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Blu-ray Review “George A. Romero’s Day of the Dead (Collector’s Edition)”

Actors: Lori Cardille, Terry Alexander, Richard Liberty, Joseph Pilato
Directors: George A. Romero
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: September 17, 2013
Run Time: 101 minutes

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

I have always loved “Day of the Dead” but it is a very hard act to follow! “Dawn of the Dead” is easily one of the best horror films ever. But “Day” still has a ton of life in it (get the pun?!) and still holds up today even after almost 30 years. With TV shows like “The Walking Dead” and films like “World War Z”, zombies have never been hotter, so this is a great time to revisit this classic. You also get to see “The Walking Dead” Director/Co-Executive Producer/Special Effects Make-Up Artist Greg Nicotero start off in the business with his first acting role. “Scream Factory, which is part Shout Factory, is finally giving this film the release that it deserves with this Collector’s Edition Blu-ray. This film has never looked so good and shines with this release. If you own Starz/Anchor Bay rather bland 2007 release of this film, it is definitely worth the upgrade. No question!

Official Premise: The concluding part of George A. Romero’s cult horror trilogy opens with the undead roaming the planet freely. The living have been forced underground, where they make their base in a hidden missile depot, helping with the experiments of scientist Doctor Logan (Liberty), who hopes to domesticate the zombies. However, the military faction of the human survivors favour a more direct approach, and with food stocks becoming ever more depleted, they decide to take action. What folllows is the final showdown between the forces of the living and the armies of the dead.

Scream Factory gave this film a lot of love with a brand new high-def transfer…and it looks stunning. I have the older 2007 Blu-ray and the comparison is really amazing. Top that with a solid DTS-HD Master Audio track and this release is kicking on all cylinders. There is also some fantastic special features including two brand new extras. “World’s End: The Legacy of “Day of the Dead” is a brand new documentary, which is easily worth the purchase of the disc alone. “Underground: A Look into the ‘Day of the Dead’ Mines” is another new feature looking into the film’s shooting location. There are two audio commentary tracks, the first with writer/director George A. Romero, Special Make-up Effects artist Tom Savini, Production Designer Cletus Anderson and actress Lori Cardille. The second is with filmmaker Roger Avary. There is some great behind-the-scenes footage coming straight from Tom Savini’s personal archives. Lastly there are Photo Galleries, Theatrical Trailers and TV Spots included.

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Blu-ray Review “Scenic Route”

Actors: Josh Duhamel, Dan Fogler
Directors: Kevin Goetz, Michael Goetz
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Vertical Entertainment
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Run Time: 86 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out 5 stars

I was drawn to “Scenic Route” due to its cast starring Josh Duhamel (“Safe Haven”, “Transformers”) and Dan Fogler (“Kung Fu Panda”, “Balls of Fury”). But I had no idea what I was getting myself into. “Scenic Route” was such a wild gripping ride. It packs some really stunning performances from Duhamel and Fogler. When I think of Duhamel, I think about action star or romantic lead and when I think of Fogler, I think comedy. “Scenic Route” packs some serious dramatic moments and keeps you on the edge of your seats. Did I mention the entire film take place in the desert. Totally blown away here. Highly recommend this little gem!

Official Premise: Mitchell (Josh Duhamel) and Carter (Dan Fogler), life-long friends who have drifted apart, are on a road trip when their old pickup breaks down, leaving them stranded on an isolated desert road. Nobody can pick apart a man like his best friend, and as the relentless elements of the desert grind them down, they start to attack each other’s life decisions with unwavering brutality. As they question who they are and who they could have been, their agitation leads to physical confrontation and ultimately knife-wielding madness, and what begins as an inconvenience becomes a very real life or death struggle.

Vertical Entertainment delivered a very sharp Blu-ray release, which includes a Vudu digital streaming copy. The film is shot on a small scale but really has this wide wide since it’s background is the whole desert. It feels open yet still claustrophobic. The transfer is very clear and sharp. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which really adds a lot to the film as well from the dialogue to the haunting score. In terms of special features there is an audio commentary track included with the directors and Josh Duhamel. I was very suprised to see him on the track but I am glad he is cause I really enjoyed it and it make it definitely worth the repeat viewing.

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Blu-ray Review “Stranded”

Actors: Christian Slater, Brendan Fehr, Amy Matysio, Michael Therriault
Directors: Roger Christian
Rated: Unrated
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Run Time: 88 minutes

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

You would think that director Roger Christian would have learned better after helming “Battlefield Earth” to stay away from the sci-fi genre. He does get props for me since he was a part of the Academy Award-winning team that art-directed the first “Star Wars”. Let’s not bullshit around here, “Stranded” is a sci-fi generic recycled piece of crap….but I still enjoyed it. Christian Slate does a good job as usual and carries the rest of the cast on his shoulders. The film tries really hard to be a blend of “Alien” meets “The Thing”. The special features are just ok but due to its low-budget it is quite impressive. I would recommend to sci-fi/horror junkies like myself.

Official Premise: When the isolated U.S. military moonbase is bombarded by a rogue meteor storm, Colonel Gerard Brauchman (Christian Slater) and his small crew are cut off from Earth with their life support failing. Before long, the crew discovers the meteors harbored alien spores…and they’re replicating. Now a vicious, shape-shifting predatory life form is loose inside the crippled facility, picking off victims one by one. Locked in a desperate fight for survival, Brauchman and the terrified remaining astronauts have one final mission…keep the creature from escaping the moon and finding a new food supply on Earth.

Image delivers a very sharp Blu-ray presentation for this low-budget film. I have to admit, I loved the 1080p transfer for this film. Even though, the film is quite dark, it is well shot and really well done. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 also scores a home run as well. It works with suspense and action. The special features are not the greatest but at least they have some extras included, so props there. “The Making of Stranded” is a pretty solid 15 minutes behind-the-scenes look into the film with interviews from the cast/crew. “Life on the Moon: The FX of Stranded” is also a great feature with makeup effects artist Emersen Ziffle but I just wish it ran a little longer to show off the impressive visual and practical effects.

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Blu-ray Review “Mulan: Rise of a Warrior”

Actors: Zhao Wei, Jaycee Chan, Kun Chen
Directors: Jingle Ma
Rated: TV-MA
Studio: Funimation
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Run Time: 115 minutes

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

I can’t help it (and I am sure I am not the only one), whenever I think about “Mulan”, I can’t help but think about the 1998 Walt Disney animated film. Well before watching “Mulan: Rise of a Warrior”, you must separate that connection because it is two very different film. There is no smart-talking dragons here, sorry Eddie Murphy. The director Jingle Ma, who is known for action films like “Tokyo Raiders” and “Seoul Raiders”, really had a vision for this and for the most part he is successfully in making it work. The film itself seemed a little too long for me but it is packed with great performances and impressive action sequences. So I think it is worth recommending to check out for a renter at least.

Official Premise: When barbarian hordes threaten her homeland, the brave and cunning Mulan disguises herself as a male soldier to swell the ranks in her aging father’s stead. The warrior’s remarkable courage drives her through powerful battle scenes and brutal wartime strategy. Mulan will be no stranger to sacrifice as she rises to become one of her country’s most valuable leaders. She’ll lose dear friends to the enemy’s blade—but can she win the war before her secret is exposed?

I originally though that this was an odd title for Funimation to be releasing since they are primarily known for releases some of my favorite Japanese animes. But I give them credit for rescuing this film, which was shot back in 2009, and gave it a proper Blu-ray release. In fact, they released this as a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack, which is a real treat. The 1080p transfer works with the epic feel that this film brings especially in the battle scenes. This release also comes stocked with both a Mandarian Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track and also an English dub with same specs. I preferred the original language track for sure over the dub but I still like having the preference.

There is no much in terms of quantity for the special features but there is great content. The “Making of Mulan” runs the length of a feature film just over 70 minutes. I enjoyed this quite a bit, there is a lot of great footage included in here. You really get a feel for the depth of the production within this feature. The other extra is a collection of interviews with the cast and crew, which runs about 15 minutes, also worth checking out for sure. Both extras are presented in Mandarin with English subtitles. So like I said no a lot of extras but they pack a solid punch. Great job overall, Funimation! Hope to see more live-action entries in your upcoming library as well, as your normal kick-ass animes.

Blu-ray Review “Kon-Tiki”

Actors: Pål Sverre Hagen, Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Tobias Santelmann, Gustaf Skarsgård, Jakob Oftebro
Directors: Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Run Time: 96 minutes

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

I heard about “Kon-Tiki” came to my attention during the Oscars earlier this year. It was nominated for the 2013 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Feature Film (Norwegian). I am also a sucker for a good film at sea and this really seemed exciting and entertaining. I have to say I was blown away and this film no question should have deserved the award. Due the success of this film, the Norwegian directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg’s next project is going to be the fifth “Pirates of the Caribbean”, so they hit it big already. The film is extremely visual and packs some of the best special effects, I have I seen recently in a non-big budget film. Highly Recommended.

Official Premise: Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl (Pal Sverre Hagen) crossed the Pacific ocean in a balsa wood raft in 1947, together with five men, to prove that South Americans already back in pre-Columbian times could have crossed the sea and settle on Polynesian islands. After gathering financing for the trip with loans and donations, they set off on an epic 101 day-long journey across 8,000 kilometers, all while the world was watching. Kon-Tiki tells about the origin of Heyerdahl’s idea and the events surrounding the group’s voyage. Earlier this year, Kon-Tiki was selected to represent Norway in the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 85th Academy Awards.

It recently came to my attention that the US theatrical cut was in fact edited from 119 minutes to 96 minutes. So this a little bit disappointing that we do not get the extended cut, especially since this version was the one that was nominated for the Academy Award as Best Foreign Feature Film. Anchor Bay did gives this film some love delivering the film as a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack. They both also come with the original Norwegian language track, as well as an English dub. No question, I prefer the original. The 1080p is crystal clear and plays well off the films amazing CGI effects and gorgeous cinematography.

I have to have the special features may not be much but they are still worth checking out, especially for the “Visual Effects Featurette”, which runs just under 10 minutes. Great detail before and after CGI effects focused on the Great White scene. I originally watched this online and I knew I immediately had to see this film just based on this one featurette. “Kon-Tiki: The Incredible True Story” is a 25 minute extra focusing on the actual expedition that Thor Heyerdahl made in 1947 and its legacy. I would have loved to see a commentary track included by our directors taking about making this visual masterpiece.

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CD Review: Nine Inch Nails “Hesitation Marks”

Nine Inch Nails
“Hesitation Marks”
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Tracks: 14
Label: Columbia
Running Time: 62 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Finally “Hesitation Marks” has arrived. This is the eighth album from Nine Inch Nails, and the first since 2008’s “The Slip”. Trent Reznor has been quite busy over the last few years composing films like “The Social Network” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and an Academy Award for Best Score. I have to tell you that I was blown away with those scores and I think that his work with composing music for films has actually made him a better musician. All the track on this album were written and composed by Trent Reznor. He also collaborated with some great people on this album like Atticus Ross and Alan Moulder. But then there was also a few names that made me look twice like Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac and The Who’s bass player, Pino Palladino. But let me tell you how well this all meshes and works together. “Hesitation Marks” is easily the band’s best album in the last decade, no question. Can’t wait to see these track performed live!

I read an interview with Reznor, who said that he no longer has the inner rage inside of him and he is actually happy. I guess winning an Academy Award will do that to you. So I have to admit, this record does have a new interesting sound to it but don’t worry NIN purists, the album is still heavy, intense and screams Nine Inch Nails. I also feel that the it really plays well as a whole album. It is rare where every single track is solid but this record plays so well together that each track kind of flows right into the next one. I have to admit that the best tracks are “Copy of A” and “Came Back Haunted”, they remind me the most of classic NIN. “Disappointed” is a great mellow kick-back track that seems to last forever but in a completely good way. Tracks like “Everything” also have like a pop/rock-like feeling to them, which really works. I have been a loyal fan of Nine Inch Nails since I purchased my a the cassette tape of “Pretty Hate Machine” many years ago, so I think this is really going to jive with fans and also introduce the band to a new generation of fans as well. This album is easily on my list for best albums of 2013.

Track Listing:
1. The Eater of Dreams
2. Copy of a
3. Came Back Haunted
4. Find My Way
5. All Time Low
6. Disappointed
7. Everything
8. Satellite
9. Various Methods of Escape
10. Running
11. I Would For You
12. In Two
13. While I’m Still Here
14. Black Noise

Blu-ray Review “Suddenly”

Actors: Ray Liotta, Dominic Purcell, Michael Pare
Directors: Uwe Boll
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Nasser
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

“Suddenly” is a remake of the 1954 film, which starred Frank Sinatra, which was also just released on Blu-ray last December. This remake is directed by Uwe Boll, known best for his video game films “Blood Rayne”, “Postal” and “House of the Dead”. But before you go freaking out, Uwe has really stepped us his game in the last few years. “Assault on Wall Street” was easily his best film to date, which coincidentally also starred Dominic Purcell. The film is set in modern time, with Boll even hiring an Obama double to play the President. In the original, Sterling Hayden was the Sheriff and Frank Sinatra was the bad guy. In this film, Ray Liotta is the sheriff and Dominic Purcell is the bad guy. I was really impressed with this. Of course it doesn’t come anywhere near the original but it is fun to watch and I recommend you give it a chance.

Official Premise: Tod Shaw, a small-town cop, is a former Marine who lost his best friend in battle. Now unable to deal with the label war hero, he turns to alcoholism, which costs him his job. But after news hits that the President is coming through their town of Suddenly, he’s allowed to remain on duty- and it couldn’t come at a better time. Three assassins posing as Secret Service Agents have not only taken over his late friends’ home, but has also taken his family hostage and it will be up to Shaw to come to grip with his demons and save not only them, but the President of the United States.

I have always had a sweet spot for Uwe Boll’s film but this is definitely one of his best. It is well shot and packs some solid suspense. I think Boll got stuck in the idea that he can only do cheesy horror video game films but he really knows have to direct action quite well. The Blu-ray presentation works for the action in the film with a solid 1080p transfer and a decent DTS-HD Master Audio track. After speaking with Boll personally about this film, read our interview here, I would have loved to see some special features included, with perhaps a featurette or commentary track but here we are delivered a bare-bones Blu-ray release.

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Film Review “Getaway”

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Selena Gomez and Jon Voight
Directed by: Courtney Solomon
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hour 30 mins
Warner Brothers

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Christmastime in Bulgaria. While decorating the tree Leanne Magna (Rebecca Budig) hears a knock on the door. When she opens it she is pushed back inside, thrown around for good measure and taken away. Across town, her husband Brent (Hawke), a former professional race car driver, receives a call on his cell phone. The voice on the other side (Voight) tells him to steal a certain car from a certain location. Or his wife will die.

With more quick-cut editing then the entire Edgar Wright “Ice Cream Trilogy,” “Getaway” plays more like a live action video game then a film. From the moment Brent steals the car mentioned above, a sweet Shelby Super Snake Mustang, the action is non-stop from beginning to end. But, like a video game, there really isn’t much of a story. In a nutshell, the “voice” wants Brent to spend his night driving like a bat out of hell while eluding the local police authorities. Not an easy thing to do but “the Voice” insists. Every 15 minutes or so Brent is given a mission to complete. After one of them has been completed he is suddenly joined by the Kid (Gomez), a too smart for her own age smart aleck who claims the car Brent stole is hers. Seeing her in the car (the Voice has wired the interior of the car with cameras and microphones) he insists that Brent take her with him on his high speed demolition derby. The Kid said she had the car specially made so apparently she’s the one that told Ford not to put an air bag in it. The plot holes are huge, most notably one that the writers stole directly from “Speed.” Doubling that error is the fact that Brent and the Kid continue to speak out loud inside the car coming up with the next plan apparently unaware that the Voice is STILL listening and now knows what your plans are. And if you’re apparently the ONLY Shelby Snake Mustang in Bulgaria it might be a good idea not to drive it up and down the main drag of the city hoping to avoid attention.. The plot also makes sure that the Kid is a virtual “Rain Man” and by the time she reveals all she knows about the secrets of international banking I can only hope you make your “getaway” from the theatre.

On the positive side the film features some dynamite car chases filmed by apparently 10,000 cameras! I hope they use this process for the next “Fast and Furious” film. Of course, I also hope they don’t make another “Fast and Furious” film so we’ll have to see whose hopes are more important!

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Book Review “Deadly Heat” by Richard Castle

Author: Richard Castle
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: September 17, 2013

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Who loves ABC’s “Castle”, raise your hand! It is easily one of my favorite shows of all-time. It is also one of those shows that you are simply not able to turn off even repeat. This show has expanded well beyond just being a high-rated critically successful TV series to a New York Times Bestseller book series as well. “Richard Castle”, who is played by Nathan Fillion (“Firefly”) in the show, has created this continuing universe with the character Nikki Heat, which was spun off from the show itself. “Deadly Heat” is the fifth novel in series which focuses on NYPD homicide detective Nikki Heat and journalist Jameson Rook, based on the characters Castle and Beckett. You might wonder how long can they keep this going before it gets old but this series has never been hotter. I thought that “Frozen Heat” was a great title but it just seems to get better and better.

Official Premise: Determined to find justice for her mother, top NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat continues to pursue the elusive former CIA station chief who ordered her execution more than a decade ago. For the hunt, Nikki teams once again with her romantic partner, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Jameson Rook, and their quest for the old spy and the motive behind the past murder unearths an alarming terror plot, which is anything but ancient history. It is lethal. It is now. And it has already entered its countdown phase. Complicating Heat’s mission to bring the rogue spy to justice and thwart the looming terror event, a serial killer begins menacing the Twentieth Precinct, and her homicide squad is under pressure to stop him, and soon. Known for his chilling stealth, the diabolical murderer not only singles out Nikki as the exclusive recipient of his taunting messages, he names her as his next victim.

The book is such an easy read and if you are a fan of the show you will feel like you are playing out an episode in your head. The book is action-packed, thrilling, sexy and just plain fun. One thing I like about this series is that it does have continuity from the past books but you are still able to pick it up and read without having read the prior four books and can still enjoy. So get ready to laugh yet at the same time bite those nails as you race to turn the pages on this book. I would also be surprised if you are even able to put this book down, as I literally finished it in one sitting. It is just one of those that nothing could get my attention away from it while I was reading. I can’t wait to see what “Richard Castle” comes up with next in this Nikki Heat series and also I would hope to see more novels in the Derrick Storm series as well. The future seems very plentiful for this series.

Blu-ray Review “Golgo 13: Complete Collection”

Starring: Hiroshi Tachi
Director: Shunji Oga
Number of discs: 6
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Sentai Filmworks
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Run Time: 1250 minutes

Series: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 1 out of 5 stars

“Golgo 13” has been around since its manga days going back to 1969, which was written and illustrated by Takao Saito. I was first introduced to this series with “Golgo 13: The Professional”, which was released in 1983 and fell in love with it. “Golgo 13” currently shows no signs of slowing down as it is currently the oldest manga that still in publication today. This Blu-ray release including the complete collection of the TV series for “Golgo 13”, which was produced by The Answer Studio back in 2008-2009. There are 50 episodes in this series, so there is some substantial content here to be had. This is no OVA, so get ready for some action packed spy insanity. If you love this “Golgo 13” from the manga or past films, this series is a must! It is fun, kick-ass and a great addition to this brand!

Official Premise: His targets never see it coming and he’s never caught. If there’s a witness to the kill, that poor SOB winds up dead too. People say he’s a ghost. A machine. A monster. But he’s Golgo 13, the most feared assassin in the world, the professional’s professional, and the killer of killers. And now he’s back with 50 targeted missions that will keep you glued to the screen and away from the windows. Load up for high-powered, bullet-riddled action with Golgo 13.

Sentai Filmworks gave this show a great Blu-ray treatment. The episodes are sharp with it’s 1080p transfer and the animation looks very impressive. In the OVA from 1998, “Golgo 13: Queen Bee”, our lead is voiced by John DiMaggio (aka Finn the Dog from “Adventure Time” and Bender from “Futurama”). But in this series, he is voiced by David Wald who is a well-known voice actor for Funimation Entertainment and ADV Films but doesn’t deliver like DiMaggio. In fact, I have to admit if it was DiMaggio voicing Golgo, I would have favored the English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. But with this release, I would have to recommend the Japanese: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with Golgo voiced by Hiroshi Tachi, for this release no question.

In terms of special features, there really isn’t much here. There is a clean opening and closing animation, which is nice to see once but nothing worth wild really. I was hoping for perhaps a featurette on the voice recording for the English dub or even a commentary track. Besides that there is just some additional trailers for upcoming Sentai titles. But the real sell for me anyway on this release is having all 50 episodes on high-def Blu-ray, so it is worth the purchase for that alone.

Blu-ray Review “Love Is All You Need”

Actors: Trine Dyrholm, Pierce Brosnan
Directors: Susanne Bier
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 10, 2013
Run Time: 116 minutes

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

“All you need is love (all together, now!)
All you need is love (everybody!)
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need (love is all you need)”

No ones says it better than The Beatles, right? Although this film is unrelated to the film, I couldn’t help it but make the connection here. And also what is it about films set in Italy that make they so beautiful and very romantic? I am Italian, so I have grown up with a big Italian family but have never made the trip. Normally I am not a big “romantic comedy” fan but set in Italy, the city of love, I just couldn’t resist. I also have found a new found love for Brosnan since he rocked it hard on “Mamma Mia”. The film is well directed and well-acted. I recommend this for any couple to enjoy on a date night. It is a little cheesy but it will definitely score you point men! Take my word for it!

Official Premise: From Susanne Bier, director of the Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning film In A Better World (2011, Best Foreign Language Film) comes a romantic comedy set in Sorrento, Italy. Philip (Brosnan), an Englishman living in Denmark, is a middle-aged widower and estranged single father. Ida (Dyrholm) is a Danish hairdresser who’s just been left by her husband for a younger woman. The fates of these two souls are about to intertwine as they embark for a trip to Italy to attend the wedding of Patrick and Astrid, Philip’s son and Ida’s daughter. It’s a story about seeking love and having the courage to change your life – even when you think it’s too late.

Sony delivered an impressive Blu-ray release. The 1080p transfer really captures the beauty of the film’s surroundings and looks very sharp. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks works with what is it given, there is nothing special but it is clear for the dialogue. The special features are decent as well. I was excited to see that there was an audio commentary with Pierce Brosnan, as well as the director Susanne Bier. This makes for a great revisit to this film. There is a Q&A included with Pierce Brosnan, Trine Dyrholm, Susanne Bier & Anders Thomas Jensen. There are additional cast interviews from the 2012 Venice Film Festival and also a Behind-the-Scenes with Trine Dyrholm from Venice Film Festival 2012.

Film Review “Bad Milo!”

Starring: Ken Marino, Gillian Jacobs, Patrick Warburton, Mary Kay Place
Directed by: Jacob Vaughan
Distributed by: Magnolia Pictures
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 84 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of Ken Marino dating back to the early MTV days of “The State”. He is incredibly funny in everything that he has done since including “Wet Hot American Summer”, “Veronica Mars”, (one of my favs) “The Ten” – with the very quotable line “I was spoofing” and of course his most recent role in Adult Swim’s “Children’s Hospital”. In “Bad Milo!”, he gets to take the spotlight front and center. When I saw the poster for this film, I literally what “What the F*ck” and knew that I immediately had to see it. Not suprised after watching this film I had the exact same reaction. This was easily some of the most fun I have had watching a movie all year. It is a great blend of horror and comedy. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a good time. I see this become a cult classic for sure!

The film follow Duncan, whose life is really in the shitter…literally. He has a boss is taking advantage of him, not to mention trouble at home with his mom dating a much younger man and pressure from his wife to have start a family. Due to this his life is filled with stress and it is starting to take a turn on his body including extreme stomach pains. When he takes his wife’s suggestion to see a hypnotherapist, he discovers that his pain is actually a creature living in his ass. No you did not read that wrong, a creature lives in his ass. It comes out of Duncan when he is stressed and “takes care” of the people that aggravate him. Duncan attempts to understand why this is happening while at the same time trying to keep Milo’s (yes, he gets named) appetite at bay.

“Bad Milo!” features some quite impressive creature effects. I loved the look of Milo and thought that he was creepy yet he still kinda cute…is that weird since it is an alien that came out a guys ass? If I am not mistaken there is a little bit of digital effects as well but it is well-blended to not take over the creature effect. Besides Marino, the rest of the cast is also pretty awesome as well. Patrick Warburton (“Rules of Engagement”) is always fun at playing the douche bag and he does it quite well here as Duncan’s boss. Peter Stormare (“Fargo”) plays Duncan’s hypnotherapist and is a riot as well. If that is not enough, Stephen Root (“Office Space”) plays his stoner father with a secret of his own. I should just mention that as this film goes on it also gets stranger and stranger yet at the same time more fun, so sit back let go and just enjoy.

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Blu-ray Review “Sons of Anarchy: Season 5”

Starring: Ron Perlman, Katey Sagal, Kim Coates, Mark Boone, Jr., Charlie Hunnam, Maggie Siff
Creator: Kurt Sutter
Number of discs: 3
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Run Time: 917 minutes

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

I have to admit, I have not been a fan of “Sons of Anarchy” from day one. I came onto this show late but had a blast catching up with past seasons. Season five was easily the best season of the show, no question. It really took us all by surprise and keep you guessing where it was going to hit next. Sutter is really one kick-ass creator, he has a lot of love for this show and it shows with each episode. This Blu-ray releases comes stocked with some awesome extended episodes for our favorites from this season. This is easily are worth the purchase alone. At Media Mikes, this season we had the priviledge of casting with various of the cast members this season including Ashley Tisdale, Drea de Matteo, Harold Perrineau, Kurt Sutter, Ron Perlman and Attika 7’s Rusty Coones. Read all of them here. I cannot wait to see what Sutter has drummed up for the sixth season, which premieres on September 10th, 2013. This Blu-ray is a great way to hold you off until then!

Official Premise: From creator Kurt Sutter comes the adrenaline-charged Sons of Anarchy, featuring extended episodes and kicking into high gear with its biggest, most explosive season ever! As SAMCRO’s new president, Jax is surrounded by ruthless enemies and gut-wrenching betrayal. With Gemma ﬁghting for control of the family and a bloodthirsty Clay out for revenge, Jax ﬁnds himself haunted by the sins of his past. Alliances are forged, friends are murdered, and loyalties are put to the ultimate test. Now, with the truth in sight, Jax must do whatever it takes to secure the legacy of brotherhood and protect his family — even if it costs him everything.

20th Century Fox delivered a very impressive Blu-ray release. Each of the episodes are stunning with their 1080p transfer. It really captures the grittiness of the show. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which delivers in terms of the action, the music and the dialogue very well. The special features are just as impressive as the season itself. There are two commentary track included the first on the episode “Darthy” featuring Peter Weller and the second on “Sovereign” featuring Kurt Sutter, Paris Barclay, Katey Sagal, Maggie Siff and Dayton Callie. “Kurt Sutter: Creating Anarchy” gives us a up-close and personal look at the show with the creator himself. There is featurette on Charlie’s character “Opie Winston”. There is a Fan Concert at The Club House”, which is a fun feature that I would have loved to attend. Lastly there are tons of great deleted scenes scattered over the discs and a Gag Reel included.

Theatre Review “The Accomplice: The Village” New York City

I glance up and down the street surreptitiously, hoping that we haven’t been followed. My group is huddled behind me; they’re counting on me. Taking a deep breath, I duck inside the storefront and grab the hairspray bottle, before sprinting back outside to the rest of the group. We quickly walk the rest of the way down the road, trying our best to blend in with the NYC crowd.

I think I may have just gotten away with it.

My heist isn’t actually a heist at all, of course. It’s part of Accomplice: The Village- a show that is part theatre and part game; a bit of drama and a bit of spy-thriller; a walking tour and an escapade into the interactive theatre genre.

The day started out normally enough. I met up with a group of people in the West Village at a pre-determined destination that was told to me only one day prior. The group was a nice mix of local New York residents and tourists, and our tour guide began leading us through the streets, pointing out landmarks as we went along. Soon though, our placid tour group was involved in an epic mystery, with us needing to solve clues to get to the next step. Suddenly, we had a mission and a lively cast of characters (played by talented actors), answering our questions and perpetuating the story. Somehow, we had become accomplices.

The Accomplice operates two shows out of New York City- The Village, which runs through Greenwich Village, and New York, which runs through the downtown area. The show is currently in its ninth season and is the creation of Betsy and Tom Salamon. It runs approximately two and a half hours, and during that time participants will mostly be walking. Groups are limited to ten people, and the show operates rain or shine, running from late March to early November. Tickets are $65 and include drinks.

3D Blu-ray Review “Star Trek Into Darkness 3D”

Actors: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve, Simon Pegg
Directors: J.J. Abrams
Number of discs: 3
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: September 10, 2013
Run Time: 132 minutes

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

“Star Trek Into Darkness” was easily one of my most anticipated films of 2013. After finally seeing it and calming down, it became easily my favorite film of the film. I actually loved its 2009 predecessor and it improved upon it in nearly possible way. “Star Trek Into Darkness” is a great blend of aspects from both the original series and the feature film that introduced us to the franchise’s most memorable villain, KHAN! Sorry kind of a spoiler…but if you were going to see this film you would have seen it already. Did I mention Khannnnn!!!! yet? The film is action-packed to the brim with some of the best visuals I have seen in any film this year. How the rather dull “Iron Man 3” made more money than this just proves that despite how good the movie is, people tend to stear clear from “Star Trek” franchise. Highly recommended “Star Trek” fan or not!

Official Premise: When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew

I have to admit, I am not the biggest Chris Pine fan. He does a great job playing Captain Kirk though with that arrogant persona. Zachary Quinto was fantastic in this film. Even though Vulcan’s aright suppose to show emotions, his character really had a lot of depth and his performance was spot on. what can I say about Zoe Saldana, except she is completely bad-ass. Benedict Cumberbatch played a fantastic Khan, hard to compare to Ricardo Montalbán but he is damn good. What a reveal too! J.J. kept going back and forth that I was never 100% sure. Alice Eve was a great addition to the cast as well and she like Zoe is not hurting on the eyes. Lastly and easily my favorite character in this new series is Simon Pegg playing Scotty. His role in this film was just amazing, everything from the rants and raves to the red shirt joke. Priceless.

Paramount delivered an all-star Blu-ray presentation with this release. The combo pack included a Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy and UltraViolet. So we get all the grounds covered here. The 1080p transfer is easily up there as one of the best for a Blu-ray release this year. Let’s get to the 3D aspect of this film now, it is good but it also isn’t really required to enjoy the film. It adds some good depth to certain scenes, like the volcano scene, warp speeds and the final battle but other than that it is a little idle in between. The film itself wasn’t shot in native 3D instead it was converted in post production. So luckily though the conversation to 3D doesn’t hurt the film, I just wouldn’t really care less if I was watching it in either format, which just adds to the fact of how amazing this film is. The Dolby TrueHD 7.1 is just as epic as the film itself. I loved Michael Giacchino’s score as well, which really delivers the true meaning of what a “Star Trek” film should sounds like. A+ guys!

The slight downfall of this releases comes within the film’s special features, or lack there of in terms of “blow-you-away extras”. There are a eight short yet still sweet featurettes included. There are no extras presented in 3D either. The featurettes include “Creating the Red Planet” talks about shooting in Hawaii and creating Nibiru and of course the volcano set. “Attack on Starfleet” looks into the film’s crucial scene and epic finale. “The Klingon Home World” looks into the incorporating of the Klingons. “The Enemy of My Enemy” looks into everything behind the villain Khan. “Ship to Ship” looks into this amazing sequences, from pre-viz to final scene. “Brawl by the Bay” chats with Zachary Quinto on the intense scene. The last two extras “Continuing the Mission” and “The Mission Continues” can be skipped all together.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 3d, bluray, darkness, review, star, trek, ...

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