Blu-ray Review “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea”

Starring: Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden, Peter Lore, and Frankie Avalon
Directed by: Irwin Allen
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 106 minutes

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

When it comes to science-fiction films from the 50/60’s, I have a certain weak spot. “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” (1961) is a production from Irwin Allen, who wrote and directed the film. It packs a super great cast including Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden, Peter Lore, and Frankie Avalon. Frankie also sings the theme song as well aptly titled “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea”. The film used miniature models for the submarine shots as well as 10 and 18 foot subs for other shots. The film is fun and although doesn’t hold up as much as I am sure it did, it is still given a glorious Blu-ray presentation and is worth checking out.

Office Premise: A routine scientific expedition to the North Pole turns into a race to save all mankind when a radiation belt in space causes a fiery inferno on Earth. Admiral Nelson (Walter Pidgeon) and the crew of the atomic submarine Seaview battle saboteurs, giant sea-creatures and attacks by enemy submarines as they race to prevent global catastrophe. Renowned disaster film producer, Irwin Allen, produces and directs an all-star cast including Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden, Peter Lore, and Frankie Avalon. The stunning visual effects and breathtaking underwater photography make this one of the most respected sci-fi adventure classics of all time.

Fox delivered an impressive Blu-ray presented for a film over 50 years old, you could have fooled me. The colors are crisp and the 1080p presentation makes this film look brand new. The audio track included is a DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0 track, which is a little unusual but nonetheless sounds amazing. In terms of special features, “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” delivers. There is a interesting commentary track by Author Tim Colliver. There is a documentary called “Science Fiction: Fantasy to Reality”. There is an awesome interview with with Barbara Eden. I love the film’s score, so I am pleased to announce an Isolated Score Track. Lastly there is the Original Theatrical Trailer.

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DVD Review “My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas”

Starring: Chiara Zanni, Tabitha St. Germain, Kelly Sheridan, Kathleen Barr
Directed by Victor Dal Chele
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Run Time: 44 minutes

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

Due the popularity of “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic”, the demand for more “My Little Pony” has been out of control. Due to this Shout! Factory is going back and releasing reissues of the original “My Little Pony” titles. “A Very Minty Christmas” was released in 2005 and was the first film appearance for this franchise since their big-screen debut in 1986. So it was a sort of comeback. The film hasn’t been available on DVD for a while, so this is perfect time for the holidays. The film is still with a good message and some fun songs. My daughter was literally glued to the screen. I see this become a constant re-watch this holiday season! 82 days till Christmas! 😉

Official Premise: The ‘Here Comes Christmas Candy Cane’ is an important part of Ponyville: it’s the beacon that shows jolly old Santa Claus the way to the town as he makes his holiday rounds each year. But when Minty accidentally breaks it, uh-oh! It looks like Ponyville is destined to have a bleak holiday season. Minty is determined to do anything to save Christmas for her Pony friends while they, in turn, band together to try and cheer up their despondent four-legged friend. Together, they all discover that Christmas can come anyway, wrapped in the love of good friends and the oversized heart of one little clumsy, minty-green Pony!

In terms of special features, there isn’t much on this DVD. When Paramount originally released this film back in 2005, they had included a second animated feature, “Dancing in the Clouds”. but that is not found here. There are two music videos included for the fun songs and that is it. I look forward to future classic releases of “My Little Pony” and hope that Shout! goes back to the original 80’s series! I would love to see season releases of those, so I can introduce them to my daughter!

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Film Review “Argento’s Dracula”

Starring Thomas Kretshmann, Marta Gastini, Asia Argento, Rutger Hauer
Directed by Dario Argento
IFC Midnight
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 106 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I remember very clearly the first time I dared to watch Dario Argento’s “Suspira”. My father told me that it was one of the scariest movie he has ever seen and at the time I thought so also. Since that day, I have been a fan of Argento’s films or I should say earlier not recent films. I was excited to find out that Argento was tackling the classic Bram Stoker adapation of “Dracula”. To make it even cooler it will be released in 3D (though my review copy was not 🙁 ). The film is rather unfocused and lacking the certain charm from Argento’s past films.

Official Premise: Horror master Dario Argento returns with a bloody, luridly creepy version of the classic vampire tale, drenched in gore and sex. An unsuspecting Englishman arrives in Transylvania, lured by a job with a local nobleman. But the undead Count Dracula’s real target is the man’s innocent young wife. Featuring the iconic Rutger Hauer as vampire hunter Van Helsing and the inimitable Asia Argento (the director’s own daughter) as a local all-too-eager to fall under the Count’s sway.

Of course the film co-star’s Argento’s (very easy on the eyes) daughter, Asia Argento but it always strikes me odd that she has to be nude in every film that she is in with her father. I am not complaining…but just a little strange. Rutger Hauer is decent playing Van Helsing but doesn’t show up till over half way through the film.  Thomas Kretshmann does play a pretty good job as Dracula also. He has the charm that is required for the role, yet also a darkside. The visual effects were split between pretty cool to over-the-top terrible like a giant praying matis (WTF!). In terms of gore though, there is plenty of blood spilled.

I would like to say that I was disappointed that I did not get a chance to see this film in 3D but I also honestly didn’t see a reason for the added dimension.  The sets were very tight and framed low, so there wouldn’t be much of added scale. There was also little in-your-face gags that required it either. So despite the lack of the 3D, overall it felt just a little too cheesy to be taken seriously. Not Argento’s best work but also not his worst and for those that have seen “The Mothers of Tears”, you know what I mean.

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Blu-ray Review “Alpha & Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure”

Starring: Chris Carmack, Kevin Sussman, Danny Glover, Eric Price, Brian Donovan
Directed by: Richard Rich
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release date: October 8, 2013
Running Time: 45 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of stars

I have to admit, I do not think that the world was howling (get it?) for a sequel to the 2010 film “Alpha and Omega”. The film was a nominal success in theaters but it was cheap and made money. Like the first film, “Alpha & Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure” was made by the Indian animation studio, Crest Animation Productions. I am not surprised since “Alpha & Omega” was their highest grossing animated film. Even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the first film, I am a sucker for a good holiday themed film. This one is quite entertaining and kids will love it for sure. I just wish it was longer than 45 minutes, but nonetheless it will be a repeat watcher with my 16 month old daughter no question.

Official Premise: Kate, Humphrey and their 3 little wolf puppies (Stinky, Claudette and Runt) are happily preparing to celebrate their first winter together when their youngest cub, Runt, mysteriously disappears. They must now go on a new journey across the wilderness to find Runt and bring him back before the snow blocks their way home. It’s their greatest adventure yet, filled with action and suspense as well as plenty of the humor and heartwarming moments that were delivered in the first theatrical release. While their adventure does not end exactly as planned, Kate & Humphrey discover that “Home is where the Family Is.”

In terms of the release, for this Walmart Exclusive, Lionsgate delivered a very fine release with Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet digital copy combo pack. The 1080p transfer is beautiful and the animation looks amazing, along with very vibrant colors. This film is not in 3D though like the first. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the film as well. In terms of special features, it was a bit of a let down to be honest. There is a quiz for kids to test if you “Are you an Alpha or an Omega?”. There is a “Wolf Fun Facts Trivia”. The only extra worth checking out is “A Wolf’s Tale: Making Alpha and Omega 2”. Lastly “Following the Pack: A Sneak Peek Into Upcoming Alpha and Omega Adventures”, so if you enjoy this series there will be more to come.

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Blu-ray Review “Much Ado About Nothing”

Actors: Nathan Fillion, Alexis Denisof, Clark Gregg, Reed Diamond, Amy Acker
Directors: Joss Whedon
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 109 minutes

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

What do you do after breaking box office records and having a film gross over $1.5 billion dollars? Well if you are acclaimed director Joss Whedon, you do retelling of one of Shakespeare’s timeless tales “Much Ado About Nothing” with a contemporary spin…and shoot it in black & white on a no-budget. To be honest, I guess he can do whatever he wants after ruling with “The Avengers”. The film is a charming and entertaining romantic comedy and a must see for any fan of Whedon. I am sure that Shakespeare would be impressed with Whedon’s take on this tale.

Official Premise: The film follows Claudio (Kranz) and Benedick (Denisof ) who have just returned home to Messina after a successful campaign abroad. When earnest Claudio announces his adoration for the lovely Hero (Morgese), daughter of Messina’s governor Leonato (Gregg), the acid-tongued Benedick teases him mercilessly. Benedick’s scorn for love is matched by that of his long-time nemesis and verbal sparring partner Beatrice (Acker), Leonato’s niece. As the lovestruck Claudio and Hero make plans to marry, Benedick and Beatrice resume the “merry war” of insults they have long waged. Yet there are many who believe that for all their antagonism — or even because of it — this pair of incessantly sniping cynics is surely meant to be a couple. As matchmaking schemes are put into play and disguises are donned, loathing and love soon prove to be close cousins.

If you are familiar with Whedon’s work they you will be super excited with this all-star cast from many of Whedon’s cult favorite projects including Amy Acker (“The Cabin in the Woods”, TV’s “Angel”), Alexis Denisof (TV’s “Angel”), Nathan Fillion (TV’s “Castle,” TV’s “Firefly”), Clark Gregg (“The Avengers”) and Fran Kranz (“The Cabin in the Woods”). Also rounding out the cast is one of my favorites Reed Diamond (TV’s “Franklin & Bash”).

Lionsgate delivers the film as a combo pack with a Blu-ray and UltraViolet Digital Copy included. The 1080p transfer is really solid and works very well with the black and white palette. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the dialogue and also Whedon’s amazing score. In terms of special features there is some decent content included. There are two featurettes focusing on the production, “Much Ado About Making Nothing” and “Bus Ado About Nothing”. The best part are the two audio commentary tracks included. The first is with screenwriter/director Joss Whedon and the second is with Whedon and the cast. I really enjoyed these. Lastly there is a music video for the song “”Sigh No More” included.

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3D Blu-ray Review “The Croods”

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Catherine Keener, Cloris Leachman, Clark Duke
Directors: Kirk De Micco, Chris Sanders
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Dreamworks Animation
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Run Time: 96 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
3D: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

When I first saw the trailer for the “The Croods”, I wasn’t must interested in the film. After it was released though it started picking up some steal and grabbed my attention, especially the attention of my 16 month old daughter from the commercials. The film has a fantastic voice cast lead by Nicolas Cage and Ryan Reynolds. I love Nicolas Cage no matter what he does simply and he does a great job with this role. These characters may not be the prettiest creation to come out of Dreamworks but there is a great story here with great visuals. The film is funny, clever and definitely a blast for the whole family. I think it is save to say the Dreamworks Animation did it again! Another hit for sure! DUN DUN DAHHH!

Official Premise: Join the first modern family as they embark on the journey of a lifetime across a spectacular and unforgettable landscape. When their cave is destroyed, everything the Croods have ever known is rocked by seismic shifts and generational clashes as they discover an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures – and their world is changed forever. If they don’t evolve, they’ll be history!

Like past releases Dreamworks Animation really delivers in terms of quality for their films. This Deluxe Edition included Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet Digital Copy. I have to admit the 3D in the film is actually quite awesome! This is a kids film so you have to be expect a few in-your-face gags to entertain them. The colors are gorgeous and the depth is out-of-this world! The 1080p transfer really is sharp overall and works in either format to be honest. The 3D is preferred on my end since I love animated films in 3D. If that isn’t enough for you Dreamworks also packs a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track.  I was very impressed with surround audio since it worked very well with the action and the score.

In terms of special features, I wasn’t really blown away here at all. There is “The Croodaceous Creatures of Croods!”, which gives info about your favorite Croods creatures. “Be An Artist!” gives you the tools to draw Belt, Macawnivore and Mousephant. There is also a downloadable “The Croods Coloring & Storybook Builder App” for smartphone and tablets. This is becoming a trend with after “Epic” as well earlier this year. There is “Belt’s Cave Journal” and “World of DreamWorks Animation”, which is are music videos from your other DreamWorks Animation feature films. I know this is a kids film but I would have loved to seen much more focus on the actual production as well.

 

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Film Review “Gravity”

Starring: Sandra Bullock and George Clooney
Directed by: Alfonso Cuaron
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 30 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Silence.

Remember the poster for “Alien?” “In Space, No One Can Hear You Scream,” it proudly proclaimed. Very true. The world is silent. Unless you’re Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock), who can’t help but here the incessant chatter of her companion on her space walk, veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (Clooney). The two of them are floating hundreds of thousands of miles above the earth, tethered to a shuttle. While Stone works diligently on a project Kowalski zooms around her with his jet pack, filling her helmet with stories about his ex-wife and visiting the Mardi Gras. Things go well until the receive a message telling them that a Russian satellite has been destroyed and now the debris is heading towards them. Stone wants to scream. Too bad no one will hear her?

Amazingly filmed (the entire film takes place in zero gravity), “Gravity” is a technical masterpiece. It is quite possibly the greatest visual knockout since the first star destroyer flew over the audience in “Star Wars.” The story in a (space) capsule: when their shuttle is damaged by debris Stone and Kowalski must find their way through space in order to find a place safe to seek refuge. However not only is there no sound in space, there is no gravity and soon Stone finds herself floating aimlessly in the darkness with only the sound of her breathing in her ears.

The story can best be described as “Cast Away” in space. And like that Tom Hanks starrer, “Gravity” is pretty much a one person show. But there’s a lot more to see than just one person against the vacuum of space, including a stunning performance by Bullock. With only her training and the sometimes soothing voice of Mission Control (played, with a wink to fans of “Apollo 13,” by Ed Harris), Stone is literally the last person in the world. Bullock manages to capture all of the emotions necessary and project them on to the audience. It’s a performance of sheer brilliance which should bring her Academy Award nomination number two!

On the other side of the spectrum, things in space can get very monotonous. Traveling from one shelter to another or quickly taking a crash course to maneuver repeatedly can make ninety minutes seem much longer. Even the outstanding special effects (as she cries to herself Stone’s tears literally “fall” off of her face and float softly around her) can’t keep the film continuingly moving. It is a credit to director Cuaron that the audience puts themselves in Bullock’s place, if even for a moment. Script-wise there are a few holes, including how someone with such a short training period can learn to not only read but understand Russian technology, but the more you give yourself to the visual aspect of the film the better off you’ll enjoy it.

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New York Film Festival Review “Exhibition”

Starring: Viv Albertine, Liam Gillick, Tom Hiddleston, Mary Roscoe
Directed By: Joanna Hogg
New York FIlm Festival
Running Time: 110 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Set in London, “Exhibition” focuses on a middle-aged married couple, known only in the film as D (Albertine) and H (Gillick). Both artists living a spectacular modernist house, itself built by an artist, we join them at the critical moment of their decision to sell the place. D is hesitant to make the move from a home that has defined their lives for nearly two decades.

It’s surprising to learn that the two leads of the film were themselves not actors. Albertine, the guitarist for band The Slits and Gillick, who is actually a conceptual artist himself, have an amazing chemistry as a long married couple. Though much of the film finds them in a state of disconnect–they communicate with each other through a very clinical intercom system in the house–we get these small moments of levity that make their relationship feel very lived in despite their tensions. You feel a sort of united front the couple present when they are engaging with painfully chatty outsiders like their neighbor going on and on about her children or the constantly upbeat realtor attempting to reassure D they’ll find good buyers (Hogg’s former film alums Mary Roscoe and Tom Hiddleston, respectively). Albertine has most of the screentime and she goes a long way in selling her attachment to both her home and her husband through her heartfelt pleas for H not to go wandering the city at night and later her running outside to confirm the ambulance down the block has nothing to do with H. Her anxiety about a prior ‘incident’ she doesn’t wish to repeat is never fully explained in the film but the desperation you sense when D alludes to it is enough to explain her unease.

I was fortunate to see this film, Hogg’s third feature, as part of a series showcasing all her work at this week’s New York Film Festival. Her first two features, Unrelated and Archipelago, established Hogg’s tremendous control over and emphasis on setting. Though Unrelated and Archipelago took place on family holidays and Exhibition is confined to the house, the sense of place feels like an additional character in her stories. Aesthetically beautiful as they are, they can also turn alienating at a moment’s notice. “Exhibition” takes this a step further through Jovan Ajder’s amazing sound design that morphs the home from a shelter from the sirens outside, to an oversize cavern with all it’s metallic creaking and huge sliding doors that dwarf D when she is on her own. Though D professes to a friend over Skype to be able to feel the love of the previous owners of the house in the walls, the audience may need some convincing. Hogg’s sound design coupled with her meticulous visuals bring us into the growing anxiety that D feels.

“Exhibition” is screening as part of the 51st New York Film Festival taking place through October 12th in Lincoln Center. For more information on it’s remaining screening, visit FilmLinc.com

 

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CD Review: Satyricon “Satyricon”

Satyricon
“Satyricon”
Nuclear Blast
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Norwegian black metalists Satyricon are back with their first new album in 5 years. Simply titled “Satyricon” the 10 track album being released via Nuclear Blast Records is a unique spin on black metal. A haunting piece of work that blends Black Sabbath type guitar lines, bombastic double bass beats and Nordic themed vocal lines. “Satyricon” forges new ground in the extreme world of black metal.

Recorded entirely on analog equipment each of the tracks are fresh and new while featuring a warm vintage sound that even the most hardcore audiophile can appreciate. Tracks such as “Our World, It Rumbles Tonight” and “Nekrohaven” blast through your speakers assaulting your ears with reckless abandonment while tracks like “The Infinity of Time and Space” and “Natt” feature slower paced melodic arrangements that are equally heavy but in an entirely new way.

The thing that grabbed my attention most about this album was that even though the tracks seemed scaled back production wise each track was overflowing with sound and texture making the album an interesting listen. I did find some of the bass drum beats to be a bit generic which at times pulled my attention away from the core of the song. Don’t get me wrong double bass is awesome but give us a little variety. “Satyricon” still may be a bit dark for casual listeners while hardcore black metal fans may find it a bit soft.

Track Listing:
1.)     Voice of Shadows
2.)     Tro og Kraft
3.)     Our World, It Rumbles Tonight
4.)     Nocturnal Flare
5.)     Phoenix
6.)     Walker Upon the Wind
7.)     Nekrohaven
8.)     Ageless Northern Spirit
9.)     The Infinity of Time and Space
10.)   Natt

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Convention Review “Scare-A-Con” Verona, New York

Scare-A-Con
Date: Friday, Sept. 13th – Sunday, Sept. 15th
Venue: Turning Stone Casino, Verona, New York

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Scare-A-Con is an up and coming 3 day movie/pop culture convention which is now in its second year of be held in the upstate NY area. Originally held in Syracuse, NY the event this year has moved to a larger venue which is part of the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY. The con hosted a who’s who list of film/music stars, displays and vendors that gave those in attendance plenty to keep busy with over the course of the three day event.

I attended day two of the 2013 Scare-A-Con event which after a soft opening on Friday was in full swing by the time I entered the main floor of the convention. After making my way through the admission line the first thing I noticed was the sprawling layout which allowed guests some costumed and some not room to mingle freely amongst the guests and vendors. For me this is something I always notice as it’s nice to have some room to breathe when taking things in. Everything from horror house exhibits to comics and several steam punk exhibits could be found while making your way to the various celebrity signing tables which were located throughout the venue. On hand were legendary television actors like Felix Silla and Butch Patrick to more recent actors like Scout Taylor Compton and Naomi Grossman. The longest lines of the day belong to former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley and the lovely Linda Blair who is still capable of turning heads other than just her own. Other notable celebs in attendance who also garnered quite a bit of attention throughout the day were Tony Todd, Ernie Hudson and Sean Whalen of “People Under the Stairs” fame.

Though some of the prices being charged by celebrities in attendance were a bit high and several celebs listed were MIA I still had a good time taking in all Scar-A-Con had to offer. A lot of times with the newer conventions you see celebrity no shows or prices being a bit higher than some of the larger conventions however that’s just the way things are. All in all Scare-A-Con was a fan/family friendly event that had a little something for everyone. My only hope is that they continue to grow and expand on all of the good things the event has going for it.

For more information on Scare-A-Con you can visit the official website at www.scareacon.com

 

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DVD Review “The Guild: Complete Megaset”

Actors: Felicia Day, Vincent Caso, Jeff Lewis, Amy Okuda, Sandeep Parikh
Directors: Sean Becker, Chris Preksta, Jane Selle Morgan, Greg Benson
Number of discs: 6
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: NEW VIDEO GROUP
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 506 minutes

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

I will never forget browsing my XBOX marketplace back in 2007 and looking for something to watch, when I came across “The Guild”. Since then I was introduced to the world of web series and Felicia Day. In fact, “The Guild” has really paved the way for many other web series as well. When Day announced that season six would be the last for this show I was bummed but it was really wrapped up very well. The series is so smart, original and very funny. The show also matured very well over the six seasons and got better and better. If you already own seasons 1-5 already then I would recommend just picking up season six individual release but if you have never purchased these then now is the time.  A must for any fan!

Official Premise: Follow the Guildies through six seasons, from pirate-themed burger joint exploits, to a gaming convention road trip, and even INTO the video game! The Guild must stay strong through it all, even as a rival Guild, Axis of Anarchy, headed by their leader, Fawkes (Wil Wheaton), threatens to take them down. Included in this set are all the show’s iconic music videos, behind the scenes for every season, full scripts and more! Highlighting the best of Geek culture, including a slew of recognizable fan favorites (like Simon Helbig, Nathan Fillion and Stan Lee), THE GUILD is one of the most innovative and hilarious web series to date.

What is rare about “The Guild” is that the show feels nothing like web series. The show feels so large and scaled much larger than your typical low-budget web series. Felicia Day, Vincent Caso, Jeff Lewis, Amy Okuda, Robin Thorse and Sandeep Parikh are a great team together. They all work so well together and have this amazing group presence. I also loved that as the series developed each character was expanded and really got time to shine on their own. Great collaboration! Great show! Will be missed. But luckily we have this amazing megaset, which I will be re-watching quite often.

Besides the six seasons of episodes, this megaset is also mega-packed with amazing special features for each season.Season One includes Cast & Crew Interviews; Audition Footage; Gag Reels; Audio Commentaries; Table Read andScript PDF File. Season Two includes Cast & Crew Interviews; Gag Reels; Audio Commentaries; Script PDF File. Season Three includes Tips for Making a Web Video; ”Do You Want to Date My Avatar” Music Video; The Making of “Do You Want to Date My Avatar”; Halloween Video; Guild Applicant Rejects; How to Build Vork’s Sword; Audio Commentary with the Cast; Audio Commentary with the Creator, Director, and Producer; Interviews with the Axis of Anarchy; Gag Reels and Script PDF File.

Season Four includes “Game On” Music Video; The Making of “Game On”; Cheesybeard’s Commercial; Audio Commentary with the Cast, Creator, Director and Producer; Gag Reel; Table Read; Script PDF File. Season Five includes Cast Interviews; “Double Trouble” Featurette; “How to Build A Con” Featurette; Steampunk Verite” Featurette; Audio Commentary with the Cast; Gag Reel;Table Read and Script PDF File. Lastly Season Six includes Commentary track; Production Diary Featurette; Behind the Scenes of The Guild; “I’m the One That’s Cool” Music Video and Gag Reel.

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3D Blu-ray Review “Static 3D

Actors: Milo Ventimiglia, Sarah Shahi, William Mapother, Sara Paxton
Directors: Todd Levin
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Cinedigm
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
3D: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1.5 out of 5 stars

When I saw the cover for “Static”. I was immediately interested. Add on top of that a pretty cool tag line guaranteed to draw in “If you hear them coming, you’re already dead”. If that is not enough the film has a killer cast including Milo Ventimiglia (“Heroes”), Sarah Shahi (“The L Word”) and Sara Paxton (“Shark Knight 3D”). Still want more? The film was actually shot in 3D and done very well. “Static” packs some solid suspense and has you biting your nails. Great pic to check out to get ready for the Halloween season!

Official Premise: While coping with the tragic death of their child, a young novelist (Milo Ventimiglia) and his wife (Sarah Shahi) are struggling just to keep their marriage alive. Their broken romance is put to the test when a mysterious girl (Sara Paxton) shows up at their door in the middle of the night claiming masked prowlers are stalking her. The ominous situation turns even darker when the dangerous hooligans show up at their door to wreak havoc. As a game of cat and mouse ensues, the couple must work together to survive and uncover the mystery behind the attack. Soon, past secrets begin to unfold, for better or worse.

What I was impressed with this release was that Cinedigm didn’t cheap out and double up the discs.  They include a 3D Blu-ray, then a standard Blu-ray and then even a DVD copy of the film.  The 1080p transfer works very well with the 3D.  There is some great depth added and no cheap gags. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also works well to build the suspense and deliver the dialogue clearly. In terms of special features though, there is only a commentary track with the writer, producer and editor of the film.

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DVD Review “Thankskilling 3”

Actors: Daniel Usaj, Joe Hartzler, Marc M, Wanda Lust
Directors: Jordan Downey
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: GRAVITAS VENTURES
DVD Release Date: October 15, 2013
Run Time: 99 minutes

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

I am a big fan of horror and when I heard about the crazy ass film called “ThanksKilling”, I knew I had to see it. I am sure like most people I found this film on Netflix. When I received an email about “Thankskilling 3”, I immediately emailed back and said “how about “Thankskilling 2?” Then I preceded to read on and I laughed out loud for about an hour. “ThanksKilling 3” is being billed as the first movie ever to skip it’s own sequel! That’s genius right?

Official Premise: “ThanksKilling 3” follows the feathered villain Turkie as he carves through the likes of a rapping grandma, a mindless puppet, a wig-wearing inventor, a bisexual space worm, and their equally ridiculous friends on his quest to recover the last copy of ThanksKilling 2.

I have to admit, this exactely what it sounds like. Stupid, over-the-top and very raunchy but it is a absolute blast to watch! Did I mention that the film also promises “Boobs in the first second!” How many films can do that? It even outdoes the first film which has developed quite the cult following over the year. The film marks return of original creators Jordan Downey and Kevin Stewart and of course follows Turkie, the fowl-mouthed Thanksgiving villain There are also a bunch of new faces including a talking pumpkie pie named Captain Pie Lett.

Downey and Stewart funded and made the film thanks to Kickstarter and were able to raise over $100,000. In fact it is currently the highest funded horror film on Kickstarter. An idea so ridiculous that you simple have to see “Thankskilling 3” for yourself to believe it. It is packed with rauncy humor and tons of very cool puppets. I give the creators mad props since these puppets look sick and they really put a lot of work in order to step up from the first film.

The special features are also impressive for this DVD. There are seven behind-the-scenes featurettes, covering all aspects of the productiom. There are two audio commentaries with creators Jordan Downey and Kevin Stewart. There is an Interactive Drinking Game included as well. There is a fun music video for “Flowis’ Sprinkle of Wrinkle” and a infomercial for “PluckMaster 3000 Infomercial”. Lastly there are trailers & stills galleries included.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3, dvd, review, thankskilling

3D Blu-ray Review “The Wizard of Oz 3D”

Actors: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley
Directors: Victor Fleming
Rated: G / PG
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: October 1, 2013
Run Time: 101 minutes

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

Perfection! That is what “The Wizard of Oz” is! The film is celebrating its 75th anniversary and it still so relevant and beloved. The twist with this new Blu-ray release is the fact that the film has been converted in 3D. “The Wizard of Oz” is the oldest film to ever be brought into the third dimension. This isn’t no cheap 3D scam either. This 3D conversion a very intense process in which Warner Bros. performed a very high resolution 8k scanning of the original Technicolor camera negative.  So I am sure everyone is wondering “How does “The Wizard of Oz” look in 3D?” Well it is absolutely stunning. The depth is so profound and the colors really pop so well. This is a perfect example of 3D conversion done right and with love!

Official Premise: The magic of M-G-M’s wonderfully colorful and unique fantasy has melted hearts for more than seven decades with its indelible melodies and transcendent themes of family, home and the courage to pursue dreams. To celebrate the beloved movie’s 75th anniversary, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has brought The Wizard of Oz into the present and beyond with a brand new kind of magic: a stunning 3D Blu-ray. Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s timeless children’s tale about a Kansas girl’s journey over the rainbow, The Wizard of Oz starred Judy Garland as Dorothy, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow; Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion; Jack Haley as the Tin Woodman and Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch.

This is not the film’s first go on Blu-ray, since it was released back in 2009. But it still looks absolutely stunning.  Is this new 8K transfer better than the 2009 transfer? Yes and no. There are certain things about it like the colors that stand out better for me but it isn’t much different. But like I said it is stunning nonetheless. The 2009 Blu-ray was equipped with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track.  This new release comes with a brand new DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. It still sounds amazing for a film that was made 75 years ago and delivers the lines and songs that we know and love so well. This 75th Anniversary Edition comes with a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + UltraViolet. So there is a little bit for everyone, just in case you don’t own a 3D TV (to be honest this would be a reason to get one for sure).

So you would thing that Warner Bros. did enough with this film converting it to 3D in a painstaking process. They would just released a bare bones Blu-ray right? Wrong!! There is actually more including a brand new and exclusive extra, “The Making of The Wizard of Oz”, which is a 70 minute newly produced, feature-length high definition documentary narrated by Martin Sheen.  Honestly this is a must have for any true fan of the film.  It is extremely extensive and really dives deep into the legacy of the film, it’s production and its affect on Hollywood since.

There is also an audio commentary track with the late Sydney Pollack, which also features noted Oz historian and author John Fricke, as well as rare interview clips with associate producer/writer Arthur Freed’s daughter, Barbara Freed-Saltzman; actress Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch of the West) and her son Hamilton Meserve; actor Ray Bolger (the Scarecrow); actor Jack Haley (the Tin Man); John and Jane Lahr (children of actor Bert Lahr, the Cowardly Lion himself); uncredited co-director Mervyn LeRoy; assistant choreographer Dona Massin (who worked directly under Bobby Connolly); assistant make-up artist William Tuttle; performer Buddy Ebsen; and one of the last surviving Munchkin actors, Jerry Maren. For those who have never heard it, it is a must listen.

There is a Music and Effects Track only, which is amazing as well I loved isolated tracks and this film just works so well without the dialogue. It is a one-channel Dolby Digital audio track. Speaking of audio track, there is also the Original Mono Track included as well, which will be sure to satisfy those audio purists. Also available is the Dolby Digital track as well which is not a winner in my eyes.  There is also a sing along track as well for the following songs “Over the Rainbow,” “Munchkinland Medley,” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road/You’re Off to See the Wizard,” “If I Only Had a Brain,” “If I Only Had a Heart,” “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “If I Only Had the Nerve/We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “Optimistic Voices,” “The Merry Old Land of Oz,” and “If I Were King of the Forest.”

The rest of the special features are included on the second disc. “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Storybook” features Angela Lansbury doing a brief read-through of Baum’s work. “We Haven’t Really Met Properly” is biographies (again) narrated by Lansbury, including Frank Morgan (The Wizard), Billie Burke (Glenda the Good Witch), Terry (Toto) and many more. “Jukebox” is a fun collection of original recordings and outtakes from the film, which run about 70 minutes. There are hundreds of stills and production photos included. There is the “Lux Radio Theater Broadcast” from the 1950 Christmas radio broadcast of The Wizard of Oz including Judy Garland. “Good News of 1939 Radio Show” is another a full-length radio broadcast with host Robert Young. Lastly there are extended radio advertisements and trailers included.

Get the Wizard of Oz 75th Anniversary Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD and UltraViolet on October 1st – http://bit.ly/1fA56uJ

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3d, bluray, oz, review, wizard

CD Review: Leslie West “Still Climbing”

Leslie West
“Still Climbing”
Provogue
Producer: Leslie West/Mike Goldberg
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Legendary Mountain front man Leslie West is back with a new solo album titled “Still Climbing”. The 15th release from the 68 year old West is probably his most progressive yet as the album covers everything from hard rock and soul to straight up rhythm and blues.  The album which was co-produced by West and Mike “Metal” Goldberg is being released via Provogue Records and features 10 brand new tracks along with a cover of “When a Man Loves a Woman” which was originally recorded by Percy Sledge in 1966.

Right out of the gate Leslie and his guitar grab you with the track “Dyin’ Since the Day I Was Born”.  The song is a down and dirty hard rocking tune that is the perfect stage for West’s grainy vocals and signature guitar style. As the album progresses Leslie takes you on a musical journey hitting a wide genre of sounds which make this album appealing on a number of different levels. The song “Tales of Woe” is a semi acoustic number that seems to tap in to the darker side of West’s life experiences. The haunting slide guitar featured on and off through the song does a great job playing of the song’s lyrics adding an almost weeping type effect. The song “Don’t Ever Let Me Go” features a catchy guitar line that that gets stuck in your head in the same way a pop song might. One other track worth mentioning is “Feeling Good” which features some impressive dueling vocal lines courtesy of Mr. West and Twisted Sister front man Dee Snider. Even though the pairing may sound a little out there it works.

Fans of Leslies work will certainly want to pick up “Still Climbing” as part of their collection however the album is more than just for West’s devoted fans as it features great arrangements and performances by West and company that any music lover will be sure to enjoy

Track Listing:
1.)     Dyin’ Since The Day I Was Born
2.)     Busted, Disgusted or Dead
3.)     Fade Into You
4.)     Not Over You At All
5.)     Tales of Woe
6.)     Feeling Good
7.)     Hatfield or McCoy
8.)     When a Man Loves a Woman
9.)     Long Red
10.)   Don’t Ever Let Me Go
11.)    Rev Jones Time

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, climbing, leslie, review, west
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