to make it through Bigfoot’s startling appearance at a music festival in North Dakota in Bigfoot.  Directed by Bruce Davison, Bigfoot is debuting on Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand August 14 from The Asylum. And see who survives the shark-infested waters of an isolated island run by a rich madman, played by Patrick Bergin (Patriot Games) in Shark Week.  Featuring Yancy Bulter of As the World Turns and Kickass fame, Shark Week debuts on Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand August 28.  Both projects successfully debuted on Syfy earlier this summer.  Pick up a copy of these hits on Blu-ray™ or DVD for bonus features including a behind-the-scenes featurette “The Making of Bigfoot” and “The Making of Shark Week,” respectively. The films will be available for $14.95 SRP (Blu-ray) and $14.95 SRP (DVD).

Synopsis of Bigfoot:

When Bigfoot attacks an 80s-themed music concert, a concert promoter and a hippie burnout will do anything to protect the “endangered species.”

Produced by David Michael Latt, David Rimawi and Paul Bales; directed by Bruce Davison; and written by Micho Rutare and Brian Brinkman.

Synopsis of Shark Week:

A group of complete strangers find themselves isolated by a wealthy madman on his island compound. They are forced into a horrifying gauntlet where they must survive a barrage of ever deadlier species of shark.

Produced by David Michael Lett, David Rimawi and Paul Bales; directed by Douglas-Olen Ray; and written by H. Perry Horton.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: asylums, august, bigfoot, bluray, creatures, demand, ...
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