Blu-ray Review “Mama”

Actors: Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Megan Charpentier, Isabelle Nelisse, Daniel Kash
Directors: Andy Muschietti
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Universal Studios
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Running Time: 100 minutes

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

Guillermo del Toro is producing a horror film? Where do I sign up? His past films that he has served as a producer such as “The Orphanage” and “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” have turned out quite well. “Mama” starts off with some decent scares and a nice setup but falls into a rut and loses its originality quickly. The film also takes a page from “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” that I was not a fan of and that is DON’T SHOW THE CREATURE SO MUCH! I thought it was creepy as hell seeing the ghost’s hair in the trailer but then if you shot the CGI ghost every time it doesn’t stay creepy and scary anymore. If you like del Toro’s films then I would recommend at least checking it out. Plus you can’t go wrong looking at Jessica Chastain for 100 minutes. I would call “Mama” a one-time watcher.

Official Premise: Guillermo del Toro, the Academy Award-nominated writer of Pan’s Labyrinth, presents this supernatural thriller that tells the haunting tale of two little girls who disappeared into the woods the day that their parents were killed. When the young sisters are found alive in a decrepit cabin, their uncle (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Game of Thrones) and his girlfriend (Oscarr nominee Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty) take them in. As they try to introduce the children to a normal life, Annabel (Chastain) begins to wonder if the traumatized girls are the only guests they have welcomed into their home.

Unviersal is known for delivering some impressive Blu-ray presentations and they deliver for sure on “Mama”. Within the two-disc combo pack we get a Blu-ray and DVD disc, along with an iTunes digital copy and an Ultraviolet digital streaming copy. The 1080p transfer is impressive for the horror film and holds up in the very dark settings. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track does a great job in terms of a horror film. It works with the suspense and gets a few good jumps as well.

The special features are what I like to call short but sweet. There is an informative audio commentary track from director/co-writer Andy Muschietti and producer/co-writer Barbara Muschietti. They feel very passionate about the film and it sure shows. There is the original short that inspired Guillermo del Toro to develop the big screen adaptation. This also includes an optional commentary with the Muschietti’s. “The Birth of Mama” is a nice behind-the-scenes look into the film with interviews with del Toro, and other key members. “Matriarchal Secrets: The Visual Effects of Mama” is a look into the blend of practical and CG effects. Lastly there are six deleted scenes with optional commentary, which run about eight minutes and are worth checking out.

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Book Review “Star Wars Storyboards: The Prequel Trilogy”

Author: J. W. Rinzler
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Abrams
Release Date: May 14, 2013

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I don’t know any other way to start this review but noting that it has J. W. Rinzler behind it. Right away that is an instant score for me. He is the executive editor at Lucasfilm Ltd. and the the author of many of my favorite “Star Wars” books including “The Making of Star Wars & “The Empire Strikes Back” and the recent “Star Wars: Blue Prints”. I know that the “Star Wars” universe will be well-represented if it is in his hands. That is definitely the case with “Star Wars Storyboards: The Prequel Trilogy”. I am not a super big fan of the prequel trilogy but I am huge fan of conceptual storyboards and artwork for films.

This book marks the first time that Lucasfilm has opened up the doors to its archives in order to present this collection of storyboards from Episodes I, II and III. The book itself includes the best-of storyboards from the three films complied into one volume and is accompanied with the scripts excerpts from the scenes shown. If you are a fan of “Star Wars”, this is a great way to really get a new perspective on these three films.  You will also really get a chance to see how these storyboards assisted in the creation of the Prequel Trilogy. Did I also mention that there were 1200 illustrations in the book spread out over the 350+ pages. Also I just want to through it out there since this book focuses on the Prequel Trilogy, I hope that there is a second volume in the works for Episode IV through VI.  Just sayin’ 😉

So if you are a hardcore “Star Wars” fan like myself, you are going to jump at the chance, fan of this trilogy or not, to see early takes on favorite scenes, alternate looks, unused approaches to character designs and environments and completely different approaches to key moments. When I first flipped through this book, I was “Alright cool, it is the prequels presented in storyboards”.  But upon a closer look there is so much more that will have you literally examining this book very closely to be sure not to miss a detail. Like I mentioned I am a fan of J. W. Rinzler’s works, so I will be awaiting the upcoming release of “The Making of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi”, this October very highly! Keep me coming J. W. and Lucasfilm!

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Blu-ray Review “Deadly Sea Creatures: 2-Headed Shark Attack / 2010: Moby Dick / Mega Shark Vs Crocosaurus”

Starring: Jaleel White, Carmen Electra, Charlie O’Connell, Barry Bostwick
Distributed by: Asylum Home Entertainment
Running Time 264 min
MPAA Rating: Not rated
Release Date: Feb 19, 2013

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Here is the thing about these films…they are very bad but so bad they are good. Yes these are all fun films. “2-Headed Shark Attack”, well has a two headed shark and that is cool enough for me. Please it has Carmen Electra, Charlie O’Connell and Brooke Hogan in the lead. “2010: Moby Dick” is a riot and Barry Bostwick is a riot in the film. Lastly we have Jaleel White in “Mega Shark Vs Crocosaurus”. The film is a follow up to the amazing “Mega Shark Vs Giant Octopus”. I mean where else can you see a giant croc eat Shamu at SeaWorld? There is tons of fun to be had here with this 3-Pack if you are up for it.

“2-Headed Shark Attack” Official Premise: A Semester at Sea ship is sunk by a two-headed shark, and the survivors escape to a deserted atoll. When it starts flooding, the coeds are no longer safe from the jaws of the monster. “2010: Moby Dick” Official Premise: A modern adaptation of the classic novel of the captain of a high tech submarine and his obsessive quest to destroy the enormous prehistoric whale that maimed him. “Mega Shark Vs Crocosaurus” Official Premise: The massive prehistoric shark has survived the last battle, and the world is again threatened when a new, more dangerous foe is discovered in the jungles of Africa.

This 3-Pack marks the first time that “2010: Moby Dick” and “Mega Shark Vs Crocosaurus” are being released on Blu-ray. I have to admit, I am glad to get a chance to own them but I would have preferred to have individual releases especially for “Mega Shark Vs Crocosaurus”. The main issue with this release is that all three films are all compressed onto one 25GB Blu-ray. The bitrates are a low for a Blu-ray quality and they do not look the greatest with their 1080p transfers. The audio tracks are also only Dolby Digital 5.1, which to me is not even Blu-ray standard.

So why am I still recommending this release? Since if you know Asylum Home Entertainment, if you’ve seen their past release then you should know that they are not always quality. But still they are fun films are since this is currently the only way to own two of the three films, I am down for this sub-par release.  I will keep my hopes up that they will produce individual releases in the near future.

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Blu-ray Review “Crimewave”

Actors: Louise Lasser, Brion James, Bruce Campbell, Paul L. Smith
Directors: Sam Raimi
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: May 14, 2013
Run Time: 86 minutes

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

“Crimewave” is one of the lesser known film in Sam Raimi’s filmography.  This is the first time that this film has been released on DVD and Blu-ray, thanks to Shout! Factory.  The film has developed quite the cult following over the years due to the fact that it was not only directed by Raimi but also co-written by Ethan and Joel Coen and also co-stars Bruce Campbell. The film is very over-the-top campy and slap stick filled. It hasn’t really held up over the years but fans of Coen Brothers, Raimi and Campbell will enjoy seeing this film getting a little respect finally.

Official Premise: In a slapstick spoof of hitmen and crime stories, the head of a security systems company is bumped off by two gonzo exterminators who have gone from stomping out pesky varmints to stomping out human targets. The exterminators go after the partner who hired them and his blatantly obnoxious wife (Louise Lasser) and, in the meantime, frame a poor security guard (Reed Birney) for the murder of the company boss.

Shout! Factory has delivered a decent 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. This film has not had a great track record in terms of releases, so the film elements that were used for this transfer don’t look too bad.  The film does do look a little aged but it’s not the worst transfer that I have ever seen and seems to play to the tone of the film itself. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track works for the most part and keeps the dialogue and score clear.

The special features are not stunning but I am sucker for anything with Bruce Campbell.  He gives a fantastic audio commentary track along with Michael Felsher, who produced the supplements for the Blu- ray. Let me tell you it is more fun than watching the film by itself.  “The Crimewave Meter with Bruce Campbell” is a new interview with Bruce Campbell about this troubled production. “Made in Detroit with Edward Pressman is a chat with the film’s producer. “Leading Man with Reed Birney” is a chat with the actor about the film and his career. Lastly, there is an Alternate Title Sequence, Photo Gallery and Trailer included.

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Blu-ray Review “The Burning”

Actors: Brian Matthews, Leah Ayres, Jason Alexander, Lou David, Shelley Bruce
Directors: Tony Maylam
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Run Time: 91 minutes

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

“The Burning” is probably either one of your favorite horror films or it is one of those that you have heard about but never seen.  The later was the case for me, I have known about this film forever and never saw it until it aired on a (long gone) TV station called “Monsters HD” years ago. The film is gory, cheesy and a must watch for any fan of horror. Be sure to keep an eye out for early roles from Fisher Stevens (“Hackers”), Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”) and Holly Hunter (“The Piano”). The film wasn’t even given a proper DVD release until 2011. Thanks to Shout! Factory sister label, Scream Factory, we get this beautiful Blu-ray release that is going to leave hardcore horror fans very satisfied.

Official Premise: After a cruel joke goes awry, severely burning him and subjecting him to five years of intensive, unsuccessful skin graft treatments, Cropsy (Lou David) is back at camp…and ready to wreak havoc on those who scarred him! With his hedge clippers in hand, he terrorizes the camp and systematically mutilates each victim. Can a few courageous campers save themselves and destroy this demented madman before he kills them all?

This Collector’s Edition Blu-ray + DVD combo pack comes with reversible cover art.  You can either have Nathan Thomas Milliner’s amazing new artwork or if you prefer the original theatrical artwork you can just reverse the insert and BOOM! The 1080p transfer on the Blu-ray looks good for a film that is over 30 years old.  It is presented with an aspect ratio of 1.85: 1.  I was very impressed with this transfer, especially gives props to Tom Savini’s impressive special make-up and effects. The audio track included in a decent DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track.  It is not stunning but works for the film, especially scores with Rick Wakeman amazing score!

The special features are damn impressive as well.  Shout! Factory really delivers for the fans here.  There are two audio commentary tracks.  The first is with with Director Tony Maylam and International Film Journalist Alan Jones and the second is with stars Shelley Bruce and Bonnie Deroski.  Fans should enjoy both.  The first is more technical, while the second is more rehashing, but still fun.  “Blood ‘n’ Fire Memories” is a look into Tom Savini’s make-up effects. “Slash & Cut” is an interview with editor Jack Sholder. “Cropsy Speaks” is an interview with Lou David.  “Summer Camp Nightmare” is an interview with actress Leah Ayres. There is some retro Behind-the-Scenes Footage.  Lastly wrapping up the extras is the Theatrical Trailer and a Make-Up Effects/Poster Still Gallery.

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Blu-ray Review “The Dick Van Dyke Show: The Complete Second Season”

Actors: Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Carl Reiner
Directors: Alan Rafkin, Jerry Paris, John Rich
Number of discs: 3
Rated: Unrated
Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Run Time: 800 minutes

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

I think I can literally watch “The Dick Van Dyke Show” every single day for the rest of my life…over and over. This show makes me laugh consistently every time it is on. Image released The Complete Series on Blu-ray for “The Dick Van Dyke Show” last November and it was such a wonderful job for a show that is now over 50 years old. Since then they have been releasing each season, which has been a great way for fans to grab their favorite episodes without needing the whole series. Season two is where this show really gets its legs and deliver some of the best episodes including “The Attempted Marriage” and “It May Look Like a Walnut”. It is also the last season before Carl Reiner stepped back mostly from the writers chair. If you are a fan of the show this is a must purchase and a really Blu-ray treat, thanks to Image Entertainment.

Official Premise: “The Dick Van Dyke Show” truly found its niche in its second season, rapidly climbing to ninth place in the Nielson ratings. Millions across the country tuned in weekly for the fun with comedy writer Rob Petrie (Dick Van Dyke) on the job with his wisecracking co-workers (Morey Amsterdam, Rose Marie) and at home with his lovely wife, Laura (Mary Tyler Moore). Now enjoy all 33 of the season’s hilarious episodes in spectacular high-definition!

Image has given a lot of love to this show and has released this episode on Blu-ray with all-new scans from the camera negatives. The 1080p transfer just look stunning. The original source elements have held up very well and really don’t show their age at all. I have been films shot today, released on Blu-ray and look 10 times worse than this 50 year old show does. The DTS-HD MA 1.0 audio track is a simple soundtrack for a simple show. There not much needed here this show and it works perfectly. The episodes were mostly taped with a studio audience and the laughing is balanced well with the snappy jokes and dialogue.

There are some new Blu-ray exclusive special features. First, we have an Anti-Smoking PSA Radio Spot featuring Dick Van Dyke, “Kick the Habit”. Always interesting to see these old spots especially since the show was sponsored by cigarette companies. “It May Look Like a Walnut” Color Test is was trial on bringing color to one of the show most famous episodes. “Safety Council Reel” is a bunch of PSAs on safe driving. Lastly there is Dick Van Dyke’s appearance on “The Danny Kaye Show”. It is a must watch for any fan of either actor.

The rest of the season features are roll-overs from past DVD releases but are still fantastic. There are commentary tracks from Carl Reiner and Dick Van Dyke on episodes 34 (The Attempted Marriage) and episode 37 (My Husband Is Not a Drunk). There are also tracks on Episode 41 (A Bird in the Head Hurts) and Episode 53 (All About Eavesdropping) with Rose Marie, Larry Mathews and Ann Morgan Guilbert. There are “Episode Photos” throughout all three discs for episodes 27 out of the 33 episodes. There are also commercials/promos included on 21 episodes for product including Dash, Joy and Kent cigarettes.

Other extras include featurettes on disc 1: “Remembering the Ottoman”, “Remembering Rob and Laura”, “Remembering Buddy and Sally”, “Remembering the Bank Book” (about episode 33), “Remembering the Woodpecker” (episode 41), which look back at these episodes and the characters. Also there is a look into the show’s Emmy Awards® (1962-1963). Disc 2 contains more featurettes on “Remembering Dick’s Sneezing (episode 42)” and “Remembering Jerry Paris (episode 43)”. There is a also the making of one of my favorite episodes “It May Look Like a Walnut (episode 51)”. Lastly disc three has one more featurette: for “Remembering “Oh, Rob”.

 

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DVD Review “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Quest for the Crystal Mickey”

Voices of Bret Iwan, Russi Taylor, Bill Farmer, Tony Anselmo and Tress MacNeille
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: May 21, 2013
MPAA Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 126 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I first saw the commercials of “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Quest for the Crystal Mickey”, I laughed at loud since I am a huge fan of Indiana Jones.  I thought that this was a super cute idea both for the kiddies and also their parents. The episode is very clever and includes at a lot of great odes to the adventure genre.  Mickey Mouse takes the role of Kansas City Mickey as he and his friends chase down Plunderin’ Pete ( I just love that name BTW). There is some great music included as well. That darn theme song for Kansas City Mickey has been stuck in my head.  Like with all episodes of “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”, there is also some great morals and lessons learned through the show. This is a must have for any fan!

Official Synopsis: Join Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and all their pals in the newest Clubhouse crusade. When the legendary Crystal Mickey goes missing, Mickey and friends go on an adventure to save the Clubhouse from losing its magic. Grab your hat, buckle your seatbelt, and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest for the Crystal Mickey!” There’s no time to lose after greedy Plunderin’ Pete snatches the legendary Crystal Mickey statue from the Clubhouse. Without this sparkly statue’s magic, the Clubhouse will disappear forever! Can the world’s most extraordinary hero “Kansas City Mickey,” get the magical statue back in time? Only with help from young viewers at home…and the right Mouseketools can Mickey journey across the Sandy Desert, brave the Rushing River and make his way through the Hidden Jungle. But watch out for Pete’s trickiest traps!

I have seen some places note that this DVD also comes with “Mickey’s Treasure Map Game with Stickers but that was not included with my package, so I am not sure if it is still happening. What is included though as a bonus are some great episodes of the show for kids (and their parents) besides “The Quest for the Crystal Mickey”. The additional episodes are “Donald Of The Desert,” “Donald The Genie,” “Goofy’s Coconutty Monkey,” and “Goofy’s Giant Adventure.” They stick with the theme of the adventure like “Crystal Mickey” and are really fun episodes.  I mean who doesn’t love to call out for Toodles or doung the Hot Dog dance! Parents you know you do! BTW if you don’t have kids you are probably shaking you head right now but trust me they are catchy and you WILL be doing the same thing if you watch this show every single day!  So fans of Disney Junior and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”, this is another great release and I highly recommend it!

 

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DVD Review “Beetlejuice: The Complete Series”

Voices of: Stephen Ouimette, Alyson Court, Elizabeth Hanna, Roger Dunn
Created by: Tim Burton
Directed by: Robin Budd
Number of discs: 12
Studio: Shout! Factory
DVD Release Date: May 28, 2013
Run Time: 2160 minutes

Series: 5 out of 5 stars
DVD Release: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Though I know I should be wary, Still I venture someplace scary; Ghostly hauntings I turn loose… Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice!

It’s Showtime! I absolutely love “Beetlejuice”! I grew up watching the film, which scared me as a kid. Which then led me to race home each day from school to enjoy the animated series as well. The show had a different tone than the film but was and has been one of my favorites. This is the first time that the animated series has ever made it onto DVD as a complete series, thanks to Shout! Factory. There were three episodes, “A-Ha”; “Skeletons In The Closet” and “Spooky Boo-tique”, included on the 20th Anniversary DVD of the film. It was enough to get our mouth watering but left us wanting more. Well we finally get our prayers answered here but it is not the ultimate release that I was hoping for.

Official Premise: This quirky series was based on the highly popular 1988 Tim Burton film of the same name. Beetlejuice: The Complete Series features the escapades of Lydia Deetz, a teenage goth girl with a love of all things macabre, and her best friend Beetlejuice, an undead, bug-eating prankster from the Netherworld. The only way Beetlejuice can visit the Outerworld (also know as the town of Peaceful Pines) is when his name is repeated three times, but unfortunately for him that is the same way to send him back!

This Saturday morning cult favorite cartoon has been long-awaited on DVD. This release features all 94 episodes in a 12 DVD box set and is available only from Amazon.com. When revisiting this show for the first time in years, it is better than ever and I enjoyed it still like when I was a kid.  In fact, I actually enjoyed it more with its witty dialogue, tongue-in cheek humor and satire-filled plots.  There were so many great nods to the horror genre. I also forgot how short the first three seasons were while the show was on ABC Saturday mornings.  The first was only 13 episodes and the second and third were 8 each.  When the show switched to Fox Kids, they really gave the series some life with 65 episodes in the fourth season.

The release itself was a bit of a let-down though.  Firstly there are no special features at all included.  I was hoping for something…anything for us fans to dig into but was left unsatisfied.  The slipcase is a little bit flimsy and feels cheap.  The episodes are spaced out in three DVD cases separated with Seasons One, Two & Three in one case and Season Four Part 1 & 2 in the other two. It is great to see the episodes again but they don’t look the greatest. They look like that are from the early 90’s, which they are obviously but I was hoping that Shout! would have done a little bit to restore some of the quality. In fact, some of the episodes actually even look downright blurry. But at least we finally have the complete series right?

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3D Blu-ray Review “Texas Chainsaw”

Directed by: John Luessenhop
Starring: Alexandra Daddario, Dan Yeager, Tremaine Neverson, Tania Raymonde, Thom Barry, Paul Rae
MPAA Rating: R
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Release Date: May 14, 2013
Running time: 92 minutes

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

There is something about Leatherface that makes him such a great horror icons. “Texas Chainsaw 3D” is a direct sequel to the original 1974 film and literally picks up in the same day after the original’s events. The ending film’s is weakest point, so I was hoping for a director’s cut to fix that. Oh well, the film has it problems but it is overall a fun time to watch. The 3D effects are used to add extra “Chainsaw-in-your-face” but doesn’t really add much depth and only works in terms of gags. Fans of the series will enjoy the return of series stars including Bill Moseley, Gunnar Hansen and Marilyn Burns. If you are a fan the Leatherface series, then this is worth checking out…just expect tongue-in-cheek.

Official Synopsis: In Newt, Texas, people have been going missing without a trace for decades. Years later and hundreds of miles away from the original massacre, a young girl named Heather (Daddario) discovers that she has inherited a sprawling Texas estate from an unknown grandmother. To claim her estate, Heather goes on a road trip with her friends to Newt, but soon learns that wealth comes at a price when she discovers the horror that waits in the cellar of her new mansion.

The Blu-ray release is titled “Texas Chainsaw” but does still features both the 3D and 2D presentations of the film. The 1080p transfer looks very sharp and works well with the 3D presentation. I am very impressed with the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track but I would have loved to see a bit more scares in the film to fully take advantage of it. But there is still a lot of rip-roaring chainsaws sawing by you ears. There is also an UltraViolet digital streaming copy included.

The special features are impressive and worth checking out if you enjoyed the film. There are two audio commentaries track. The first is with producer Carl Mazzocone and Tobe Hooper, who is the director of the first “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”. This is a very interesting track and a must listen for any fan. I was excited to hear what Hooper has to say about the film. The second track is with the returning cast from past “Chainsaw” films including Bill Moseley, Gunnar Hansen, Marilyn Burns and John Dugan. This is a fun track with the cast.

“Texas Chainsaw Legacy” is a trip through the 40-year legacy of this series. A must watch for any fan. “Resurrecting the Saw” features director John Luessenhop, producer Carl Mazzocone and writers Adam Marcus, Debra Sullivan, Kirsten Elms and Stephen Susco talking about reviving this series (again). “The Old Homestead” is feature on re-creating the location from the first film. “Casting Terror” is a chat with the new cast of the film. “Leatherface 2013” is an interview with the new Leatherface actor Dan Yeager. “Lights, Camera, Mayhem” is a look into filming in 3D with DP Anastas Michos. “It’s in the Meat” is a look into the special make-up effects with make-up effects supervisor Robert Kurtzman and his team. Lastly there are “On-Set Short Subjects: Five Minute Massacres”, which are fun bumps into the production.

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DVD Review “My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic: Season Two”

Actors: Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball, Tabitha St. Germain
Directors: Jayson Thiessen
Number of discs: 4
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: May 14, 2013
Run Time: 570 minutes

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

Season two is a very important season for “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic”. If you are not aware but this show is a cultural phenomenon. After the first season of this show, it developed quite the following and it wasn’t just little girls. Bronies formed, which are male fans of “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic”. There has been conventions like BronyCon and this show has really exploded and became very popular. It is also the last season that was under Lauren Faust as the creative director and executive producer for the show.  I see why people enjoy this show and I am sure that my daughter will love this show as she grows up.

Official Premise: The studious Twilight Sparkle may have learned the true meaning and value of friendship through the amazing bonds she’s formed with every pony in Ponyville, but the lessons keep on coming! Join Twilight Sparkle and her friends – Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and little Spike – as they embark on one crazy adventure after another, leading to the greatest wedding Equestria’s ever seen. And you’re invited!

Shout! Factory has been behind this series since day one and has delivered great releases. I would have love to see this show get a nice Blu-ray release though since it is very colorful and is already shot for HD. The special features included on this season are decent but nothing amazing. There is a live stage reading for “Hearth’s Warming Eve”. There is the cast panel from San Diego Comic-Con 2012. Lastly there are sing-alongs for the kids and downloadable coloring sheets included. I would have loved to seen more focus on the fan base and on the production side but hardcore fans should still enjoy what is here.

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Film Review “Iron Man 3”

Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle
Directed by: Shane Black
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hours 10 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Bern, Switzerland. December 31, 1999. As the clock prepares to chime midnight to welcome in the new century Tony Stark is trying his best to occupy the time of a fellow scientist. A beautiful fellow scientist. As they make their way towards an elevator they are met by a quiet, disheveled man who introduces himself as Aldrich Killian. He extends his business card but the one-track minded Stark tells him to meet him on the roof in five minutes. Needless to say, he watches the Y2K fireworks alone.

Present day. While Stark spends his days in his workshop building new versions of his “Iron Man” suit (he’s currently on number 42), his former assistant/now love interest Pepper Potts is running things at Stark Industries. She is assisted by an overzealous Happy (Jon Favreau), Starks one-time bodyguard since promoted to head of security. Happy has an eye on a suspicious character loitering in the lobby (James Badge Dale). The gentleman is accompanying the tall, handsome stranger now talking with Pepper. Aldrich Killian.

Has it only been five years since “Iron Man” took flight and launched one of the most popular, both financially and critically, series of films ever made? In this version we find a Tony Stark who isn’t as cool and confidant as he was in the past. Due to the events featured in last summer’s “The Avengers” Stark is having the occasional nightmare. And panic attacks. And at a most inopportune time. It seems our government has drawn the raft of a terrorist who calls himself the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley in what should be an Oscar nominated performance). With Iron Man on hiatus, it’s up to Colonel James Rhodes to put on his War Machine suit in order to protect the President (William Sadler), though in a new patriotic spirit War Machine is now known as the Iron Patriot. When a series of executions and bombings begin to threaten the country Stark decides he needs to get back in the battle.

Packed with virtually non-stop action from start to finish, “Iron Man 3” is the best film in the “Iron Man” series and among the best Marvel-inspired films ever, thanks to a top-notch cast, an almost flawless script and one of the most surprising directing jobs I’ve ever seen. With the exception of a previous working relationship with Downey, who he directed in his debut film “Kiss Bang,” I could not understand how Shane Black was hired to direct this film. Black, creator of the “Lethal Weapon” series as well as such testosterone-fueled films as “The Last Boyscout” and “The Long Kiss Goodnight,” takes the reins from previous director (and now co-star) Favreau and gallops away with a film that excites and still packs a punch emotionally.

Downey, who pretty much invented the present day loveable smart ass, gives the film it’s emotional weight. As the Mandarin’s attacks get closer and closer to he and those he loves, Stark must react as only he can. As Pepper, Paltrow is much more than a minor character here and she runs with the new importance her character is afforded. Pearce is also strong in a role 180 degrees from anything he’s ever done before. Even though it’s been 30 years since Kingsley won an Oscar (for “Gandhi”) he continues to turn in outstanding work at a time in his career when others in his position are playing kindly grandfathers. As he approaches 70 Kingsley shows he’s got a few more surprises up his sleeve. The supporting cast (Sadler, Cheadle) really don’t have enough to do (the majority of Cheadle’s screen time is with his face obscured in the Iron Patriot suit) but that’s not the fault of either actor. The action sequences are entertaining as hell, with Black pulling off one of the greatest action sequences ever put on film, one that had the audience cheering when it was over. With the Boston Marathon bombing only a few weeks behind us, there is a chilling feel to the film, especially after one unaccompanied bomb kills everyone within a few yards of it. And, like the majority of the Marvel universe films, sit back and wait until the film ends to catch a little extra goodie or two after the credits.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 3, film, iron, man, review

CD Review “Evil Dead: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – Deluxe Extended Edition”

Composer: Roque Baños
Label: La-La Land Records
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Tracks: 17
Running Time: 72 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When it comes horror the scores to me are very important. Without a great score, the film could suffer from missed scare opportunities. For example, the score for the film “Insidious”, by the amazingly talented Joseph Bishara, is one of my favorite horror scores. When it came to the original “Evil Dead”, I was never a die-hard fan of the original score. The films, hell yes, but the score wasn’t too recognizable for me. Well what we get here is easily one of the best horror scores in recent years. It is also the first time in a long time that I have literally jumped when listening to a score and I am not shitting you. Whether or not you like remake, this score should be given as chance since it is fresh, original and very scary.

After listening to this score, I immediately wanted to know more about composer Roque Baños, since I wasn’t that familiar. He has composed for the film “The Machinist”, starring Christian Bale. He is now on my radar since he has created a very thrilling rollercoaster ride of a horror score and delivered something that is worthy have the title “Evil Dead”. Also I wanted to point out that if you have downloaded the CD digitally you are missing out since the actual CD release contains more than 25 additional minutes of music and it definitely worth it. This CD is over 70 minutes and one hell of a listening experience. I felt like that I needed to take a nap…but with the lights on.

The album starts off with a killer opener “I’ll Rip Out Your Soul”, which really gets your attention. I am not embarrassed to say it but it also made my ass jump off my chair when I was listening. In fact just from that I knew that I was going to be in love with the rest of the score. I love the use of sirens throughout as well, it is very scary and reminds me a lot of “Silent Hill”. There is also a lot of chanting, which always adds some great demonic feeling. “Get Me Out of Here” is another one of my favorite tracks. I could listen to it on loop for sure. “Abominations Rising” is gut wrenching and running at 7 minutes is what an exhausting track.

After listening to this score a few times and really getting into it. I also couldn’t help relating to the horror scores of Christopher Young as well. His score to “Drag Me to Hell” has a similar feel, which was also one of my favorites in recent years. But I have to admit that “Evil Dead” takes the cake and kicks that score in the balls. There are some many parts that will have you cringing since it is so intense, angry and loud. I can’t wait to see what Baños comes up with next since he now one of my favorite composers. And I owe him a thank you for giving me the need to sleep with the lights on.

Track Listing:
1. I’ll Rip Your Soul Out 4:50
2. Sad Memories 5:21
3. Don’t Say It, Don’t Write It, Don’t Hear It 4:42
4. Demon Possession (Extended) 4:21
5. Get Me Out Of Here 5:24
6. She Tried To Kill Me 2:31
7. He Won’t Let You Out 2:45
8. Bloody Kiss 2:23
9. Three Ways Of Saving Her Soul 4:02
10. Natalie Hunting 5:34
11. I’ll Do What I Gotta Do (Extended) 8:42
12. Come Back To Me 3:02
13. He’s Coming 3:21
14. Abominations Rising 6:58
15. The Pendant / Evil Tango 3:21
16. The Evil Dead Main Theme 1:41
17. Come Back To Me (Alternate) 2:01

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, dead, evil, motion, original, picture, ...

Blu-ray Review “Cloud Atlas”

Actors: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess
Directors: Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: May 14, 2013
Running Time: 172 minutes

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

I had the privilege of having a friend that worked on this production, so I heard about this film quite a bit before it was released. I have been a fan of The Wachowski’s since “The Matrix” and the same goes for Tom Tykwer (“Run Lola Run”), who is a very talented director (and composer). “Cloud Atlas” is based on the best-selling novel of the same name written by David Mitchell. The book was sad to be quite unfilmable since it is so epic and contains numerous stories that are all connected together. But thanks to the persistence of these directors this film was brought to life and is absolutely stunning. In fact, “Cloud Atlas” was my favorite film of 2012, if not also for the last few years overall. It is thought provoking and has many deeper lying themes throughout that makes it sticks with you long after you have watched it. In fact, I have literally seen this film probably around 20 times now (obsessed much?) and I can honestly say that it gets better with each viewing.

Official Premise: Future. Present. Past. Everything is connected. An exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.The story is a time-shifting weave of six interlinking narratives, with diverse settings from the savagery of a Pacific Island in the 1850s to a dystopian Korea of the near future.

This film packs one of the years best cast lead by Academy Award® winners Tom Hanks and Halle Berry.  There are also great performances from Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Ben Whishaw, James D’Arcy, Xun Zhou, Keith David, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon and Hugh Grant. There are six narratives in the film, spanning from “The Pacific Journal of Adam Ewing” (1849), “Letters from Zedelghem” (1936), “Half-Lives: The First Luisa Rey Mystery” (1973), “The Ghastly Ordeal of Timothy Cavendish” (2012), “An Orison of Sonmi~451” (2144), “Sloosha’s Crossin’ an’ Ev’rythin’ After” (2321). Throughout these stories, each of the cast takes on various roles. Some of transformations even go as far as striking them completely unrecognizable. Click here for a great infographic for more details into which actor plays which roles.

The film running just shy of three hours but every minute is better than the next. I have trouble watching some films that are under 90 minutes and this one literally flies.  You become completely transported into this these various stories. It maybe seem confusing at first once you get to meet these characters it is impossible not to get intertwined along with these stories. They are also carried perfectly by Tom Tykwer, Johnny Klimek and Reinhold Heil mesmerizing score. I have been listening to this score for months and it has been stuck in my head. I even had the chance to chat with Reinhold Heil about the score, click here to check it out. Did I mention that this is one of the best scores that I have ever heard 😉

Warner Bros delivered a very impressive combo pack.  The release comes with a Blu-ray and DVD discs with the film. Also included is an UltraViolet digital copy, which allows you to download and instantly stream the film to devices including computers and compatible tablets, smartphones, game consoles etc. The 1080p transfer on this Blu-ray looks stunning with its aspect ratio of 2.39:1. I would have loved to see this film when it was released in IMAX, I am sure it was stunning.  The video is matched with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 audio track, which is quite flawless.  I would have loved to see them give this a 7.1 treatment but it is still amazing, especially with the film’s action and score.

The special features are great but I am a little disappointed that there is no commentary tracks included. First off we have “A Film Like No Other”, which looks into how this visual masterpiece came together with it’s three directors. “Everything is Connected” features the cast and crew as the dive into the connections that tie the various stories together. “Spaceships, Slaves & Sextets” looks into the deeper mysteries, themes and subtexts that are within the film. “The Bold Science Fiction of Cloud Atlas” looks into some of the futuristic science that is found in the film. “The Impossible Adaptation” looks into how this was taken from a novel to a feature film. “The Essence of Acting” looks into this wonderful cast and their various roles. Lastly we get “Eternal Recurrence: Love, Life, and Longing in Cloud Atlas”, which is another look in the film and its themes.

Own Cloud Atlas on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital Download 5/14

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: atlas, bluray, cloud, review

DVD Review “The Roman Holidays: The Complete Series”

Created by Hanna-Barbera
Voices of Dave Willock, Shirley Mitchell, Stanley Livingston, Pamelyn Ferdin, Daws Butler, Dom DeLuise, Hal Smith
Distributed by: Warner Archive
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 292 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Hanna-Barbera, I am always curious to see anything that they have created, especially obscure shows like “The Roman Holidays”. This animated series was aired back in 1972 on NBC, but only ran for 13 episodes. The show is set in 63 AD but has a very modern day feel to it. Daws Butler is a blast voicing Brutus the Lion, who is known best for voicing Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound and many more. Dom DeLuise also voices Mr. Evictus and gets some good laughs. It is probably not the best product that Hanna-Barbera ever released, especially since it was canceled after a few episodes but it is worth checking out if you are a fan of classics animated series.

Official Premise: Somewhere between the pre-hysterical Hanna Barbera’s Stone Age of The Flintstones and the fantastic future of The Jetsons lie The Roman Holidays, tackling family life circa AD 63. Augustus “Gus” Holiday (Dave Willock) is the man of the clan, lovely and level-headed spouse Laurie (Shirley Mitchell) keeps things on an even keel while teen-age trouble maker Happius (Stanley Livingston) and child prodigy Precocia (Pamelyn Ferdin) threaten to break the Pax Familia. Housed at the humble Venus de Milo Arms, the Holidays face constant threats from their aptly named landlord Mr. Evictus (Dom DeLuise, in his toon debut) while Gus gets equally harried by his boss, Mr. Tycoonius (Hal Smith) at the Forum Construction Company. It’s a good thing he gets to come home to a Roman’s best friend – his pet lion, Brutus (Daws Butler)! So hop aboard your chariot – it’s time to pay a visit to The Roman Holidays!

Episodes included are: “Double Date”, “The Lion’s Share”, “Star For A Day”, “Hero Sandwich”, “The Big Split Up, “Hectic Holiday”, “Switch Is Which”, “That’s Show Biz”, “Double Dilemma”, “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Chariot”, “A Buried Treasure”, “Cyrano De Happius” and “Father Of The Year”. Warner Archive is releasing this series as part of their Hanna-Barbera Classic Collections. They have been behind releasing many rare Hanna-Barbera show’s as part of their manufacture-on-demand (MOD) service. The episodes are released with their original aspect ratio of 1.37:1. They have not been remastered or restored but have been at least manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available. They look decent but could have used a little sprucing up. They also have a typical Dolby Digital Mono track included, which is the usual for Warner Archive MOD releases.

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Blu-ray Review “Broken City”

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kyle Chandler, Barry Pepper, Justin Chambers
Director: Allen Hughes
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Run Time: 109 minutes

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

Both Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe had big years in 2012, with “Ted” and “Les Misérables”, respectively. Wahlberg gives a a solid performance with the messy story that he is given. The film keeps switching being being a cop drama to a political war film. I didn’t really hate this film but I do not think that I will give it a second thought after this first viewing. The drama is not very intense and you really don’t fall in love with these characters. So it is worth checking out if got nothing else to do but like I said nothing special.

Official Premise: Seven years after being forced to resign as a New York police officer, private detective Billy Taggart (Wahlberg) takes on his toughest case yet: following the wife (Zeta-Jones) of the city’s hard-nosed mayor (Crowe), who’s convinced she’s cheating on him. But by the time the mayor reveals his true intentions, Billy is already in too deep. Now, with his freedom – and quite possibly his life – on the line, Billy will risk it all in a desperate bid to expose the truth, and seek redemption in a city where second chances don’t come cheap.

Despite the film, 20th Century Fox delivered a nice release with a combo pack including Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy. The digital options include both an Ultraviolet digital streaming and and iTunes digital copy. The film was shot digitally and still looks very impressive and well-detailed with it’s 1080p transfer. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works with what it is giving here. There is nothing epic that happens here but the dialogue at least sounds great.

The special features included decent but nothing special like the film itself. “Putting It All Together” is an in-depth making-of documentary blended with nice behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. There are six deleted scenes, including an great alternate ending. I saw great since I was not a fan of the ending at all. There is also a theatrical trailer included and also a sneak peek at other upcoming 20th Century Fox titles.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, broken, city, review
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