CD Review “TRON: Uprising” (Music from and Inspired by the Series)

Composer: Joseph Trapanese
Release Date: January 8, 2013
Label: Walt Disney Records
Total Length: 1:15:42

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are looking expecting Daft Punk’s score from “TRON: Legacy”, you might be disappointed, but this is the closest thing to it.  The composer for “TRON: Uprising” is Joseph Trapanese, who worked with Daft Punk on the film’s score and worked as arranger and orchestrator for “TRON: Legacy”. So this soundtrack of music that is inspired from the series, takes on its own life.  It is not just the same thing again, it takes the feel of the animated series and really amps it up.

Personally, I feel that there are a few tracks that I enjoyed much more than the film score. Since this series is the bridge between “TRON” and “TRON: Legacy”, Trapanese does a nice job of blending Wendy Carlos with Daft Punk. Must listen for all “TRON” fans! After working with Daft Punk for two years on the “TRON: Legacy” score, Trapanese really knows what works best for this series.  In this TV series he also has more room to play since the show’s scale is much broader and not limited to a two hour movie. The album contains remix tracks that were chosen by Trapanese personally. The last track “Rezolution” by Hollywood Records’ rising EDM star, 16-year-old – Cole Plante is a very unique track and a nice end to the album.

“Scars” is a a two-part episode that was a very important arc for the series.  There is a lot of focus on this episode with tracks seven through thirteen.  I really enjoyed this suite and it is easily my favorite aspect on the album. So like I said earlier this album is not Daft Punk’s “TRON: Legacy” score but it takes aspect from that and expanded its reach into The Grid.  If you are a fan of this series, then you have heard the score through out the season so far.  This release is an answered prayer, I really hope that this isn’t the last release either.  I would love to see another volume in the future, hopefully.  Now we just need to get Disney XD to release this show on Blu-ray!

Track Listing:
1. Beck’s Theme – Lightbike Battle
2. Tesler Throwdown
3. Paige’s Past
4. Lux’s Sacrifice
5. Price Of Power
6. Rescuing The Rebellion
7. Dyson Drops In (Scars Suite)
8. Tron’s Promise (Scars Suite)
9. Tron’s Turn (Scars Suite)
10. Beck Betrayed (Scars Suite)
11. Torture (Scars Suite)
12. Revenge (Scars Suite)
13. Redemption (Scars Suite)
14. Goodbye Renegade
15. Compressed Space
16. Renegade’s Pledge – End Credits
17. Lightbike Battle (3OH!3 and JT Remix)
18. Inferno (Opiuo Remix)
19. Dyson (David Hiller Remix)
20. Rezolution – Cole Plante

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Blu-ray Review “Persona 4: The Animation, Collection 2”

Directed by: Seiji Kishi
Distributed by: Sentai Filmworks
Rated: Unrated
Release Date: January 15, 2013
Run Time: 365 minutes

Part 2: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of 5 stars

“Persona 4: The Animation” is based on the “Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4” video game (one of my favorites).  This collection of episodes concludes the 26 episodes developed for this show. The beginning of this animation series introduced the show and got into the heart of the story but these episodes are where the shit just crazy leading up to the intense finale. This is the type of show that I feel that I revisit and and tune in to the Midnight Channel very often. Here is our review of Collection 1.  Thanks to Sentai for not delaying to long and releasing Collection 2 so quickly. Though I have to admit though, I hope that they continue the “Persona” series in anime format since I absolutely love this franchise.

Official Synopsis: The mystery of the murders seems to have been solved, but the riddle of the Velvet Room and the lethal Midnight Channel is an enigma that Yu and the other students who form the Investigation Team still have to crack. And that’s to say nothing of the question of how their powers of Persona work in the first place, and how the fictional Teddie can exist in the real world. As conundrums wrap in conundrums, and the school year burns inexorably towards a blistering summer, the team must prepare for the most deadly challenge yet while still pretending to lead normal high school lives. But that won’t be easy under the evil eye of their new homeroom teacher. And when Detective Shirogane reenters the game with new information about irregularities in the police investigation and clues that may lead to an entirely different conclusion; both team and detective find themselves playing the role of prey once more! The body count is on the rise, the Shadows attack and new Persona are about to ascend as the Midnight Channel launches the ultimate cancellation program in the grand finale of PERSONA4!

The Blu-ray presentation on par with the Collection 1. The animation looks just as vibrant and sharp with  each 1080p transfer on the episodes. The audio track works good as well with its DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and does a good job of delivering the scale of this fantastic finale. Like in Collection 1, there is no original Japanese language track.  There is just English dub available, not the fault of Sentai though. Unfortunately unlike the episodes, there is not much in special features department.  Basically the only extra is the clean opening and closing animation sequences. Still a good feature but not enough to leave you satisfied. Lastly, there are trailers for other recent/upcoming Sentai titles.

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DVD Review “Life’s Too Short: The Complete First Season”

Actors: Warwick Davis, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Rating: TV-MA
Studio: HBO Studios
DVD Release Date: January 15, 2013
Run Time: 280 minutes

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

If you are fans of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the comedy duo behind BBC series’ “The Office” and “Extras” and “The Ricky Gervais Show”, then “Life’s Too Short” is definitely for you! The series stars Warwick Davis (“Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” and “Harry Potter” franchise) playing a fictionalized character of himself.  I love the fact that he is able to poke fun at himself and in a very tongue-in-cheek style. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant also pop in from time to time through the episodes for a good laugh. The show is also ace with cameo celebrity appearances like Liam Neeson (my favorite) and Johnny Depp They appear completely out of their typical context and will leave you on the floor laughing! Can’t wait for season two! Bring it on HBO!

Official Synopsis: Shot faux-documentary style, Life’s Too Short gleefully charts Davis’s every move as he tries to jumpstart his waning career by opening his doors to a reality TV film crew while trying to maintain his pride and self-respect in a series of uncomfortable, often-humiliating situations. Along the way, he seeks advice from his old pals Gervais and Merchant (playing versions of themselves) in hopes that their A-list celebrity connections including Johnny Depp, Liam Neeson, Sting, Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Carell, Cat Deely (who all cameo) will aid his career.

The DVD is jam-packed with bonus features. To start there is a short featurette (get it short?), well not that short called “Making of Life’s Too Short”.  There are ten behind-the-scenes clips from the series.  There are also various deleted scenes and outtakes.  I feel the series works the way it did but I welcome the extra footage, as parts of it were indeed hilarious.  Lastly, there are previews for each episode.  Did I mention that I love Liam Neeson’s episode? I am surprised that HBO is not giving this series a Blu-ray release since in the UK it is getting one.

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Blu-ray Review “War of the Dead”

Directed by: Marko Makilaakso
Starring: Andrew Tiernan, Mark Wingett, Mikko Leppilampi, Jouka Ahola
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Entertainment One
DVD Release Date: January 1, 2013
Run Time: 86 minutes

Our Score: 1 out of 5 stars

Being a sucker for zombie flicks I was anxious to check out “War of the Dead”. Yes there have already been countless films based around zombie wars and Nazi experiments gone array but surely one more couldn’t hurt could it? A slow start and the absence any real recognizable names put this film in the red at the start however at about the 15 minute mark you catch your first glimpse of some zombies and the film starts to take off. Well somewhat.

March 1941. Captain Martin Stone (Andrew Tiernan) leads an American unit on a mission to destroy a secret Nazi underground bunker. Fighting alongside an elite platoon, the soldiers find themselves attacked by the same men they killed in an earlier assault. Now, the remaining officers must struggle to survive against the war’s most terrifying enemy…a flesh hungry army of the living dead.

The overall presentation of the film is decent but far from great. At times scenes appear dark, choppy and are rather chaotic making the film tough to watch especially if you get motion sickness easy. I should also point out that anyone expecting to find Academy Award winning performances from the actors involved should skip this. Though the Blu-Ray version of the film also includes a bonus DVD copy that’s about all you will find in the way of bonuses. Fans of zombie/war films should save their money and continue to wait patiently for the highly anticipated Marc Foster film “World War Z” which is being released in Spring of 2013.

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Blu-ray Review “Overtime”

Actors: Al Snow, John Wells, Sebrina Siegel, Erica Goldsmith, James Tackett
Directors: Brian Cunningham, Matt Niehoff
Rated: Unrated
Studio: VCI Entertainment
Release Date: January 1, 2013
Run Time: 81 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Alright so let’s talk about “Overtime”…with a tagline of “Guns, Girls, Aliens, Zombie…Cake!”, how can you  go wrong. “Overtime” is far from perfect but it is a fun science-fiction/horror/comedy.  The film has some decent gore, some sharp comedy and Former WWE superstar Al Snow.  That is enough for me.  Overall, the acting is terrible but for some reason, I was totally interested to see where this film was going. Is it the best movie ever? No.  But with all the crappy horror movies that I watch this film was at least worth checking out.

Official Premise: Former WWE superstar Al Snow stars in this action-packed zombie-alien comedy that gives new meaning to working late. Ralph (Snow) is a hitman who has trouble balancing the responsibilities of work and home…especially when his boss calls him in to work on a Saturday. But when Ralph finds himself locked in an alien infested lab with his partner Max (John Wells), he must find a way to save a small group of survivors, keep himself safe from a hoard of zombie aliens and get to his son’s birthday party on time.

This release is presented as a two-disc set combo pack with a Blu-ray and DVD copy of the film.  The 1080p transfer looks good for “Overtime” but nothing amazing.  There are two audio tracks including a PCM 2.0 and 5.1 surround track. There are some decent but short special features included.  There is an audio commentary with stars Al Snow and John Wells, and directors Brian Cunningham and Matt Niehoff.  This is a must listen for fans of the film and works great for a repeat visit.  There are two featurette including “Surviving Overtime” and a behind-the-scenes featurette looking into the production. Lastly there is a press promotional promo and trailer included.

 

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Book Review “Star Wars Character Encyclopedia”

Author: Dorling Kindersley
Reading level: Ages 7 and up
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing
Release Date: June 20, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“The Star Wars Character Encyclopedia” is truly the definitive illustrated guide all your favorite characters of the Star Wars galaxy!  This universe of characters is constantly expanding and growing, this book is an amazing introduction for kids to this vast universe.  It is also a great way to learn more about your favorite “Star Wars” characters.  I am a big “Star Wars” fan but there are still various droids and secondary characters that I do not know the names and back story for. This book really packs the power of the force from all six “Star Wars” movies.  So if you are a “Star Wars” fan or trying to introduce the series to your children (like myself), then The Star Wars Character Encyclopedia is a must buy!

Official Synopsis: The Star Wars Character Encyclopedia is the definitive illustrated guide to Luke Skywalker, Jabba the Hut, and all of your favorite characters of the Star Wars galaxy! Feel the force as you flip through pages of profiles of all your favorite characters from the Star Wars galaxy. With stat boxes, expert text, incredible movie stills, and more than 200 profiles, this is book is a must have for Star Wars fans of all ages.

This book literally features over 200+ characters from the six “Star Wars” feature films.  There is everyone from the lovable heroes Luke Skywalker to the villainous Darth Vadar. If you are a “Clone Wars” fan, then DK Publishing also released “Star Wars Clone Wars Character Encyclopedia”, which dives just into the animated series. I recommend both books since they are “Clone Wars” just expanded on the “Star Wars” universe. In the short of it, if you ever want to learn about “Star Wars” and other great franchises, DK Publishing is where it is at!

 

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Book Review “LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia”

Author: Hannah Dolan
Reading level: Ages 7 and up
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing
Release Date: September 19, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you want to know anything about LEGO Star Wars…then this is a book for you! Thanks again to DK Publishing to delivering such an in-depth and excellent source to this wonderful brand. This book showcases over 300 mini-figures from this series within its 200+ pages.  If that isn’t enough this book also includes exclusive LEGO Star Wars Han Solo mini-figure   Whether you are looking to introduce your kid to LEGO Star Wars or refresh yourself, this book is a perfect way to learn everything you need to know about LEGO Star Wars.

Official Synopsis: DK is bringing two of the world’s most popular properties together again in a fun, chunky format that kids and adults are sure to love! This illustrated encyclopedia features in-depth profiles showing interesting and never-before-seen elements of all your favorite LEGO® Star Wars® minifigures. With more than 400 captivating images and tons of fascinating facts, the LEGO® Star Wars® Character Encyclopedia is sure to keep both LEGO lovers and Star Wars fans reading for hours!

Overall, I am was not sure what to expect with this but honestly I was totally blown away.  Within the book are some really great detailed pictures with a lot of fun and obscure facts throughout the LEGO Star Wars history. The presentation of each character is crystal clear and you can tell that a lot of time and preparation was put into the development of this book.  I consider myself a LEGO Star Wars fan and yet this book delivered some facts that I even didn’t know. I look forward to sharing this book with my 7 month old daughter to start introducing her to this amazing universe of characters.

 

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Book Review “LEGO Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary”

Author: Simon Beecroft
Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: DK Publishing
Release Date: September 21, 2009

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

DK Publishing is known for taking care of the nerds with books focusing on  Star Wars, Harry Potter and Batman and much more. This Visual Dictionary looks into the world of LEGO Star Wars, it is a blend of characters with showcasing on the current available LEGO Star Wars sets. To top off the coolness of this book, it comes with an exclusive Like Skywalker mini-figure. If you are looking for the go-to book for LEGO Star Wars, I would highly recommend “LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia”. This book would be perfect if it ran a little longer, it clocks in at under 100 pages.

Official Synopsis: In true DK style, LEGO® Star Wars™: The Visual Dictionary elucidates, illuminates, and excites even the most discerning LEGO Group, Star Wars™, and minifigure fans around the world. Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, and more are brought to life with dozens of little-known facts and hundreds of photos of accessories, vehicles, weapons, and even the Death Star! Learn about the history, manufacturing, and construction of the minifigures of the Star Wars galaxy, and come away a LEGO® Jedi Master.

One thing this book was successful at was making me want run out and purchase some new LEGO Star Wars sets.  Luckily Santa Claus brought me the new LEGO giant R2-D2 set, so this book has inspired me to get to building that set ASAP.  Even though I prefer “LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia”, this book has more detail in various aspect of LEGO Star Wars, not just the characters. So it is recommended to have both book as a companion to each other. With the LEGO Star Wars universe only growing each year, I am excited to see what DK Publishing is planning next.

 

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Blu-ray 3D Review “Dredd”

Actors: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey
Directors: Pete Travis
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: January 8, 2013
Run Time: 95 minutes

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

The character of Judge Dredd made his first appearance in 2000 AD #2 back in March of 1977. After the disappointing attempt to bring to the big-screen, though cult favorite, back in 1995 with Sylvester Stallone in “Judge Dredd”, “Dredd” is the latest attempt and is adapted by Alex Garland from John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra’s legendary comic book and filmed in stunning 3-D. This film is the way that this comic book character should be portrayed. Karl Urban (“Star Trek”, “The Chronicle of Riddick”) really scores with this role, even while keeping his helmet on! Lena Headey (HBO’s “Game Of Thrones”) plays a good baddie as Ma-Ma. Overall the film is a blast to watch. It is action packed, gritty, gory and the way that Judge Dredd should be. I highly recommend checking this out and be sure to watch in 3D if possible.

Official Synopsis: The future America is an irradiated wasteland. On its east coast, running from Boston to Washington D.C., lies Mega City One – a vast, violent metropolis where criminals rule the chaotic streets. The only force of order lies with the urban cops called “Judges” who possess the combined powers of judge, jury and instant executioner. Known and feared throughout the city, Dredd (Urban) is the ultimate Judge, challenged with ridding the city of its latest scourge, a dangerous drug called “Slo-Mo,” and the sadistic crime boss Ma-Ma (Headey) who is using it to take over the city.

Lionsgate is given “Dredd” a very impressive release as it explodes onto 3D Blu-ray.  The releases includes the 3D and the standard 2D version of the film on one disc plus Digital Copy and digital Ultraviolet code. The film looks absolutely stunning with its 1080p High Definition 16×9 Widescreen (2.40:1) transfer.  This works perfectly with the film’s very sharp visual effects sequences and 3D.  The film was shot in 3D using RED MX, SI2K and Phantom Flex high-speed cameras. The film has great depth and really looks amazing on Blu-ray.  The star of the release is easily the Blu-ray’s audio track.  “Dredd” comes packed with an insane 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio that is optimized for 11.1 Neo X.  This is becoming a trend with Lionsgate releases after “The Expendables 2“. I was blown away with this track and as was my surround sound.

The special features are impressive as well on this release. They are made up with six production-based featurettes.  The first is “Mega-City Masters”: 35 Years of Judge Dredd”, which looks into the legacy of this amazing action hero.  “Day of Chaos: The Visual Effects of Dredd 3D” focuses on the film very sharp and stylized visual effects. “Dredd” is a focus on the man that we know as “the law”. “Dredd’s Gear” is a look into all the super-cool goodies taht “Dredd” packs to kick some major ass! “The 3rd Dimension” is a look of introducing this series with the use of 3D. The last featurettes is “Welcome to Peachtrees”, which is a location-based feature on where 95% of the filming takes place in. Rounding out the fantastic special features is a “Dredd Motion Comic Prequel”, which is a nice lead-in to this film.

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Blu-ray Review “Justified: The Complete Third Season”

Actors: Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter, Jacob Pitts, Erica Tazel
Directors: Adam Arkin, Bill Johnson, Dean Parisot, Don Kurt, Gwyneth Horder-Payton
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: December 31, 2012
Run Time: 541 minutes

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

I have known of FX’s gun-slinging modern day police drama “Justified” but I never really got into it. I am a big fan of Timothy Olyphant though and he is quite amazing in the role. This season also guest stars the great Jeremy Davies in his Emmy-winning role as Dickie Bennett (Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, 2012). This season where we find Harlan County no longer under the rule of the Bennett family.  We also see that Boyd returns to the criminal life, while Raylan has issues with keeping the town under control. The third season is said to be the best of the three and from what I have seen I do not disagree. The show does a good job of hooking you in from the very first episode and even those that haven’t watch from first season are still able to enjoy. Stay tuned because a fourth season of 13 episodes will return on January 8th, 2013 on FX.

Official Synopsis:  Fresh off the epic gun battle that concluded Season One, Season Two of “Justified” finds Bo Crowder dead, and the Crowder criminal grip on Harlan County broken. Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens must now face off against the criminal organizations that are moving to fill the void, and finds himself entangled once again with the mercurial Boyd Crowder and the brutal Mags Bennett.

This three-disc Blu-ray will deliver the goods to the fans of the show for sure. The 1080p transfer for each episodes looks good. It is the standard upgrade as far as high-definition goes. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround track is sharp but doesn’t really blow you away. Still impressive and major upgrade from the episodes on television. Besides the show’s thirteen episodes, this release includes a bunch of deleted scenes and outtakes. I am very impressed with the fact that their is cast and crew commentary on nine episodes. You usually lucky if you get get one episode. There are also three all-new featurettes that look into the making of the third season, as well as the stunts and nice tour of the set. Lastly, If you like the show they you are going to love the exclusive to the Blu-ray sit-down interview with Olyphant and Goggins, called “Talking Shop: Roundtable Discussion”. All the above are all good reasons to revisit this show on Blu-ray.

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Book Review “Better Homes and Gardens: Year-Round Slow Cooker Recipes”

Author: Better Homes and Gardens
Hardcover: 548 pages
Publisher: Wiley
Release Date: December 10, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

My wife and I recently got a new slow cooker, double the size of our last, so we have been dying to try out some new recipes. When I started looking around at newly released slow cooker recipe books there is no shortage but none of them really stood out like this release from Better Homes and Gardens.  Just the look and feel of the book really drew me in.  It comes in a nice hardcover with a binder feel and tabbed pages.  It is very each to leave open and view on the counter while cooking.  What I also liked about the book is simply the title recipes that you can prepare “year-round”, I think that is key.  They are all also low maintenance and low-fuzz and that is a must for us.  We have little time to prepare dinner and these include the recipe for success.

Another main draw for me is that there are over 500 recipes included throughout.  The sections included in this book are breakfast and bunch, soups and stews, sandwiches, casseroles, meat,  poultry, and desserts.  There is also a section for those looking for even healthier food with “Skinny Slow Cooker”. There is something for everyone here for sure within these delicious recipes. What I also liked about this book is that is for the everyday cooker and actually attempts to help you cook… and cook well.  There are tips and guides in order to make the recipes extra yummy. I like to think that I am decent cook, not as good or creative as my wife, and this really spoke to me and inspired me to cook.

Let’s get to some of the yummy recipes now.  In the casserole section, I turned immediately to the recipe for “New Potato, Broccoli, and Chicken Casserole”.  I couldn’t help but prepare straight away. Let me tell you it was beyond amazing! I am usually not one to try something off the “skinny” menu but I turned to the “Slow-Cooked Beef Fajitas”, I couldn’t say no…and I am sure glad that I didn’t.  I recently tried “Ratatouille” in Disney World and I really liked it but the recipe here to be honest is so much better…sorry Disney. What is a recipe book with out great desserts! I am a big fan of brownies and I couldn’t say no to “Fudge Brownies with Strawberries”.  Let’s just say when I make them again, I will be doubling the recipe, since I couldn’t get enough of these.

What is also very attractive about this book is that it comes packed with hundreds of mouth watering photos, which really left me wanting to run out to my nearest Publix supermarket in order to get more groceries.  I have a feeling that this book is going to get used quite a bit over the next few months.  It is going to take a long time to make over 500 recipes, especially since I do not think that there is one item in this book that I wouldn’t want to eat immediately. Released perfectly timed for the holidays, this will make a nice Christmas gift for anyone! It is also very reasonable priced for the quality of product that you are getting.  I look forward to the next release from Better Homes and Gardens

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DVD Review “LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu – Rise of Green Ninja”

Actors: Vincent Tong, Kirby Morrow, Michael Adamthwaite, Brent Miller, Paul Dobson
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: December 11, 2012
Run Time: 154 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Who doesn’t love LEGO’s? “LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu” is the #1 rated show on Cartoon Network with boys ages 6-11. Well I know I am not in that age-range but this show still has incredible entertainment value, even for a 30 year old. This DVD includes the first seven action-packed episodes from season two of the show. The season consists of 13 episodes, which is actually quite short for an animated series. Since the show is so popular, there is a third season on the way but not until 2014. So if your kids love this show, this will be a good way to hold them over – besides TV repeats, of course. IF you like LEGO (who doesn’t) and ninja (who doesn’t again), this is a no-brainer both for young and old..er kids.

Official Synopsis: ONE NINJA MUST TRAIN TO SAVE THEIR WORLD. The great Devourer has been defeated, but Lord Garmadon is still at large and what’s worse – he now holds the four Golden Weapons of Spinjitzu, and soon he commands both the Serpentine and the Ninjas’ flying ship ‘The Bounty’. The four Ninja must train Lloyd for his confrontation with his father, but with limited powers and without a home, it proves more difficult than they could have imagined. And Lloyd is not exactly an A-student either. Garmadon is bent on preventing Lloyd meeting his full potential. He unleashes a series of devious plots including the ultimate Mega weapon, enemy pirates, dark replicas of the four ninjas and a dangerous race across Ninjago. The destiny of the Green Ninja has yet to be fulfilled.

The episodes included are: “Darkness Shall Rise”, “Pirates vs. Ninja”, “Double Trouble”, “Ninjaball Run”, “Child’s Play”, “Wrong Place, Wrong Time” and “The Stone Army”. “LEGO Ninjago” has quickly become not only the fastest growing but also the top-selling line in LEGO history. Keep an eye out since The complete second season and complete series of “LEGO: Ninjago Masters of Spinjitzu” are scheduled for release on DVD and Blu-Ray in early 2013. But for the time being this release will make a really nice stocking stuffer. Hint-Hint parents! I will be there waiting for the new episodes and releases of this fun show.  Now if you excuse me I need to go put in some hours on my latest purchase from LEGO Ninjago toy line.

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CD Review “Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained” – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

“Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained”
Various Artists
Release Date: December 18, 2012
Tracks: 23
Label: Universal Republic

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have been a Quentin Tarantino fan film since day one.  His films also come with the most interesting music and his soundtracks never let down.  “Django Unchained” is definitely no different. It comes packed with a wide-variety of music and seven tracks of specific dialogue from the film.  I used to love the “Pulp Fiction” soundtrack for that same reason.  I love how the music is so perfectly chosen that it also helps describe the type of film that this is.  Since this has the ole’ spaghetti western-style feel, we get some of that feel and then completely on the other side there are rap songs. So there is a little bit for everyone here. And if you know Quentin Tarantino then you will not be disappointed by this soundtrack.

The star of this soundtrack besides Ennio Morricone’s beautiful score tracks is the brand new mash-up of James Brown and 2Pac on the track “Unchained (The Payback / Untouchable)”.  This song is so exciting and gets you completely pumped up.  Honestly, I think this track is worth the purchase of the soundtrack alone.  It is also perfectly placed, of course, after Elisa Toffoli’s very quiet “Ancora Qui”.  This is a like an explosion and it does let up for almost 3 minutes.  I would have loved for it to run more like 6-7 minutes, thank God for loop. Did I also mention that Samuel L. Jackson has some nice dialogue tracks, which takes me pack to 1995 with “Pulp Fiction”…”English motherfucker! Do you SPEAK IT!”.  You will literally want to run out and see this film immediately after listening to this soundtrack or if you’ve seen it, it is a perfect companion to chill out to after watching this film.

Track Listing:
1. Winged – James Russo
2. Django – Luis Bacalov
3. The Braying Mule – Ennio Morricone
4. “In The Case Django, After You…” – Christoph Waltz
5. Lo Chiamavano King (His Name Is King) – Luis Bacalov
6. Freedom – Anthony Hamilton
7. Five-Thousand-Dollar Nigga’s And Gummy Mouth Bitches – Don Johnson
8. La Corsa (2nd Version) – Luis Bacalov
9. Sneaky Schultz And The Demise Of Sharp – Don Straud
10. I Got A Name – Jim Croce
11. I Giorni Dell’ira – Riziero Ortolani
12. 100 Black Coffins [Explicit] – Rick Ross
13. Nicaragua – Jerry Goldsmith
14. Hildi’s Hot Box – Samuel L. Jackson
15. Sister Sara’s Theme – Ennio Morricone
16. Ancora Qui – Elisa Toffoli
17. Unchained (The Payback / Untouchable)- James Brown
18. Who Did That to You? – John Legend
19. Too Old To Die Young – Brother Dege (AKA Dege Legg)
20. Stephen The Poker Player – Samuel L. Jackson
21. Un Monumento – Ennio Morricone
22. Six Shots Two Guns – Samuel L. Jackson
23. Trinity (Titoli) – Annibale E I Cantori Moderni

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: cd, django, motion, original, picture, quentin, ...

DVD Review “Chiller – The Complete Television Series”

Actors: Nigel Havers, Martin Clunes, Sophie Ward, Kevin McNally
Directors: Lawrence Gordon Clark, Bob Mahoney, Rob Walker
Number of discs: 2
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Synapse Films
DVD Release Date: December 11, 2012
Run Time: 265 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Look Deeper into the Face of Fear”.  That is a very effective and very haunting tagline, especially when looking at this extremely eye-catching and eerie box art.  This television series was very short five episode horror anthology that aired in the UK back in 1995. This is the first time that these episodes have seen the light of the day in the U.S., thanks to the amazing Synapse Films. It is weird but something about 80-90’s TV anthologies, this have this unique aspect to them.  I was a big fan of “Monsters”, “Friday the 13th: The Series” and “Freddy’s Nightmare” growing up and this series fits in well with that.  This series starred many of Britain’s leading actors at the time including Nigel Havers (“Chariots of Fire”), Martin Clunes (UK’s “Men Behaving Badly”), Sophie Ward (“Young Sherlock Holmes”) and Kevin McNally (“Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise). “Chiller” obviously has a very English feel behind it but that is where the charm comes form.

Here is the official premise for each episodes included: PROPHECY: When a group of friends hold a séance in the basement of a London cafe, they each receive a prophecy. Five years later, the frightening prophecies begin to come true. TOBY: Ray and Louise Knight tragically lose Toby, their unborn baby, in a car accident.  Louise soon discovers she’s pregnant again, but a routine scan reveals she is not… even though her body feels like she is! HERE COMES THE MIRROR MAN: A social worker helps a young homeless man but may die trying, when she discovers her predecessor was murdered under mysterious circumstances. THE MAN WHO DIDN’T BELIEVE IN GHOSTS: Richard Cramer, a professional de-bunker of the paranormal, moves into Windwhistle Hall with his family, only to find themselves involved in a series of unexplained events and accidents. NUMBER SIX: In Helsby, a small Yorkshire town, police search desperately for a child killer.  Tied somehow to an ancient Druidic site, this killer may strike again at the next full moon.

Horror fans should not miss a chance to own this episodes on DVD for the first time. This show shows it age a little but still has some good spook factor behind it.  The make-up effects hold up well as well. The only thing I wish is that if there were more episodes to this series.  They just don’t make good horror anthology anymore and now there is plans to reboot “The Twilight Zone” (again), which doesn’t interest me at all. Since it will be made for THE CW and turned into another “Twilight” or “The Vampire Diaries”.  These episodes do look nice for this two-disc DVD set.  They are not completely restored but they are presented well and makes me want to go back and re-watch other great 80’s/90’s horror anthologies. There are no special features included on this release besides the episodes but to be honest, I was left satisfied enough just with the episodes for this release.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bin, bluray, laden, osama, raid, review, ...

Blu-ray Review “Cosmopolis”

Actors: Robert Pattinson, Juliette Binoche, Sarah Gadon, Mathieu Amalric, Jay Baruchel, Kevin Durand
Directors: David Cronenberg
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Entertainment One
DVD Release Date: January 1, 2013
Run Time: 109 minutes

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

“Cosmopolis” is based on a novel by Don DeLillo and is easily David Cronenberg’s best film in the last decade. This film is a real trip though and a lot different from much of his other work. It is very dark and slow-moving but it works with such intelligent dialogue that it literally has you unable to move from your seat. The script was also written by Cronenberg himself, which is the first feature he has done that with since “eXistenZ” (one of my all-time favorites). So let’s get to elephant in the room, Robert Pattinson.  He delivers here easily his best performance to date. Haters of “Twilight” need to see this film cause it is a real turnaround. Top it off with another amazing score from Howard Shore, who worked with Cronenberg on “Dead Ringers” and you get another gem from this director.

Official Synopsis: Unfolding in a single cataclysmic day, the story follows Eric Packer (Robert Pattinson) – a 28-year old financial whiz kid and billionaire asset manager – as he heads out in his tricked-out stretch limo to get a haircut from his father’s old barber, while remotely wagering his company’s massive fortune on a bet against the Chinese Yuan. Packer’s luxe trip across the city quickly becomes dizzyingly hellish as he encounters explosive city riots, a parade of provocative visitors, and is thrust into a myriad of intimate encounters. Having started the day with everything, believing he is the future, Packer’s perfectly ordered, doubt-free world is about to implode.

The Blu-ray presentation from Entertainment One is literally amazing. The 1080p transfer is flawless and so well with the anarchy that is presented in the film.  There are two audio tracks included on this Blu-ray disc: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 works great with Shore’s score as well. The special features are limited in quantity but back some not in quality.  “Citizens of Cosmopolis” is a nearly 2-hour documentary on the film and it’s production.  There are tons of interviews including the director David Cronenberg, Robert Pattinson and many of the other cast and crew talking about the film and the novel.  Lastly there is a sweet and informative audio commentary with Cronenberg, which will leave his fans very satisfied.

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