Film Review “Thor: The Dark World”

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Tom Hiddleston
Directed by: Alan Taylor
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 52 mins
Marvel Entertainment

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Meet the Dark Elves, a race of beings intent on ruling the world thanks to a weapon they possess call the Aether. Defeated by warriors from Asgard, including Thor (Hemsworth), the Elves’ leader, Malekith (Christopher Eccleston), escapes, intent on striking again. Thinking they are doing the right thing, the warriors try to bury the Aether deep and out of site. Sadly, they buried most of the fun in this film with them.

Oddly paced and slow to start, “Thor: The Dark World” is an overall good film, yet it pales in comparison to the Marvel films that have come before it. Though this film retains the first film’s humor it takes itself too seriously at times. Part of the reason is that the first half of the film is more concerned with Jane (Portman). Underused in the first film it’s as if the producers wanted to get their money’s worth this time out. Along with Jane we get her friend, Darcy (Kat Dennings). This is a good thing. The scenes with Dennings are among the best in the film. She keeps the story moving along. The other plus is Hiddleston as Thor’s older brother, Loki. Bitter at having been overlooked for the throne, Loki is a snake in Norse clothing. Hemsworth is a fine balance of strength and humor and, once the action starts, takes the film over.

If there is a major flaw in the film it is the direction of Alan Taylor, who honed his craft on many HBO series over the years. He only has three feature films to his credit in 18 years, the most recent released a decade ago. Three movies in that time is fine if you’re Terrence Malick. Taylor isn’t. What’s odd is that there is really nothing in his past credits that would warrant him getting this assignment. “The Sopranos?” “Nurse Jackie?” “Mad Men?” Good dramas all, but nothing there suggests the ability to helm a major special effects movie. The fact he is slated to direct the new “Terminator” film is pretty disconcerting.

Pacing aside, the film does deliver some thrills once the action begins. And thrills are what you’re paying your money to see.

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Film Review “Diana”

Starring: Naomi Watts and Naveen Andrews
Directed by: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 53 mins
Entertainment One

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

When I was in the movie theatre business I would always, on the last weekend of the summer, let the staff have an all-night “sleepover” at a theatre. They could vote on a film to watch, invite a friend and have one more party before school started. That night, while watching the Trey Parker/Matt Stone comedy “Orgazmo” (“South Park” was a staff favorite), one of the managers interrupted the movie to inform us that Diana, the Princess of Wales, had been killed in a car accident. It was August 31, 1997.

“Diana,” the film, begins on that same day, with the Princess of Wales (Watts) heading down a hotel hallway towards a waiting elevator. For some reason, she stops and looks behind her. Nothing. She gets into the elevator and soon is off into a waiting car. What happens next is known. What isn’t are the two years previous to this evening. And that is the story of “Diana.”

If I didn’t know John Hughes was dead I would have sworn he had written this film. We meet the Princess in her third year of separation from Prince Charles. She spends most of her time doing charity work, including visiting hospitals. On one such visit she casts her eyes on heart surgeon Hasnat Khan (Andrews) and birds begin to sing. She gets such a look on her face that I’m surprised the director didn’t digitally put animated hearts over her eyes. Smitten she begins to find reasons to turn up at the hospital at all hours of the day, finally getting the nerve to speak with Dr. Khan. Thus begins a relationship that may or may not have happened. Honestly.

I’m afraid the deck was stacked against this film before one frame of film was shot. Princess Diana was such a HUGE personality that there is no way…no one…that could have played her without gaining a negative comparison. Watts tries hard and manages to capture some of Diana’s charm but still her performance never comes off as more than an impersonation. The story itself begs for you to relax your believe in reason. In order to meet up with Khan, Diana often sneaks out of her home at night, wandering the streets and catching nobody’s attention. She often dons a dark wig, which makes her look exactly like Nicole Kidman. Seriously. As time passes the two fight, make up and try to deal with life in a fishbowl.

Of course, as we know, things may or may not have gone well between the Princess and her Doctor. Not all fairy tales come true.

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DVD Review “Combat!: The Complete Series”

Actors: Vic Morrow, Rick Jason, Pierre Jalbert, Jack Hogan, Dick Peabody
Directors: Bernard McEveety, John Peyser, Robert Altman, Sutton Roley
Number of discs: 40
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
DVD Release Date: November 12, 2013
Run Time: 7260 minutes

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

“Combat!” is currently TV’s longest-running World War II drama. It premiered on ABC on October 2, 1962 and aired for five seasons and 152 hour-long episodes. The first 127 episodes or four seasons were filmed in black and white, while the the final season or 25 episodes were filmed in color. Image Entertainment is behind this recent re-release of this complete series in a newly repackaged set. If you are a fan of war shows or films, then this set is a must. Each episodes plans like a mini-movie and are so well done. This is really a very complete immersible set for this series and it really does the show justice.

The series stars Vic Morrow, Rick Jason, Pierre Jalbert, Jack Hogan and Dick Peabody and featured what an amazing list of guest stars through its run. Some of the great talent included were Eddie Albert, James Caan, James Coburn, Lee Marvin, Leonard Nimoy, Mickey Rooney, Rip Torn, Robert Duvall, Roddy McDowall, Sal Mineo, Telly Savalas, Bill Bixby, Claude Akins, Dennis Hopper, Ricardo Montalban, Wayne Rogers, Harry Dean Stanton, Beau Bridges, Charles Bronson, and Frankie Avalon…just to name a few.

Official Premise: One of television’s most popular series, the groundbreaking Combat! offers a gritty, unflinching look at American soldiers battling on the front lines in Europe during World War II, confronting imposing odds and demonstrating remarkable levels of ingenuity and courage. Vic Morrow and Rick Jason head a stellar cast in this long-running war drama featuring an incomparable list of guest stars as well as top directorial talent. This collection includes all 152 episodes of this action-packed series, including the final season in color.

The episodes look quite impressive on DVD. Image has been known for great restores of classic shows like “The Twilight Zone” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show”. They are presented in 1.33:1 full frame. The first four seasons with the black and white transfers are very sharp and also still have that classic feel that I love. Same goes for the five season, which is color, it really looks solid. The audio track included are a Dolby Digital Mono track. Since there is quite a bit of action within the show it is well-represented. I never watched this show when it aired on TV originally but I really enjoyed the experience overall on this DVD.

In terms of special features, there is no shortage here at all. There are several audio commentary tracks including Tom Lowell on “The Celebrity”, Robert Altman on “Cat and Mouse” and “Survival”, Michael Caffey on “Cat and Mouse” and “The Glory Among Men”, Joseph Campanella on “The Medal”, Ben Cooper & Tom Lowell on “Next In Command”, Sutton Roley on “The Battle of The Roses”, Ted Post on “The Sniper”, “The Bridge at Chalon” and “The Hostages”, Richard Donner on “No Trumpets, No Drums,” Tom Lowell on “Bridgehead,” Esther Mitchell on “Anatomy of a Patrol”, Warren Stevens on “The Gun,” Conlan Carter on “Cry For Help”, Jo Davidsmeyer and Steve Mitchell on “Night Mare On the Red Bull Run” and George Fenady on the finale “Jonah”.

Honest I would have just been happy with the commentaries but there is still much more. “Memories of Combat” is a great featurettes with the talent like Robert Altman and Richard Donner sharing their experiences. “Social Security in Action” includes interviews with Vic Morrow and Pierre Jalbert, There is a “Rick Jason Radio Interview is from KTRS in St. Louis from 2000”. “The Big Picture” features Vic Morrow narrating a documentary about the Ranger training school at Ft. Benning. “Combat! Directed by Vic Morrow ” looks into the episodes that Vic stepped behind the director’s chair. “Combat! This Season in Color” is a very in depth look into the shows transition into color. Lastly there are some notes, oddities and bloopers are provided for each episode and photo galleries for all five seasons are included.

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Blu-ray Review “Man of Steel”

Actors: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane
Directors: Zack Snyder
Number of discs: 3
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: November 12, 2013
Run Time: 143 minutes

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

After watching “Superman Returns”, I had a bad taste in my mouth concerning the Superman franchise. I honestly wasn’t too thrilled to find out about this reboot either but then I found out that Zack Snyder (“300”, “Sucker Punch”) was signed on. His vision to his films are so unique and he really brought that to this film. You know that this was a Zack Snyder film and that is a good thing. “Man of Steel” is quite long running nearly 2.5 hours, so there are some pacing issues but it is still one hell of a wild visual ride. Easily one of the most entertaining films I have seen this year.

Henry Cavill delivers the Superman performance we were all hoping for. He made the role his own and didn’t try to replicate past portrayals. Michael Shannon was good but not outstanding as Zod but I liked his back story. Actually one of my favorite parts was the opening scene with Russell Crowe playing Jor-El. I loved the introduction of Krypton. It was mouth dropping and a great way to kick off the film. Highly recommended for any true DC Comics fan and I can’t wait to see what they are doing with the “Batman vs. Superman” film in 2015.

“Man of Steel” comes as a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD UltraViolet copy. Warner Bros delivered a very fine Blu-ray in terms of audio/video presentation. The 1080p transfer is rock solid and looks very sharp. I have to admit, I was a little nervous since I really loved the 3D presentation of this film in theaters. But the film in 2D is still as visual awesome just missing that slight depth. In terms of audio, Warner’s delivered a wall-shaking DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1. This film has no shortage of action at all and this track is amped up and kicks some major ass.

Since I still prefer the film in 3D, “Man of Steel” will also be available as a Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack and as a 3D Limited Collector’s Edition (which is what I am purchasing). The 3D Collector’s Edition includes a limited release metal “S” glyph with a lucite glass stand. Also hardcore fans should also note that Amazon is also offering an exclusive Action Figure Gift Set, which includes two 1:16 scale figurines of Superman and General Zod taken from DC Collectibles sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios.

In terms of special features, “Man of Steel” delivers one amazing special features along with a few other decent at best extras. “Journey of Discovery: Creating ‘Man of Steel'” is a super intensive feature-length experience which allows you to watch the film with director Zack Snyder and stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Diane Lane and more. It is sort of like a visual commentary track but definitely worth checking out and great for replay value. The rest of the extras include “Strong Characters, Legendary Roles”, which is a look into the characters legacy. “All-Out Action” looks into the training actors has to go through in order to get ready for their roles. “Krypton Decoded – Dylan Sprayberry (Clark Kent Age 13)” looks at the techie tools found in the film. Lastly “Planet Krypton” dives deeper into the lost world.

Official Premise: A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

Man of Steel is available on Blu-Ray 11/12/13 at the WB Shop http://bit.ly/MOSwbshop

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Blu-ray Review “The Little Mermaid: 2-Movie Collection”

Starring: Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Tara Strong, Rob Paulsen, Jim Cummings, Sally Field
Directors: Jim Kammerud, Peggy Holmes
Number of discs: 3
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 19, 2013
Run Time: 152 minutes

The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea: 3 out of 5 stars
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea” and “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning”, the direct-to-video sequel and prequel to the timeless classic “The Little Mermaid are make their high definition on Blu-ray. It is the latest 2-Movie Collection from Disney, which has been unloading its catalog of films on Blu-ray over the last year. I know the world has been rioting to get these two films releases but it is nice to add them to my collection. They are not the best out of the Disney sequels/prequels but who doesn’t love “The Little Mermaid”? I grew up watching the original film and now my daughter (who is 17 months) watches it at least once a day, so I have a feeling we are going to be getting a lot of use out of these discs. I would probably only recommend this for hardcore Disney fans.

Official Premise: “The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea” follows the plight of Melody (Tara Strong), the daughter of Ariel (Jodi Benson) and Prince Eric (Rob Paulsen). To protect her from the evil sea witch, Morgana (Pat Carroll), Melody is not allowed in the ocean… until she turns twelve, when she runs away and experiences an adventure under the sea. Then, in “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning”, we go back in time, before the events of “The Little Mermaid”. After a traumatic event has a profound effect on King Triton, all music is banned from the underwater kingdom of Atlantica. All that changes, though, when his youngest daughter Ariel attempts to challenge the new law.

Disney is releases this 2-Movie Collection in a 3-disc set. There is a single BD-50 disc with both films in high definition and there then are two DVDs for each film in standard definition. My question is…”Where are the digital copies”? Disney has been doing great with this recently but I am kinda disappointed here.  The 1080p transfers on both films look good and support the colorful animations but they still have that direct-to-video look and feel. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks, since they work well with the music and songs but nothing like the epic feeling you get from audio track on “The Little Mermaid” Blu-ray release.

Even though the films are direct-to-video, they still have some decent special features but nothing amazing.  For “The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea”, we get a “Storybook: Read To You By Jodi Benson – The Voice Of Ariel”. There is a deleted song included called. “Gonna Get My Wish”. Lastly there is a classic animated short “Merbabies”. For “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning”, we get “Splashdance: A Dancer’s Adventures Under The Sea”, 2 Deleted Scenes, 4 Sing-Along Songs and “Mermaid Discovery Vanity Game” (which is only available on the DVD disc).

 

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Blu-ray Review “Fearless (1993)”

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Benicio Del Toro, Debra Monk, Eric Menyuk, John De Lancie, Isabella Rossellini, Rosie Perez, Tom Hulce, John Turturro
Director: Peter Weir
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Release Date: October 29, 2013
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 122 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

To celebrate its 20th anniversary almost to the day, “Fearless” makes its Blu-ray debut, thanks to Warner Archiv. The film starred Jeff Bridges with his given such an amazing performance along with amazing co-stars Rosie Perez, Isabella Rossellini, Tom Hulce, John Turturro, Benicio Del Toro, and John De Lancie. It was adapted for the screen by Rafael Yglesias from his own novel and beautifully directed by Peter Weir. Despite being 20 years old, it still holds up so well and even having seen it so many times it still is just as powerful.

Official Premise: San Francisco architect Max Klein can see clearly now. He’s been transformed ever since he stared death in the face – and discovered he was unafraid. Peter Weir (“Witness”) directs Fearless, the vivid story of how a near-death experience impacts the lives of three people. Jeff Bridges plays Max, more wildly alive and taking more risks than ever since surviving a plane crash. Isabella Rossellini is Laura, struggling to find in Max the man she married. And Rosie Perez is fellow crash survivor Carla: alive, yet devastated by a grievous loss. It seems that no one can heal her pain. But then she meets the one person who fearlessly knows how.

This Blu-ray unfortunately does not come with any special features but it does come with a killer presentation. “Fearless” has finally been presented in it’s correct wide screen aspect ratio according to Weir and cinematographer Allen Daviau’s vision. The new 1080p master looks stunning and definitely doesn’t look like its age. The audio track included is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which is typical for WB Archive, but it still works very well with the film. I have always been a huge fan of this film, so I was excited just to get it on Blu-ray finally. I wasn’t looking for such an amazing technical release, so that was a nice surprise for me and I think fans of this film are going to dig it also.

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Book Review “My Neighbor Totoro Picture Book (New Edition)”

Author: Hayao Miyazaki
Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Series: My Neighbor Totoro
Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; New edition
Release Date: October 1, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Damn! Has it really been 25 years? I remember watching “My Neighbor Totoro” when I was a kid and now I have been introducing it this year to my 17 month old daughter. In fact, I have a feel that she is going to love this picture book as well as she learns the film and grows up with it like I have. Viz Media is releasing this new edition to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary and they have done a great job here for sure. If you do not already own this book, then this will be a great way to parents to introduce the film to their children and keep the fandom surrounding this film and Studio Ghibli overall going for another generation.

Official Premise: The companion book to the beloved animation classic My Neighbor Totoro, by legendary Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki. Featuring artwork taken directly from the movie, this updated edition will allow parents and children to relive Totoro’s magical adventures with scene-by-scene illustrations and character dialogue. Eleven-year-old Satsuki and her sassy little sister Mei have moved to the country to be closer to their ailing mother. While their father is working, the girls explore their sprawling old house and the forest and fields that surround it. Soon, Satsuki and Mei discover Totoro, a magical forest spirit who takes them on fantastic adventures through the trees and the clouds–and teaches them a lesson about trusting one another.

To be honest the title of the book says it all. We get the entire story of the film within some text and illustration. So you can get the jist of the film as it is perfect laid out. I feel like it is giant comic book but also like a visual journey of the film. The images in the book are basically screenshots from the film and they are presented in very high quality. My daughter already is able to say Totoro or “Torto” as she says it since we have plush dolls and various merchandise all over the house. So watching her sit quietly and flip through this book made me very happy and I am sure that this will be used quite a bit over the years. No brainer if you are a fan of the film and Studio Ghibli. I hope that Viz has future plans for more collaborations with their films.

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Blu-ray Review “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Extended Edition)”

Actors: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Andy Serkis, Graham McTavish
Directors: Peter Jackson
Number of discs: 3
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: New Line Home Video
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Run Time: 183 minutes

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

If you are a fan of “The Lord of the Rings” series then you should be no stranger to Peter Jackson’s famous extended editions. Before “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” was even released in theaters there was already talks of an extended edition that would be released. Obviously, the extended cuts of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy are a must if you are a fan of the films. “The Fellowship of the Ring” had an extra 30 minutes included in it’s extended cut. “The Two Towers” was 42 minutes longer and lastly “The Return of the King” was 50 minutes longer. Even though they are longer, I have always preferred the extended cuts. So why I saw that the new cut of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” was only 13 minutes longer, I was a little taken back but overall I still enjoyed it very much. I didn’t feel like it any better than the theatrical cut but it certainly wasn’t any worse either. It does deliver some great new scenes but in exchange the pacing issues are still at hand.

If you are a fan of this film I would recommend checking out this new cut but more importantly though the main draw for me is the fact that this extended edition Blu-ray actually includes an additional nine hours of new bonus features, which was not on this film first Blu-ray release. If you were like me, I was pretty pissed with the lame lack of extras in the theatrical cut Blu-ray release. So I was very pleasantly pleased to find this new release to be jam-packed with new goodies. This is a must for any fan of the series, especially if you didn’t race out back in March for the theatrical cut. All I know for one thing is that I was excited for the December 13 theatrical release of the second film of the trilogy, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”…and now I am very excited for this film and so is my wife who didn’t even originally want to see the first film in theaters.

Official Premise: The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Like the theatrical cut the the 1080p transfer is just outstanding. It is stunning whether it is presented in 3D or not. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 audio track is also flawless like the theatrical cut my walls were shaking during the action scenes. Warner Bros delivered this film as a combo pack including a Blu-ray and UltraViolet Digital Copy. There are three BD-50 discs included for this release. The 183-minute extended cut fills one disc and the other two Blu-rays include the massive amounts of special features included.  Kicking off the special features there is a must listen audio commentary track with Peter Jackson and co-writer Philippa Boyens. Not a shock that this track is very engaging and very informative. They cover just about everything possible about the production.  Next up we have a short feature called “New Zealand: Home of Middle-Earth” in which Jackson talks about the shooting locations that were transformed into Middle-Earth. This extra is the only one that was included on the theatrical cut Blu-ray release since the 127-minute, ten-part Video Blog series is not included here.

“The Appendices Part 7: A Long Expected Journey” includes over four f hours of extras covering the production from end to end. This 14-part chronological history of the filming of “An Unexpected Journey” covers everything from pre-production to working on the digital effects. The featurettes included are “The Journey Back to Middle-Earth”, “Riddles in the Dark: Gollum’s Cave”, “An Unexpected Party: Bag End”, “Roast Mutton: Trollshaws Forest”, “Bastion of the Greenwood: Rhosgobel”, “A Short Rest: Rivendell and London”, “Over Hill: The Misty Mountains”, “Under Hill: Goblin Town”, “Out of the Frying Pan: The Forest Ledge”, “Return to Hobbiton: The Shire”, “The Epic of Scene 88: Strath Taieri”, “The Battle of Moria: Azanulbizar”, “Edge of the Wilderland: Pick-ups and the Carrock” and “Home Is Behind, the World Is Ahead”.

On the third disc, we get “The Appendices Part 8: Return to Middle-Earth” which includes another four plus hours of bonus features. There are a bunch of additional featurettes focusing on the film’s production including “The Company of Thorin”, “Mr. Baggins: The 14th Member”, “Durin’s Folk: Creating the Dwarves”. “The Peoples and Denizens of Middle-Earth”, “Realms of the Third Age: From Bag End to Goblin Town” and “The Songs of The Hobbit”. I think that Peter Jackson realized that the March Blu-ray for the theatrical cut wasn’t up to par in terms of extras and he really set it right with his fans with this release. Hopefully though, they will still be willing to make the purchase and double dip for this extended edition release since the extras are worth the price of the Blu-ray alone.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition arrives on Digital Download October 22nd and on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD on November 5th!

Get your copy here: http://bit.ly/HobbitEE

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Blu-ray Review “The Three Faces of Eve (1957)”

Starring: Joanne Woodward, David Wayne, Lee J. Cobb, Nancy Kulp, Douglas Spencer, Ken Scott
Director: Nunnally Johnson
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Run Time: 92 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“The Three Faces of Eve (1957)” is being released on Blu-ray for the first time under 20th Century Fox Studio Classics. This film is definitely considered a classic. Joanne Woodward is stunning in this film and her performance is extraordinary, which also earned here an Oscar. This film was based on real life woman, Chris Costner-Sizemore, who was on record of having 22 different personalities. In fact, I read that some of the film’s dialogue actually came from the medical case-notes by Corbett H. Thigpen MD and Hervey M. Cleckley MD. This film has held up so well over the years and is still mesmerizing to watch today. A must have for any classic film lover.

Official Premise: Joanne Woodward brought home a Best Actress Oscar for her unforgettable portrayal of a woman with multiple personality disorder. Woodward plays Eve White, a troubled housewife who begins seeing a psychiatrist. Under hypnosis, Eve’s two additional personalities are revealed: a vamp and an independent sophisticate – but curing her will require a probe into her disturbing past.

Fox delivered this film on Blu-ray with a fantastic presentation. The 1080p transfer is solid and the nearly 60 year old film looks amazing. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track also is quite sharp and delivers the dialogue perfectly. In terms of special features, there is nothing new from past DVD releases. There is an audio commentary track with film historian Aubrey Solomon, which is an interesting track overall with some great detail. Besides that there is an Fox Movietone News: Academy Awards and original theatrical trailer included.

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Blu-ray Review “Lady Antebellum: Live – On This Winter’s Night”

Starring: Lady Antebellum
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 29, 2013
Run Time: 76 minutes

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

I think that there is nothing that Lady Antebellum cannot do. Their music is quite amazing and crosses from beyond just country music fans. Last year when the band released “On This Winter’s Night”, it was easily my favorite Christmas album of the year and was on loop for endless plays on my phone. I was thrilled to find out that Eagle Rock is releasing a filmed concert of the band performing these songs at Nashville’s famed Schermerhorn Symphony Center along with more than 40 symphony orchestra musicians. This Blu-ray is a great way to get into the Christmas mood. I have a feeling that we are going to wearing this Blu-ray out this holiday season.

Official Premise: In between dates on their massively successful world tour, country superstars Lady Antebellum spent their brief summer break recording Christmas songs for their festive album On This Winter’s Night . This live concert film brings those songs to life with the help of more than 40 symphony orchestra musicians at Nashville’s famed Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The program includes seasonal favorites like ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ and ‘Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow’, alongside the self-penned title track ‘On This Winter’s Night’. The collection includes 11 live performances along with personal Christmas stories, memories, and traditions that Lady Antebellum are sharing with their fans for the first time.

Eagle Rock Entertainment delivered this Blu-ray with a slightly disappointing 1080i transfer. It still looks good enough for the live performance. The DTS-HD Master Audio track delivers a solid sound for these tracks. This Blu-ray includes some decent special features as well.  There are five acoustic tracks including “Blue Christmas,” “The First Noel,” “Silent Night (Lord Of My Life),” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas”. There is a promo video for “A Holly Jolly Christmas”. There are “5 Things You Didn’t Know About The Holly Jolly Christmas Video”. There is a behind-the-scenes look into the track “A Holly Jolly Christmas” and also a making of “On This Winter’s Night”.

Track List:
1) A Holly Jolly Christmas
2) On This Winter’s Night
3) This Christmas
4) I’ll Be Home For Christmas
5) Silver Bells
6) Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
7) Blue Christmas
8) The First Noel
9) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
10) Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
11) Silent Night (Lord Of My Life)

 

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CD/DVD Review: Devin Townsend “Retinal Circus”

Devin Townsend
“Retinal Circus”
Inside Out
Tracks: 29

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

The always entertaining and energetic Devin Townsend is back with a brand new live performance DVD titled “Retinal Circus”. The one night performance was record in 2012 at London’s historic Roundhouse Theater and features 29 songs spanning Townsend’s impressive solo career as well as few songs from Devin’s previous project Strapping Young Lad. The concert is being released on DVD and Blu-Ray as well as double audio CD’s. For those wanting a little bit more the concert is also being released in a number of special edition formats some of which contain everything from guitar picks and art work to Townsend masks and an LP sized pop up “Retinal Circus” stage.

You just never know what will creep out of the mind of the man who brought us albums such as “Ziltoid the Omniscient” and “Epicloud” however, “Retinal Circus” delves further than we could have ever imagined as the performance is a non-stop assault on your senses. The concert features over 3 hours of music that is accompanied by an impressive visual show narrated by none other than fellow guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. The set list does an ok job of covering Devin’s catalog however fan favorites such as “Deadhead” and “Seventh Wave” did not make the cut. Thankfully Devin made up for this by performing two Strapping Young Lad songs. Both “Detox” and “Love?” are a part of the release and also feature a guest appearance by Strapping Young Lad co-guitarist Jed Simon. Fans will surely want to pick this release up for those two songs alone as it was great to hear some SYL material performed live again.

Jam packed with impressive visuals and sound “Retinal Circus” delivers on all levels. Fans wanting to enhance their experience will definitely want to pick up the Blu-Ray format of the concert and for the real diehard Devi fans getting your hands on one of the limited/Deluxe editions is a must!

Track Listing Disc 1:
• Intro
• Effervescent/True North
• Lucky Animals
• Planet of the Apes
• Truth
• War
• Soul Driven
• Planet Smasher
• Baby Song
• Vampolka
• Vampira
• Addicted
• Colour Your World
• The Grey’s

Track Listing Disc 2:
• Intro
• Hyperdrive
• Ih-Ah
• Where We Belong
• Detox
• Bend it Like Bender
• Life
• Kingdom
• Juular
• Love?
• Colonial Boy
• Grace
• Little Pig
• Credits
• Behind the Masks

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cddvd, circus, devin, retinal, review, townsend, ...

CD Review “Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem – A Klok Opera”

Metalocalypse/Dethklok
“The Doomstar Requiem A Klok Opera”
BS Records
Producer: Brendan Small/Bear McCreary
Tracks: 21

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

The original score from “Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem A Klok Opera” is now available on CD in all its shredding glory. Written specifically for the one hour animated special series creator Brendan Small and a 50 piece orchestra helmed by Bear McCreary (Battlestar Galactica/Walking Dead) join forces to create 21 tracks the tell the story of the rescue efforts to save Dethklok guitarist Toki Wartooth arguably one of the bands most valuable assets.

Jammed pack with over the top instrumentation and guest appearance by Jack Black, Mark Hamill and Malcolm McDowell “Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem A Klok Opera” will blow your face off with one fowl swoop. Songs such as “Magnus and the Assassin” and “The Fans are Chatting” are dark and heavy with comedic story lines while tracks like “Abigail’s Lullaby” and “En Antris Et Stella Fatum Cruenti” teater on the edge of operatic greatness. This is heavy/progressive metal like you have never heard before.

If you were already a fan of the television show or only caught the recent “Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem A Klok Opera” one hour special the accompanying soundtrack is a must. Brandon Small and Bear McCreary have pushed the envelope with this score and the unlikely pairing has taken each of these two’s performances to the next level. For those wanting more from this monumental occasion “Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem A Klok Opera” will be available in a Deluxe Edition format which includes a “Making of” featurette, interviews and the full libretto. Pull yourself up off the floor after experiencing the visual presentation of this release and get yourself the audio companion now!

Track Listing:
• The Birth/Fata Sidus Oritur/One of Us Must Die
• Magnus and the Assassin
• Partying Around the World
• Tracking/Ishnifus and the Challenge
• How Can I Be a Hero?
• The Fans are Chatting
• Abigail’s Lullaby
• Some Time Ago…
• The Duel
• I Believe
• A Traitor Amongst Them
• Training, Do It All for my Brother
• Before You Go
• The Answer is Your Past
• The Depths of Humanity
• Givin’ Back to You
• En Antris Et Stella Fatum Cruenti
• The Crossroads
• Blazing Star
• Morte Lumina
• Doomstar Orchestra

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, doomstar, klok, metalocalypse, opera, requiem, ...

Blu-ray Review “Saving Santa”

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ashley Tisdale, Tim Curry, Joan Collins, Tim Conway
Directed by: Leon Joosen Aaron Seelman
Distributed by: Anchor Bay Entertainment
Release Date: November 5th, 2013
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 83 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Halloween is over (who cares about Thanksgiving really!) and we head right to Christmas! “Saving Santa” is a great new holiday film for the whole gamily. It posted a boasts an all-star voice cast including (“The Hobbit”), Noel Clark (“Star Trek Into Darkness”), Tim Conway (“The Carol Burnett Show”), Tim Curry (“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”), Ashley Tisdale (“High School Musical”) and Joan Collins (“Dynasty”). When I was watching I was blown away by the way this animated film look then I realized it was from the award-winning animation studio behind Disney’s “Secret of the Wings”, “Tinker Bell” and “Planes”. Highly recommended.

Official Premise: An upbeat tale of the ultimate holiday rush, “Saving Santa” starts at the top – the top of the North Pole, that is – where Bernard (Freeman), a low-ranking Elf, dreams of one day joining Santa’s elite team of great inventors, the very elves who make the magic of Christmas possible! But when one of Bernard’s wacky inventions accidentally reveals the secret location of Santa’s workshop to an eccentric billionaire scoundrel (Curry), Santa (Conway) and Christmas itself are in jeopardy. It’s up to Bernard to time-travel (again and again) to get Santa home in time for Christmas!

“Saving Santa” is only available at Wal-Mart, which is becoming quite the trend with these animated entries. It is being released as a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack. The 1080p transfer is quite solid and shows off the very impressive visuals from the animation. I think this could have played well as a 3D feature as well. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works well to deliver the holiday mood and the film’s songs. There is also some decent special features including an animated music video for “Some Kind of Miracle” by Ashley Tisdale, a “behind-the scenes” voice recording sessions with the film’s talent and a special “Why Saving Santa?” featurette.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, review, santa, saving

Film Review “Ender’s Game”

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford and Hailee Steinfeld
Directed By: Gavin Hood
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 114 minutes
Summit Entertainment

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I wanna be able to hear the book reader’s side of the story when it comes to print to video adaptations. I luckily was accompanied by a fan of “Ender’s Game” He sat in his seat nervously, constantly reminding me that he hopes they don’t ruin the story as well as how hard of a book “Ender’s Game” is to adapt to the big screen. He’s read every single book in the series and still remembers vivid details about each character from Orson Scott Card’s writings. After the first couple of minutes of the movie, I could tell a wave of relief had swept through him.

The world has formed a singular military force after an attempted invasion by an insectoid race known as the Formics. After experiencing a catastrophic loss of life, the military is attempting to find the greatest military mind to prevent anymore future wars with the creatures. They hope to find that military genius in a pool of children who are subjected to rigorous training exercises and strategy classes.One of those kids is Andrew Wiggin (Butterfield), who goes by the name Ender.

He’s not necessarily a social outcast, more than he is the favorite target of bullies because of his superior intellect and his ability to manipulate his foes; giving himself the verbal and physical advantage in a fight. Watching Ender in the distance is Colonel Graff (Ford). He sees Ender as a solution to their bug problem and constantly schemes behind his watchful eyes. Ender is chosen for Command school where he makes allies and enemies amongst other hopeful kids and quickly excels to the top of the class.

This movie is definitely at the top of it’s game with it’s child actors, even though most of these actors are hovering into their upper teens if not their young adulthood. Butterfield is definitely given the toughest task of representing the cold soldier side of Ender as well as the endearing human side. Ender is a fantastic character. He’s a flawed military genius. He pushes himself to find victory, sometimes at the cost of other people’s lives, but when he finally achieves victory, he mourns the death of his foe and questions the morality of his actions.

The special effects are top notch and a lot of the military station sets have a stale beauty. The vibrant paleness in their training simulations breathes life into the dead of space. When the movie pushes in some light-hearted character interactions, they don’t feel cheesy, but instead it’s some much welcomed fun. Even though these characters are being trained to kill, they’re still children who laugh at childish things and we need that emotional breather in this bitter future. Even though this movie presents some questionable ethics, the movie doesn’t find time to give us that moral debate. That’s not to say that we’re still left with a fantastic bit of writing when the issue does rear it’s ugly head.

There’s just this huge nagging problem I had that lingered into the big reveal of Ender’s destiny. I haven’t read the books, but my impression is that the source material is a lot darker. Here we have children being used in the hopes of exterminating a extra-terrestrial species and at times I felt the movie was toning it down in the hopes of finding the sci-fi equivalent of “Hunger Games”. While both deal with children and murder, I feel that there’s a certain enchanting darkness to be found in military leaders, nurturing children through war game simulations. That theme radiates when the adults reward the victor of fist fights. A tweak here and there stopped this from being memorialized alongside other deep space greats, but it’s still a memorable and epic sci-fi movie. Here’s to hoping there’s a rated ‘R’ director’s cut that gives this the perfect rating it was deprived of.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: enders, film, game, review

Film Review “About Time”

Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy
Directed by: Richard Curtis
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hours 3 mins
Universal

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Preston Sturgess is often regarded as the classic master of the romantic comedy. Closer to our generation many may suggest that mantle was taken up by the late, great Nora Ephron. But to me, the filmmaker who consistently gives us the best of love and laughter is Richard Curtis. Creator of such films as “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually,” Curtis once again has delivered another gem in “About Time.”

We first meet Tim (Gleeson, probably best known as older brother Bill Weasley in the “Harry Potter” film series) at a New Years Eve party. He is trying to catch the eye of a cute girl or two but, when midnight arrives, finds himself next to a nice girl who fancies him. Instead of a quick New Years kiss, Tim shakes her hand, sending her off in tears.

Jump ahead to an important day in any young man’s life – his twenty-first birthday. After cake and presents, Tim’s dad (Nighy) takes him aside and shares a family secret. It seems that all males in the family, upon turning twenty-one, have a limited ability to travel in time. They can’t go forward but they can go back. However, they can only go back to a time where they themselves were (which means they can’t go back and kill Hitler). Tim scoffs at this information but his father assures him it’s true. All you have to do is go into a dark place, clench your fists and think about where you want to go. Still thinking it’s all a put-on, Tim retreats to his bedroom closet and clenches his fist. Moments later he emerges in different clothes, the sound of a party outside the door. It’s New Years Eve again. This time he kisses the girl!

Brilliantly written and well directed by Curtis (this is his third film behind the camera), “About Time” is just another jewel in his crown as the reigning romantic comedy king. Always on the lookout for love, Tim and a friend attend an unusual restaurant where two men are paired with two women they’ve never met. They dine and chat but the catch is that they do it in pitch darkness. You get along, or don’t get along, based on your conversations, not your appearances. After several hours in the dark Tim runs into Mary, his dinner companion, outside. They talk for a few more moments and Tim boldly asks for her phone number, which she gives him. Returning home he learns that his playwright roommate is despondent because an unprepared actor has ruined his new play. Excusing himself for a moment Tim goes back in time to the performance, assists the actor and ensures raves for the production. Hoping to spend time with Mary he attempts to call her, only to find her name and number are no longer in his phone. When he went back to help the play this made him miss the random dinner engagement, meaning he and Mary never met. What is a love-struck boy to do? How can you find love when it doesn’t even remember who you are?

As with many of other Curtis-written films, the lines are only as good as the actors who deliver them. “About Time” is cast with some first rate talent, led by the romantic leads Gleeson and McAdams. And, as is the case in pretty much every film he’s in, hats off to the brilliant Bill Nighy. There is always something about him on-screen that makes him seem like a friend, not a character (except of course when he’s playing the creepy Davy Jones in the “Pirates” movies). He is the emotional anchor of the film and keeps Tim grounded when needed. Also well cast are Lydia Wilson, as Tim’s strong-appearing but vulnerable sister Kit-Kat and Richard Cordery as the dignified Uncle Desmond, who doesn’t say much but what he says is gold! Gleeson and McAdams shine as they meet, fall in love then have to start all over again. The relationship feels fresh and there is not a false word in the script. If there is a quibble it’s that the film seems to drag towards the end. But that’s certainly not enough of a reason not to head to the multiplex this week and take in one of the best films of the season.

 

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: film, review, time
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