Blu-ray Review “Deepwater Horizon”

Actors: Kurt Russell, Mark Wahlberg, James DuMont, Douglas M. Griffin, Joe Chrest
Directors: Peter Berg
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Lionsgate
DVD Release Date: January 10, 2017
Run Time: 107 minutes

Film: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Deepwater Horizon” is the latest team-up between director Peter Berg and Mark Wahlberg, last being “Lone Survivor”. It is based on a true story and features a top notch supporting cast including Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, Dylan O’Brien, Kate Hudson and Gina Rodriguez. Honestly though, just not a film for me. I remember the events back in 2010 but I never thought to myself, “Damn, this will make a great movie”. Great acting and at points action packed for sure as Berg knows how to deliver but just not interesting enough topic to lock me down.

Official Premise: On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explodes in the Gulf of Mexico, igniting a massive fireball that kills several crew members. Chief electronics technician Mike Williams (Mark Wahlberg) and his colleagues find themselves fighting for survival as the heat and the flames become stifling and overwhelming. Banding together, the co-workers must use their wits to make it out alive amid all the chaos.

Even though “Deepwater Horizon” is not my favorite film of the year, it does pack a solid Blu-ray presentation. The 1080p transfer works perfectly with the film’s epic scale. In fact, I would have loved to watched the 4K presentation of this film. I can imagine that the action sequences would love outstanding for sure. The audio track included is an outstanding Dolby Atmos (mixed down to Dolby TrueHD 7.1), which really showcases the action perfectly. Literally wall-shaking!

In terms of special features, there is no shortage here at all. In fact, there is around two hours of content included. First up there is an hour-long five-part series “Beyond the Horizon,” which features cast discussing the film behind-the-scenes. There are three all-new featurettes, the first being “Captain of the Rig: Peter Berg”, which puts the director front and center. The other two included are “The Fury of the Rig” and “Deepwater Surveillance”, which dives behind-the-scenes on this difficult production. Lastly there is a real-life tribute in “Work Like An American”.

CD Review: Steve Hackett “Beyond the Shrouded Horizon”

Steve Hackett
“Beyond the Shrouded Horizon”
Inside Out Music
Producer: Steve Hackett/Roger King
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 3 out of 5

“Beyond the Shrouded Horizon” is the latest release from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steve Hackett. Hackett a former member of the group Genesis has been releasing solo albums since before his departure from the group in 1977. “Beyond the Shrouded Horizon” will be Steve’s 20th solo studio album. The album is being released by Inside Out Music and features an array of sounds and special guest appearance by peoples such as Chris Squire and Simon Phillips. The album features 13 new tracks and is the follow up release to Hackett’s 2009 release “Out of the Tunnel’s Mouth”.

“Beyond the Shrouded Horizon” is a very detailed album. Hackett’s playing on the 13 tracks contained within the album is very refined and spot on. Though the songs all feature vast arrangements with a variety of instruments I was drawn instantly to the guitars. Tracks like “The Phoenix Flown” and “Catwalk” a very sleazy feeling type song with a great solid groove are just a couple gems found on “Beyond the Shrouded Horizon”. Though the albums tracks may have a little too much going on for casual listeners the album is still a pretty good listen

Track Listing:
1.)    Loch Lomond
2.)    The Phoenix Flown
3.)    Wanderlust
4.)    Til These Eyes
5.)    Prairie Angel
6.)    A Place Called Freedom
7.)    Between the Sunset and the Coconut Palms
8.)    Waking the Life
9.)    Two Faces of Cairo
10.)  Looking for Fantasy
11.)  Summers Breath
12.)  Catwalk
13.) Turn This Island Earth