Blu-ray Review “The Mentalist: The Complete First Season”

Starring: Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Owain Yeoman, Amanda Righetti, Tim Kang
Created by Bruno Heller
Studio: Warner Archive
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Run Time: 998 minutes

Season: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When “The Mentalist” premiered back in 2008, I figured I would give it a chance but it never really took off for me. I think when you watch a cop procedural show, the cast really needs to WOW you. A good cast with likable characters is critical. Take “Castle” for an example, the show has such an amazing cast with such unique chemistry. Simon Baker carries this cast well and has built an impressive career around this character. I never really fell in love with this show but it is still clever and has stood the test of time and recently just began its sixth season on CBS, so somebody likes it.

Official Premise: A mentalist is a master manipulator of thought and behavior. The mentalist is Patrick Jane (Australia’s Simon Baker), a celebrity psychic whose wife and child are viciously murdered by an elusive serial killer called Red John. Devastated, Patrick admits his paranormal act is fake, renounces his earlier life and uses his astonishing skills of observation and analysis – talents that made him appear psychically gifted – to bring killers to justice. Patrick now helps an elite team of detectives break their toughest cases. But no matter how many criminals he catches, Patrick never forgets his central goal: Find Red John. And bring him down.

This hit CBS series’ is being released on Blu-ray for the first time ever, thanks to Warner Archive. Though I wasn’t really particularly blown away with the Blu-ray. I think for fans that have the series on DVD, should be content. The 1080p transfer are decent but nothing to really outstanding. The audio track is a downright letdown with only a Dolby Digital 5.1 track, which is more able on the DVD format. Warner Archive is new to Blu-ray format as of this year and is still working out the kinks I think.

I am impressed that Warner Archive has included some special features since usually that is not the case. But the special features are also nothing to call home about. There is “Evidence of a Hit Series”, which includes interviews with the creators, directors and cast talking about the show. “Cracking the Crystal Ball: Mentalist Vs. Psychic” contains more interviews talking cast/crew as well as real detectives, mentalists and police psychics to dig deeper into the truth behind the show. Lastly there is a gag reel from the first season called “Surveillance Video”.

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Book Review “Fortunately, the Milk” by Neil Gaiman

Author: Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Skottie Young
Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 3 – 7
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: September 17, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Neil Gaiman has really been having a rocking 2013 so far! He started off the year with a children’s book called “Chu’s Day”, which was super cute (and a favorite of my now 16 month old). He followed that up with a fantastic adult fantasy novel called “The Ocean at the End of the Lane”, which is one of my favorite books of the year. His latest is also probably one of the zaniest yet most fun books I have read in the longest time with “Fortunately, the Milk”. Right from the cover of this book you can tell that this is going to be a crazy ride. From first glance to remind me of something that Roald Dahl would have done. Gaiman’s writing is so much and interesting that you just read page after page and before you even realize it you have read the book in one sitting.

The book follows a father that goes out to get his kids milk for their morning cereal and his coffee and ends up going on an adventure. He gets abducted by aliens, meets pirates, time travels with a stegosaurus that is also a doctor and also confronts a tiki god and some vampires along the way…all while hanging on to that milk. This story is so much fun and out-there but really entertaining along the way. I found myself laughing throughout and kept stopping to share certain paragraphs with my wife as I progressed.

Skottie Young’s illustrations are spread out through each page and really enhance the reading experience so much. I am a big boy and can read a book without pictures but it really makes the story so much more visual and exciting with these great images that carry along the story. This is why I love Gaiman and his writing style since this guy has a super cool imagination and delivers this visual books that stick with you long after you read them. I will most definitely revisiting this book in the future (if not for the illustrations). I can’t wait to see what Neil Gaiman has planned for 2014 and now sure if he can top this stellar year.

 

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DVD Review “The Beast with Five Fingers (1946)”

Starring: Robert Alda, Andrea King, Peter Lorre
Director: Robert Florey
Distributed by: Warner Archive
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 88 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“The Beast with Five Fingers” was released Christmas Day 1946, which is an interesting choice to release a horror film on the holiday. This is a film that never loses its class. I saw this film originally over 20 years ago and it still is just as entertaining and thrilling as it was the first time.  Peter Lorre is amazing in the role and really nails the role.  The film has never been been given a proper solo DVD, so thanks to Warner Archive this classic can finally get some well-deserved attention.  I would have loved to see them take the Blu-ray route with this title but it is still get to see this film available today.

Official Premise: Film icon Peter Lorre turns in yet another memorable performance in this eerie classic set in a small town in Italy. Hilary Cummins (Lorre), the devoted secretary to wheelchair-bound piano virtuoso Francis Ingram (Victor Francen), has a passion for the occult. Poring through every book on the supernatural he can find in Ingram’s vast library, Hilary begins to imagine strange and terrifying things. But after Ingram’s tragic death, the line between reality and unimaginable terror is blurred as the severed hand from Ingram’s corpse begins killing everyone in the villa! Also starring Robert Alda and Andrea King, The Beast with Five Fingers is filled with wit, thrills and shocking plot twists!

The film is over 65 years old, so the transfer may not look stunning but it definitely looks damn good. The film has been newly remastered and it definitely holds up and is quite sharp.  It is presented in full frame with an aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The audio track includes is a Dolby Digital track, which works with the eerie score and dialogue very well. There are no special features included additionally. The DVD is currently only available using Warner Archives’ Made-To-Order DVD service aka MOD. So if you are a fan of this film head over to WBShop.com and pick it up before it goes out of print.

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Book Review “The Birthday Queen” by Audrey Wood

Author: Audrey Wood
Illustrator: Don Wood
Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press
Release Date: August 27, 2013

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“It’s the most exciting day of the year, and the Birthday Queen knows exactly what to do to make your party the best ever! From decorating your home with balloons and streamers to baking your favorite cake, the Birthday Queen doesn’t forget a thing. Here comes your guests! Now it’s time to Celebrate.” Celebrate you shall! The Birthday Queen is engaging, inviting and fun! Audrey and Don Wood have another hit on their talented hands!

The illustrations are bold and bright and inviting. You are pulled into the Birthday Queen’s world from the first beautiful balloons. She invites you in to help celebrate a very special occasion. My daughter loves looking at the bright pages. I know this will be a book we will read together before and during getting ready for birthday parties and any other time that we are looking for a fun book!

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Book Review “The Gingerbread Bear” by Robert Dennis

Author: Robert Dennis
Illustrator: Tammie Lyon
Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Cartwheel Books
Release Date: August 27, 2013

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Run, run, try if you dare, try and catch this Gingerbread Bear! This is a childhood classic told in a new way starring a gingerbread bear. This story takes place in Woodlands National Park and lends itself to a very cute retelling of the story of the Gingerbread Man.

The illustrations are cute, the story is cute and the ending is cute. It’s an enjoyable ride through a national park. Maybe it will be a fun read while teaching about the great outdoors or before going on a camping trip. The repetition will help younger readers stay engaged and enjoying their reading time.

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Book Review “Frosty the Snowman” by Walter Rollins & Steve Nelson

Author: Walter Rollins, Steve Nelson
Illustrator: Sam Williams
Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Hardcover: 16 pages
Publisher: Cartwheel Books
Release Date: September 24, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

From his corncob pipe and button nose, Frosty the Snowman has never looked better. Sam Williams knows exactly what Frosty the Snowman should look like! The cover of this book is so inviting, so warm, so friendly and so wintery-wonderlandy! It’s wonderful.

This book is the classic song broken up into sections and beautifully illustrated part by part. If you are a fan of the song or the cartoon, you will love this book. You and your loved ones will end up singing your way through this book, and that is the making of a beautiful holiday memory.
5 stars

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Book Review “Giggle!” by Caroline Jayne Church

Author: Caroline Jayne Church
Board book: 10 pages
Publisher: Cartwheel Books
Release Date: August 27, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

A book called, “Giggle!” has to be fun! And it is! It’s a rhyming book with a button that when pressed, plays an infectious giggle. My 16-month old daughter loves pushing the button and just laughs along with it. We laugh along with her, as our daughter laughs.

This is a great book to help teach cause and effect, a button that giggles is so very rewarding! “Giggle!” shows how much fun rhyming can be. The illustrations are absolutely adorable! Go out and buy this book and enjoy it with your little one.

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Blu-ray Review “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (Deluxe Edition)”

Starring: Peter Weller, Michael Emerson, Gary Anthony Williams, David Selby, Ariel Winter, Mark Valley
Director: Jay Oliva
Number of discs: 3
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 156 minutes

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

When I saw that Warner Bros was releasing “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” with Part 1 & 2 complete together, I thought it was a bit of a double dip but I have to let everyone know that it is not at all. This deluxe edition releases takes the two parts and puts them into one seamless cut, which runs nearly two hour and thirty minute. I will repeat that a two hour and thirty minute Batman movie, I mean HELLO NERD ALERT!! I thought the first part was great but the second part was better but having them together just makes the entire film work so much tighter. Easily this is the most bold and risky DCU animated movie yet and it only gets better with easy viewing. Highly recommended picking up this release for any Batman fan.

Official Premise: It is ten years after an aging Batman has retired, and Gotham City has sunk deeper into decadence and lawlessness. Now, when his city needs him most, the Dark Knight returns in a blaze of glory. Joined by Carrie Kelly, a teenage female Robin, Batman takes to the streets to end the threat of the mutant gangs that have overrun the city. And after facing off against his two greatest enemies, the Joker and Two-Face, for the final time, Batman finds himself in mortal combat with his former ally, Superman, in a battle that only one of them will survive.

If this brand new seamless cut wasn’t enough Warner Bros delivered this combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet and packed it with some amazing new extras. The 1080p looks stunning (like the solo releases) and works perfectly with the mix of hand-drawn animation and CG effected for the film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works perfectly with the action as it explodes off the screen and kicks you in the face. It also complements Christopher Drake’s score very well.

So along with all the special features from the previously released part one and two Blu-ray’s, this deluxe edition continues to prove why it is worth the additional purchase. There is a fantastic new audio commentary track with director Jay Oliva, writer Bob Goodman and voice director Andrea Romano. The track is a blast and packs a ton of great information. This is especially cool since part one and part two didn’t include an audio commentary previously. There is also a fantastic new documentary called “Masterpiece: Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns”, which narrated by actor Malcolm McDowell. It included tons of great interviews with Miller himself and covers the story from the comic to the film and everything in between. Must see for any fan!

I thought the special features on part one are good but not stunning but put them together with the new extras and part two and it all comes together so well. Part one included. “Her Name is Carrie… Her Role is Robin” is a look at the role of a female Robin. “Batman and Me: A Devotion to Destiny, The Bob Kane Story” is a 2008 documentary that looks into the life of Batman creator. “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 Sneak Peek” is a behind the scenes look into the second part. ”The Dark Knight Returns” Digital Comic is a very short 4-page preview of Miller’s Batman epic novel, I would have loved to see the complete comic converted. Lastly there are two classic episodes of “Batman: The Animated Series Episodes”, ”Two-Face, Parts 1 & 2″, though not in HD.

The special features are more impressive than “Part 1″ release. First up, we have “From Sketch to Screen: Exploring the Adaptation Process” is a behind-the-scenes documentary which looks into the extensive work that has went into converting this comic to a movie. ”Superman vs. Batman: When Heroes Collide” is a look into who would win this epic battle. “The Joker: Laughing in the Face of Death” is a look into the twisted villians role in this final chapter. “Additional Episodes: From the DC Comics Vault” is collection of classic episodes including “The Last Laugh” and “The Man Who Killed Batman” from Batman: The Animated Series and “Battle of the Superheroes!” from Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Lastly there is an extended preview of the DCU animated movie, ”Superman Unbound”.

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Blu-ray Review “After Earth”

Actors: Jaden Smith, David Denman, Will Smith, Sophie Okonedo, Zoë Kravitz
Directors: M. Night Shyamalan
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

Poor M. Night Shyamalan. This guy really has targets on his head in Hollywood…though it is actually not 100% unwarranted. The guys has had a few great films with “The Sixth Sense” and “Signs”. But his recent films like “Lady in the Water” and “The Last Airbender” were downright terrible. When his name is attached to a project people are at a point where they don’t even give it a chance. I remember when I saw a trailer for “Devil”, which he produced and they showed his name after a pretty promising trailer and a few different people in the audience screaming “NOOO”. That is how I felt when I saw the trailer for “After Earth” for the first time.

“After Earth” is a very interesting film, at least from the trailer. It packs a great father and son duo, Will and Jaden Smith. It packs some impressive visuals but overall in terms of story it is not very focused and loses your attention pretty quickly. Even though I haven’t been a fan of Shyamalan’s films, I came into this one with a relatively open mind and just focuses on the Smith’s and I enjoyed the film but I know that it is what I call a “one-timer” and will not be running around recommended this. Sci-Fi junkies will enjoy but other than that will not reach others.

Official Premise: A crash landing leaves teenager Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith) and his legendary father Cypher (Will Smith) stranded on Earth, 1,000 years after cataclysmic events forced humanity’s escape. With Cypher critically injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help, facing uncharted terrain, evolved animal species that now rule the planet, and an unstoppable alien creature that escaped during the crash. Father and son must learn to work together and trust one another, if they want any chance of returning home.

In terms of Blu-ray delivery and despite how great the film is, Sony really delivered an AMAZING Blu-ray presentation. It is being released as a two disc combo pack with a Blu-ray / DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy. For this release “After Earth” has been mastered in 4K with “Maximum Picture and Expanded Color” and the 1080p transfer looks stunning. I was surprised that along with the 4K video that they didn’t opt for a 7.1 track but the included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track really nails the action well and sounds pretty awesome as well.

In terms of special features, I have to admit I felt a bit let down as well. I would have loved to have had a commentary track included. “A Father’s Legacy” talks about the father/son relationship between Will and Jaden in and out of the film. “Building a World” is a short look into creating the setting for this film’s future. There are a bunch of scenes with omputer animation pre-visualizations in “Pre-Visualizing the Future”. “The Animatics of After Earth” focuses on the animatics used in the film. “1000 Years in 300 Seconds” is a super fast behind-the-scene look into the production. “The Nature of the Future” is a location based feature looking at Costa Rica, California, and Utah where the film was shot. Lastly “XPrize After Earth Challenge” is a short chat on how to save the planet.

 

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Blu-ray Review “American Horror Story: Asylum”

Actors: Zachary Quinto, James Cromwell, Evan Peters, Jessica Lange, Lily Rabe, Sarah Paulson, Frances Conroy
Directors: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, Bradley Buecker, Craig Zisk, David Semel, Jeremy Podeswa
Number of discs: 3
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 572 minutes

Season: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

After the first season of “American Horror Story”, it became one of my favorite shows on television. I was blown away with what they did after the first season and was dying to see what they had planned next. “American Horror Story: Asylum” started off decent but lost focus very quickly. The various plots ranged from focusing on the madness of the asylum to aliens, serial killers and even Nazi’s. Quite frankly it was a little too much.  The first season focused on ghosts and it worked so well and even the third season is just focusing on witches. I think they wanted to deliver a bigger show and it got lost in its ambition.

Official Premise: Step inside a madhouse of horror and experience the chilling new incarnation of TV’s most daringly provocative series. The sins of the past haunt the present at the notorious Briarcliff home for the criminally insane, ruled with an iron fist by Sister Jude. Forbidden desire and terrifying evil lurk around every corner…from alien abduction to demonic possession to a skin-wearing psychopath known as Bloody Face.

Despite the season being amazing or not, the show does pack a stellar cast including Jessica Lange, Zachary Quinto, James Cromwell, Evan Peters, Jessica Lange, Lily Rabe, Sarah Paulson and Frances Conroy.  Ensemble is really want this group of actors really are. They all come together and makes this show working watching just for them.  I still have a lot of faith in this show since I think they are going to bounce back with the third season. I just felt that they tried to focus on too many themes that this season didn’t get a chance to deliver one solid story, instead a few decent but not amazing ones.

In terms of the release itself, like the first season, Fox delivered an impressive release, even though I would have loved to see an Ultraviolet digital copy included. This is becoming a trend now with TV shows that are being released on Blu-ray and I think that Fox should get on that bandwagon as well. The 1080p transfers are sharp and work very well with the creepy off-centered look for this season.  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 comes together as well and packs a nice punch.

In terms of special features, like the season I was left wanting much more. There are a few brief deleted scenes spread out over disc two and three. There is a short interview featuring an orderly talking about Bloody case called “The Orderly”. “What Is American Horror Story: Asylum?” is a 20-minute behind-the-scene look on the season with interviews. “Welcome to Briarcliff Manor” dives into what it took to make the asylum. Lastly “The Creatures” talks about the season’s make-up and prosthetics effects.

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Book Review “Stick!” by Andy Pritchett

Author: Andy Pritchett
Age Range: 3 – 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 2
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: August 6, 2013

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Every since my daughter was able to form words, she knows what a doggie is and that it goes “Woof! Woof!” Dogs are such a great topic kids books and this one is no different. “Stick!” is a cute story about Puppy who loves his new stick but he needs someone to play with. The story is simple, as is the animation, yet it is a rather fun and exciting.

Official Premise: Puppy is thrilled when he discovers a stick just waiting to be tossed and chased. But Cow is more interested in grass, and Chicken is more interested in a worm. In fact, all of Puppy’s friends are busy doing something besides playing with a stick. Poor Puppy! Finally, another equally enthusiastic canine comes along, and the rousing game of fetch that ensues is enough to inspire the entire barnyard to give the stick a chance.

Andy Pritchett’s illustrations have a certain comic book feel to it, which I rather enjoyed. What I did enjoy is that just besides the dog there is an additional animal cast, which is great for kids learning who different animals.  All-in-all for a book that is only six-word long, it is still able to tell a fun story of friendship and will keep your attention throughout.

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Book Review “Noodle Loves the Park” by Marion Billet

Author: Nosy Crow
Illustrator: Marion Billet
Series: Noodle
Board book: 10 pages
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Release Date: August 6, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I absolutely LOVE the Noodle series! I was lucky enough to receive one of them over a year ago and since then they have become one of my favorite series for my daughter, who is no 16 months old. She loves reading us them to her since she was 2-3 months and now she reads them all on her own, which blows my mind. This latest book follows Noodle visiting the park and playing on the swing and watches the birds and the bees.

Official Premise: Noodle loves to go for a walk in the park to see the animals and flowers. He also loves to play at the playground! Another lovely, sturdy, interactive Noodle story that will delight the youngest of readers. These tactile tales with satisfying and simple rhymes are loved by babies, toddlers, and their parents, and boost language learning skills.

Like the past books into the series, it is a touch-and-feel board book. Marion Billet’s illustrations are impressive as always. So fresh and colorful! This series is so creative and simple yet still very entertaining. I am waiting for Nosy Crow to come out with a plush doll for Noodle because my daughter would go crazy for it….hint hint! I can’t wait to see what they have planned next for Noodle and his adventures.

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Blu-ray Review “Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain”

Starring: Kevin Hart, Harry Ratchford, Will ‘Spank’ Horton, Joey Wells
Directed by: Leslie Small, Tim Story
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Summit/Lionsgate
DVD Release Date: October 15, 2013
Running Time: 75 minutes

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

Kevin Hart is easily one of the funniest comedians in the business today. I am a big fan of his TV show on BET called “Real Husbands of Hollywood” and his roles in films like “Think Like A Man” are great. He also is co-starring in this Fall’s “Grudge Match” with Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro, which looks amazing. He only seems to be getting more popular each year and I can’t wait to see what he does next. This film came after Hart scored a major hit grossing over $15 million from his first theatrical comedy show “Laugh At My Pain”, which also became one of the year’s top-selling comedy tours. I feel like he is bringing back the stand-up comedy films again since there was a recent drought.

When you watch “Let Me Explain”, I couldn’t help but compare to “Eddie Murphy: Raw”. Hart has that same kind of energy and really commands the audience with his presence. This show was filmed live in New York City at two sold-out performances at Madison Square Garden and it focuses on Hart’s unique view on the world. If you enjoy his comedy, then you will be holding your stomach in pain and probably shedding a few tears from laughing so hard. I am not a huge stand-up comedy fan but I couldn’t I literally almost fell off the couch with this one.

Summit delivered a nice combo pack for this release including Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet Digital Copy. The 1080p transfer is impressive and works for what is needed to cover this stage show. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works well with Hart’s jokes and sounds good. In terms of special features there are only two featurettes including “No, No, No, Let US Explain” and “Backstage Pass”. There are also three music videos including Let Me Explain Theme Song video “The Narcissist” featuring American Antagon1st and another with Snoop Dogg, Method Man, Erick Sermon and RL and “Pop Off” music videoby Doeshun featuring Ray Ray & Ruck.

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Blu-ray Review “On the Riviera”

Starring: Danny Kaye, Gene Tierney, and Corinne Calvet
Director: Walter Lang
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 89 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

When I see anything Danny Kaye, I am immediately interested. I have not always been a fan, I have to admit and I can thank that I am due to my amazing wife. She introduced me to his world of fantastic and fun films 15 years ago. The 1951 musical “On the Riviera” was a film that I have never seen before, sorry, but it is true. The film stars Danny Kaye, Gene Tierney, and Corinne Calvet and is a remake of “That Night in Rio”. Danny Kaye takes on a dual role, which was performed before by Maurice Chevalier and Don Ameche. He ended up winning the Golden Globe that year as well for “Actor in a Motion Picture Actor – Comedy or Musical”. The film was also nominated for two Academy awards. I have become a sucker for musicals, even though a some of numbers are a little outdated, the film is still sharp and very funny.

Official Premise: You’ll double over with laughter at Danny Kaye’s Golden Globe- winning dual performances in this classic musical farce that was nominated for two Oscars Awards. Faced with a scheduling conflict, a womanizing French financier-aviator (Kaye) hires a nightclub performer (also Kaye) to temporarily impersonate him. But things go hilariously awry as one man tries to romance two beautiful women (Gene Tierney and Corinne Calvet) – who both think he’s their lover.

Fox gives us a great Blu-ray presentation for this film’s premiere on the format. The 1080p transfer is delivered in full frame with an 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The colors look good for a film over 60 years old and there isn’t much noise on the transfer either. The scale of the musical numbers are also represented very well. In terms of audio, the film comes stock with a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, which works very well with the music. The special features included are decent. There are three featurette focusing on the story, the star and the dancing including “The Riviera Story: A Remarkable Impersonation”, “A Portrait of Danny Kaye” and “The Jack of Clubs: Choreographer Jack Cole”. Lastly there is a theatrical trailer included.

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Blu-ray Review “Fantastic Voyage”

Starring: Stephen Boyd, Raquel Welch, Edmond O’Brien, Arthur Kennedy, Donald Pleasence, Arthur O’Connell
Director: Richard Fleischer
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 101 minutes

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

If you like science-fiction then you should know and love “Fantastic Voyage” released back in 1966. The film is the original psychedelic inner-space adventure. It delivered a great cast including Stephen Boyd, Donald Pleasence and Raquel Welch in her feature-film debut. The film also was awarded an Oscar for Best Visual Effects, which is definitely deserved. The director Richard Fleischer was also known for his amazing 1954 Disney classic “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”. The film is a classic and only gets better with age, top that with a very impressive Blu-ray presentation and you have a winner here for sure!

The adventure of a lifetime occurs not in the outer reaches of space, but inside the human body. An elite team of medical and scientific specialists race to save a top government scientist who is suffering from a blood clot on the brain. Their mission: be reduced along with their submarine-like craft to microscopic size, enter the bloodstream of the ailing scientist, and journey to the brain to perform an emergency procedure. With only sixty minutes to complete their mission, the scientist find themselves fighting off an attack by white corpuscles, caught in a tornado-like storm in the lungs, and struggling to survive sabotage from one of their own.

Fox delivered a very impressive Blu-ray presentation. The film won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects like I said and they look stunning with this 1080p transfer. For a film nearly 50 years old, the transfer gives it a really nice face life. There are two audio tracks for this Blu-ray including an DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio Mono. I liked the surround mix but I have to admit the mono really took it home for me personally. I felt that the 5.1 track delivered the sound well but for this film the original mono sound did it better.

The special features are quite impressive as well for the 1966 classic. There is a great commentary track from Film & Music Historian Jeff Bond. There is an Isolated Score Track with commentary by Film & Music Historians Jeff Bond, Jon Burlingame and Nick Redman. Not really a full isoalted track due to the commentary but still awesome. There is a featurette called “Lava Lamps & Celluloid: A Tribute to the Visual Effects of Fantastic Voyage”, a must see for fans of the film. There is a cool “Storyboard-to-Scene Comparison” for the Whirlpool Scene. Lastly there is the Original Theatrical Trailer included.

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