Blu-ray Review “Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier”

Actors: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Run Time: 136 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

Is there simply any stopping Marvel at this point? “Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is the latest film in the Cinematic Universe that Marvel is building, all so well! The film is really well done. It follows the events of “Captain America: The First Avenger” and of course “The Avengers”. There are tons of Easter eggs hidden throughout the film. It is well-paced and takes a very important stand in Marvel Cinematic Universe. Chris Evans is great as always. Scarlett Johansson gets some more screen time and a chance to chat as Black Widow…but when is that solo movie going to be announced. I have to say I think that Anthony Mackie steals the show as Falcon for sure. I wanted more of him. Sebastian Stan, played the Winter Soldier, signed a nine picture deal with Marvel/Disney, so are going to be seeing a lot more of him. Can’t wait to see how this all comes together now in “The Avengers 2”.

Official Premise: From the Studio that brought you the greatest Super Hero movie of all time, “Marvel’s The Avengers”, comes “Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier”, the global phenomenon that teams Captain America (Chris Evans) with the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and a new ally, the Falcon (Anthony Mackie), in a fight for the future of mankind. Following the cataclysmic events in New York with the Avengers, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, is living quietly in Washington, D.C. and trying to adjust to the modern world. But when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the entire world at risk. As the conspiracy deepens and it’s no longer clear whom to trust, Captain America, Black Widow and the Falcon must join forces to overthrow their insidious enemy’s most mysterious and powerful weapon yet – the Winter Soldier.

Disney/Marvel Studios deliver easily one of the best Blu-rays this year. The 1080p transfer is absolutely perfect and just visually amazing. I was disappointed not seeing it in 3D but in 2D it was just so impressive still. Same goes for the very epic DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track, which delivers an amazing experience. The film is very action packed and this works extremely well. Special features are good but not outstanding. There is a audio commentary track with Directors Anthony & Joe Russo and screenwriters Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, which is very extensive. “On the Front Line: An Inside Look at Captain America’s Battlegrounds” takes a look into the production. “On Set with Anthony Mackie: Cut the Check!” focuses on Falcon. Steve Rogers’ Notebook looks into the film’s differences in various international versions of the film. Lastly there are a few deleted, extended scenes and gag reel included.

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Blu-ray Review “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: The Complete First Season”

Starring: Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Iain De Caestecker, Elizabeth Henstridge, Chloe Bennet Number of discs: 5
Studio: ABC Studios
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Run Time: 946 minutes

Season: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is a good show because it follows the events of “The Avengers” and keep in line with the continuity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In fact it directly links to the events of “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” while the film was still in theaters. This takes a lot of planning and preparation for sure and I appreciate that. The season starts off a little slow to be honest but the last half of the season is really a must watch for any Marvel fan. “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” also has a cast that you can’t help but love. It stars Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson, Chloe Bennet as Skye, Ming-Na Wen as Agent Melinda May, Brett Dalton as Agent Grand Ward, Iain De Caestecker as Agent Leo Fitz and Elizabeth Henstridge as Agent Jemma Simmons. Plus it is jam-packed with fantastic guest stars. Can’t wait for season two.

“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: The Complete First Season” Official Premise: In the wake of The Battle of New York, the world has changed forever. An extraordinary landscape of wonders has been revealed! In response, mysteriously resurrected Agent Phil Coulson assembles an elite team of skilled agents and operatives: Melinda May, Grant Ward, Leo Fitz, Jemma Simmons and new recruit/computer hacker Skye. Together, they investigate the new, the strange, and the unknown across the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary. But every answer unearths even more tantalizing questions that reverberate across the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe: Who is “The Clairvoyant”? What is Hydra’s sinister master plan; what dark secret lies behind Skye’s puzzling origins; and most importantly of all, who can be trusted? Start your collection and relive all 22 thrilling episodes as you unravel mysteries, discover cool gadgets and meet iconic Marvel characters. Then, achieve Level 7 clearance and delve deeper as you explore newly declassified bonus features with this must-own set!

ABC Studios/Disney is not usually one to bring their television shows to Blu-ray but this is a rare case. The 1080p transfer is solid on this show, I have always felt from the start that it seems to have a very “TV” feel it in terms of scale but it is still sharp. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks work for the tone of the show. The special features are a great follow up to the season. First we have “Journey Into S.D.C.C.”, which has out cast at the convention introducing the show. “Marvel Studios: Assembling A Universe” was a TV special that aired this summer. There are five Behind-The-Scenes Field Reports looking into some of fans favorite episodes. There is VFX Breakdowns on various sequences with split-frame comparisons to the final version. There are some audio commentaries with Filmmakers & Cast. Lastly there is a Gag Reel and Deleted Scenes included.

 

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Film Review “My Old Lady”

Starring: Maggie Smith, Kevin Kline and Kristen Scott Thomas
Directed By: Israel Horovitz
Running Time: 104 minutes
Cohen Media

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

By all accounts My Old Lady has had successful runs in its various stage iterations, so how does it hold up as a film? Unfortunately it’s something of a mixed bag. Director Horovitz, adapting his own play to this film, seeks to open up his three person play by adding some supporting characters, not to mention the actual gorgeous Parisian background, but the film itself never seems to rise above it’s central contrivance and weighty melodrama.

Kevin Kline plays Mathias Gold, a failed novelist from America coming to France to claim and sell a gorgeous Paris apartment that he’s inherited from his dead father. The catch on this particular flat is it comes pre-packed with the elderly Mathilde (Maggie Smith) under a French real estate arrangement known as a “viager”. Under this arrangement, the elderly tenant collects an annuity from the buyer so long as they live. Basically the buyer pays less on the place should the seller of the property pass away sooner rather than later. Naturally this makes Mathias’s introduction to Mathilde quite awkward. Complicating matters is Mathilde’s live-in grown daughter, Chloe (Kristen Scott Thomas in her third outing as Smith’s daughter) who naturally dislikes a disgruntled American with a vested interest in her mother’s death.

The film is stronger in its earlier acts with Mathias and Mathilde engaging in their subtle battle of wills–“to long life” she quips when toasting at dinner. Meanwhile Mathias schemes behind her back by investigating her medical records and whisking away furniture to pawn as an alternate way to turn a profit. He also engages in some minor blackmail against Chloe who, as it turns out, is also a woman damaged by her parents’ indiscretions. Kline is infinitely more charming when playing at being a scoundrel rather than when he’s saddled with lengthy monologues later in the film likely lifted directly from the play.

And here is where the film begins to wade into melodrama. Of course Mathilde’s lengthy stay in the flat of Mathias’s absentee father can only give way to a past affair whose shock waves were felt by both Mathias and Chloe on either side of the Atlantic. And as the film’s cast is essentially this trio, you can probably already guess who Mathias and Chloe will turn to when the revelations come pouring in.

I do give credit to Horovitz’s script which, if anything is unusual for using Paris as the backdrop of what is by all accounts the fallout of a long past love affair rather than the setting for the impassioned blooming of a youthful one. Additionally it is not often in film when we get to see older skilled actors such as Scott Thomas and Kline forge a romance however one wishes it didn’t come with quite so much baggage.

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Blu-ray Review “Doctor Who: Deep Breath”

Starring: Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 9, 2014
Run Time: 70 minutes

Episode: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Deep Breath” is a big deal since it is the start of season eight for “Doctor Who”, which introduces us to Peter Capaldi taking on the role of the 12th Doctor for the first time. This season premiere was the highest rated Doctor Who season premiere on BBC America ever! Of course everyone is skeptical when a new Doctor takes over but Capaldi, no question, won me over right from the get go. I love his “Scottish” take on the character. I am not sure how he will mess with Clara but I am very open-minded. Nonetheless, this is going to be one hell of a season. Can’t wait to see what they have in store.

Official Premise: When the Doctor arrives in Victorian London he finds a dinosaur rampant in the Thames and a spate of deadly spontaneous combustions. Who is the new Doctor and will Clara’s friendship survive as they embark on a terrifying mission into the heart of an alien conspiracy? The Doctor has changed. It’s time you knew him. Episode marks the beginning of the Twelfth Doctor’s era with Peter Capaldi as the Doctor, Jenna Coleman as his companion Clara Oswald, and sees the return of fan favorites the Paternoster Gang — Madame Vastra (Neve McIntosh), Jenny Flint (Catrin Stewart) and Strax (Dan Starkey).

The Blu-ray release of “Doctor Who: Deep Breath” is presented in with a fantastic 1080p and an action packed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. The real draw for this release are the exclusive special features, which will most likely not be included in the complete season. “The Real History of Science Fiction: Episode 4, “Time”” looks into the history of science fiction with Steven Moffat, David Tennant, Karen Gillan, and Neil Gaiman. “Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor” is the live announcement when the casting of Peter Capaldi as the next Doctor. Lastly there are two exclusive extras that were only shown in theaters. There is a prequel scene and a cool Behind-the-Scenes featurette.

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Blu-ray Review “The Double”

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska, Wallace Shawn, Yasmin Paige, Noah Taylor, James Fox
Director: Richard Ayoade
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 26, 2014
Run Time: 93 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

I was sold on this film from the moment it started since it feels like it is a it was born out of Terry Gilliam’s “Brazil”. The both have that alternate world feel to them and I literally couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. The film goes off on a different path with doppelgangers and all sorts of crazy. I was hoping that this film was going to be a trip and it was from beginning to end. Amazing performance from Jesse Eisenberg, pulling double duty. Loved Richard Ayoade’s vision in the film and I can’t wait to see what he does next.

Official Premise: Simon is a timid man, scratching out an isolated existence in an indifferent world. He is overlooked at work, scorned by his mother, and ignored by the woman of his dreams. He feels powerless to change any of these things. The arrival of a new co-worker, James, serves to upset the balance. James is both Simon’s exact physical double and his opposite – confident, charismatic and good with women. To Simon’s horror, James slowly starts taking over his life.

The 1080p transfer looks good for what it is worth with the film’s retracted future feel. You can tell that some of the shots set up for the film have such purpose and are well executed. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is very is also very impressive. It goes from nearly no score to almost creepy music. The special features included are short but decent. There is focus on the cast/characters and story/design with “Creating The Double”. There is a Behind the Scenes Comparisons mixing the actually set with the final film.

There is a decent interview with Director Richard Ayoade. I feel that this guy and I would get along well. I love what he did with this film and this interview is still informative even though it is just six minutes. I still would have really loved to seen a commentary track from him. “AXS TV: A Look at The Double” is an extras TV promo with some interview clips. Lastly there is a trailer for the film included as well as other films from Magnolia Home Entertainment.

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Nintendo 3DS Video Game Review “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”

Publisher: Activision
Developer: Magic Pockets
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Rated: Everyone 10+
Release Date: August 5th, 2014

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I have been a Turtle fan for 30 years now. I have grow up with them and now my daughter is growing up with them. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is third Activision game for the franchise and is a tie-in based around the new 2014 reboot, which is dominating theaters. The first game was based on the new Nick 2012 cartoon, it was not terrible but not amazing either. The second was called “Out of the Shadows”, which is a little better but this is easily the best of the bunch. Understand that it is still a movie tie-in game on a handheld device, but it is still fun to play and has good reply value.

Official Premise: They were born in shadow. They live in shadow. And they fight in shadow. New York City’s crime rates are still on the rise and the city’s civilians are trembling in fear! Baxter is formulating an evil plan and this time he has both mutants and robots at his disposal. Join the local brethren of vigilantes who need to rally together to put a stop to this evil once and for all! It’s team TMNT, Splinter and April O’Neil in the fight against the worst evil to face the beloved NYC in this adrenaline-pumping story!

Before we get into the game, let’s get this out of the way that these turtles DO NOT JUMP! This is a quite a bummer, especially if you grew up like myself playing the arcade game. The game still had a lot going for it though don’t worry. You are able to play as all four turtles, switching as you please throughout each level. Each character has their own special abilities and contribution to the gameplay. For example, Donatello has a longer reach for wide attacks and Michelangelo is very fast.

A reason why I really enjoyed did was that doesn’t the character’s abilities you are also able to earn XP and level up each of your characters skills, weapons etc. The 3D on the game is actually a must as well. I played without it, I honestly didn’t enough it as much. If you are looking for more after this, don’t worry Turtle fans because Nickelodeon is hooking us with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Danger of the OOZE” coming right around the corner on Nov 11, 2014. So more is just around the corner.

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Vinyl Review: Doyle “Abominator” 180g Double Vinyl Edition

Doyle
“Abominator” 180g Double Vinyl Edition
Monster Man Records
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Former Misfits/Gorgeous Frankenstein guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein is back with a brand new album titled “Abominator”. The album is the debut release from the group simply titled “Doyle” whose members consists of guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein, vocalist Alex Story, bassist Left Hand Graham and former Misfits drummer Dr. Chud. The album is being released via Monster Man Records and features 11 tracks spread over 2 180 gram virgin black LP’s

If you read our original review of this album then you already know how great it is. So you are probably wondering how you make a great album even better. Release it on 180 gram vinyl that’s how! Combine that with a vibrant double gatefold sleeve and an additional track and you really can’t ask for more. This is how you should listen to this album as the 24 bit 45rpm mixes just blast through your speakers. Don’t get me wrong the CD/MP3 versions are still great but there is just something extra appealing to the ear with the vinyl mixes. Highlights for me included the albums opening/title track “Abominator” along with “Valley of Shadows” and “Dreaming Dead Girls” which features a killer performance buy the bands front man Alex Story. Also worth checking out is the song “Drawing Down the Moon” which is exclusive to this release.

From start to finish “Abominator” is pedal to the metal energy! The album does a great job not only paying homage to the classic “Misfits” sound Doyle is known for but it also infuses a progressive element that will captivate new listeners as well. One thing I noted in my previous review was that there seemed to be a lack of bass in the albums overall mix. It seems as though that was addressed with the vinyl release as the album has a really warm even sound showcasing each of the band members tone. If you haven’t got your copy of the album yet or you want to expand your vinyl collections then make this release your next purchase.

Track Listing:
Side A:
1.) Abominator
2.) Learning to Bleed
3.) Dreaming Dead Girls

Side B:
4.) Drawing Down the Moon
5.) Valley of Shadows
6.) Land of the Dead

Side C:
7.) Cemetery Sexxx
8.) Love Like Murder
9.) Mark of the Beast

Side D:
10.) Headhunter
11.) Bloodstains
12.) Hope Hell is Warm

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Blu-ray Review “Godzilla (2014)”

Actors: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, Sally Hawkins
Directors: Gareth Edwards
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Running Time: 123 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Godzilla” was easily one of my most anticipated films of the entire year of 2014. After seeing the film, I was literally blown away. Director Gareth Edwards finally delivered a US reboot that is required to give respect to the Godzilla series. After watching the film again, I have to admit, I was slightly less impressed…only slightly though. Maybe it was the lack of 3D, since we were only given a 2D Blu-ray to review. I felt that the human cast in the film was bothering me a bit more this time but when you see that first glimpse of Godzilla through the smoke you can’t help but get goosebumps! I can’t wait for Edwards to get behind the camera again for “Godzilla 2”, even though we have to wait till 2018, it is going to be epic!

The story starts off in 1999 in the Philippines, where two scientists (Ken Watanabe and Sally Hawkins) find an uncovered tomb containing a fossil of a very large creature with two preserved pods…though one was broken opened and whatever was there was now missing. We then head to Japan where we meet Joe Brody (Bryan Cranston), a nuclear physicist/engineer and his wife Sandra (Juliette Binoche), a nuclear regulations consultant at the Janjira nuclear plant. As they are investigating an emergency at the plant, whatever was awoken from its sleep in the Philippines made its way to their plant to feed off the nuclear energy leading to the destruction of the plant. Though no proof was every gathered of the creature, the city was quickly evacuated and we flash forward 15 years to the present where Joe is still on the hunt for answers and calls to his son for help, Ford Brody (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), who is fresh out of the military. He also happens to be a explosive ordnance disposal technician (as you can imagine that becomes important later). As we find that the M.U.T.O. creature is looking for its spouse to reproduce, enter Godzilla who (like always never explained why) comes in to save us against these giant monsters. An all out battle is waged that spans from Japan to Hawaii to Las Vegas and California.

“Godzilla” heads to our homes with a combo pack including a Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Digital HD copy. Even though, I definitely do prefer the film in 3D, Warner Bros still delivered us a wonderful 1080p that looks stunning. This film is a visual masterpiece. The design for Godzilla is just perfect. I would love to know what the original creator of the 1954 “Godzilla” thinks about this film. This character has been through it all and he has never looked better than in this film. If the video isn’t enough the Blu-ray includes an outstanding DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. This track is unbelievable and really is perfect for this film. From ever battle scene to epic Godzilla roar, my walls were shaking and I loved ever minute. Blu-ray score would be 5/5 stars if this was the 3D Blu-ray release.

I would love to say that the special features are out of this world but I am not 100% sold here. I would have loved to see a commentary track included especially from Gareth Edwards since he was the mastermind behind this. What we get are basically two extras. The first is “MONARCH: Declassified” dives into new evidence not contained in the film that unravels the massive cover-up to keep Godzilla’s existence a secret. There are three featurettes under this including “Operation: Lucky Dragon”, “MONARCH: The M.U.T.O. File” and”The Godzilla Revelation”. These are a nice companion to the film. “The Legendary Godzilla” takes us behind-the-scenes with filmmakers and cast with the following featurettes “Godzilla: Force of Nature”, “A Whole New Level Of Destruction”, “Into The Void: The H.A.L.O. Jump” and “Ancient Enemy: The M.U.T.O.s”. Not saying that these aren’t great. There is a ton of great content, I was just hoping for a little more.

Own “GODZILLA” on Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, 2-Disc DVD Special Edition and Digital HD on 9/16

In this gritty, realistic sci-fi action epic, the Godzilla franchise returns to its roots as one of the world’s most recognized monsters. Directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring an all-star international cast, this spectacular adventure pits Godzilla against malevolent creatures that, bolstered by humanity’s scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.

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

Starring: Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch
Number of discs: 5
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Run Time: 485 minutes

Season: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“The Big Bang Theory” is TV’s most popular comedy. It is going on it’s eight season and shows no signs of fatigue in fact this show is better than ever! This season actually got off to a slightly slow start but really ended up a bunch of the best episodes that this series has ever had to date. This season has amazing guest stars including James Earl Jones, Carrie Fisher and Bob Newhart (one of my favorites). Season five ended with Howard going into space, which was good. Season six ended with Leonard going on a research trip on a boat for months. But season seven has a very real and almost not funny yet absolutely amazing Sheldon revelation that might change the dymanic of the show moving forward. I absolutely love this show and this season is the reason why. Can’t wait for season eight to start…count down the days.

Official Premise: Socially challenged they remain, but the scientific geniuses of The Big Bang Theory always deliver hilarious results. Leonard returns from his North Sea expedition to find that his relationship with Penny involves more beta-testing than he’s ever done in a lab. Howard’s attachment issues with the women in his life in particular and Raj’s social breakthrough with women in general provide more laughs. Bernadette and Amy stand staunchly by the men in their life, even when they’re sitting in marathon role-playing games. Sheldon sees his mom (Laurie Metcalf) in a totally different way, parties with James Earl Jones, establishes a (sort of) bond with his idol Professor Proton (Emmy® winner Bob Newhart) and makes a scientific breakthrough that breaks down before you can say Science Friday.

“The Complete Seventh Season” hits Blu-ray as a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet digital copy of the season. The 1080p transfers with their DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks are in line with the previous seasons, which were all exceptional for this show. The special features are also a blast to enjoy after watching the season. Here’s the list of the included special features: String Theory Serenade, James Earl Jones: The Un-Conventional Guest Star, BBTea Time, The Big Bang Theory’s May the 4th, The Big Cendrowski, 2013 Comic-Con Panel, Johnny Galecki Crashes the BBT Writers Panel, and Gag Reel. The only thing missing that would make this perfect would be some commentary tracks.

Own it on Blu-ray™ Combo, DVD & Digital HD September 16

 

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Blu-ray Review “Supernatural: The Complete Ninth Season”

Starring: Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, Jim Beaver, Ty Olsson, Mark Sheppard
Number of discs: 4
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Run Time: 1012 minutes

Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

When “Supernatural” started I would have never believe if you if you said that this show was going to be going strong going on ten seasons. But as of this October, the show will be crossing that threshold and I do not see any signs of this show slowing down. Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles are still as bad-ass as Sam and Dean Winchester. I think why this show has succeeded so long was become it stood strong as a series, there wasn’t any spin-off or prequels etc. I know they tried but decided smartly against it. I hope that “The Walking Dead” doesn’t  jump the shark with their plans for a spin-off series to cash in on the hype. This show is action packed, features great writing and very impressive visual effects. Bring on season ten!

Official Premise: How do you deal with a fallout of heavenly proportions? With the angelic Host’s descent to Earth, Sam and Dean (Padalecki and Ackles) are now facing a world inhabited by thousands of powerful beings, who soon form their own chaotic agendas. Before tackling the threat of the “loose nukes” roaming the globe, however, the Winchesters engage in their most personal conflict yet. Meanwhile, Castiel (Collins) finds he’s more vulnerable — yet capable of more humanity — than ever. As the threat escalates, a way must be found to reopen the gates of Heaven and head off a demon insurrection in Hell. The whole time, darkness leaves its mark on Dean, but has he finally crossed the line to protect his family?

Warner Bros delivered an impressive Blu-ray release. All 23 episodes from season nine are presented in there 1080p transfers with solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks. There are some pretty awesome special features included as well. They know how to cater to their fans and deliver the goods. “The Men of Letters Interactive Set Experience” is an interactive menu that unlocks hidden features. “Men of Letters: The Winchester Legacy” dives into the mythology behind the Men of Letters. “Bound by Blood: Decisions and Consequences” looks into the themes for this season. There is highlights from the 2013 Comic-Con Panel, as well as some deleted scenes and gag reel included.

There are three audio commentaries included. The first is on “Blade Runners” with actor Mark A. Sheppard and writing team Eugenie Ross-Leming and Brad Buckner. Next is on “Mother’s Little Helper” with writer/EP Adam Glass and director/actor Misha Collins. The last is on “Bloodlines” with EP Jeremy Carver, director/EP Bob Singer, and writer/EP Andrew Dabb. Each has a different feel yet is quite informative on each episode. “Behind the Scenes of Supernatural: A Fan’s Perspective” is a mockumentary hosted by Misha Collins. “Designing the Men of Letters Bunker” features the work of Production Designer Jerry Wanek. Lastly there is “Set Tours with Production Designer Jerry Wanek” checking out the  Crow’s Nest, Library, Lab, Galley, Dorms and Room 7B.

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DVD Review “Ella the Elephant Season 1 Volume 1: The Magic of Friendship”

Voices of: Addison Holley, Annick Obonsawin, Avery Kadish, Devan Cohen, Helen Taylor
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Run Time: 188 Minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Ella the Elegant Elephant” premiered on Disney Junior this past February, which is based on the book series written by Carmela D’Amico and illustrated by Steven D’Amico. I would like to say that I absolutely love this series but my daughter never really latched on to the show. It is cute following Ella the Elephant and her magical red hat through stories about fun, friendship, love and laughs but the show just didn’t stand a chance about others like “Sofia the First”, “Doc McStuffins” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”. It is still hard to say no to that cute face and who knows maybe this DVD will allow us to become bigger fans of this show.

Official Premise: Journey to an island of adventures where the magic of friendship has never been so much fun! Join Ella and her kindhearted friends in this all-new animated series featuring eight charming episodes. Elephant Island is home to many curiosities but Ella and her friends’ appetite for fun lands them in some tricky, often hilarious situations. It’s up to Ella’s imagination and her magic red hat to save the day! It’s a must-own collection of delightful stories centered on highlighting teamwork, lessons and adventure for the whole family to enjoy.

“Ella the Elephant Season 1 Volume 1: The Magic of Friendship” contains eight episodes from the seires including: “Ella’s Got Talent/Safety First”; “Trunk Trooper/Ella in Charge”; “Girls’ Club/Soapbox Squabble”; “Treasure Hunters/Ella Borrows Trouble”; “Ella Bakes a Cake/Camp Ella”; “Ella on the Ball/Up, Up and Away”; “Tea Party Trouble/Home Again” and “Ella’s Carnival/Monkey Business”. There are no other special features included on the DVD other than the episodes. With 26 episodes created for the first season, we can surely expect another two volumes of this show to complete the season.

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Blu-ray Review “The Originals: The Complete First Season”

Starring: Phoebe Tonkin, Joseph Morgan, Claire Holt, Daniel Gillies, Leah Pipes, Danielle Campbell
Number of discs: 9
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Run Time: 929 minutes

Season: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

If there was one thing that I liked about “The Vampire Diaries” it was the characters, Elijah, Klaus and Rebekah. So spin-off series “The Originals” should have been a home run since it focused on these three characters. Unfortunately, that was not the case here. Right from the pilot episode, I wasn’t really feeling the vibe of this new series. The first season “The Originals” stars Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies, Claire Holt, Phoebe Tonkin (The Vampire Diaries, The Secret Circle), Charles Michael Davis (Grey’s Anatomy), Danielle Pineda (Homeland), Leah Pipes (Sorority Row), and Danielle Campbell (Prison Break). Even though, I wasn’t drawn in by this spin-off series, it’s core audience was and the show will be returning for a second season on October 6, 2014 on The CW.

Official Premise: This sexy and thrilling new series from The Vampire Diaries’ executive producer Julie Plec centers on the Original vampire family and the dangerous vampire/werewolf hybrid, Klaus (Joseph Morgan), who returns to the magical melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans — a town he helped build centuries ago. Acting on a mysterious tip that a plot is brewing against him, Klaus’ questions lead him to his diabolical former protégé, Marcel (Charles Michael Davis), a charismatic vampire with total control over the human and supernatural inhabitants of the city. Determined to help his brother Klaus find redemption, Elijah (Daniel Gillies) follows Klaus and is soon forced to side with Marcel’s enemies. Meanwhile, Klaus and Elijah’s sister, Rebekah (Claire Holt), must decide if she’ll join her brothers in New Orleans and help them to reclaim their hometown and all its extraordinary offerings.

Warner Bros is releasing this first season a combo pack with a Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copies of each of the 22 Episodes. The 1080p transfer captures the beautuy of New Orleans well. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track sounds good as well with the tone of the show. The special features are decent with over two hours Of never-before-seen featurettes and more included. There is a audio commentary track on the pilot with Creator Julie Plec and Director Chris Grismer. Included are highlights from the 2013 Comic-Con Panel with Executive producer Julie Plec and the cast, as well as 2014 PaleyFest Panel. “The Originals: Origins” tells the story of how the show was born. “The Originals: Re-mixing History” talks about blending fact with fiction for the series. “The Original Vampires: A Bite-sized Backstory” is a certain recap of the season. Lastly there are some deleted scenes included.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, complete, originals, review, season

DVD Review “Ben 10: Omniverse – Galactic Monsters”

Created by: Man of Action Studios
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Cartoon Network
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Run Time: 110 minutes

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Ben 10: Omniverse” is the fourth installment in the “Ben 10” franchise. “Galactic Monsters” is the setting for the shows fifth season, which just recently completed airing. I have never really watched much of this show in the past…an episode here and there maybe. But this is definitely a solid show with some great action and humor mixed. For those “Ben 10” fans, get ready cause besides the more volumes from this season coming up, this October also brings the new season “The Evil Rooters”.

Official Premise: Sometimes it takes a real monster to defeat a real monster. So Ben is transforming into some awesome monster heroes in the latest DVD release “Ben 10 Omniverse: Galactic Monsters.” Watch for almost 2 action packed hours as Ben transforms into heroes like Frankenstrike and Whampire as he battles the most vile villains in the galaxy including the evil Lord Transyl on Monster Planet. It’s spooky! It’s kooky! It’s “Ben 10 Omniverse: Galactic Monsters”.

This volume five DVD comes with the following “Galactic Monsters” Episodes: “Rad Monster Party”; “Charmed, I’m Sure” and “The Vampire Strikes Back”. There are also two bonus episodes including “Something Zombozo This Way Comes” and “Mystery, Incorporeal” from the fifth season as well. I do not know why Cartoon Network  didn’t just included the remaining three episodes to make this a complete season. This is a little bit of a letdown for sure. But don’t worry parents since I doubt that kids will even notice, this is more a concern for the show’s older audience.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: 10, ben, dvd, galactic, monsters, omniverse, ...

DVD Review “Regular Show: Rigby Pack”

Starring: William Salyers
Studio: Cartoon Network
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Run Time: 176 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

If you watch “Regular Show”, you probably love the character of Rigby just like I do. If you do they the latest DVD of Cartoon Network’s hit show “Regular Show: Rigby Pack” is definitely for you. I had a chance to interview the voice behind the character last year, William Salyers, click here to read interview and he is just the coolest guy ever!

“Regular Show: Rigby Pack” is actually the eighth DVD release of “Regular Show”. It features a collection of sixteen episodes from spread out from seasons one through five of the show. Complete episode list are “Bank Shot”; “Don”; “Temp Check”; “Rigby in the Sky With Burrito”; “Return of Mordecai and the Rigbys”; ; “Wall Buddy”; “Survival Skills”; “One Pull Up”; “This Is My Jam”; “Trash Boat”; “A Bunch of Full Grown Geese”; “Journey to the Bottom of the Crash Pit”; “The Heart of a Stuntman”; “Fool Me Twice”; “Sandwich of Death” and “Rigby’s Body”.

Last year Cartoon Network released the complete first season on Blu-ray and there hasn’t been a peep of when season two will be released yet alone all the way through season five. As much as I love these themed released, I really hope that they get on track with the complete seasons and start cranking them out on Blu-ray. Until then you can get your “Regular Show” fix with this great collection of amazing episodes!! WOOOOOAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: dvd, pack, regular, review, rigby, show, ...

DVD Review “Doc McStuffins: School of Medicine”

Starring: Kiara Muhammed, Loretta Devine, Robbie Rist, Lara Jill Miller, Jess Harnell
Creator: Chris Nee
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 9, 2014
Run Time: 120 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

From the moment we opened this DVD within in the next five minutes we were watching it. My daughter is so in love with Doc McStuffins and her lovable toys. She has her Doc bag of tools and literally gives her mom and dad a check up daily! Hey listen, if my daughter wants to play doctor, I am not going to stop her! This show is so sweet and one of my personal favorites as well on Disney Junior. The songs are short and sweet and easily get stuck in your head. If you and your kids love Doc McStuffins, I would definitely recommend this DVD.

Official Premise: “Doc McStuffins: School of Medicine” for five song-tastic episodes about staying happy and healthy, whether you’re a girl, a boy… or a toy! Share the fun as Doc teaches the toys to patch themselves up when they’re down, and shows them how visiting the dentist, seeing an optometrist and even getting an X-ray can work wonders! Banish the blurries as you help Professor Hootsburgh choose the perfect pair of glasses, get soccer star Johnny Foosball back in the game, and fix a friendly bath-time shark’s cracked tooth. Then, when Doc sprains her ankle, join the toys as they rush to her rescue. But don’t worry — with rest, patience, and plenty of cuddles, she’s back on her feet before you can say, “The Doc is in!”

There are five episodes included here, even though each one actually consists of two 15 minute episodes, so we actually get ten for this DVD. Here is the listing: 1. Chilly Gets Chilly / Through the Reading Glasses, 2. Disco Dress Up Daisy / The Glider Brothers, 3. Celestial Celeste / Run Doc Run! / 4. Hallie’s Happy Birthday / Shark-Style Toothache, 5. Think Pink / You Foose, You Lose. These are all very fun and educational episodes with a good message and some great and fun songs. The DVD set also comes with a Doc Dress-Up Play Set, which was also opened within minutes of receiving this DVD. Keep them coming Disney!

 

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: doc, dvd, mcstuffins, medicine, review, school, ...
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