DVD Review "Doctor Who: Shada (Story 109)"

Actors: Tom Baker, Lalla Ward, David Brierley, Christopher Neame
Directors: Pennant Roberts
Number of discs: 3
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: January 8, 2013
Run Time: 109 minutes

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

“Shada” is my first experience to Doctor Who prior to the 2005 revival. It probably isn’t the best idea to start with an story 109, which is half way through The Tom Baker Years 1974-1981. This DVD features the legendary unfinished Fourth Doctor story, which is newly restored from original film negatives and studio recordings with 1992 linking material from Tom Baker, which fills in the blanks from the missing material. This show was intended to close the 17th season of the show was in 1980 and was never shown on TV. I appreciate the fact that this is finally being released for all the Doctor Who fans. Though if you think that this release is cool to own wait till you see the TWO discs, that’s right TWO discs of special features. Easily worth the purchase alone.

Official Premise: Written by Douglas Adams as his final contribution to Doctor Who, Shada was envisaged as a Time Lord story without a Gallifreyan setting. It sees the Doctor bringing Romana to present-day Earth to visit Professor Chronotis, an elderly Time Lord who absconded from Gallifrey and now lives a quiet academic life at St Cedd’s College in Cambridge. Also seeking Chronotis is a scientist called Skagra who has a device, in the form of a floating sphere, with which he intends to steal the Professor’s mind and thereby learn the location of a book entitled The Worshipful and Ancient Law of Gallifrey. Skagra eventually succeeds in obtaining the book, which has been borrowed from the Professor’s study by a student named Chris Parsons. He then kidnaps Romana and hijacks the TARDIS.

On the first disc, the special features focus are with commentary. The first feature is “Shada – BBCi/Big Finish Version” is DVD-ROM content only, which is an animated radio/webcast version with Paul McGann as the voice of the doctor. There is no commentary track included but there is info text option, which is quite entertaining to read. The second disc focuses more on featurette based extras. The first is “Taken Out of Time: The Making and Breaking of Shada”, which includes interviews from Tom Baker, Daniel Hill (plays Chris Parsons, Pennant Roberts and more. “Shada: Now & Then” looks at the locations from the shoot from 1979 to 2012. “Strike! Strike! Strike!” is a new extra with interviews from Tony Lennon (ex-president of BECTU union), Nicola Bryant (who played Peri Brown) and looks into the strikes that caused this series an major problem. “Being a Girl” is narrated by Louise Jameson (who played Leela) and looks into the female companions. Lastly there is a Photo Gallery.

The third disc is where the meat is for this release. Besides “Shada”, the star is the 90-minute documentary from 1995 called “More Than 30 Years in the TARDIS”. This is highly recommended for all Whovians. Next up is “Remembering Nicholas Courtney” is a feature looing into Courtney’s roles and is moderated by Michael McManus. “Doctor Who Stories – Peter Purves” looks into his role as Dr. Who’s companion Steven Taylor in various Dr. Who series. “The Lambert Tapes – Part 1 & 2” is an in depth interview with the actor. “Those Deadly Divas” focsues on Kate O’Mara, Camille Coduri and Tracy Ann Oberman. O’Mara. Lastly there is a Photo Gallery for “More Than 30 Years in the TARDIS” and also a hidden Easter Egg.

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DVD Review "Boris Karloff Triple Feature"

Actors: Boris Karloff
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Warner Archive
DVD Release Date: January 8, 2013
Run Time: 181 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

When you think about classic horror, you think about Boris Karloff, who is an icon of his time.  In this three-film collection it shows three different roles from his films at Warner Bros including playing a warlord, a murder suspect and a prison inmate.  The films included are “West of Shanghai (1937)”, “The Invisible Menace (1938)” and “Devil’s Island (1939)”.  These aren’t the best films of his career but they are fun roles nonetheless.  These are available for the film time on DVD, thanks to Warner Archive.  If you are a fan of Karloff, then you will certainly appreciate being able to now own these films all on one DVD.

When it comes to quality Warner Archive tries to deliver decent content with what is available. These films have not been remastered or restored but have been manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available.  The films look decent overall but have quite a bit of age showing. They are each presented in 4 X 3 full frame and with their original aspect ratio of 1.37:1.  The audio track is a standard Dolby Mono track but I felt there was a bit of an issue with some of the dialogue, specifically with “The Invisible Menace”, otherwise they worked well. My personal favorite is “West of Shanghai (1937)”, since it delivers some great make-up work for Karloff’s character, especially for the time.

SYNOPSIS: A cinematic icon, Boris Karloff was one of Hollywood’s greatest actors. Although synonymous with horror, Karloff excelled in other genres as well, providing a lasting legacy of memorable performances. And in this collection of three rarely seen gems drawn from his work at Warner Bros., Karloff shines in a wide range of roles, encompassing mystery, adventure and drama. West of Shanghai (1937): A wily warlord (Karloff) holds a small group of Americans prisoner in a northern China mission. The Invisible Menace (1938): Army intelligence suspects an ex-con (Karloff) of murdering the ordnance expert who framed him. Devil’s Island (1939): A French doctor (Karloff) wrongfully convicted of treason falls victim to the barbaric cruelties of the penal colony’s commandant.

Own it today on DVD http://bit.ly/BuyKarloffTriple

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Blu-ray Review "Taken 2"

Actors: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Leland Orser, Jon Gries
Directors: Olivier Megaton
Rated: PG-13 / Unrated
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: January 15, 2013
Run Time: 92 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
EXtras: 3 out of 5 stars

When I first saw Liam Nesson take on the role of former CIA operative Bryan Mills and his ‘particular set of skills’ in “Taken”, I was blown away. “Taken 2” is basically the exact same thing as the first film. I figured that they would have done something different this time around. If you saw the first one basically you can skip this one.
The film is based on a script by Luc Besson (“The Fifth Element”) and directed by Olivier Megaton (“Colombiana”, “Transporter 3”) so there is no issues with the action here, that is in good hands and gets delivered well. That is the only reason, I gave 3 stars for the action, the rest would be barely 2 stars. Overall, the whole idea just feels a little bit re-used and missing any fresh ideas. Let’s just hope that “Taken 3” doesn’t see the light of day.

Official Premise: Liam Neeson returns as Bryan Mills, the ex-CIA operative who stopped at nothing to rescue his daughter from sadistic kidnappers. When the father of one of the kidnappers swears revenge, it is Bryan and his wife who find themselves “taken” hostage in Istanbul. To survive, Bryan must enlist the help of an unlikely ally and use his brutally efficient skills to take out his heavily-armed foes one by one.

The release comes as a combo pack from 20th Century Fox with both the Theatrical and Unrated Extended Cut of the film.  Included in the release is a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy of the film. The film looks great with its 1080p transfer and comes with a flawless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which highlights the action well. The special features are also decent overall.  There is a “Black Ops Field Manual and Kill Counter”, which showcases Bryan Mills’ badassdom.  There are deleted and extended scenes, including an alternate ending that runs over 20 minutes and I enjoyed quite a bit. “Tools of the Trade” is an interactive feature on his ‘specific set of skills’.  Lastly there is a behind-the-scenes featurette focusing on the films elaborate special effects.

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DVD Review "Beatles Stories"

Actors: Seth Swirsky, Henry Winkler, Jon Voight, Smokey Robinson, Sir Ben Kingsley
Directors: Seth Swirsky
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Cinema Libre Studio
DVD Release Date: October 2, 2012
Run Time: 85 minutes

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

I like the idea of stories.  I am a big storyteller myself.  I like how Seth Swirsky has taken his love for The Beatles and really delivers a fun…yet also informative film here.  “Beatles Stories” is nice and tight documentary with a lot of great input from a lot of people who have known and been inspired by the music of The Beatles. This is not just a re-hash of already known stories, Seth really went out of his way to deliver new and very interesting stories from these people.  When I think of The Beatles, I want to hear the music.  So of course I was hoping to hear more Beatles tunes throughout but I understand the cost of that.  So being a big Beatles fans since I was little child, I really enjoyed this and highly recommend this.

Seth Swirsky is one of the ultimate fans of The Beatles.  He grew up in Long Island, NY (as did I) loving every aspect of The Beatles (also as I did). Seth sets out on a road trip gathering stories from many known people from Sir Ben Kingsley, Sir George Martin, The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Henry Winkler snd Beatles engineer Norman Smith. As well as people who were involved with The Beatles, Seth also dives into his other musical favorites like Smokey Robinson, Graham Nash and Davy Jones and then relates then back to The Beatles. It is a very personal project and even though it is independent and a little choppy in parts.  You can feel that it is just a real labour of love.

The special features included are quite impressive for this independent release. There is 30 minutes of additional interviews or “stories” as they are called. The film alone runs 85 minutes, so the additional time is welcomed. There is an extended interview with The Beatles’ first recording engineer Norman Smith, which is highly recommended. Lastly there is a commentary track from the director Seth Swirsky, which is good if you enjoyed the film and looking for more. For a documentary overall, I am very impressed with these extras and this is a must for all Beatles fans!

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Blu-ray Review "The Men Who Built America"

Directed by: Patrick Reams, Ruán Magan
Actors: Justin Morck, Eric Rolland, Adam Jonas Segaller, Alex Falberg, Michael Chmiel
Rated: Unrated
Studio: A&E Home Video
Release Date: January 22, 2013
Run Time: 360 minutes

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

This mini-series original aired on History as an eight-hour, four-part miniseries. The series focuses on Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J. P. Morgan and Henry Ford and how they…take a guess…built America. This series is arriving on a 3-disc Blu-ray from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. This series is nice blend of dramatic recreation with plenty of learning factor as well. History really delivers a very entertaining series here and even though it is eight hours, I literally almost had to watch this series in one sitting. It keep you completely enthralled and actually has great reply value. This is a must for History buffs.

Official Premise: The Men Who Built America™ tells the story of those that played a significant role in the shaping of this country. From Carnegie, Morgan, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt and Ford, the epic mini-series looks at how these individuals took a nation decaying from the Civil War into the greatest economic and technological superpower the world has ever seen. The Men Who Built America™ is the story of a nation at its crossroads and of the people who catapulted it to prosperity.

The first episode is called “A New War Begins” follows Cornelius Vanderbilt as takes over the railroad empire. It also shows the rise of John D. Rockefeller and as he founds Standard Oil. The second, “Bloody Battles”, focuses on Andrew Carnegie as his builds his steel empire and his struggles between Henry Frick. The third, “Changing the Game”, follows J.P. Morgan as his goes forward with the direct current electric light of Thomas Edison and faces competition from George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla. The last episode is called “When One Ends, Another Begins” and it focuses around Rockefeller, Carnegie and Morgan as they team up to help elect William McKinley as US President. Of course due to assassination it falls to Theodore Roosevelt. Morgan buys out Carnegie Steel. Henry Ford founds the Model T and starts his own business, Ford Motor Company.

History is known for consistently delivering many impressive Blu-ray presentations. The 1080p transfer really looks sharp and really shows the amount of scale that this series brings forward. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 also works really well. The special features are actually quite impressive for a mini-series. Normally a show like this would not come with any additional footage but this series does not skimp out. There are seven featurettes included on this release including “From Richer to Richer”, “The American Dream”, “Monopoly”, “Competitive Nature”, “The Every Man”, “The Rise of Cornelius Vanderbilt” and “Traits of a Titan”. If you are a fan of this series when it aired on History last Fall, I would highly recommend this Blu-ray just for the extras.

 

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DVD Review "Robot & Frank"

Directors: Jake Schreier
Actors: Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, Peter Sarsgaard, James Marsden, Liv Tyler
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: February 12, 2013
Run Time: 89 minutes

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

When I saw the trailer for “Robot & Frank”, I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen.  Frank Langella gives a wonderful performance as Frank, an aging thief, who gets a second life with the help of his robot. The story is very simple but really keep you on your toes.  I loved the futuristic aspect but without really needing to show too much of the future. If you are wondering who Peter Sarsgaard plays in the film, he is actually the voice of Frank’s robot. He really delivers a great vocal performance. This is a rare little gem and really deserves some attention.

Even though the film is set in the future, I like the fact that their are only a few subtle differences including snazzy cars, transparent phones and, of course, robots. Not to different from now, yes even the robots, have you ever seen what Japan is doing? The phone and TV displays were designed by Justin Ouellette, who works at Tumblr. Most importantly, the robot’s costume was designed by Alterian, which is the company behind the LED helmets worn by the electro duo Daft Punk. All very impressive since the film was very low-budget at $2.5 million, so don’t expect any major special effects.  This film is all character and story driven. The little touches just add the charm to the film.

Official Premise: Set in the near future, Frank, a retired cat burglar, has two grown kids who are concerned he can no longer live alone. They are tempted to place him in a nursing home until Frank’s son chooses a different option: against the old man’s wishes, he buys Frank a walking, talking humanoid robot programmed to improve his physical and mental health. What follows is an often hilarious and heartwarming story about finding friends and family in the most unexpected places.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment only released this film on DVD, which is a little disappointing since I would have loved to see this film on Blu-ray.  Still though, the film looks great with its 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The special features on the DVD are a bit of a let down but worth checking out.  There is a commentary track from the director Jake Schreier and the writer Christopher Ford. Lastly there is a photo gallery included for the Robot posters created for the film.  I would have loved to see a feature on the Atlerian’s robots and Justin Ouellette’s designs.

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DVD Review "An Idiot Abroad: Series 2 – The Bucket List"

Starring: Karl Pilkington, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: January 8, 2013
Run Time: 344 minutes

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

When I first heard of “An Idiot Abroad”, I wasn’t sure what to expect but this show is a freaking riot. The second series is called “The Bucket List” but of course it is not even Karl Pilkington’s list.  Karl picks from a best-of list of 100 items in a generic bucket list and he pick some great choices. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant put this poor guy through hell but it couldn’t be any funnier. Some of the words that comes out of Karl’s mouth are just so hysterically funny, but probably not on purpose. I feel this series was much more personal and on a larger scale than the first series. I can’t wait to see the final season of the show “An Idiot Abroad 3: The Short Way Round” with the very funny Warwick Davis.  Highly recommend this show for a great laugh.

Official Premise: In the second season of this hilarious series Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant co-creators of The Office and Extras help their friend Karl Pilkington (“The Ricky Gervais Show”) complete tasks from his bucket list…except the experience is never as easy or as fun as it seems. Gervais and Merchant find ways to arrange a few surprises along the way to keep things interesting. In the end Pilkington ends up visiting more places and suffering more detours than he did in the first season! Find out what happens when an idiot goes abroad…again!

Series 2 takes us to the following amazing locations: New Zealand, Vanuatu, Russia, Mongolia, China, Thailand, Australia, Alaska, Route 66, South Africa, Uganda and Japan. Some of the crazy shit that Stephen and Ricky get Karl to do including bungee jumping, Mongolian wrestling, swimming with sharks and even climbing Mount Fuji. I would have loved to seen more footage from the shark dive for sure. Some of the things they get Karl to do this series is just amazing and I really loved the first series.  I thought it would get old after a while but it seriously does not. I wish it was double the length of episodes.

The special features are decent but lacking any commentary from Gervais or Merchant which would have made this release perfect. There are a bunch of great deleted scenes running just about 12 minutes. I have a feeling that a show like this packs tons of cut scenes and alternate takes. They are definitely worth checking out and are very funny. “Pilko’s Pump Pants” is a hysterical infomercial piece that can only be described by watching. I am honestly never get enough of Karl Pilkington and this is classic! Lastly, “Ain’t No Pleasing You” is a very funny focusing on Karl’s song recording with Chas & Dave and gives an overview of Karl’s craziness from this episodes.

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CD Review: Dropkick Murphys "Signed and Sealed in Blood"

Dropkick Murphys
“Signed and Sealed in Blood”
Born & Bred Records
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The boy’s from Boston are back with their 8th studio album titled “Signed and Sealed in Blood”. The album is the follow up release to the bands 2011 release titled “Going Out In Style”. “Signed and Sealed in Blood” is the second release to carry the name of the bands own label Born & Bread Records which features 12 new tracks produced by Ted Hutt (Gaslight Anthem, Flogging Molly).

Right off the bat you are catapulted in to the album with a rousing call to arms type of song titled “The Boys Are Back”.  The song seems quite fitting as the album is the bands first studio release in 2 years. From there the sound changes to the more traditional Irish sound the band has been known for as of late. Songs such as “Rose Tattoo” and “Jimmy Collins’ Wake” feature more traditional instrumentation while songs such as “Burn” and “My Hero” are more reminiscent of the bands earlier punk recordings. Probably my favorite track off the album is “The Season’s Upon Us”. Vocalist/bassist Ken Kelly does a wonderful job telling a very tongue and cheek tale of holiday get together’s gone wrong and not so pleasant encounters with family members. It was nice to finally here someone hit the nail on the head by describing the un-pleasantries of the holidays while the rest of the band perform upbeat instrumentation that still makes you feel good about the season no matter how bad it can be.

“Signed and Sealed in Blood” may be a bit too much of a departure from the bands punk rock roots for some listeners however; it’s great to watch a band like Dropkick Murphys progress with the ever changing musical climate. Remembering back to the mid 90’s when I first discovered the band I don’t think they would still be as relevant as they are now if they didn’t break out of the mold that a lot of bands were following in those days. Progression is crucial in the music business as fans don’t want to keep buying the same album year after year. “Signed and Sealed in Blood” does not feature the Dropkick Murphys of 1998 but it does showcase the supped up 2013 edition.

Track Listing:
1.) The Boys Are Back
2.) Prisoner’s Song
3.) Rose Tattoo
4.) Burn
5.) Jimmy Collins’ Wake
6.) The Season’s Upon Us
7.) The Battle Rages On
8.) Don’t Tear Us Apart
9.) My Hero
10.) Out On The Town
11.) Out Of Our Heads

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DVD Review "Back to the Sea"

Directors: Thom Lu
Starring: Christian Slater, Tim Curry, Mark Hamill, Tom Kenny
MPAA Rating: PG
Release Date: April 2nd, 2013 (Walmart Exclusive: December 31, 2012)
Distributed by: Viva Pictures
Running Time: 96 minutes

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

When it comes to animated films taking place under the sea, I can’t help but compare to “Finding Nemo”.  “Back to the Sea” is a low-budget (very low) animated film that steals a lot from that said film but packs a nice voice cast to boot.  I am sure this film has been sitting on the shelf for quite some time.  Viva Pictures seems to be purchasing and releasing a bunch of older shelved animated features.  Next up is “Top Cat: The Movie” and “Foodfight!” (which was made back in 2003).  Nonetheless, kids might enjoy the film due to its relation to “Nemo” and parents can get a nap or two in for sure.

Official Premise: “Back to the Sea” tells the touching story of a heroic fish’s journey home. When little fish Kevin (Slater) is swept up in a net and taken from his home in the vast oceans to the small glass fish tank of a New York restaurant, he must find a way to escape and make his way back home to his family and to the sea he loves. Together with his new found friends and with the help of his trusted human companion, the restaurant owner’s son, Kevin embarks on the journey of his life. Filled with laughs, action and heart, Back to the Sea is a great film for the whole family.

The voice cast is decent for this film.  Christian Slater (“Heathers”), Mark Hamill (“Star Wars”), Tom Kenny (“The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie”) and Tim Curry (“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”) all lend their voices to this film.  I had a hard time find out which character was Tim Curry personally.  Christian Slater really sounded like a hyper kid in the film. Mark Hamill wasn’t in it enough to be cool. I would have loved to know when they recorded these voices.  The film is currently available on DVD, only at Walmart nationwide as of December 31st, 2012.  There are no special features included on this DVD.

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DVD Review "Noobz"

Actors: Blake Freeman, Casper Van Dien, Jason Mewes, Moises Arias, Matt Shively
Directors: Blake Freeman
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Big Air
DVD Release Date: January 29, 2013
Run Time: 100 minutes

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

I wasn’t sure what to expect with “Noobz” but Hollywood shit where did this film come from? This movie is a riot and what a fantastic cast! It is great to see Jason Mewes getting a leading role. Casper Van Dien is a complete riot playing a hysterical version of himself, I wish he was in this more. Lin Shaye has a nice cameo and get some good laughs. I was not familiar with Blake Freeman, who also directed, but this guy is riot and I am sure we will be seeing a lot from him in the future. Matt Shively is also very funny, you may know him from “Paranormal Activity 4”. Moises Arias from “Hannah Montana” is all grown up and is awesome as well. Lastly, if you thought Jon Gries was funny in “Napoleon Dynamite”, he is 10x funnier in this film. If you are a gamer, especially “Gears of War”, then this is definitely for you. Jam-packed of funny gaming references that will have you rolling.

Official Synopsis: Noobz is the first big, outrageous comedy to capture gamer culture from the inside. Four friends hit the road to LA to compete in the Cyberbowl Video Game Championship but will they be able to compete with the worst hangovers of their lives?
 
Cody has just lost his job and his hot wife is leaving him because he can’t stop gaming. Game store clerk Andy (Jason Mewes, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back) convinces him to get the Reign Clan together, including sexually confused Oliver (Matt Shively, Paranormal Activity 4) and asthmatic teen “Hollywood” (Moises Arias, Ender’s Game, TV’s “Hannah Montana”), and head to California to win prize money and meet Andy’s online gamer-girl crush Rickie (Zelda Williams, daughter of Robin Williams). Nothing, not a Mom armed with mace or a bunch of bodacious strippers or a mulleted arcade game champion stuck in the ‘80s (Jon Gries, Napoleon Dynamite) or even Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) will stop this unlikely team from getting their frag on and bringing their A-game to the stiff competition.

The special features on the DVD are quite decent. There is a super funny audio commentary track with Blake Freeman and Jason Mewes, must listen. “One on one with Jason Mewes” is an in-your-face feature with the funny man himself. “Meet Director Blake Freeman” introduces us to this funny guy, who directed and starred in this film. “A chat with Casper Van Dien” shows you a new side of this guy and he is one funny son bitch. Lastly “Fun with Matt Shively” is very funny and a little weird…but still a riot. Overall, I am surprised that this little film has received such a nice DVD release. Overall, I recommend this little film for sure…gamer nerds spread the word!

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CD Review: A Sound of Thunder "Queen of Hell EP"

A Sound of Thunder
“Queen of Hell EP”
Release Date: January 29, 2013
Nightmare Records
Running Time: 22 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Last year A Sound of Thunder really delivered the goods with their breakout record “Out of the Darkness”. So I was already surprised to see new material so soon. Damn though, this is some sick shit!! This EP really comes jam-packed with 22 minutes of some really amazing music. Nina Osegueda really delivers some killer vocals and Josh Schwartz is fucking fierce on the guitar. This band is really taking over the metal world and I can’t wait see what they have planned for their forthcoming full-length album “Time’s Arrow”. This group never rests and maybe that is a good thing since I can’t seem to get enough of them…keep it coming guys!

Producer Kevin ‘131’ Gutierrez worked with the band again after deliver the gem of an album “Out of the Darkness”. The new material works as a great companion to the last album. This EP has this really strong classic power metal feel to it. The title track “Queen of Hell” is just a wild rollercoaster ride from the moment it starts. The vocals and guitar work just are hardcore and in-your-face. If you like the track there is also a duet version featuring guest vocals by Veronica Freeman (Benedictum). If you are a Black Sabbath fan, then your will enjoy their great rendition of “Trashed”. Schwartz has said a lot of their influences is from Sabbath, so it is nice to see them pay the song some great homage. “Hello Nurse” is the most different and risky song for them but it pays off, as it is totally rocking! If you are a metal fan, there is no way in hell that this album won’t get you rocking out! Get those devil horns because you are going to need them!

If you have yet to give A Sound of Thunder a listen this is a perfect time to start.  The band is going to be playing live dates throughout the US in early 2013 to promote this new EP, with further extensive touring planned for later in 2013 to promote “Time’s Arrow”. So I cannot recommend this album any more. I found myself just listening to it over and over on loop and it just works so well.  Sometimes when I listen to albums I find myself skipping songs, but this one literally has been looping for over an hour during the writing of this review alone.  This band has done some much in such a short amount of time.  Imagine what they are going to have completed in another five years! Get ready cause this group is full steam ahead and they are giving metal music a run for its money!

Track Listing:
1: Queen of Hell (Album Version)
2: Queen of Hell (featuring Veronica Freeman)
3: Hello Nurse
4: Trashed (Black Sabbath cover)

CD & Vinyl editions can be ordered via the band’s official store

 

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Blu-ray Review "Blood-C: The Complete Series (Limited Edition)"

Actors: Alexis Tipton, Robert McCollum, Bill Jenkins
Directors: Jerry Jewell, Tsutomu Mizushima
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: FUNimation Entertainment
Release Date: January 22, 2013
Run Time: 300 minutes

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

If you are aware of Production I.G’s anime “Blood: The Last Vampire” from 2000 and it’s follow up 50 episode series “Blood+”, then you are going to LOVE “Blood-C”. This new series consists of 12 episodes and is made along with the manga creators CLAMP.  The series manages to consists of a nice mixture of sweet and cute while still managing to kick some major ass and comes packed with gore. The production value is impressive and the animation is really clean and sharp. As the story develops, the show really gets its wind in towards the end of the series but still really entertains throughout each episode. The main issue I had with the series is that I would have loved for it to be longer.  If you are a fan of the manga then this really aims to please for sure. I hope that Production I.G. contains this franchise going as I cannot get enough of it.

Official Premise: The creators of “Blood – the Last Vampire” and “Blood+” team up with renowned powerhouse CLAMP to inject beauty into a chilling new addition to the Blood line. Horrifying beasts with a hunger for human flesh prey on the citizens of a quiet town. In moonlit twilight, Saya slays the monsters and returns home drenched in blood. As the attacks increase in frequency and intensity, her enemies relay cryptic messages about a broken contract. Limbs are torn from flesh and skulls are crushed and devoured while the huntress struggles with paralyzing visions and gaping holes in her memory. When the humans Saya promised to protect reveal the sickening truth about her role in the violence, she learns her mission isn’t as clear cut as she thought-and her most sadistic foe of all is so close she can taste it.

This Limited Edition release comes in a  Blu-ray + DVD combo pack.  This four-disc set including two Blu-ray dics and two DVDs.  They are packages in a slipcase cover with individual cases for each format.  It is a little weird that a DVD comes in a Blu-ray case but either way I like having the option of either Blu-ray or DVD.  The 1080p transfer of the episodes really look fantastic, especially the colors red and black ;-). The episodes are also presented with their original aspect ratio of 1.78:1.  The audio included packs a very nice (and preferred) English track with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and the Japanese track includes a Dolby TrueHD 2.0 track.  The special features are lacking a bit with the main extra being two commentary tracks.  The first is on episode 6 with director Jerry Jewell and Robert McCollum, the voice of Fumito. The next is on episode 12 with Jerry Jewell with Alexis Tipton, the voice of Saya. There is the Textless Opening and Closing Songs “spiral” and “Junketsu Paradox”.  Lastly there are the Original Commercials,
Promotional Videos (both in 1080i) and U.S. Trailer included.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bloodc, bluray, complete, edition, limited, review, ...

CD Review "Les Misérables: Highlights From The Motion Picture Soundtrack"

“Les Misérables”
Highlights From The Motion Picture Soundtrack
Release Date: December 21, 2012
Label: Universal
Total Length: 1:05:22

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Here is the issue with album is right in the title: “Les Misérables: Highlights From The Motion Picture Soundtrack”. Highlights is main issue here.  It is really missing just way to much from this film. I actually really liked this film and literally it is 2 hours and 40 minutes of non-stop music performances. This album delivers a very abridged version of it just running over an hour. I feel like we are loosing way too much in this very trimmed version. I mean there are 49 musical numbers in the film and only 20 tracks are available here.  I am sure this album with be a hit like the film itself nonetheless just getting a chance to own “some” of the music but for me…it is just not enough. If are a die-hard fan of the Original Broadway Cast Recording, then be warned this is quite different.  You are either going to love it completely or hate it.

Right from the start with “Look Down”, it is such an epic and amazing track in the film that is cut down to barely even a proper song.  It starts and ends so abrupt that it almost hurts to hear. I have to say though, the best part of this entire soundtrack is Russell Crowe.  That’s right Russell Crowe.  He is the saving factor for this entire soundtrack if not the entire movie.  Anne Hathaway is quite amazing and her version of “I Dreamed a Dream” (with no camera cuts in the film) is nothing short of heart-breaking and stunning.  I love Hugh Jackman and I have seen him on Broadway a few times, so we now the guy can sing.  I know that the director Tom Hopper wanted to make this raw and real but Jackman’s tracks don’t sit right with me.  Maybe his voice isn’t strong enough to hit some notes on these songs.  I feel that he aims to talk his way through some of the lyrics – some not all “Valjean’s Soliloquy” is a great track.

If you are a fan of this film, you will enjoy hearing a few tracks.  Me personally, like I said I have about six songs in a playlist and have been revisiting those over and over.  Since I figure that there are tons are track already missing…so what is the difference.  Most importantly, I want to throw in where the hell is “Do You Hear the People Sing”. How can that song be left out? Wow! Probably the biggest let down of this whole release. No joke, this album only received 3 out of 5 stars due to the fact that Russell Crowe kicks major ass!! You listen to his version of “Stars” and “Javert’s Suicide” and tell me that his voice doesn’t rule.  It is fierce and strong.  I wish the rest of the album turned out like that. I will hold my breath for the complete soundtrack being released.

Track Listing:
1. Look Down – Hugh Jackman
2. The Bishop – Colm Wilkinson
3. Valjean’s Soliloquy – Hugh Jackman
4. At The End Of The Day – Hugh Jackman
5. I Dreamed A Dream – Anne Hathaway
6. The Confrontation – Hugh Jackman
7. Castle On A Cloud – Isabelle Allen
8. Master Of The House – Sacha Baron Cohen
9. Suddenly – Hugh Jackman
10. Stars – Russell Crowe
11. ABC Cafe / Red And Black – Eddie Redmayne
12. In My Life / A Heart Full Of Love – Amanda Seyfried
13. On My Own – Samantha Barks
14. One Day More – Les Misérables Cast
15. Drink With Me – Eddie Redmayne
16. Bring Him Home – Hugh Jackman
17. The Final Battle – Les Misérables Cast
18. Javert’s Suicide – Russell Crowe
19. Empty Chairs At Empty Tables – Eddie Redmayne
20. Epilogue – Les Misérables Cast

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, highlights, les, misérables, motion, picture, ...

DVD Review "30 Nights of Paranormal Activity with the Devil Inside the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"

Actors: Kathryn Fiore, Flip Schultz, Olivia Alexander, Arturo del Puerto, Danny Woodburn, French Stewart
Directed By: Craig Moss
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: January 15, 2013
Run Time: 80 minutes

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

When it comes to parody spoof films, it is usually hit or miss (mostly miss).  With a title like “30 Nights of Paranormal Activity with the Devil Inside the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” how can they go wrong! I have to admit this one delivers. Nothing is safe here! Besides the film’s in the very long title, many other non-horror including “The Dark Knight Rises”, “The Hunger Games”, “The Artist” and “Black Swan” are ranked on, even TV shows like “The Bachelor”, “The Apprentice” and “Ghost Hunters”. The primary spoof is “Paranormal Activity” and with all the found footage films taken over Hollywood it is nice to see some fun poked at them. Not every joke is a score but there is enough here to make it worth a least one viewing.

Offical Premise: Scream with laughter in this found footage parody- Dana’s father was sent to a psychiatric hospital after he killed the entire cast of The Artist while an exorcism was being performed on him. She continues on with her life -gets married, has kids and moves into the same (haunted) house she grew up in. But now she must battle the demons which haunted her father before her.

Kathryn Fiore is hilarious and steals the show (Here is our interview with her from earlier this year). Writer/director Craig Moss knows how to work parodies and film’s with long titles after their last “The 41-Year-Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall and Felt Superbad About It”. The only special features included on the DVD is “Behind the Scenes of 30 Nights of Paranormal Activity with the Devil Inside the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”, but it is a nice showcase on the production.  I would have loved to seen a gag reel included.  This film is not perfect but it is worth it for a few good laughs.  If you want more parodies, keep an eye out for “A Haunted House” and “Scary Movie 5” both coming this year.

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Film Review "Zero Dark Thirty"

Starring: Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton and Jason Clarke
Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hours 37 mins
Columbia

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The last time director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Mark Boal teamed up they created a little film called “The Hurt Locker,” a movie that went on to not only win the Best Picture Academy Award but Oscars for both Boal and Bigelow, making her the first women in history to win the directing Oscar. Pretty hard act to follow I’d say. But the duo pull it off with the gripping story about the hunt and capture of Osama bin Laden, “Zero Dark Thirty.”

Tuesday, September 11, 2001. A day that will forever change not only the United States but the world. We are reminded of the horrors of that day and then are transported to a military installation on the other side of the world. There, a local man is being interrogated by Dan (Clarke) one of America’s best at what he does. “If you lie to me…I hurt you.” This sentence is repeated over and over. And it best be heeded. If not, things can get a little rough. Enter Maya (Chastain), a CIA operative who has been sent along to help in the capture of bin Laden (often referred to as UBL). Maya seems a little squeamish at some of Dan’s techniques but doesn’t question them. The search for freedom isn’t always pretty.

A thrilling piece of filmmaking that takes a little too long to get into gear, “Zero Dark Thirty” is a film that is going to inspire debate for years to come. Named after soldier jargon for the middle of the night (though when I was in the Army we called it “O-dark-30), “Zero Dark Thirty” is neither a whiny apology for torture nor a flag waving chant of “U.S.A….U.S.A.” It’s actually a film about perseverance and sticking to your guns. Maya, who faces an uphill battle daily as a woman in a perceived “mans” environment, must constantly fight to have her opinions heard. Chastain is excellent here. She gives Maya the innocence that is the audience…seeing things on screen for the first time. Maya flinches when a prisoner is water boarded but she also understands that some things are necessary. But when strength is needed Chastain summons it. As she sits in on a top level meeting where bin Laden’s compound is being discussed she is pointed out to C.I.A. director Leon Panetta (James Gandolfini) who questions why she is in the room. “I’m the mother-f***** that found this place, sir,” she replies. Like Chastain the cast is strong, especially Clarke and Kyle Chandler, who plays one of her superiors.

The script and direction are straight forward but the film drags in its first hour, as the audience is given a lengthy introduction to the events that lead up to the staging of the raid on bin Laden’s compound. But once there, the action reflected back to the audience courtesy of night vision goggles, the heart-rate begins to ramp up. The last 45 minutes will have you on the edge of your seat as a group of Navy Seals infiltrate the compound, knowing that the slightest mistake will put them at the mercy of the nearby townspeople. A former journalist, Boal surely has an ear for “soldier-speak.” He also has a sense of humor. When told that the man the C.I.A. is searching for is old, thin, tall and using a cane Maya asks, “who the hell are we looking for…Gandolf?”

 

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: dark, film, review
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