Blu-ray Review “Hammer of the Gods”

Actors: Charlie Bewley, Clive Standen, James Cosmo
Directors: Farren Blackburn
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 10, 2013
Run Time: 99 minutes

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

Vikings have never been hotter this year, thanks to high-rated TV series on History. When I first saw the poster for “Hammer of the Gods”, I knew it was going to be a wild ride. I was most definitely right. The film is packs some extreme non-stop action and some crazy gore. The cast includes some great talent that really fit this film very well. Speaking of History’s “Viking”, you might recognize Ivan Kaye and Clive Standen from the series as well, who are the leads in this film. They both are great in the film. James Cosmo known best for his role in “Game of Thrones” as Jeor Mormont steals to the show, no question. Sticking with “Game of Thrones”, Alexandra Dowling also had shows up here. So basically I think it is save to come up with the conclusion that if you like “Game of Thrones” of “Vikings”, you will definitely dig this film.

Official Premise: Britain, 871 AD – A young Viking warrior, Steinar (Charlie Bewley), is sent by his father the king on a quest to find his estranged brother, who was banished from the kingdom many years before. Steinar’s epic journey across terrifyingly hostile territory gradually sees him emerge as the man his father wants him to be the ruthless and unforgiving successor to his throne.

Magnolia delivered an impressive Blu-ray presentation. The 1080p transfer works great with the battle scenes and visual effects. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track also works well with the non-stop action and the pounding score by Benjamin Wallfisch. In terms of special features, this release has some pretty good content included. There are various interviews with cast included. There is a behind-the-scenes look into the production with “Making of Hammer of the Gods”. There is also a look “Behind the Visual Effects”, which I enjoyed quite a bit. The film itself is very visual and this shows all the great work put into it. Lastly there is a generic EPK style feature, “AXS TV: A Look at Hammer of the Gods” included. The only other thing I would like to see was a commentary track.

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Theatre Review: “Miss Saigon” Starlight Theater – Kansas City, Missouri

Miss Saigon
Starlight Theater
Kansas City, Missouri
September 7, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

In April 1991 one of the great “spectacle” musicals opened on Broadway. The show was “Miss Saigon,” which I had the privilege to see shortly after its opening. The show was nominated for 11 Tony Awards, winning three for Lead Actor in a Musical (Jonathan Pryce), Lead Actress in a Musical (Lea Salonga) and Featured Actor in a Musical (Hinton Battle). “The Will Rogers Follies” took home the bulk of the awards that year, including Best Musical. But “Miss Saigon” had the last laugh. While “The Will Rogers Follies” ran for two years, “Miss Saigon” ran for almost ten. In fact, as I write this, it is the 12th longest running show in Broadway history. The current touring production opened this week at the Starlight Theater in Kansas City and it proved a fitting end to a successful season under the stars.

Saigon. 1975. As the war in Vietnam comes to a close we meet Chris (Charlie Brady) and John (Nkrumah Gatling) as they pay a visit to Dreamland, the local club where you can find ANYTHING you desire, courtesy of the club’s owner, who calls himself The Engineer (Orville Mendoza). The club is buzzing with the heat of a steamy night as well as the heat coming off the girls who work there. New to the club is Kim (Manna Nichols), who has just lost her family and now finds herself homeless and alone. As the girls gyrate and compete to win the nightly crown of “Miss Saigon,” Chris spots Kim from across the room. In this terrible place torn apart by war he has discovered an angel. John arranges with the Engineer that Kim and Chris spend the night together and, when morning comes, they are in love. But any plans they make for the future come to a halt when Chris, his fellow Marines and the US Ambassador evacuate Saigon.

Brilliantly staged, this production of “Miss Saigon” is equal in scope to the one I took in more than two decades ago at the Broadway Theater (that is the name of the theater…it’s actually on 53rd Street and is currently hosting the revival of “Cinderella”). I’ve always been impressed with Starlight’s ability to reproduce the scale of Broadway on their stage and they do it again with this show. The cast is well voiced and bring an emotional quality needed to the subject matter. I must give special attention to both Mendoza and Nichols who were, in my opinion, as good as their Tony Award winning predecessors. On an unseasonably hot September night their voices soared high and clear over the audience. Technically the show is also first rate, from the direction to the new choreography by Baayork Lee. Theatre fans may recognize Miss Lee as the original Connie in “A Chorus Line.” She has done an outstanding job or translating the show in her own way.

Recent rumors of a “Miss Saigon” film are running rampant, based on a comment producer Cameron MacIntosh made regarding the success of the recent “Les Miserables.” Since that film made almost $150 million in the US alone, I’m betting that the heat will soon be on at a theatre near you!

“Miss Saigon” continues at Starlight through September 13.
Additional Dates
Hartford September 16
Detroit September 24
St. Paul October 8

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Blu-ray Review “The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Sixth Season”

Actors: Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar
Number of discs: 3
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 10, 2013

Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When season five ended with Leonard going to space, I thought it would make for an interesting season six, but I was wrong.  The first few episodes season six were quite weak, as they seems to have lost direction with that story line. But they really make up for it in the following episodes as the season got some steam, it delivered some of the shows funniest episodes, especially towards the end. Even Raj, who desperately needed some kick, got a great new arc this season and his character will change forever. The only note I have to the writers is to give Penny a new story line cause she is getting a little bland. Nonetheless, I think I can honestly say that this is one of the funniest shows on TV right now and shows no sign of slowing down either. I am counting down the days until season seven starts.

Official Premise: Whether on or above Earth, hilarity is outrageously universal in TV’s most popular comedy featuring four forward-thinking but socially backward geniuses. Fun discoveries multiply: Leonard learns jealousy is bad for a relationship (with Penny) but science is good for seduction (of Penny). Howard finds life in the International Space Station life is no escape from terrestrial turmoil between his mom and his new wife Bernadette. Raj meets someone special who may be a good match, if he can keep her from fleeing mid-date. And then there’s Sheldon. He learns what not to say after facing harassment charges or competing for tenure at work and how Dungeons & Dragons can be the icebreaker his relationship with Amy needs. For those who need laughter with scientific regularity, this 24-episode Season Six set of The Big Bang Theory will rock your cosmos.

“The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Sixth Season” includes a great Blu-ray presentation like all past season releases as well. The 1080p on each of the 24 episodes are sharp and look great, same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which works well with the jokes. Besides the Blu-ray, Warner’s also includes a DVD and an Ultraviolet copy included. In terms of great special features, they are fantastic on this release. “The Big Bang Theory: The Final Comedy Frontier” is a fun featurette, which goes behind-the-scenes with the cast talking about Howard’s space mission. “Houston, We Have A Sit-Com” is a neat live Skype call from the cast to Astronaut Joe Acaba while he circles the earth in the International Space Station. “The Big Bang Theory at Paley Fest 2013” is the panel from the event with cast and executive producers. “Electromagnetism: The Best Relationship Moments in Season 6” is a four-part feature looking into each of the characters from “Leonard & Penny”, “Sheldon & Amy”, “Howard & Bernadette” and “Raj”. Lastly there are some fun deleted scenes and a gag reel included.

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Blu-ray Review “John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness”

Actors: Donald Pleasence, Jameson Parker, Victor Wong
Directors: John Carpenter
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: September 24, 2013
Run Time: 102 minutes

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

I have to admit, the first time I saw “John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness”, I was really blown away.  But over the years, I have developed quite the love for this film.  It is not the most recognized Carpenter film over others like “Halloween”, “The Thing” and even “They Live” but is definitely a great film. If you are a horror fan, Carpenter really delivers fan-favorites with Donald Pleasence (“Halloween”), Lisa Blount (“Needful Things”), rock icon Alice Cooper (“Roadie”) and Victor Wong and Dennis Dun (both from Carpenter’s “Big Trouble In Little China”), So the cast feels like a big reunion.  It has also been a few years since I have seen this film probably (don’t laugh on VHS), so I was really blown away with this Blu-ray release. The film still holds up today, delivers a very creepy ambiance and arrives perfect time for Halloween. So if you are a horrorhound like myself you will be thrilled to see this film finally get the love it deserves.  Did I also mention the new cover art totally rocks!?

Official Premise: Master of horror John Carpenter (“Halloween”, “The Thing”) directs this terrifying battle between mankind and the ultimate evil. A group of graduate students and scientists uncover an ancient canister in an abandoned church, but when they open it, they inadvertently unleash a strange liquid and an evil force on all of humanity. As the liquid turns their co-workers into zombies, the remaining members realize they have released the most unspeakable horror of them all. Terror mounts as the team must fight to save the world from a devilish fury that has been contained for over seven million years.

Scream Factory really scored with the film’s Blu-ray presentation. The 1080p transfer in 2.35:1 aspect ratio is quite amazing. Being a big Carpenter fan, I have to admit that this is actually one of the best transfers for one of his films, especially the make-up effects which look stunning. Of course that might all chance when Anchor Bay releases their anniversary edition of “Halloween” later this month. In terms of audio options, we get both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks. The 5.1 score definitely the most ass and takes the win, especially with the amazing  score delivered by Carpenter and Alan Howarth.

In terms of special features, Scream Factory really delivers the goods for this Blu-ray. “Sympathy for the Devil: An Interview with John Carpenter” is a 10 minute interview with the master of horror discussing the film. “Alice at the Apocalypse: An Interview with Alice Cooper” is an awesome new interview with the rock icon to discuss his role. “The Messenger: All New Interview with Actor and Special Visual Effects Supervisor Robert Grasmere” looks into both his role in the film and special effects work. “Hell On Earth: A Look at the Film’s Score with Co-Composer Alan Howarth” is a feature on the score. There is an “Alternate Opening from TV Version”, which is worth checking out. “Horror’s Hallowed Ground” features Sean Clark giving a hosted look at the film’s locations. There is a Q&A from the “Prince of Darkness 25th Anniversary Screening” from 2012’s Screamfest. There is a great audio commentary with John Carpenter and Peter Jason. Lastly there are trailer, radio spots and still gallery included.

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DVD Review “Castle: The Complete Fifth Season”

Actors: Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic, Jon Huertas, Seamus Dever, Tamala Jones
Number of discs: 5
Studio: ABC Studios
DVD Release Date: September 10, 2013
Run Time: 1032 minutes

Season: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

Man, do I love “Castle”! It is easily my favorite show on television. The show is so amazing and has shown such amazing growth over its five seasons. I have watched plenty of procedural cop shows and there are literally none of them come close to this show. The writing is like no other show that I have seen on television, the dialogue is so sharp and witty. We have been watching these characters now for the last five seasons and I love where they are taking each of them as each episode progress.  The scales of the episodes are also so large and epic. You would think that a show going into its fifth season would get lazy and repetitive but this show never ceases to surprise you.

The chemistry between Beckett and Castle are amazing, especially this season since they finally get together after four seasons of tension. In fact season five is easily my favorite of season to date. We all know that we want to see Beckett and Castle together, we have been teased with that over the last four seasons. In season five we were delivered that relationship and also given what a cliffhanger. Is Beckett going to take the job in Washington or get married to Castle and stay in NYC.  Seriously, I am getting chills just typing those words.  I can’t wait to see what direction they are going to take this show in the sixth season. Keep up the great job guys!

Official Premise: Together at last! After four seasons of sparring and heated banter, TV’s dynamic crime-solving team finds romance in ABC’s Castle: The Complete Fifth Season. Relive all 23 unforgettable episodes, complete with never-before-seen bonus features only available on DVD, in this spectacular five-disc set. Now that Castle and Beckett (“Caskett”) have finally given into their true feelings for each other, how will it affect their work together? As they try to keep their new relationship under wraps from their co-workers, the unlikely duo must track down the murderer of Beckett’s mother, find the perpetrator of a major conspiracy, and untangle a line of investigation that links Castle to a ritualistic killing. The action and passion heat up like never before in the brilliant fifth season of ABC’s Castle!

ABC Studios has delivered impressive DVD releases for this show ever since season one, though I am always disappointed that it has never been given the Blu-ray treatment like other ABC show’s “Once Upon a Time”. This five disc set includes the amazing 24 episodes of season 5 along with the tons of amazing special features.  Also for an extra bonus we get trading cards for the seasons three and four, which are set to be released this Winter and a special card you can used with the recently released Castle Detective Card Game. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the card game it is amazing and a must have for any “Castle” fan.

The special features are just as epic as this season. There are four amazing audio commentary tracks included. The first on the episode “The Final Frontier” which features Nathan Fillion, Director Jonathan Frakes and costume designer Luke Reichle. This episode is amazing and the commentary is just as good. Fillion is always a blast when he gets the microphone. Next up, is “Target” with Molly Quinn, Susan Sullivan, Executive Producer/Writer David Amann and Director Bill Roe, which is also a must. The next episode commentary is on “Hunt” with Executive Producer/Writer Andrew W Marlowe and Director Rob Bowman join Nathan Fillion and Molly Quinn. The last commentary track is on the 100th episode “The Lives of Others” and includes writers Andrew W Marlowe and Terri Edda Miller as well as editor Marta Evry and composer Robert Duncan.

If those commentary tracks aren’t enough, there is still more.  There are some great deleted scenes included and the bloopers are a must watch. You can tell that these people really have a great time doing what they do on this show. You can also see how well they all get along. There are some great featurettes including “Lot Cops”, which shows Seamus Dever and Jon Huertas going to cop school. Susan Sullivan takes us through the 100th episode in “Martha’s Master Class” and “Your Home Is Your Castle” looks into the set designs for Castle’s loft and Beckett’s apartment. Lastly there also is an Easter Egg included for “The Final Frontier”.

 

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DVD Review “Frankenstein and The Monster From Hell (1974)”

Starring: Peter Cushing, Shane Briant
Director: Terence Fisher
Rated: R (Restricted)
Distributed by: Warner Archive
DVD Release Date: August 27, 2013
Running Time: 93 minutes

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Peter Cushing is an actor that has and always will be one of the legendary faces of horror. “Frankenstein and The Monster From Hell” is a 1974 Hammer Film Productions. So when you hear the words Hammer and Cushing you know that you instantly have a winner here. Besides Cushing, the film co-stars Shane Briant and David Prowse (aka Darth Vadar in “Star Wars”). This film was well-known since it was also the final chapter in the Hammer Frankenstein saga of films, as well as director, Terence Fisher’s, last film. This was also the the sixth that Peter Cushing portrayed the role of Baron Frankenstein, which he originated back in 1957’s “The Curse of Frankenstein”. David Prowse, the man behind the suit, played Frankenstein’s monster again with his first been in “The Horror of Frankenstein”. Fun little fact, that he actually is the only actor to have played a Frankenstein’s monster in a Hammer production more than once. Not my favorite Hammer film but fans might want to check it out and add to their collection.

Official Premise: Terence Fisher makes his directorial denouement in the final Peter Cushing Hammer Frankenstein flick. This installment finds the mad doctor pretending to be a mad doctor in a madhouse thanks to some skeletons in the asylum director’s closet. Thanks to some ill-advised bodysnatching, a young protégé for the Baron (Shane Briant) arrives as an inmate and becomes the perfect apprentice from hell. The two set about restoring a monsterwork (David Prowse) of the doctor’s, but the creature proves beyond the pair’s control.

Warner Archive is behind this release and they consistently have been standing behind films like this and giving them first-time ever or long out-of-print reissues DVD releases. The DVD presentation is solid for a film of the 70’s on a low production. There hasn’t been any restoration or remastering on this title but like most Warner Archives it has been manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available. It is presented in 16×9 Widescreen and like I said, definitely looks solid. There is a Dolby Digital audio track included which works with the score and the Hammer atmosphere. The only special feature included is a commentary track by actors Madeline Smith, David Prowse, and Genre Historian Jonathan Sothcott.

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Blu-ray Review “Thomas & Friends: King of the Railway – The Movie”

Voices of: David Bedella, Jonathan Forbes, Teresa Gallagher, Bob Golding
Directed by: David Baas
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Lyons / Hit Ent.
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Run Time: 62 minutes

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

It’s been a while since the last time I watched this series. In fact it was back in with the theatrical film “Thomas and the Magic Railroad”, which I actually saw in theaters. But now having a 15 month old child of my own, I have been reintroduced into the world of “Thomas & Friends”. “Thomas & Friends” is currently the number one preschool toy license in the US and only getting more popular! “Thomas & Friends: King of the Railway” is an all-new CG animated epic movie adventure that is sure to have fans of all ages yelling “ALL ABOARD!” Fans of the show will also be excited for the introduction of four new engines and one new destination on the Island of Sodor. This film is not only entertaining but it also very educational. A must for all “Thomas & Friends” fans!

Official Premise: Join Thomas & Friends as they embark on a legendary movie adventure! The steam team’s quest begins when a special guest arrives on Sodor with a big surprise and important jobs for Thomas, Percy and James. The engines meet new friends and discover suits of armor; coats of arms and legends of long-ago heroes. Then their bravery is put to the test when their new friend Stephen goes missing. Will Thomas find him in time? Will the engines discover the truth about the Island of Sodor’s biggest mystery? It’s a crusade of knightly proportions for Thomas & Friends in this epic movie!

“Thomas & Friends: King of the Railway” pulls into the station in a very cool Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack. The 1080p transfer is very crisp for this CGI animated film. The DTS HD-Master Audio 5.1 track works very well with the film’s music, which will have kids singing along. The colors in the film are vibrant and very warm. The kids are going to love this and the series has never looked better. In terms of special features, I was pretty impressed since there is a bunch of fun extras for the kiddies. We have two interactive games including “The Search for the Lost Crown” and “Guess Who? Puzzles. There are also three Karaoke Music Videos included for the following songs: “It’s Gonna Be a Great Day”, “Searching Everywhere” and “Working Together!”

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3D Blu-ray Review “IMAX: Space Junk 3D”

Actors: Don Kessler, Tom Wilkinson
Directors: Melissa R. Butts
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Run Time: 37 minutes

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

There is something about space that has always facisinated me, probably everything. For me it is the unknown that lies above us. IMAX has provided some great films about space including “Space Station 3D”. “Space Junk 3D” is a very educational title and also very entertaining. It is narrated by two time Academy Award® Nominee Tom Wilkinson (“In the Bedroom” and “Michael Clayton”). He delivered an excellent and fun overview of this topic backed with some very impressive visuals that only an IMAX film could bring us. There is also great interviews with leading experts like Don Kessler. I have to admit, I didn’t really know much about this topic prior to watching but I am sucker for anything in space and now I find myself researching long after the 37 minute film completed, so I call that mission accomplished!

Official Premise: What Goes Up Doesn’t Always Come Down. With media headlines repeatedly warning us of debris falling from the skies, orbital debris (or “space junk”) has finally risen to the forefront of social consciousness. “Space Junk 3D”, narrated by Academy Award® Nominee Tom Wilkinson, is the first movie to explore the exponentially expanding ring of debris that threatens the safety of our planet’s orbits. Experience mind-boggling collisions, both natural and man-made. Soar the stunning depths of Meteor Crater to an unprecedented view of our increasingly crowded orbits – 22,000 miles above earth! Join foremost expert Don Kessler, the “Father of Space Junk,” guides us through the challenges we face in protecting them, forging a new age of space discovery. This is a 3D cosmic adventure like no other!

Image is releasing this film with both a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray discs. The 1080p transfer originally shot for IMAX screens looks quite amazing and is presented in high definition widescreen 1.78:1. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works very well with Tom Hambleton’s score. The special features are worth checking out as well in addition to this film. They included a behind-the-scenes “Making of” look into the film. There is an “Interview with Tom Wilkinson” included, which is a must watch. There is also a behind-the-scenes photo gallery and an extensive 3D trailer set included.

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Film Review “Riddick”

Starring: Vin Diesel, Karl Urban and Katee Sackhoff
Directed by: David Twohy
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hour 59 mins
Universal

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Is there anything Vin Diesel can’t do? He’s helped save Private Ryan, given voice to an Iron Giant and driven some sweet cars pretty fast and furious. He returns this week for the third time as escaped prisoner and suspected murderer Richard Riddick in the appropriately named action film, “Riddick.”

We find our hero after having been marooned on a desolate planet. Well, it’s not too desolate. There are many different creatures lurking about and, in the first ten minutes of the film, Riddick manages to do battle with each of them. He also proves his toughness by setting his own hideously broken leg. He actually does pretty well because soon he’s running and jumping as if he and the film’s continuity person forgot he even had a broken leg. He comes upon an old outpost and triggers a beacon to summon help. What he gets are two different space ships. The first contain bounty hunters, the second, a crew inquisitive about Riddick’s past. Oh, and more creatures.

With a standard “Action Film 101” script and some impressive visual effects, “Riddick” is everything you think it is. Some witty banter, a little T & A to keep you on your toes and a surprisingly engaging performance by Diesel, who pretty much sleepwalked through this past summer’s “Fast and Furious 6.” I’ve always found Diesel to be an interesting character. When he’s not out proving he’s a badass he’s actually turned in some solid work. Here he appears to be having fun and his familiarity with the character makes you worry about what is going to happen to him next.

The rest of the characters are pretty stock: the bounty hunters who secretly want nothing to do with their prey, the cool blonde chick (Sackhoff) with a trained eye and an incredible figure, the gang leader whose determination to put Riddick’s head in a box is such that you hope he hurries up and takes care of the job. As mentioned above, the script is pretty much by-the-book, with much of the film narrated by Diesel. “There are bad days,” he comments, with most of the action dealing with him and those sent to find him. Thankfully they’re not all bad.

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Blu-ray Review “The Black Waters of Echo’s Pond”

Actors: Robert Patrick, Danielle Harris, Electra Avellan
Directors: Gabriel Bologna
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: September 10, 2013
Run Time: 93 minutes

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

Finally!! If you are a horror fan than you will know what I am talking about here. I saw “The Black Waters of Echo’s Pond” during its all too brief run in theaters back in early 2010. So for the last nearly four years, all us horror fans have been anxiously waiting for a DVD…Blu-ray…any type of home media release for this film. Luckily Anchor Bay finally stood up and hooked us up. The film is jam-packed with a great genre cast including Danielle Harris (“Halloween”), James Duval (“Donnie Darko”), Nick Menell (“Friday the 13th”), Electra & Elise Avellan from (“Machete) and Robert Patrick “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”). Flawed but still a ton of fun and worth checking out for all those horror fans who missed it in theaters. Worth the wait!

Official Premise: During a Turkish archaeological dig early last century, an ancient board game said to have entertained demons was unearthed. Now nearly 90 years later, a group of vacationing friends — including a cynic, a rich jerk, a slutty starlet, a jock and prudish twin sisters — discover the game hidden in an old house on a remote Maine island. And with a roll of the dice, their darkest secrets will unleash all the greed, jealousy and lusts of Hell itself.

Anchor Bay delivered “The Black Waters of Echo’s Pond” with a fine Blu-ray release. The 1080p transfer looks very sharp on the low-budget horror flick. The film is quite dark and yet it still looks great. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track works great with the film’s suspense, especially with Harry Manfredini’s amazing score! He is a legend in terms of horror scores and he really delivers a great score here! In terms of special features, I have to admit that I am a bit let down. I was hoping for a jam-packed release with special features but instead we only get an Alternate Opening, which is cool but not what I was expecting. A commentary track would have been cool as well, especially with this cast. I guess it all comes down to the fact that at least the film is finally released for fans to see that is more important.

 

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Book Review “The Nightmare Before Christmas: 20th Anniversary Edition”

Author/Illutrator: Tim Burton
Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Disney Press; 20 Anv edition
Release Date: August 6, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is one of my favorite films of all-time. I watch it over and over and never get tired.  Whenever August/September rolls around, I get the major itch to start watching it to get ready for the holiday seasons, including Halloween and Christmas.  I love the fact that it crosses over the holidays since just creates this new genre for itself. This book was released for the film’s 20th anniversary last month, yes I can’t believe either its been 20 years. I remember the first time I saw this film and was simply blown away. Tim Burton has such a unique perspective in this film and really set the scale for future stop-motion animated films. A must have for any fan of the film.

Official Premise: In this beloved picture book that could only come from the visionary mind of author and illustrator Tim Burton, we meet Jack Skellington– a well-intentioned inhabitant of Halloweenland. Jack is bored of “the scaring, the terror, the fright….tired of being something that goes bump in the night”. And so, in an effort to bring to joy to his town, Jack kidnaps Santa and takes his place as the jolly old elf. But instead of bringing joy to the world Jack, who is a little more than a grinning skeleton, brings fear by delivering creepy toys and riding a sleigh carried by skeletal reindeer. Only through a number of things going horribly wrong does Jack learn the true meaning of Christmas.

This 20th Anniversary Edition isn’t just a cash-in from Disney. It contains some updated illustrations from Tim Burton himself, including a new intro. you can tell that this project was such a labor of love for him and still is since he comments that he loved revisiting it. Now when it comes to the artwork in the book, which I loved but I am also a 31 year old man. For kids, it might be a little creepy but then again so is the film. I do not think that I will be sharing this with my 15 month old daughter…just yet but I look forward to introducing to her down the line. The words just rhyme so well and I really have a blast revisiting this timeless classic. Even though it is has been 20 years, I see myself revisiting this book and film, like Burton, for many many years to come!

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Blu-ray Review “Psycho II: Collector’s Edition”

Actors: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, Meg Tilly,Robert Loggia, Dennis Franz
Directors: Richard Franklin
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: September 24, 2013
Run Time: 113 minutes

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

How do you follow up an amazing classic film like Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”? Well for first bring back Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates. Second bring in hot newbie writer Tom Holland (Fright Night) to set a killer (no pun intended…well maybe some) script. While this film does not reach the reaches of the first “Psycho” but it is a damn awesome sequel. The film is set 22 years after the events of the first “Psycho” and packs a great cast, besdies Perkins, including Vera Miles, Robert Loggia, Meg Tilly and Dennis Franz.  The film always struck me as being very clever and still holds up today. A must have for any horrorhound.

Official Premise: Psycho II is the terrifying sequel to one of the most suspenseful films of all time, Alfred Hitchock’s Psycho. Anthony Perkins makes a horrific homecoming in his role as the infamous Norman Bates, who, after years of treatment at a mental institution for the criminally insane, still can’t quite elude the demands of “Mother.” Vera Miles also returns a the inquisitive woman who is haunted by her sister’s brutal murder and the ominous motel where it all occurred.

Scream Factory really gave a lot of love to “Psycho II” as it has never looked better.  The Blu-ray’s 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.84:1 is very sharp and quite impressive. There is a little bit of grain showing but overall, it is a great high-definition transfer. In terms of audio tracks “Psycho II” contains both DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 aiming to showcase the film’s original sound design and a supped up DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. I have to admit, I enjoyed both but the 5.1 track really worked the best for me with Jerry Goldsmith’s score.

The special features are worthy of this collector’s edition as well.  There are vintage cast and crew interviews, which runs just over 30 minutes. There is a option to play the film with cast and crew interviews (audio only), which are different from the ones above. This is a pretty cool feature for hardcore fans. There is a brand new audio commentary track with Tom Holland and is hosted by Rob Galluzzo (writer-producer-director of “The Psycho Legacy”). Great addition to this release and a must listen for any fan of the film. Holland really kicks some ass here. Lastly there are some trailers, TV spots and a still gallery included.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, collectors, edition, ii, psycho, review, ...

Blu-ray Review “Sharknado”

Starring: Tara Reid, Ian Ziering, John Heard
Director: Anthony C. Ferrante
Rated: Unrated
Studio: The Asylum
DVD Release Date: September 3, 2013
Run Time: 90 minutes

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

I have always been a fan of B-movie films about sharks and I personally have seen them all not matter how bad. From “Swamp Shark” to “Super Shark” to the “Mega Shark” series, they are all fun films. Are they great pieces of cinema? Hell no! But still very entertaining and very fun. I think it was “Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus” that really raised the bar for these films and created worldwide recognition for this genre. “Sharknado” is just such a fun title that you can’t help but say “What the *$#$” when just hearing it. The film works the exact same way, take it for what it is just plain stupid fun.

The film became a cult classic and a cultural phenomenon before it even aired on Syfy. But honestly with a title like that how could it not. It literally has become a huge hit since it has aired and developed a growing and devoted fan-base since then. No this is not the best movie ever, in fact it is quite bad but like a car accident you can’t look away. I like to describe this movie as “the best movie of the year…yet also the worst”. So if you are looking for a good time, this will definitely be the flick to watch to do so.

Official Premise: Produced by The Asylum, “Sharknado” is the story of beachside bar regulars including owner Fin (Ian Ziering, “Beverly Hills 90210″), bartender Nova (Casie Scerbo, “Make It Or Break It”) and local drunk George (John Heard, “Home Alone”) as they team up with Fin’s ex-wife April (Tara Reid, “Scrubs”) to investigate the ecological nightmare that has sharks swimming through the streets of Los Angeles and falling from the skies.

So if you read the cast below, you see pretty decent names in this cast. Ian Ziering is just so much fun in the film. He knows this film is a gag and really just has fun with its. He is also great in a recent film called “National Lampoon’s The Legend of Awesomest Maximus”. Tara Reid plays it a little too serious for me and tries to “act” too hard. John Heard aka the dad from “Home Alone” has an all too brief role but gets some good lines in. Casie Scerbo is one of the cast that I wasn’t too aware prior but she easily took away some of the best lines in the film. That is another thing, I see this film being quoted for years to come. “They took my grandfather. So I really hate sharks.” Classic!

The Blu-ray itself, I have to admit I was expecting much more. With all the hype surrounding this film, I would have hoped that The Asylum would have given this some extra love but instead it gets a typical pretty typical release. The 1080p transfer works for the most part giving the film is not perfect. The film goes from dark skies to a sunny day in one sec, so if you get get past that. The transfer works for what it is given. The audio is impressive though with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.

The special features are a decent but I would have loved to see them really capitalize on the fandom surrounding the film. There is a brief behind-the-scenes looks with “The Making of Sharknado”, as well as gag reel included. Lastly there is a cast & crew commentary track, which is fun and definitely worth the repeat viewing. If they took a little more time on this release, they could have included some of the fandom that this film has developed like artwork etc. I also think it would have been fun to attend a screening when this was shown in theaters and filmed a bit there as well with fan interviews. I would have loved to see more of that as well.

If you want more don’t worry Syfy is bringing it to you. There is already plans for a sequel called “Sharknado 2: The Next One”, which will be set in New York City and premiere on the Channel in July 2014. There is also a contest going on to be in the film and killed by a shark, so if you are in NYC and love this film that is a must to seek out. So get ready to roll those eyes as the madness continues with these very fun films.

 

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Book Review “The Colony: Genesis” by Michaelbrent Collings

Author: Michaelbrent Collings
Paperback: 246 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Release Date: August 16, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love zombies right now? With the success of films like “World War Z” and TV shows like “The Walking Dead”, they have never been hotter. Michaelbrent Collings is bringing us his latest novel, “The Colony: Genesis”, which is a volume one of a new series. I have to admit, I have no idea how this guy releases so many books in one year, all which are extremely different than the next…and all actually good. I read his been “Darkbound” and “Strangers” earlier this year and they are so engaging and entertaining that I literally couldn’t put them down. The exact same thing happened with “The Colony”. In fact, I finished the entire book in less than 24 hours, which is a new record for me personally. I do not think that I have ever been drawn in by a book in the last few years. Michaelbrent taps into the zombie genre but really adds his own style to it that really keeps the genre fresh and exciting.

Ken Strickland is a high school teacher, who is in school on an average day…until something happens that changes everything. It starts with insects filling every inch of his windows on the outside of the building to then planes falling out of the sky to his students turning into monsters attacking everything in sight. And that is only in the first couple of pages. Ken sees the entire world crashing around him and he only has one thing on his mind, which is to find his family, who are across town. He meets up with a few other sole survivors along the way as they try to stay alive, while trying to figure out what is happening around them. But do they have what it takes to survive in a world that is crashing around them?

Normally when a book starts, it gives you time to meet the characters and get settled in before the madness starts, but that isn’t that case here. Michaelbrent literally jams on the gas and hits a 100mph before the second chapter…and doesn’t let up until the end. “The Colony: Genesis” is fast, intense and in-your-face. If you think you know everything about zombies, think again because Michaelbrent changes the rules. Shoot them in the head? Nope just pisses them off. So definitely not your typical zombie book. What I love about Michaelbrent’s writing is that it is tight and very sharp. His chapters are short and literally each one packs a punch. I am not sure how he does it but he does not allow you to put the book down after each chapter, you need to keep reading to find out what happens next.

What also thrilled me was the fact that it is the first volume in the series. Michaelbrent was very smart in splitting this book into volumes because it ends leaves himself plenty of time to slowly to develop the story and its characters without having to rush through it. There are tons of questions in the book that will leave you screaming for answers. But he sets it up so well that you will literally have your finger ready to turn the page and at the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens. Like I said, I finished this book in practically one sitting since I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to see what he planned for volume II, “The Colony: Renegades”. Keep them coming man, I will be anxiously waiting.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: book, collins, colony, Genesis, michaelbrent, review, ...

Book Review “The Greatest Bad Movies of All Time”

Author: Phil Hall
Paperback: 258 pages
Publisher: BearManor Media
Release date: July 4, 2013

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Think you know what makes a bad movie? So did I until I read the latest from Film Threat scribe Phil Hall whose latest book, “The Greatest Bad Movies of All Time,” set me straight.

Hall has assembled an impressive list of 100 films that he isn’t very impressed with. Of course, the list contains some well known “bad” titles, like Ed Wood’s “Plan 9 From Outer Space” and the awful “Battlefield Earth.” But it’s not just bad directors making bad films that are taken to the woodshed here. The great John Huston, with fifteen Oscar nominations (and two wins) in his career, has placed two films on the list: “Beat the Devil” and “The Bible: In the Beginning.” Stanley Kubrick teamed up with Howard Sackler (creator of the Broadway show “The Great White Hope”) for the film “Fear and Desire.” It’s here as well. Other directors taken to task include George Cukor, Bob Rafelson and Michelangelo Antonioni. And, just so you don’t think Hall is picking on the early films of now renowned filmmakers, he also includes Clint Eastwoods’ Oscar winning “Mystic River,” calling the film “so incredibly off-kilter that it demands attention for its sheer awfulness.” Wow! I’m guessing that didn’t make Clint’s day.

Of course, “bad” is in the eyes of the beholder. There are actually a few films on the list that I enjoy watching when I catch them on cable, among them “Head,” starring the Monkees, “The Adventures of Ford Fairlaine” and the Neil Diamond version of “The Jazz Singer.” I know they’re not classic cinema fare, but something about seeing Sir Laurence Olivier weep and rip his clothes while Diamond intones, “Pop…pop,” in his deep voice makes films like this a guilty pleasure. I’m also sorry to see the Robert Altman- directed film “Health” on the list. Not because it’s a good movie but because a couple of friends and I staked out the hotel in St. Petersburg where it was filmed (the Don Cesar) in the hopes of meeting Lauren Bacall. How many teenagers in the 1970s even knew WHO Lauren Bacall was?

Like his Film Threat work, Hall packs his prose with humorous observations. One of my favorite comes from his review of “The Babe Ruth Story,” noting that though some of the Babe’s secrets were ignored “their absence was compensated by a surplus of jolly anachronisms, most notably with the presence of a beer advertisement on a billboard positioned in a stadium game that occurred during the Prohibition years.”

An enjoyable read from A (“Abbot and Costello Go to Mars” to Z (“Zabriskie Point), “The Greatest Bad Movies of All Time” is a must have for anyone that enjoys the movies…good or bad.

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Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: bad, book, greatest, movies, review, time, ...
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