Blu-ray Review “The Walking Dead: The Complete Fourth Season (Limited Edition)”

Actors: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Chandler Riggs, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride, Scott Wilson
Directors: Ernest R. Dickerson, Guy Ferland, Greg Nicotero
Number of discs: 5
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
DVD Release Date: August 26, 2014
Run Time: 696 minutes

Season: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars

Just when you thought that “The Walking Dead” couldn’t get any crazier…main characters getting killed off, pushing the limits of cable TV…we get season four, which takes it up yet another notch. Season four was a very impressive season for this show and easily my favorite to date. The season is split into technically three parts. The first half is the take down of the prison, the second is the group solo and getting back together (in some sense) and the third is the arrival at Terminus. Season five is being setup to kick off what is guaranteed to be the best season yet. With the show getting more and more popular with each episode, it is becoming an unstoppable force. If you love this show, this Blu-ray should hold you off until “The Walking Dead” season 5 returns on Sunday, October 12th.

Official Premise: In the new season, we see Rick and the group of survivors fostering a thriving community in the safe haven of the prison only to have it short-lived as the group loses everything, their home, family, and friends to the threat of the walkers, outside threats and the hidden dangers brewing inside the fences. The group of survivors are broken apart and sent on divergent paths, unsure of everyone else’s fate as they are exposed to new dangers, new enemies, and heartbreaking choices. They will have their faith thoroughly tested — a faith that breaks some of them and redeems others.

This season show not great but literally outstanding performances from everyone in the cast including. Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Chandler Riggs, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride, Emily Kinney, Chad Coleman, Sonequa Martin-Green, Lawrence Gilliard, Jr. and Scott Wilson. Speaking of Scott, we lost our beloved Hershel this season but his spirit will live on. He was a hard person to lose and easily one of my favorite characters on the show. Last season, I absolutely hated (and I am sure I am not alone) Carl but this season, Chandler really knocked it out the park. The VIP of the season easily has to be Melissa McBride! WOW! Looking at flowers will never be the same! Where is her damn Emmy nomination!?

Anchor Day has been amazing with giving “The Walking Dead” Blu-ray amazing Limited Edition sets. The first season was more basic but the second season was the large zombie head with the screwdriver in the eye and the third was The Governor’s tank. The fourth season’s limited edition release includes an exclusive McFarlane Toys Tree Walker Case. The Tree walker’s head and arm move when you remove the Blu-ray set. It is quite epic and a must have for any hardcore collector. You look at the quality of work that comes with this release and you will be convinced that it is worth the extra money. But get it while it is available because like the other seasons, this is sure to become an expensive collectible.

Like the past seasons, The Blu-ray presentations comes with outstanding 1080p transfers with even better Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround tracks. Literally this are GOLD! I love watching this show on TV when it airs but the Blu-ray presentations are so much better to enjoy. When the Governor storms through the prison in their tanks, my surround sound system was screaming for a break. From every gunshot to zombie roar, the sound is just outstanding. You literally forget you are watching TV series, as this show feels so theatrical.

The special features for this series have always been amazing! This season is no different. To start, we have Blu-ray exclusive extended episodes for “After” and “The Grove”. There are six cast and crew audio commentaries included on this set. The first is on “30 Days Without An Accident”  with Executive Producer and Showrunner Scott M. Gimple, Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager Tom Luse and Executive Producer/Special Effects Make-Up Supervisor/Director Greg Nicotero. Next is “Internment” with Executive Producer and Showrunner Scott M. Gimple and Actor Scott Wilson (Hershel). “After” includes Greg Nicotero, Co-Executive Producer Denise Huth and Actor Danai Gurira (Michonne).

There are two tracks for the episode, “Still” the first with Director Julius Ramsay and Actor Emily Kinney (Beth) and the second with Writer/Producer Angela Kang and Actor Norman Reedus (Daryl). The last track is “The Grove” (Ep14) with Scott M. Gimple, Denise Huth and Actor Andrew Lincoln. I cannot say enough good things about these tracks. I loved everyone of them. The ones with Greg and the other producers are super technical and you get tons of great information about the show. If you love this show, you cannot miss these. All gems.

Next up we have eight outstanding Behind-the-Scenes Production Featurettes. First up are “Inside The Walking Dead and “The Making of The Walking Dead”, which are self-explanatory. These are great for fans wanted an inside look in how the show is created. “Hershel” and “The Governor Is Back” are character based featurettes on two of our favorite characters to bit it this season. “Drawing Inspiration” and “Society, Science & Survival” look into the preparation taken for this season. “Inside KNB EFX” dives into the work of Greg Nicotero and his creations. Lastly “A Journey Back to Brutality” is a look back at the season and there are some Deleted Scenes included as well.

Here is the Comic-Con trailer for what we can expect for Season Five!

 

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, complete, dead, edition, fourth, limited, ...

Blu-ray Review “Muppets Most Wanted: The Unnecessarily Extended Edition”

Starring: Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey, Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz
Director: James Bobin
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Run Time: 107 / 119 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“The Muppets” was easily one of my favorite films of 2011. It may have been a little cheesy but also nostalgic and plain fun, plus the music. I mean Bret McKenzie went on to win the Oscar for the win. I still listen to the soundtrack. So now that the franchise was rebooted, I am sure everyone was dying for a sequel…well unfortunately we got “Muppets Most Wanted”, which really feels like a downgraded version of “The Muppets”. The cast doesn’t do it for me at all either. Not a Tiny Fey fan, Never watched Ty Burrell in “Modern Family” and Ricky Gervais is too good for this film. It is a fun movie don’t get me wrong. There are some good laughs and song good songs but overall it is very forgettable. I guarantee it you I will not be re-watching or singing along to the music over two years later with this one.

Official Premise: There’s plenty of fun for the whole family as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal and the entire Muppets gang head out on a world tour. But mayhem follows the Muppets, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper. Now Kermit is behind bars at the mercy of prison warden Nadya (Tina Fey), and the World’s Number One Criminal, Constantine — a dead ringer for Kermit — has taken his place. As Constantine and his dastardly sidekick Dominic (Ricky Gervais) plot the robbery of the century, they are pursued by Sam Eagle and Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon (Ty Burrell). Will Constantine get away with his nefarious scheme? Will Kermit escape in time to save the day?

“Muppets Most Wanted” is being released with an The Unnecessarily Extended Edition, which included a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD Ultraviolet Copy . There are two versions of the film are included: the 107-minute theatrical version and a 119-minute extended cut. The extended cut is a hit and miss, to be honest. The 1080p transfer is good just like “The Muppets”, this has a slightly bigger feel to it and benefits from that aspect. Disney is trying out a new surround track for this release, which is a 2.0Mbps, DTS-HD High Resolution 7.1 track. It is good but not amazing like I would have expect from this kind of a track. The special features are also a let down as well. There is a 10 minute gag reel titled “The Longer Longest Blooper Reel in Muppets History”. “Rizzo’s Biggest Fan” is a Rizzo complain to director James Bobin about screentime. Lastly there is a deleted Statler & Waldorf scene and a music video for “I’ll Get What You Want” by Bret McKenzie.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, edition, extended, muppets, review, unnecessarily, ...

“Batman” 25th Anniversary Edition Debuts November 11 in New Diamond Luxe Packaging

Celebrating 75 Years of Caped Crusader Entertainment…

Batman 25th Anniversary Edition Debuts November 11 in New Diamond Luxe Packaging

Burbank, Calif., August 14, 2014 – To help mark Warner Bros. Entertainment (WBE) and DC Entertainment’s milestone 75th anniversary of DC Comics’ popular Batman character, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) will release Batman 25th Anniversary Two-Disc Edition, a new Blu-ray™ edition debuting November 11 (at $24.98 SRP) in the studio’s distinctive new sleek Diamond Luxe collector-style packaging. With its state-of-the-art sophisticated and durable design, the new packaging is perfect for those wishing to add this edition to their home libraries. Also included is Batman: The Birth of the Modern Blockbuster— a look at the phenomenal marketing, extensive merchandising and franchise foresight that set the template for the next 25 years of tentpole pictures.

WBHE and DCE’s year-long celebration, befitting the world’s most popular Super Hero, will boast new products from WBE and DC Entertainment in numerous areas – comics, TV, Interactive Entertainment, Consumer Products and more. There is a new commemorative 75th anniversary Batman logo and an exclusive “Cape/Cowl/Create” art exhibit, featuring 20 contemporary artists’ interpretations of The Dark Knight’s iconic cowl headpiece and cape from the new Batman: Arkham Knight video game. Various other events are taking place throughout the year.

In addition to releasing Batman 25th Anniversary Two-Disc Edition, WBHE will also feature the highly anticipated release of the 1960s Batman: The Complete Television Series for the first time ever. Other new home entertainment releases include animated films Son of Batman and Batman: Assault on Arkham.

In announcing the Batman 75th anniversary initiative in March, WB Chairman and Chief Executive Kevin Tsujihara noted, “Batman is an incredibly important property with multi-generational appeal across all of the Studio’s businesses, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone anniversary. From billion-dollar blockbuster films to TV, home entertainment, video games and consumer products, The Dark Knight continues to resonate with audiences worldwide and rightfully deserves his place as a global pop culture icon for the ages.”

 

About the Movie

In 1989, director Tim Burton breathed new life into one of the most complex and intriguing characters in popular culture. Burton cast off the 1960s camp depiction of the Dark Knight and launched for Warner Bros. one of the most popular comic book film series ever. Batman was the top-grossing movie that year and subsequently became a global phenomenon.

Tim Burton’s vision and Michael Keaton’s performance as the Caped Crusader combine perfectly to capture Gotham City’s sinister atmosphere and Batman’s brooding nature. Jack Nicholson stars in a memorable performance as the maniacal Joker and Kim Basinger is Vicki Vale, the beautiful and resourceful photojournalist desired by both men. Featuring songs by Prince and a score by Danny Elfman, Batman won the 1990 Oscar® for Best Art Direction/Set Decoration (Anton Furst and Peter Young).

 

Special Features

  • Batman: The Birth of the Modern Blockbuster (NEW) Discover how the film’s phenomenal marketing, extensive merchandising and franchise foresight set the template for the next 25 years of tentpole pictures.

 

Note: All enhanced content listed above is subject to change.

Academy Awards® and Oscar® are both registered trademarks and service marks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Blu-ray Disc™ and Blu-ray™ and the logos are the trademarks of Blu-ray Disc Association.

Warner Home Video Blu-ray Discs™ offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and color and beautifully crisp sound. The format also provides a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film.

 

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com and WBUltra.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: 11, 25th, anniversary, batman, debuts, diamond, ...

Playstation 4 Video Game Review “Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition”

Platform: Playstation 4
Edition: Standard
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Rated: Mature
Release Date: January 28, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Going back to a few years ago, I saw that another “Tomb Raider” was coming out and I definitely rolled my eyes a little. This series was definitely lost its appeal for me and probably many others as well. Well then this amazing new cinematic reboot adventure was released and Lara Croft’s status of queen of video games was rightfully restored. I mean this game was such an improvement over the last in the series and just blew me away. So I thought to myself when I saw about the “Definitive Edition” being released, if it was really going to be worth the upgrade from PS3 to PS4…well, holy cow it feels and looks like a whole new game!

Official Premise: The cinematic action-adventure that forced Lara Croft to grow from an inexperienced young woman into a hardened survivor has been re-built, featuring an obsessively detailed Lara and a stunningly lifelike world. To survive her first adventure and uncover the island’s deadly secret, Lara must endure high-octane combat, customize her weapons and gear, and overcome grueling environments.

First of all, with PS4 you are talking about the game displaying in 1080p Blu ray quality. The game itself isn’t just much crisper looking, the entire game was basically re-engineered with more powerful physics and lighting engines. The visual detail is actually mind-blowing. When I was playing this game on PS3, I thought it looked fantastic. But now going back to PS3, it notice so many difference that I am just more and more impressive with the next-gen version. This game is just beautiful and have never looked better…even on PC.

One of the aspects that really blew me away was the fact that the head and face of Lara Croft were completely rebuilt. It looks like two different people now. The skin is so much more realistic and vibrant. Even to the point that when it gets hot in the environment, Lara sweats. I mean that is just outstanding to me. There is just this overall important in the richness of the colors. I did not think at all that this game could improve as much as a it did. Plus the Definitive Edition allows voice and gesture control (if you have the camera add-on). You can ask for map or name a weapon to equip.

The Definitive Edition also includes all the released DLC for this game like the Tomb of the Lost Adventurer, six outfits for Lara, a digital mini art book, and the digital comic “The Beginning, weapon attachments, multiplayer maps etc. The multiplayer still isn’t super impressive but either way I am more concerned about the single player mode for this game. If you have never played this game, where have you been? I highly recommend this game since it is just such an improvement on PS4 and honestly one of the main reasons, I even purchased the system to be honest.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Game Reviews Tagged With: 4, definitive, edition, game, playstation, raider, ...

Bring on the Magical Mischief – Stitch and Tinker Bell Join “Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition)”

Fans asked for more Disney…and we heard you! Today, Disney Interactive announced that Stitch and Tinker Bell will join Merida, Maleficent and all of the characters from Disney Infinity and Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes in Toy Box 2.0 this fall.

As two of the most requested characters by the Disney Infinity fan community, Stitch and Tinker Bell will deliver their unique brand of magical, mischievous fun to Toy Box 2.0. Players will be able to create all-new adventures featuring the entire collection of characters from across the Disney Infinity universe, along with hundreds of Disney and Marvel-themed items, locations, props and vehicles.

Key highlights include: 

  • Stitch: The lovable “experiment 626″ from the popular “Lilo & Stitch” films comes to the Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0 along with his trusty cosmic blaster and the ability to super jump to galactic new heights.
  • Tinker Bell: One of Disney’s most iconic characters, Tinker Bell enters the world of Disney Infinity with her magical healing Pixie Dust and the ability to glide to the stratosphere for fast-flying action.

In addition to the trailer, the new asset pack includes Stitch and Tinker Bell’s character images and screenshots.

The Stitch and Tinker Bell Toy Box figures will be available in retail stores this fall. Additional Play Sets and characters will be announced in the coming months.

About Disney Infinity

Disney Infinity is an interactive gaming platform where players have unprecedented freedom and endless opportunity to create stories and play experiences starring the beloved characters from across the worlds of Disney. Building on the success of last year’s initial launch, Disney Interactive announced that Disney Infinity’s next chapter, Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes, will hit stores this fall. In the all new game, players use real-world interactive figures to activate original storylines (Play Sets) in the virtual game worlds of popular Marvel franchises and create new adventures with other Disney Infinity characters in the Toy Box mode. Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes is rated E-10+ by the ESRB. For more information, visit Disney.com/Infinity.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Game Headlines Tagged With: bell, bring, edition, infinity20, joindisney, magical, ...

3D Blu-ray Review “Rio 2: Deluxe Edition”

Actors: Starring: Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Jamie Foxx, Rodrigo Santoro, Leslie Mann, Jake T. Austin
Director: Carlos Saldanha
Directors: Carlos Saldanha
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: July 15, 2014
Run Time: 101 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

When I saw that “Rio 2” was being released, I wasn’t really super excited for it. It is one of those kid flicks that was good but nothing special at all. What “Rio 2” does have is a fantastic A-list cast including Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Leslie Mann, Rodrigo Santoro, Bruno Mars, Miguel Ferrer, Jamie Foxx, Rita Moreno, Jemaine Clement and Kristen Chenoweth. The sequel is a bit of a mess in terms of story but it is quite pretty to look at and my two year old daughter enjoyed it quite a bit as well.

Official Premise: Blu (Eisenberg), Jewel (Hathaway) and their three kids are living the perfect domesticated life in the magical city that is Rio de Janeiro. But when Jewel decides the kids need to learn to live like real birds, she insists the family venture into the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in with his new neighbors, he worries he may lose Jewel and the kids to the call of the wild.

20th Century Fox is giving this film the Deluxe Edition treatment including a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy. One thing this film does use well is the added third dimension. The flying scenes are great and very well executed. There are a few other gags were the added format works well additionally. I watched this in 2D also and it was just as enjoyable, so to me that is a win win, especially since my daughter doesn’t do the glasses well.

The 1080p transfer overall is just extremely solid. The colors in the film are outstanding and the animation just so crisp and sharp. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 was a delight as well since the film is packed with very fun music. I actually think that that was my favorite part of the film was the music, in that sense it reminded me of “Happy Feet 2”, terrible movie but fun music.

Besides amazing audio/video, Fox jam-packed this Deluxe Edition with some fun special features for the parents and the kids. “Boom, Shake, Snap: The Local Sounds of Brazil -The Bodybeats of the Barbatuques” is a three part featurette including “How to Play the Barbatuques!”; “Rhythmic Rio” and “The Upbeat Uakti Jam”. “Birds and Beats: The Singing Talents of Rio 2” looks into the voice talent that bring these characters to life. “Nigel the Shakespearean Cockatoo and Friends” is a fun feature on the character that Jemaine Clement voices.

If you didn’t get jist of this movie having to do with music and dancing, it is drilled home with “Music, Dance, Sing-Along Machine”, which is a three part collection of music that will get you up and shaking that butt. With “Music Machine” we get 10 songs including “What Is Love”, “Beautiful Creatures” and “I Will Survive”. In the “Dance-Along” there are 4 songs including “Ô Vida” and “It’s a Jungle Out Here”. In the “Sing-Along”, there are 6 songs including “Welcome Back” and “Don’t Go Away”. “You Be the Judge” is a collection of funny auditions from Tapir, Monkey and Turtle.

There are music videos for “What is Love?” Music Video by Janelle Monáe and a multi-language sequence for  “I Will Survive”. Lastly, there is is a deleted scene, still hallery, theatrical trailers and a “Rio Refresher” included to catch you up from the first film. So there is not much in terms of the production itself but these are fun and very entertaining features for the whole family to enjoy.

 

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 2, 3d, bluray, deluxe, edition, review, ...

Celebrate 4th of July by Entering to Win a Limited Edition “Jaws – Bruce Shark Shakems” [ENDED]

Fourth of July is right around the corner! You know what that means? Time to hit the beaches! Nearly 40 years ago, fans flooded the theaters to be forever scarred by the film “Jaws”. Media Mikes is teaming up with Factory Entertainment and are very excited to giveaway a limited edition Jaws – Bruce Shark Shakem to our readers. If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of this prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite “Jaws” quote. This giveaway will remain open until July 4th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US and Canada only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

“This shark, swallow you whole! This Limited Edition Premium Motion format statue is designed to match the ‘Bruce’ filming models seen on screen using the original construction plans as reference. Crafted from heavyweight polyresin and hand painted the integrated, non-electronic motion feature brings the piece to life and creates the illusion of the shark swimming. Each statue is 7.5” long and comes packaged in a full color presentation box.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Featured, Giveaways Tagged With: 4th, bruce, celebrate, edition, entering, jaws, ...

Blu-ray Review “Ginger Snaps: Collector’s Edition”

Starring: Emily Perkins, Katharine Isabelle, Mimi Rogers, Kris Lemche, Jesse Moss, Peter Keleghan
Director: John Fawcett
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: July 22, 2014
Run Time: 108 minutes

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

It is crazy to think that next year “Ginger Snaps” will be celebrating it’s 15th anniversary. I remember it came out when I was working at a video store and I remember purchasing it for the store after falling in love with it. I used to push it at every horror fan that walked in the store. The film features some great gore and pretty awesome visual effects and a refreshing original spin on the werewolf genre. It also introduced us to Emily Perkins and Katharine Isabelle, who has been recently taking off the horror genre with gems like “American Mary”. If you never happened to catch this film, now is the time to do it for sure and horror hounds, this is a must purchase.

Official Premise: Fifteen-year-old Brigitte Fitzgerald (Emily Perkins) and her nearly-sixteen-year-old sister Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) are both best friends and outcasts. Obsessed with dying and bound by a childhood pact to stay together forever, they loathe their mind-numbing existence in the suburbs of Bailey Downs. One night the two girls are heading through the woods when Ginger is savagely attacked by a wild creature. Ginger’s horrible wounds miraculously heal over, but something is not quite right about her. Ginger is irritable and in denial. But to Brigitte, it is obvious that a terrifying force has taken hold of her sister. She’s convinced that the insatiable craving her sister is experiencing can mean only one thing: Ginger is becoming something unspeakably evil and monstrous.

Shout! Factory is releasing this film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and DVD. I would love to see them get into the HD Digital Copy world soon, since this is a film that I would love to have in my Ultraviolet account. There is a nice slipcase included as well as a reversible cover. The 1080p transfer looks fantastic from the gore to the transformation scenes. I really enjoyed it. Same goes with the DTS-HD Master Audio track. It really sounds great film’s music and score by Michael Shields. 

The special features are a real winner and makes this release a must have for the extras alone. There are brand new interviews with director John Fawcett, writer Karen Walton, actors Emily Perkins and Jesse Moss, Producer Steve Hoban, Make-up Effects artist Paul Jones, Composer Mike Shields and Editor Brett Sullivan. If that isn’t enough new content, there is also a new panel discussion, “Women in Horror”. I really enjoyed this and any fan of the series, should definitely check it out.

There are two audio commentary tracks included. First with Director John Fawcett and also second with Writer Karen Walton. Those two also join together to give optional commentary on a few Deleted Scenes. There are three Vintage Featurette including “The Making of Ginger Snaps”, “Creation of the Beast” and “Being John Fawcett”. Lastly there are Cast Auditions and Rehearsals, Theatrical Trailers/TV Spots and a Production Design Artwork Photo Gallery included.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, collectors, edition, ginger, review, snaps, ...

Blu-ray Review “Lake Placid: Collector’s Edition”

Starring: Bridget Fonda, Bill Pullman, Oliver Platt, Betty White, Brendan Gleeson, David lewis
Director: Steve Miner
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: July 8, 2014
Run Time: 82 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When you see a film like “Lake Placid”, you think it’s just another killer animal flick…but this was much more. It was written by the incredible talented David E. Kelley (“Ally Mcbeal”, “Boston Legal”) and was directed by horror legend Steve Miner (“Halloween H20”, “Friday The 13th Part 2”). It also packs great cast including Bill Pullman (“Independence Day”), Bridget Fonda (“Jackie Brown”), Brendan Gleeson (“In Bruges”) and Oliver Platt (“X-Men: First Class”). It is crazy to think that this film is already 15 years old but that is the case but the film is still as good as it was the first time I saw it. The visual effects are still solid and the croc is still damn scary. If you happened to miss till film till now, pick it up!

Official Premise: When a man is eaten alive by a mysterious creature in the beautiful Lake Placid area of New England, New York scientist Kelly Scott (Fonda) arrives to investigate and, examining the evidence, soon confirms that the creature is a giant crocodile. Teaming up with local game warden Jack Wells (Pullman) she uses state-of-the-art equipment to attempt to track down and capture the huge beast. But when they finally encounter their prey, it seems determined to give them a run for their money.

The 1080p transfer is good and work well with the crocodile effects. The DTS-HD Master Audio track sounds good as well, especially with John Ottman’s score. The special features are a hit as well. Shout! really delivered some great NEW content. “The Making of Lake Placid” features new interviews with director Steve Miner, actor Bill Pullman, director of photography Daryn Okada, editor Marshall Harvey, Production Designer John Willett, Effects supervisor Nick Marra and Puppeteer Toby Lindala. There are also a Vintage Featurette featuring interviews with actors Bridget Fonda, Bill Pullman, Oliver Platt, Brendon Gleason, Bette White and director Steve Miner. There is also some great Animatronic Croc Test Footage, Behind the Scenes Still Gallery and TV Spots and a Theatrical Trailer are included.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, collectors, edition, lake, placid, review, ...

Blu-ray Review “Attack on Titan: Limited Edition – Part 1”

Actors: Mike McFarland, Matthew Mercer
Directors: Tetsuro Araki
Number of discs: 4
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Funimation
Release Date: June 3, 2014
Run Time: 325 minutes

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

Starting off as a manga back in “Attack on Titan”, has quickly taking over the anime world. If you watch the first episode, there is literally no way you can’t get hooked. It is currently one of my favorite anime series out right now. This Part 1 release includes the first 13 episodes of the 25 episode series. I literally burned through the first 13 episodes in one day wanted more immediately. Funimation already set a release date of September 23rd for Part 2 for this series. I really hope they include the 2 OVA episodes as well. The series is also being re-adapted into two animated theatrical films set to be released Winter 2014 and 2015. The word is that there is also a live-action movie that will begin filming in summer 2014 for a planned summer 2015 release. So stay tuned “Titan” fans, there is still a lot of come!

Official Premise: When the man-eating giants called Titans first appeared, humans retreated behind massive walls. After a hundred years of safety, a colossal-sized Titan smashes through the defenses, unleashing a flood of giants and carnage in the streets. Eren Jaeger watches helplessly as one of the creatures devours his mother. He vows to kill every Titan walking the earth. Eren and his surviving friends enlist to fight against the insatiable monsters. The future looks bleak, but there’s more to Eren than meets the eye: he may be humanity’s last hope against extinction. The Titans have come to feast. Anything can happen. No one is safe.

Funimation is really delivering to its fan for this Limited Edition release. There is such a fanbase for this and they probably would have been happy with just the episodes on Blu-ray but Funimation went a step further and included tons of great goodies for this release. It comes with a 4-pin collection consisting of the Military Police Regiment, Scout Regiment, Garrison Regiment, and Cadet Corps. There is a replica of Eren Jaeger’s key necklace and also a sword necklace featuring the Titan flesh paring blades. There is a 3-D lenticular Art Card included. Lastly “Notes From Beyond the Wall: Part 1” is a 24 page digibook that is a great addition.

The 1080p transfer of these episodes look outstanding. I really love the style of this show. The announcement of the English dub cast was a big deal for this show and I was very happy with it myself. Bryce Papenbrook voices Eren Jaeger, know best for Rin Okumura from “Blue Exorcist” and Kirito from “Sword Art Online”. He does a great job. Also get voice actors include Mike McFarland and Matthew Mercer. The Dolby TrueHD: English 5.1 really delivered for sure. Of course also included is the original audio Dolby TrueHD Japanese 2.0 and English 5.1 surround tracks.

If the episodes and goodies wasn’t enough for you, there are over 100 minutes extras included on this release. First off we have “The Making of Attack on Titan”, which is a great behind-the-scenes look in this amazing anime. “Monster Character Theater – Fly! Trainee Corps” is a funny series of Flash animated shorts featuring the characters in Chibi form based on designs by Yuupon. There are two audio commentaries included on episodes 3 and 13. Lastly there is a photo gallery, textless songs and trailers included. I can’t wait to see what they drum up for Part 2!

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 1, attack, bluray, edition, limited, part, ...

3D Blu-ray Review “The LEGO Movie: Everything is Awesome Edition”

Actors: Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman
Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: June 17, 2014
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

Who does love playing with LEGO sets? I am in my 30’s and have love it as a kid and still as an adult, even my 2 year old loves playing with her Duplo sets already. “The LEGO Movie” came at the perfect time and really delivered one of the best animated film in a long time. The film is visually amazing, action packed and also extremely funny. As if LEGO wasn’t big enough, this film just a perfect addition. I loved the CG-animated style and the touch of stop motion animation was also brilliant for this film. It is just so creative and unique. I watched this film and already I can’t to wait to again very soon.

Official Premise: The original 3D computer-animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as The Special, the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

“The Lego Movie” features a fantastic voice cast including Chris Pratt (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) voicing Emmet, Will Ferrell (“Elf”) voicing Lord Business, Elizabeth Banks (“The Hunger Games”) voicing Wildstyle, Will Arnett (“Arrested Development”) steals the show voicing Batman, Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) as Metal Beard, Alison Brie (“Mad Men”) as Unikitty and Charlie Day (“Pacific Rim”) as Benny, the 1980-something Spaceman, Liam Neeson (“Taken) as Bad Cop and Morgan Freeman (“Now You See Me”) as Vitruvius. Since directorsPhil Lord, Christopher Miller directed “21 Jump Street”, the films stars Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill also pop in as Superman and Green Lantern.

The “Everything is Awesome Edition” comes as a combo pack with Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet digital copy. There is also bonus 3D copy of the film as well also includes an exclusive LEGO Vitruvius minifigure, collectible 3D Emmet photo and exclusive bonus content. What I love about this film is that you can enjoy it either in 3D or 2D. I watched it 3D for myself and then 2D with my daughter. Either way the film is still amazing. The 1080p video is so crisp and colorful. This film literally jumps off the screen whether it is 3D or not. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is pumping as well. The action sounds great and of course the film’s hit single is…well…AWESOME!

The special features are also awesome for this release. “Dream Job: Meet The LEGO Builders” is an exclusive extra with the “Everything is Awesome Edition” release. There is an must listen audio commentary track with directors Miller and Lord, along with Pratt, Brie, Arnett and Day and even Banks calls in for a little bit). “Batman: A True Artist”, “Enter the Ninjago” and “Michelangelo and Lincoln: History are two funny short featurettes on the characters. “Bringing LEGO to Life” goes behind-the-scenes into the making of the film.

Who doesn’t love the song “Everything is Awesome”? It is so catchy. There is a great Sing-Along included. “See it! Build it!” shows you how to build things in the film like Emmet’s double-decker couch and his car. “Stories from the Story Team” mixes storyboards and animatic on scenes that didn’t make the final cut. “Fan-Made Films: Top Secret Submissions” are fan films introduced by Pratt. There are also outtakes, additional promotional content, Alleyway test footage and deleted scenes rounding out the extras.

Own “THE LEGO MOVIE” now on Digital HD and on June 17th on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD 2-Disc Special Edition http://bit.ly/LEGOMovieWBShop

 

Related Content

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3d, awesome, bluray, edition, lego, movie, ...

“Gone With the Wind” 75th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition Arrives September 30

75th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition Arrives September 30 Limited & Numbered, With New Collectible Packaging, New Memorabilia and New Special Features Nationwide Celebrations Scheduled

Burbank, Calif., June 3, 2014 – On September 30, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) will honor one of the most celebrated motion pictures of all time with the Gone with the Wind 75th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray™ and Digital HD with UltraViolet.

Gone with the Wind — the quintessential Hollywood epic and still history’s all-time domestic box-office champion ($1.6 billion[1]), with more tickets sold than any other movie ever made – is a “must have” for classic film collectors. It will be fittingly presented in limited and numbered sets, with new collectible packaging, new enhanced content and new collectible memorabilia. The memorabilia includes a replica of Rhett Butler’s handkerchief and a music box paperweight playing Tara’s theme with an image on top of the Rhett-Scarlett kiss. Also included is a 36-page companion booklet featuring a look at the immortal style of Gone with the Wind, written by New York fashion designer and Project Runway finalist Austin Scarlett, whose signature look reflects the romantic elegance of the Gone with the Wind era.

The new special features include footage of Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh attending the original movie premiere in Atlanta and Old South/New South, a journey through today’s South, revisiting the real-life locations depicted to see how the world of the Old South continues to inform life in the New South’s cosmopolitan world. Gone with the Wind 75th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition will be available for $49.99 SRP.

75th Anniversary Celebrations Nationwide

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of Gone with the Wind, the Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin will launch the exhibition, “The Making of ‘Gone With The Wind.’” For the first time in more than 25 years, three original gowns worn by Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara, including the iconic green curtain dress, will be exhibited together along with replicas of the film’s other gowns. Additionally, more than 300 items from producer David O. Selznick’s archive will be displayed, including behind-the-scenes photographs, storyboards, correspondence, production records, audition footage and fan mail. Turner Classic Movies is one of the sponsors of the exhibition which runs from September 9 – January 4, 2015.

On September 22, WBHE will partner with The Actors Hall of Fame in a special 75th Anniversary Gone with the Wind fundraising gala to benefit dramatic arts education in schools. Hundreds of stars and industry leaders will arrive ‘in costume’ at the historic Culver Studios where many key scenes of the movie were filmed. The gala will be streamed live from the Mansion on digital and social media around the world. Planned highlights of this special evening include the dedication of the Olivia de Havilland Dramatic Arts Education Center and a recreation of the famous Virginia Reel dance scene from the movie, with student actors in period costumes and a silent auction including Gone With The Wind memorabilia. For additional information on the events, go to www.hrc.utexas.edu and http://actorshalloffame.org/  respectively.

About the Movie

Gone with the Wind, lauded as one of the American cinema’s grandest, most ambitious and spectacular pieces of filmmaking, was helmed by Victor Fleming in 1939, the same year as the director’s The Wizard of Oz. It captured 10 Academy Awards®[2] including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress for Hattie McDaniel, the first Oscar awarded to an African-American actor. Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer-prize winning novel, on which the film is based, has been translated into 16 languages, has sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide, and even now, continues to sell 50,000 copies a year.

Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Olivia de Havilland, Leslie Howard and Hattie McDaniel star in this classic epic of the American South. On the eve of the Civil War, rich, beautiful and self-centered Scarlett O’Hara (Leigh) has everything she could want – except Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard). As the war devastates the South, Scarlett discovers the strength within herself to protect her family and rebuild her life. Through everything, she longs for Ashley, unaware that she is already married to the man she really loves (Gable) – and who truly loves her – until she finally drives him away. Only then does Scarlett realize what she has lost … and tries to win him back.

Special Features:

  • Featuring footage including Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh attending the original movie premiere in Atlanta
  • Old South/New South NEW! Take a journey of discovery through today’s South, revisiting the real-life locations depicted in Gone With the Wind, from Gettysburg to Atlanta to New Orleans, to see how the world of the Old South – and the themes depicted in the film – continue to inform life in the cosmopolitan world of the New South.

 

Gone with the Wind 75th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition

Street Date: September 30, 2014

Order Due Date: August 26, 2014

Pricing: $49.99 SRP

Cat/UPC: 1000446620/6000079798

Note: All enhanced content and premiums listed above are subject to change.

Academy Awards® and Oscar® are both registered trademarks and service marks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Blu-ray Disc™ and Blu-ray™ and the logos are the trademarks of Blu-ray Disc Association.

Warner Home Video Blu-ray Discs™ offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and color and beautifully crisp sound. The format also provides a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com and WBUltra.

 

ABOUT DIGITAL HD WITH ULTRAVIOLET

Digital HD with UltraViolet allows fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere on their favorite devices. Digital HD with UltraViolet is included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. Digital HD with UltraViolet allows consumers to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through UltraViolet retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster, Target Ticket, VUDU and more. For more information on compatible devices go to wb.com/ultravioletdevices. Consult an UltraViolet Retailer for details and requirements and for a list of HD-compatible devices.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 30, 75th, anniversary, arrives, collectors, edition, ...

Sony Pictures Entertainment Celebrates “Ghostbusters” Milestone Anniversary with Theatrical Re-release and All-New Special Edition Blu-ray Anniversary Editions

Theatrical Re-release Hits Theaters August 29; Blu-ray Anniversary Editions of “Ghostbusters” and “Ghostbusters II” Available September 16

CULVER CITY, Calif. (June 5, 2014) – Sony Pictures Entertainment will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its blockbuster franchiseGhostbusters with a series of special events and home entertainment releases.  As a highlight of the celebration, the original 1984 film has been restored and remastered in 4K and will be returning to the big screen, in over 700 locations in the United States and Canada, for a limited engagement starting August 29 (Labor Day weekend).

Commenting on the announcement, Rory Bruer, president, Worldwide Distribution for Sony Pictures, said, “Ghostbusters is still one of our studio’s most beloved franchises – I was lucky enough to work on the release of the film on its first run, so it’s a real thrill for me to see that it’s still connecting with audiences everywhere.  On the big screen or in home entertainment, this is a great movie to experience again and again.”

Following the theatrical release of the film, on September 16, fans will be able to own the Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray and the Ghostbusters II 25th Anniversary Edition, as that film makes its Blu-ray debut.  The Sony Pictures Home Entertainment releases of the films will also be available in a two-disc anniversary edition Blu-ray™ Digibook including both films, as well as a Limited Edition gift set that includes an exclusive collectible Slimer figurine and the two-disc Digibook.  This special gift set will only be available for a very limited time, with the collectible Slimer figurine being a true must-have for fans. Both films have been fully restored and remastered in 4K and will be presented in high definition on Blu-ray from those 4K sources.

Both the Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II Blu-rays come loaded with exclusive bonus materials, including revealing conversations with director Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd, as well as never-before-seen deleted scenes from Ghostbusters II and more. The Ghostbustersanniversary edition features the original music video of the Oscar® nominated song “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr., while Ghostbusters IIincludes the original music video for “On Our Own” by Bobby Brown. In addition, Ghostbusters will contain all previously released legacy content, commentary and an interactive Slimer Mode, offering fans a picture-in-picture graphical viewing experience.

“To celebrate this milestone anniversary, we wanted to create something new and collectible for fans.  These new Ghostbusters Blu-rays will feature the highest quality presentation along with new content that reflects the rich history of this iconic franchise,” said Lexine Wong, Senior Executive Vice President, Worldwide Marketing, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Today also marks the premiere of the new website, GHOSTBUSTERS.COM, where fans can access new franchise offerings, including collectible merchandise, music, and more.  Fans can register for updates, unique video content, as well as Ghostbusters news.

There will also be a slew of new merchandise from Sony Pictures Consumer Products to be released. Collaborations include Lego, Mattel, Funko, Mad Engine and other select items to help celebrate the occasion. In addition, SPCP partnered with Gallery 1988 to create a once-in a lifetime experience, displaying original paintings, limited edition prints, and sculptures inspired by the film.

Finally, Legacy Recordings / Sony Music Entertainment, will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic Ghostbusters soundtrack with multiple collectible vinyl LP releases this year.

Fans can follow the action on social media with the hashtag #GB30 or visiting the following sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ghostbusters

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ghostbusters30

Instagram: http://instagram.com/ghostbustersofficial

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ghostbusters30/

 

Directed and produced by Ivan Reitman (Meatballs, Stripes), with the screenplay written by Dan Aykroyd (My Girl) and Harold Ramis (Knocked Up), GHOSTBUSTERS is listed as No. 28 on the AFI’s List of America’s Funniest Movies. Bill Murray (Stripes), Dan Aykroyd (Blues Brothers), and Sigourney Weaver (Aliens) star, along with Harold Ramis (Groundhog Day), and Rick Moranis (Honey I Shrunk the Kids). Ernie Hudson (TV’s “Oz”) and Annie Potts (TV’s “Designing Women”) also star in the films.

 

SYNOPSIS:

GHOSTBUSTERS: University parapsychologists Dr. Peter Venkman (Murray), Dr. Raymond Stanz (Aykroyd) and Dr. Egon Spengler (Ramis) lose a research grant when their experiment methodology is proven to be bogus. The team decides to go into business for themselves and open ‘Ghostbusters,’ a ghost removal service. After struggling to get on their feet, they are summoned to investigate the strange happenings in Dana Barrett’s (Weaver) Central Park West apartment. What they discover is that all Manhattan is being besieged by ghosts and other worldly demons through a portal in her building.

 

GHOSTBUSTERS II: Supernatural superstars Peter Venkman (Murray), Dr. Raymond Stanz (Aykroyd) and Dr. Egon Spengler (Ramis) spring back into action when the infant son of Dana Barrett (Weaver) becomes the target of a powerful demonic force. Reunited with their industrious secretary Janine (Potts) and the nerdy, near-sighted Louis (Moranis), the ‘heroes of the hereafter’ must put a stop to an enormous underground river ready to rot the roots of the entire Big Apple.

 

GHOSTBUSTERS™ Blu-ray Special Features:

  • NEW! Who You Gonna Call: A Ghostbusters Retrospective – Roundtable Discussion with Director Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd (Part 1)
  • NEW! Poster Art Gallery – Gallery 1988 artwork
  • NEW! “Ghostbusters” Music Video – Ray Parker, Jr.
  •  Legacy Content:
  •     Slimer Mode – Picture in Picture and Trivia Track
  •     Commentary w/ Ivan Reitman, Harold Ramis & Joe Medjuck
  •     10 Deleted Scenes
  •     1984 Featurette
  •    Cast and Crew Featurette
  •     SFX Team Featurette
  •     Multi-Angles
  •     Ecto-1: Resurrecting the Classic Car
  •     Ghostbusters Garage: Ecto-1 Gallery Storyboard Comparisons

GHOSTBUSTERS™ II Blu-ray Special Features:

  • NEW! Time Is But A Window: Ghostbusters II and Beyond – Roundtable Discussion with Director Ivan Reitman and Dan Aykroyd (Part 2)
  • NEW! Deleted Scenes
  • NEW! “On Our Own” Music Video – Bobby Brown

 

GHOSTBUSTERS™ has a run time of approximately 105 minutes and is rated PG

GHOSTBUSTERS™ II has a run time of approximately 108 minutes and is rated PG.

 

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: allnew, anniversary, bluray, celebrates, edition, editions, ...

Blu-ray Review “The Nutty Professor: 50th Anniversary – Ultimate Collector’s Edition”

Starring: Jerry Lewis, Stella Stevens (I), Kathleen Freeman, Med Flory, Norman Alden, Howard Morris (I)
Director: Jerry Lewis
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Video
DVD Release Date: June 3, 2014
Run Time: 397 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“The Nutty Professor” is easily one of Jerry Lewis’ best comedies. He directed, stars in, and co-wrote (with Bill Richmond) this very funny film, which is a parody of the classic “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”. 50 years and this film is still a laugh riot and to celebrate that date Warner Bros is releasing this film in a brand-new 50th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition. In fact this new release also received personal input from Mr. Lewis and he helped compile some of the extra content as well. This film has always been a favorite of mine and it is great to see this wonderful released put out to remind people today of what a real comedy looks like to be honest. Warner Bros has always been a leader of giving films the treatment they deserve. Their “Ultimate Collector’s Edition” releases are like none other and this is no exception. A must have for any Jerry Lewis fan!

Here is the official premise for “The Nutty Professor”: The title’s eponymous professor is Julius F. Kelp (Lewis), a shy, bumbling chemistry teacher who has a mad crush on his student Stella Purdy (Stella Stevens). When he tires of being made fun of, Kelp develops a magic potion that turns him into smooth and smarmy nightclub singer Buddy Love. Stella is drawn to Buddy but unfortunately, the potion’s formula is unstable and Buddy keeps slipping back into Julius at the most embarrassing moments. In the end the professor’s ploy is revealed, but not before he delivers a speech calling for everyone to learn to love themselves first before others can return the favor. Stella realizes she loves him for who he is and, needless to say, the ending is a happy one.

In this release we get not only “The Nutty Professor” on Blu-ray but also in DVD format as well. But wait there is still more we also get DVDs of two other well-known Lewis comedies including “Cinderfella” and “The Errand Boy”. This are great films as well. Obviously, they don’t have relation to “The Nutty Professor” but they are a nice bonus for sure. But wait there is still more…there is also a CD included of “Phoney Phone calls 1959-1972”, which features Lewis’s collection of private prank calls secretly recorded over the years. And since we are on the topic of Warner Bros and Jerry Lewis, if you are looking for more rare films be sure to check out the Warner Archive Collection (www.warnerarchive.com), which has various other Lewis’ films available including, “Family Jewels”, “Cracking Up (aka Smorgasbord)” and “Which Way to the Front?”

Since this film is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary, Warner Bros did not take that lightly and really jam-packed “The Nutty Professor” with great extras. “Jerry Lewis: No Apologies” is a brand new intimate look at the legend who has entertained and educated audiences for more than eight decades. There is a “Directors Letter”, which is specially written by Lewis himself to present this new collection. Recreated “Being A Person” is a 96 page book that is made up of drawings and quotes inspired/written by Jerry Lewis and drawn by his personal illustrator. When the first was first made there were only 250 copies of this book made and given to members of the cast and crew of “The Nutty Professor”, so this is cool to be able to own. There is also a 48-Page Storyboard Book and a 44-Page Cutting Script with Jerry’s notes included.

There is an audio commentary track with Jerry Lewis and Steve Lawrence. There is a great making of look in the film with “The Nutty Professor: Perfecting The Formula Behind-The-Scenes Footage”. “Jerry Lewis at Work” looks into the legend doing what he does best. “Jerry at Movieland Wax Museum” shows the actor visiting the location, which also includes commentary by son Chris Lewis. There are also deleted scenes, promos, bloopers, screen tests, outtakes and trailers included. With the bonus DVD includes, “Cinderfella”, there are special features as well including an audio commentary track with Jerry Lewis and Steve Lawrence, as well as Bloopers. “The Errand Boy” includes select scene audio commentary also with Jerry Lewis and Steve Lawrence. Lastly, there are also Bloopers, Promo Spots and trailer included.

The Nutty Professor 50th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition is available on Blu-ray 6/3/14 at the WB Shop http://bit.ly/TNP50THWBShop

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 50th, anniversary, bluray, collectors, edition, nutty, ...

Blu-ray Review “White Zombie (Cary Roan Special Signature Edition)”

Starring: Bela Lugosi, Madge Bellamy, Joseph Cawthorn, Robert Frazer, John Harron, Brandon Hurst
Director: Victor Halperin
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: VCI Entertainment
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Run Time: 67 minutes

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

Bela Lugosi is a legend in the horror business. He gave life and a face to the name Dracula that have lived on for over 80 years. “White Zombie” was a film it did just one year after “Dracula”. In fact, it was also claimed for being the very first zombie movie many many years before George A. Romero did it with “Night of the Living Dead” in 1968. The film has become such a classic among horror fans. The black and white atmosphere in this adds such character to the settings. This is no question best presentation available to date that I have ever seen. If you are a hardcore horror fan and have been holding out, this is the one you want to purchase.

Official Premise: Wealthy Plantation owner Charles Beaumont (Robert Frazer) turns to Voodoo Master Murder Legendre (Bela Lugosi) to lure the woman he loves Madeline Short (Madge Bellamy) away from her fiancé Neil Parker (John Harron), by turning her into zombie. Murders intention are to keep Madeline for himself. Neil seeks out Murder Legendre to break the Zombie spell and return Madeline to the world of the living.

VCI Entertainment has delivered this film under a Cary Roan Special Signature Edition with a new 4k HD transfer of his 35mm film materials. If anyone has seen the fairly recent Kino Blu-ray release of this film you probably haven’t seen the best of reviews. Well this one is not perfect either but it is a vast improvement in both the audio and video department for “White Zombie”. There is no mistaken that this film is still 80+ years old but they really did a solid job of delivering this film in fine form.

The special features on this release are honestly a bit of a let down. The only real extra is a brand-new 2014 audio commentary by Gary Don Rhodes, author of “White Zombie”. This one covers similar ground to Frank Thompson’s track on the Kino Blu-ray release but this is still very interesting and informative. Especially since the film is just over an hour, I was willing to throw it on again right after the first viewing and give it a listen. Other than the commentary track, there is a “White Zombie Theatrical Reissue Trailer”. a bonus “Dracula (1931) Trailer” and a Photo and Poster Gallery included.

Read Complete Article
Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, cary, edition, review, roan, signature, ...
« sdf
Previous
Page 5 of 14
Next
Next Page »