Blu-ray Review "Dragon Ball Z Kai: Seasons One-Four"

Actors: Justin Cook, Christopher Sabat, Sean Schemmel, Sonny Strait, Mike McFarland and Colleen Clinkenbeard
Directors: Yasuhiro Nowatari
Rated: Unrated
Studio: FUNimation
DVD Release Date: S1: October 18. 2011, S2: May 22, 2012, S3: September 11, 2012, S4: March 12, 2013
Run Time: Season 1-3: 625 minutes, Season 4: 525 minutes

Seasons: 4 out of 5 stars
Extra: 1.5 out of 5 stars

Dragonball Z” is one of the most recognizable anime series in history. How is “Dragon Ball Z Kai” different? It takes the classic series that aired 1989-1996, which consisted of 291 episodes and complies it into a tighter 98 episodes. This was done to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the show and also bring the series closely to Akira Toriyama’s 26 volume “Dragon Ball” manga. I know it is hard to be cool with loosing that much content from your beloved anime series, but I really dig it. All fans of the show know that there was quite a bit of fluff added and pacing issues with the original episodes. “Kai” feels a lot tighter and epic and represented well on Blu-ray, thanks to Funimation.

“Dragon Ball Z Kai” really gives “Dragon Ball Z” a feel face lift. If you are a fan of this series, you will bee shocked at how good this series looks. It features high def remasters from Toei Animation’s original source material. They have been really touched up and have never looked better.  But “Dragon Ball Kai” is not just “Dragon Ball Z” remastered for HD, it is a literally a frame by frame digital clean-up, which includes brand new created animation added in which replaces entire segments from the original series. The new segments though are blended perfectly with the original footage and makes the show flow very smoothly.

Season one aka the Saiyans Saga contains episodes 1-26. Here is the official premise: Goku – Earth’s greatest champion – bravely defends humanity against an invading race of warriors known as the Saiyans. When the mighty hero falls, his young son Gohan rises up to face the very villains who murdered his father. The battle rages through space to Planet Namek, where Gohan and his overmatched allies risk their lives to defeat the Saiyan warlord Vegeta – and the monster known as Frieza!

Season two aka the Frieza Saga contains episodes 27-52. Here is the official premise: The nonstop action continues with a furious flurry of flying fists that will leave heads spinning! Krillin and Gohan test out their new powers in a battle with Vegeta, the Ginyu Force shows off their deadly moves, and Goku races through space on a collision course with Frieza! As the epic slugfest approaches a standstill, the Putrid Purple Fiend forever silences Goku‘s closest friend – sending Earth’s hero into a super-saiyan rage that threatens to obliterate them both!

Season three aka the Androids Saga contains episodes 53-77. Here is the official premise: In the aftermath of the battle between Goku and Frieza, both fighters have vanished, and the Earth has a new set of problems. A mysterious stranger known as Trunks has arrived from the future with a warning: The androids are coming – and they’re not alone! The monster known as Cell blazes a trail of death and destruction in pursuit of his horrifyingly perfect form. Should the hideous creature succeed, not even the power of a super Saiyan will be enough to save humanity!

Lastly season four aka the Cell Saga contains episodes 78-98. Here is the official premise: Cell has finally reached his perfect form, and he won’t rest till civilization falls! Only a herculean effort by Earth’s heroes can stop Cell’s rampage, but a superhuman slugfest of unprecedented brutality leads to Goku‘s shocking retirement! Young Gohan alone must now battle the monster and his miniature minions. The outlook appears bleak, but somewhere Goku lurks, waiting to lend his strength to Gohan for one final Kamehameha Wave. Will it be enough to save the world!?

You have to remember that this show originally aired from 1989 – 1996, so this show might not really be screaming high definition. But like I said the HD 1080p transfers for each episode looks fantastic.  The colors are very crisp and pop right off the screen. Also the show’s aspect ratio is also preserved with its original 1.33:1 presentation. The audio presentation for these seasons are just as impressive as the snazzy video upgrade.

“Dragon Ball Z Kai” comes with newly recorded tracks for both the Japanese and English versions. Most of the original cast have returned to deliver a very sharp and clear. The Japanese track is presented with a Dolby TrueHD 2.0 track, decent but I have to say I am a bigger fan of the English tracks here.  The English audio comes with a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track which includes the most accurately translated subtitles to date from the original Japanese scripts.  This is a real update for the show unlike what was done for the English dub in “Dragon Ball Z”, which is always debated. So with these newly recorded voice tracks, I have to say that the English track really take the cake.

As much as I absolutely love these series, I really don’t love the extras on each season. I would have love FUNimation to include a few audio commentary tracks from the new U.S. cast. Also I am sure they could have scrounged up some featurettes or better interviews with the cast/crew on the restoration. But what we get is the Opening theme song (“Dragon Soul” by Takayoshi Tanimoto) and the closing theme song (“Yeah! Break! Care! Break!” also by Takayoshi Tanimoto) for each season. Season three also includes an extra closing theme song “Kokoro no Hane” by Team Dragon from AKB48. Season two attempts an interview extra but it is far too short. “Interviews with members of the US Cast”, cats with Justin Cook, Christopher Sabat, Sean Schemmel, Sonny Strait, Mike McFarland and Colleen Clinkenbeard. Lastly there is a collection of trailers for FUNimation releases included with each season.

Dragonball Z is still going strong all these years later. “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods”, which is the 14th “Dragon Ball Z” movie and hits Japanese theaters on March 30, 2013. It has been 18 years since “Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon”, the 13th movie was released in Japan. So this film is a long time coming. So U.S. fans get ready because you know that FUNimation will be bringing this over to us as well. Also “Dragon Ball Z Kai” was suppose to end with this season but it was reported by Krillin‘s Japanese voice actor Mayumi Tanaka last year that the cast is recording new episodes for what would be considered season 5 aka the Majin Buu Saga. So stay tuned.

DVD Review "Men at Work: The Complete First Season"

Created by: Breckin Meyer
Starring: Danny Masterson, Michael Cassidy, Adam Busch, James Lesure
Number of discs: 2
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: March 26, 2013

Series: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Men at Work” is one of the newest gems that has come out of TBS last year. TBS’ tag line is “Very Funny” and this show is the reason why they have that tagline. The series was created by Breckin Meyer (“TV’s “Franklin & Bash”) and stars Danny Masterson, Michael Cassidy, Adam Busch and James Lesure. We had the privilege of interview the whole cast, click on their names about for each one. The show is a simple comedy but there is tons of wit and creativity spewing out of it.  The jokes are laugh-out-loud and memorable. The show ended its July 2012 and yet it is March 2013 and I am still quoting it. “BOOM! That is a truth bomb!” The other thing I respect about this show is that creator Breckin Meyer was on the set every day, according to the guys busting his ass and making sure that the show was as good as it could be.  Check this DVD out for sure and get ready to have fun.

Official Synopsis: Man up with the guys from TBS’ original series MEN AT WORK – the bold new sitcom following four friends navigating their ways through work, friendship and women. Danny Masterson (TV’s “That ‘70s Show”), Michael Cassidy (TV’s “The OC”), Adam Busch (TV’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), Meredith Hagner (TV’s “Royal Pains”) and James Lesure (TV’s “Las Vegas”) star in this edgy series’ freshman season, which introduces Milo just as he breaks up with his longtime girlfriend. But rest assured his three closest buddies are right there to help him get back in the game, and no matter what mischief ensues, these friends have each other’s backs.

The only bad thing about this show is that it is only 10 episodes.  With all the shitty shows on TV that gets 26 episodes a season, I would have loved to had more but at least with this show…every single episode is gold. The show is about relationships and the guys just get into nothing but trouble.  Some of the crazy shit they do is get into include a “devil’s threesome” (watch the show to find out), fight over a toilet bowl and only speak in song titles during work meetings.  That is only the tip of the iceberg here.  The DVD contains the 10 episodes from the first season and also a bunch of very funny deleted scenes and outtakes, which are a must see for fans of the show. I would have loved to seen some commentary tracks from the cast but either way. I am still left very satisfied here. I am literally counting down the days and can’t wait for season two, which airs on TBS on April 4, 2013.  So be sure to be tuned and spread the word about this great show!

 

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Blu-ray Review "Veep: The Complete First Season"

Actors: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anna Chlumsky, Tony Hale, Reid Scott, Timothy Simons
Created by: Armando Iannucci, Simon Blackwell
Studio: HBO Studios
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Run Time: 268 minutes

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

I have to admit, I wasn’t aware of this show until Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. I have not been the biggest fan of hers since “Seinfeld” but I figured it was worth a shot. I have also had a lifelong crush on Anna Chlumsky and I am glad to see her back in the spotlight again. This eight episode first season is actually very funny and sharply written. What I also like is that each episode runs only 30-minutes. I feel that it keeps you wanting more and keeps this tight. The good news is that if you like this show like myself, “Veep” has been renewed for a second season and is set to premiere on April 14, 2013. So stay tuned and be sure to pick up this Blu-ray to catch up.

If you like shows similar to “The Office”, they you will enjoy this show’s on-the-fly improv comedy. I think that it works really well for a show like this and makes it more unpredictable. The show is also a bit raunchy, which is why I think it also works so well.  Since in the world of politics, it is good to see things lighten up a bit. Julia Louis-Dreyfus really gets a chance to shine and give such an amazing performance in this show.  But of course the cast as an ensemble is really one of the main reasons this show works so well. The supporting actors including Anna Chlumsky, Tony Hale, Reid Scott, Timothy Simons, Matt Walsh and Sufe Bradshaw all have a big contribution to this shows success as well.

Official Premise: Former senator Selina Meyer (Dreyfus) was a rising star in her party and a charismatic leader who seemed to have unlimited potential. Some pundits thought she might even occupy the White House someday. Then she became vice president. Veep follows the whirlwind day-to-day existence of Vice President Meyer as she puts out political fires, juggles a busy public schedule and demanding private life, and defends the president’s interests, even as she tries to improve her dysfunctional relationship with the chief executive.

HBO has delivered a nice round release here.  The season comes packaged as a combo pack featuring their signature HBO Select. This gives you the option to watch this show three ways – Blu-ray, DVD or Digital Copy. For the digital copy, you can redeem on iTunes and Vudu, as well as other UltraViolet providers. The 1080p transfers on each episode looks really sharp even for its hand-held camera style. The show wit and snappy dialogue also work well with the included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for the episodes.

The special features here are damn impressive for a first season show. First up we have “The Making of Veep”, which is a basic behind-the-scenes look into this season’s production with cast and crew. “Veep: Misspoke and Obesity” are two funny PSA’s with Meyer covering her tracks. There are a few deleted scenes included. Some of decent but for a show like this I am sure that there are tons of extended and alternate takes. The score of this release and the real draw for me is the twelve…that’s right twelve audio commentary tracks. HBO does not cheap out on commentary at all much like their “Game of Thrones” releases. The tracks include the show’s co-creator Armando Iannucci, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anna Chlumsky, Tony Hale, executive producers Frank Rich and Chris Godsick, and more. If you enjoy the show then don’t miss these.

 

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Blu-ray Review "Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season"

Actors: Emilia Clark, Michelle Fairley, Maisie Williams, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Developed by: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss
Number of discs: 7
Rated: Unrated
Studio: HBO Studios
Release Date: February 19, 2013
Run Time: 561 minutes

Season: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

How are you going to top such a powerful season as the first of “Game of Thrones”. The show is so intense and gripping that you can literally watch the whole season in one sitting. The second season is spot on with the first and really delivers an equally impressive season. This season follows the path of George R.R. Martin’s “A Clash of Kings”, the second book of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. I personally haven’t read the book but from what I am told the book ranks better…but isn’t that the way it also is with literary purists. The second season of Game of Thrones was nominated for eleven 2012 Emmy awards (including Outstanding Drama Series) and ended up winning six. I feel that this season is a grand slam and guaranteed to entertain and satisfy. Besides the season itself there is also tons of great never-before-seen bonus materials included.

The epic drama set in the fantasy continent of Westeros picks up in the midst of a rapidly approaching winter season – that of the white raven. The episodes in the second season includes “The North Remembers”, “The Night Lands”, “What Is Dead May Never Die”, “Garden of Bones”, “The Ghost of Harrenhal”, “The Old Gods and the New”, “A Man Without Honor”, “The Prince of Winterfell”, “Blackwater”, “Valar Morghulis”. “The Ghost of Harrenhal” is easily the weakest of the season, though still gripping. “Blackwater” is easily the fan favorite of the season as well. This was the episode that really hooked my wife into this show. The second season’s cast is said to be the largest on television. Besides the returning cast from the first season, there are 29 new characters that are introduced with the episodes.

HBO has delivered a fantastic job with this Blu-ray, in fact this is already on the list for one of the best Blu-ray releases of 2013 to date. The 1080p transfer is flawless, as is the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. You literally have to duck for the sword and dodge the rolling heads. What I like most about the release is that it cares about the quality of the show over cost.  It gives each of the ten episodes a lot of room to breathe over the five 50GB Blu-rays .  Most companies would cram the mere ten episodes onto two discs.  This release also includes a DVD series of the show, those on the other hand are squished onto two double sided DVDs.  But this show really needs to be experiences on high def Blu-ray.  There is also a digital copy for iTunes and Ultraviolet available as an added option on the go.

The special features are just as great as the season and sure to satisfy all die-hard fans.  If you recall from “Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season” there were an amazing sevn commentary tracks…well second takes it up another level with twelve.  That’s right there are twelves audio commentaries tracks spread out over the five discs featuring cast and crew including David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington and more. Next up each episode has an “In-Episode Guide” which gives an interface that gives fans a chance to learn more about the characters, lands and histories of the Seven Kingdoms and beyond. There are also seven character profiles with bios, complete with cast and crew interviews including Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, Robb Stark, Joffrey Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Stannis Baratheon and Theron Greyjoy.  If you are fans of “easter eggs”, this release has “hidden dragon eggs” to uncover even more content spread throughout the five discs.

The rest of the extras of located on the fifth disc starting with “Histories & Lore”. They are short animated videos told from each individual character perspective. “War of the Five Kings” is only for the die-hard fans and is a very details interactive guide to track the claims, strategies and key players involved in the battle for the Iron Throne. “Creating the Battle of Blackwater Bay” is a behind-the-scenes looks with developing and executing the ninth episode’s major battle. “Game of Thrones Inner Circle” is a roundtable sit down with cast/crew Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Michelle Fairley and Liam Cunningham and executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. “The Religions of Westeros” is a chat with Martin, Benioff and Weiss on the religious values that underlie on the series.

 

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"Femme Fatales: The Complete First Season" Exclusive Giveaway [ENDED]

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EACH WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!


With the DVD release of “Femme Fatales: The Complete First Season” , Media Mikes would like to giveaway the following great prizes to our fans: An original script, signed by producer Mark A. Altman (“Castle”, “Necessary Roughness”) and some of the series stunning stars, “Femme Fatales” DVD sets, rare “Femme Fatales” Trading Cards and collectible mini-posters, courtesy of Entertainment One. If you would like to win this great prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite Femme Fatale in TV or film? This giveaway will be open until February 15th. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Media Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

Looks can kill in season one of FEMME FATALES, the hit Cinemax® anthology series about powerful, sexy and dangerous women inspired by and styled in the tradition of pulp stories, film noir and graphic novels. This January, SEASON ONE finally arrives on DVD along with over two hours of never-before-seen bonus materials, courtesy of Entertainment One.

The half-hour program from creators Mark A. Altman (“Castle”, “Necessary Roughness”) and Steve Kriozere (“NCIS”, “Castle”) features stories inspired by such noir classics as Double Indemnity and Pulp Fiction and classic thriller TV series like The Twilight Zone. In each stand-alone episode, women find extraordinary ways of coping with their problems, channeling their survival instincts and bringing out their inner guile. Every episode is introduced by a mysterious and enigmatic host Lilith, played by Tanit Phoenix (Death Race 2, Lost Boys 3), and features different casts and storylines, some of which are intertwined as part of the series overall mythology.

Episodes include “Behind Locked Doors (Part 1&2)” in which Hollywood starlet Lacey Rivers (Kit Wileese) finds herself in the big house and is forced to use her acting skills to survive; a gorgeous, hard-working nurse discovers her inner strength during a hostage situation in “Bad Medicine”; “Til’ Death Do Us Part”, finds Rachel (Jordan Madley) waking up to a dead male stripper six hours before her wedding and “Speed Date”, which crosses After Hours and La Femme Nikita in an entertaining mashup featuring Isaiah Mustafa (The Old Spice Guy, Horrible Bosses) and Reggie Hayes (TV’s “Girlfriends”). Other stars stopping in after hours include legendary Oscar-nominated director Paul Mazursky, Adam Goldberg (Saving Private Ryan, “Entourage”), Richard Kind (Argo, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Robert Lasardo (“Nip/Tuck,” Death Race), Charlie O’Connell (“Crossing Jordan”), Dean Haglund (“The X-Files,” “The Lone Gunmen”) and many more!

BONUS PROGRAMMING
· Audio Commentary Tracks for every episode with the Stars and Creators
· Never-Before-Seen Deleted and Alternate Scenes
· Featurette: Creating Femme Fatales
· Shooting Femme Fatales: The Making of Season One
· Making Love: Anatomy of a Sex Scene
· San Diego Comic Con 2011 Panel
· “The White Flower” B&W Director’s Cut w/ audio commentary
· Blooper Reel
· Isolated Music Tracks
· Photo Gallery & More…

Sam Huntington reflects on season two of Syfy's "Being Human"

Sam Huntington co-stars in Syfy’s hit show “Being Human”, which returns this month for it’s third season.  He plays the character of Josh and is a werewolf that lives with a vampire (Sam Witwer) and a ghost (Meghan Rath). We spoke with Sam back in the very beginning of the show for season one, check it out here.  We got a chance to catch up with Sam again and got the scoop on the second season and what we can expect for the third.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about what you enjoyed most about playing Josh in season two?
Sam Huntington: I think for all the characters, it was great to see them go down their darker paths. As hard as Josh tries to do the right thing, sometimes that need to do the right thing forces him to do the wrong thing. So that was really interesting for me to see and play that aspect of him. As hard as he tries he just has these horrible flaws right down to the end of the season. So that was pretty cool. I also really enjoy the humor of the show.

MG: Each character seemed to go off on their own story in the second season, can you reflect on that for us?
SH: Josh is at his best when he is with Nora and with his roommates. Those are always my favorite moments. I think looking back I would have liked to be with those people more. I think in season three we are going to be put together a lot more so it will be pretty great.

MG: Do you feel that you have an creative freedom with the character now?
SH: I feel that I know Josh so intimately at this point. You are given these beautiful words to say, which sculpts the role. But then of course he takes on a life of his own now that I have been doing it for two years and going into a third. Put it this way, I think I know how Josh will react in every situation, which is super cool for me. I would say 99% of the time, the writers will nail it for his but there is that 1% when I have to chat it over and get on the same page. A lot of times they have reasons why I have to act in a certain way or do a certain thing. It is definitely a collaboration in that regard. We rarely have to intervene though, which is great.

MG: You parted ways with Nora and the surprise with Julia, no luck for you in woman department huh?
No he doesn’t. Word to wise for all those ladies out there who is curious about Josh the Werewolf…Don’t Do it! It’s a death wish. [laughs]. It’s just a bad situation. He is a wet blanket on relationships, trust me.

MG: How would you compare the two seasons production wise?
SH: I would say that season two was 100% more easier than season one. We ironed out a lot of kinks with everything…the make-up and the hours. The writers have figured out what works and what doesn’t. It is always process. You have to figure out what you are capable of doing. You want to always go right up to the limit but you obviously don’t want to kill everyone [laughs]. Season one nearly killed me. Season two was way smoother. I am hoping that season three is more of the same.

MG: During the first season when we spoke, I mentioned that I felt Josh bared most of the burden but in the second season it is more equally distributed.
SH: I think so. They were able to streamline a lot of the werewolf stuff  Beyond that also as far as the character goes but poor Josh just keeps getting hit and beaten down to the ground with the things he is dealing with. I feel so bad for the guy. He can’t win [laughs].

MG: Season two ended on cliffhanger, tell us what we can expect for this next season?
SH: When we finished the season we had no idea what was going to happen. We know now obviously since we’ve gotten the scripts. It is a great cliffhanger  What is the funny thing is that I don’t know if the writers knew [laughs]. I am sure they had a couple of ideas. At the end of the season everything kind of had their hands in the cookie jar, as far as what they wanted to see happen. They really want the show to be the best that it can be. The good news is though, now knowing where we go it is going to be SO awesome! It is such a great direction. I couldn’t be happier!

Betty White reflects on career and new season of "Betty White’s Off Their Rockers"

Betty White is a legendary TV icon, a seven time Emmy award winner and currently starring in NBC’s show “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers”. Betty and her posse of senior pranksters returned for season two of this series on NBC on Tuesday January 8th with special guests PSY and Kim Kardashian appearing in bits with Betty in two back-to-back episodes. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Betty about her career and the new season

Mike Smith: You are a cultural icon. What keeps you going in the business?
Betty White: Because why quit something you’re enjoying so much? It’s such fun, and who would ever expect at 91 to still get invited to do shows. I mean, that’s unheard of, so if they don’t want me to do it, don’t ask me, because if they ask me I’ll take it.

MS: When you were first approached about doing this show, it’s “Off Their Rockers” with seniors doing pranks, did you immediately know you wanted to do it?
BW: No, I was not enthused about doing this. First of all, well not so much for the show but because my schedule just didn’t tolerate it, so I thanked them very much and said, no thank you. But they kept coming back, and it was a show that started in Belgium, and it was the most popular comedy show in Europe for a while. So when they invited me to do it, I said that’s very nice, but I just can’t work it in. And they kept coming back, and of course I had the backbone of a jellyfish, so here I am doing it, but I’m having a good time.

MS: What’s the best prank you’ve ever pulled, the funniest one?
BW: I’m not a real prankster. I love doing “Off Their Rockers”, because the other people are pranking, but I willmaybe kid my friends and say one thing or tell them something happened that didn’t really happen, but I straighten it out pretty fast. The trouble is you can paint yourself into a corner if you try too many pranks, you know?

MS: Can you reflect about the direction of TV today?
BW: Well, I think TV has changed, but I think the audience has changed more than anything else. The audience has seen every plot. They’ve heard every joke. They keep being a challenge, so the producers and the show people try to top themselves or get unusual and I think every once in a while, just a good old-fashioned straightforward television show, or a situation comedy suddenly hits the spot. It’s almost like something they haven’t seen for a while.

MS: How did you develop the sense of humor that you have and the love of laughter, and your amazing sense of comic timing?
BW: Oh, that was my mother and father. I was an only child, and the – we had the best time together. My dad was a salesman, so he would bring jokes home, but also he’d ask me how things went at school, and I would start telling him, and pretty soon we’d begin to make jokes about it, and it was a love of laughter at home that just was a precious commodity to have with your folks, and Sunday morning breakfast would last two hours sometimes when we all giggled and scratched and talked.

MS: Could you elaborate a little bit on how you think you have achieved the notoriety that you have, and what advice you can give for other women that are starting in the business?
BW: Well, bless your heart, I hope it’s fame, not notoriety, but I’ve been so lucky. I just can’t tell you how lucky to get to this age. Who would ever dream that you’d get to be 91 years old and you’re still working as much as I am? But I think it’s because I thoroughly enjoy what I do. I love this business, and I’ll quit when they ask me to, but as long as they keep asking me to work, I’ll keep saying yes, and it is such a privilege. I think women have come a long way over the years in being you know, coming into their own and roles that they get and in – well, in the whole business, and women executives and all that, but it’s a very lovely position to be in to be taken seriously as well as laughed at.

MS: Can you talk about what it was like to have Ed Asner on the show, and what you did together?
BW: Oh, it was such fun, and Ed and I stay very close. We’ve always adored each other. I don’t think we’ve ever said a nice word to each other, but we adore each other. You know that kind of a friendship. He always yells at me and I yell at him and lovingly. He did the show and when you work that closely together, somehow you fall into a pattern, and it’s as though you saw each other yesterday, even if a little time has gone by.

MS: What are some of the biggest challenges in making the show?
BW: Yes, well, let me answer the question. The challenges are to try to keep it fresh, to try to keep any semblance of freshness going. Well, after this number of years of all the shows and all the jokes and all the scripts, that’s the – a major challenge, so what you do is keep reworking the same old material and try to put a little new slant on it, and then with fresh people in the role, it’s amazing how long you can milk stuff.

MS: What type of attitude do you recommend for longevity?
BW: Oh, honesty. You can fool everybody else maybe that you know, but you can’t fool that camera. That camera will know when you’re faking it every time.

 

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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.

RJ Mitte talks the final season of AMC’s “Breaking Bad”

RJ Mitte plays the role of Walter Jr. on the hit AMC television series “Breaking Bad”. The show is currently in production on its final season and RJ took some time out of his busy shooting schedule to talk about his involvement with the show and how it has progressed over the last 5 seasons.

Adam Lawton: How did you originally get involved with playing the role of Walter Jr.?
RJ Mitte: I went through the audition process which consisted of 5 separate auditions. I did 4 in Los Angeles and then went out to Albuquerque where I had a screen test and an audition. All of this happened within a couple of weeks. I was at the auditions in Los Angeles while they were telling me to get ready to go to New Mexico. The next day I was on a plane and I had my audition in the morning. From there things just took off and I have been working on the show ever since.

AL: What was your first day on set like?
RJ: It was amazing! Before “Breaking Bad” I wasn’t really doing anything substantial. I was doing background work actually as I was learning at the time how to work on a set. I was still learning how everything worked, what a set does and what it takes to be on a set. I was just sort of thrown in and started seeing how everything worked first hand as a lead actor.

AL: What has it been like working with such a diverse and great cast?
RJ: It’s really awesome. We have a great cast and crew. I can only imagine how differently things would be if we shot the show in Los Angeles. A lot of what I know about acting comes from working on “Breaking Bad”. Brian, Anna and everybody have taught me so much. Just by watching them is so interesting as everyone has their own style of acting. It’s been an honor to practically grow up watching the show and getting to see how it all comes together.

AL: What has been your experience with the notoriety you have received since the show took off?

RJ: I never thought a show about methamphetamine would get so big. Being recognized is something that has definitely changed. It’s interesting because I never thought people would be coming up to me telling me they love my work. It’s really cool!

AL: What do you think has been the biggest change in your character over the course of the show?
RJ: The views Walter Jr. has of his parents have changed several times. That is something he has been back and forth on. Just the transition of his parents is a big thing. Walter Jr. is in a completely different world. He is your typical kid that is trying to go through life as normally as possible. It’s interesting to see how the writers write his transition from his parents because there have been so many ups and downs.

AL: Have you been able to provide input on the character?
RJ: Yes. For every script we always have input. The writers are pretty open about asking us as to how we feel about certain things. We have been really lucky to be able to do that and to be able to take our characters in to the direction we want them to go.

AL: Can you give us any updates on the upcoming season?
RJ: We are currently shooting as we speak. I just got done shooting the first episode and I have the script for the second. Things are going and it’s insane! There is just so much going on in the first episode that I am anxious to see the fans reactions.

AL: How soon do you get the scripts prior to shooting an episode?
RJ: Usually it’s anywhere from a couple of days to a week. It depends a lot on the shooting schedule. The scripts have become very tight because people have tried stealing them. The scripts are water marked now and at times I have to sign them in and out. So many people are trying to get scripts from the show. Ultimately that just ruins it for everybody when something like that happens. I can tell everyone that this season will be worth the wait.

AL: Do you have a favorite episode from the series?
RJ: I love everything that we have done. Weather I am in the scene or not I love what we have done. I am hoping to have a new personal favorite very soon. We shall see. I have certainly enjoyed my scenes with Brian. It’s been fun.

AL: What other projects have you recently completed or are currently working on?
RJ: I have a movie that was filmed awhile back coming out titled “House of Last Things”. I also just shot a small spot on “Vegas” with Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis. That was an amazing set to shoot on and it is really well done. I wasn’t killed off so I could possibly be coming back. I also am scheduled to shoot a film in France as well as Abu Dhabi. I am keeping busy and also looking for more work.

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.

Corri English talks about her role in FEARnet’s “Holliston” and Season 2 plans

Corri English is the star of FEARnet’s “Holliston”, created by Adam Green and Joe Lynch. The show completed it first season this summer and will be returning for it’s second in 2013. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Corri about her role on the show and the plans for season 2.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you end up on the show “Holliston”?
Corri English: I had worked with Adam a couple of times. I did a series of holiday claymation webisodes he did for American Eagle. The series was called “Winter Tails” and he had me do some voice work on those. Shortly thereafter Adam was doing one of his infamous Halloween shorts and needed someone to fill in for Daniel Harris because there was a scheduling conflict. We had a great time doing that and became friends. “Holliston” has had a couple of incarnations so when he first started putting that together he brought me on board to do the show. It was really exciting to work with Adam again and see the show come to life as I had been attached to it for about 2 years prior to shooting.

MG: What do you enjoy most about your character and how does she relate to yourself?
CE: I know Adam pulled certain parts of our personalities in to the story. He made my character an aspiring country singer. I am actually a country singer. For the audience I know things are a little bit blurry because we all have our own names. At times they may not know where the characters end and where we as real people begin. I feel like anything on the show can happen and that is something that I really love. Initially Adam told me about the role and how I would be the girl that was always breaking his heart and that the audience would probably end up hating me. However, until that happens though they are going to torture me. (Laughs) I think in season 1 Adam found out I was up for anything and has really ran with that in season 2.

MG: What do you think it is that makes the show work?
CE: I think for fans of horror there are tons of those references going on within the show. Also though for people who may not necessarily be horror fans there is a whole lot of other stuff going on. Adam did such a good job of creating characters that I am sure everyone can relate to at least one of the characters on the show. I think there is so much heart and real life emotion going on that it makes the show interesting. There is a lot of reality in the show.

MG: What was a highlight for you of season 1?
CE: Laura and I had so much fun with the market basket episode. That was something that came out of rehearsal and Laura not being able to say those lines as English is not her first language. Sometimes little quirky things would come up and she couldn’t tell the difference. They would just let stuff like that go on forever. There were a bunch of really great guests on the first season as well. Tony Todd was great and also getting to meet John Landis was awesome.

MG: Can you give us any updates on season 2 of the show?
CE: We just finished filming. We shot most of the show on sets here in Los Angeles however for the last episode we actually shot in Holliston, Mass. We finished up with a found footage episode so we are running around the woods “Blair Witch” style. It was a fun way to wrap up the season. I am really excited for fans to see the new episodes because it dives much deeper in to the characters and their relationships. When we got done with the table read we were all laughing and crying. There will also be an animated episode this season as well as a holiday special which bridges the gap between the 2 seasons.

MG: Can you tell us a little about your band Broke Down Cadillac?
CE: We are a country/rock band that works out of Nashville. We have a ton fun doing it and we also have had quite a few opportunities to write songs for television and films. It’s really great when I get to put the singing together with the acting. I get to sing one of our songs on the show this year which I am very excited about.

Blu-ray Review “Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season Two”

Actors: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, LeVar Burton, Marina Spirtis
Number of discs: 5
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Paramount
DVD Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 998 minutes

Season Two: 5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 5 out of 5 stars

“Star Trek: The Next Generation” has become one of my favorite series, but only in the last few years. I got into it thanks to Netflix Instant. When I got a chance to review “Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season One” earlier this year, I was blown away by the way the episodes looked. Well it season two, I believe they went beyond and delivered a more impressive release (if that is possible). Season two also delivers the birth of the fan-favorite baddies, Borg. They are the best villains of the series! Resistance is futile! One of my favorite episodes of the series happen during season two: “The Measure of a Man”. Fans of the series are sure to do back flips for this release.  Also it is perfectly timed to be added to everyone’s Christmas lists and also nicely priced as well, compared to season one.

“Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season Two” Blu-ray looks extremely impressive with it’s high definition transfer. The series is presented with its original broadcast 4×3 aspect ratio, which is perfect and expected. Like season one, this series contains improved special effects from the original camera negatives. If you are a fan of this series and know it well, you will have your mouth open experience these upgrades. The star of this release though has to be Season Two’s surround-sound pumping DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. Obviously the soundtrack wasn’t made with that but I can’t help but get goosebumps when I hear that theme song in 7.1 sound. Of course for the hardcore Trekkies, there is also the original Stereo Surround audio included as well.

Official Premise: Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season Two travels warp speed into the next realm of adventure. Under the leadership of Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), the Enterprise faces a season of new changes and big challenges. With Dr. Crusher on sabbatical, Chief Medical Officer Katherine Pulaski (Diana Muldaur) fills in. And Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg) arrives as 10 Forward’s wise El-Aurian bartender. This voyage explores watershed moments, including Riker (Jonathan Frakes) experiencing the Klingon culture, Data (Brent Spiner) defending his humanity and the introduction of the Borg, a species of terrifying cybernetic conquerors threatening the fate of intelligent life.

“Star Trek: The Next Generation” – Season Two has various special features spread out over all five discs. They are a nice improvement over season one.  To start each episodes contain their own “episodic promos”, which are an awesome retro look at the series.  Disc one extras start with an 1998 On-Air Season Two Promo, “Energized! Season Two Tech Update” is a chat with Dan Curry, Michael and Denise Okuda about release season two to high definition. Decent but I wish it was much longer. There is 1988 Star Trek-themed “Reading Rainbow” Segment with LeVar Burton, as well as a 2012 Reading Rainbow iTunes Promo with Burton showing off his new Reading Rainbow app. Lastly there is “Archival Mission Log: Departmental Briefing Year Two – Production”, which is a vintage featurette looking into a the “best of” from the filming of season two.

Disc Two brings various cuts of my favorite episode “The Measure of a Man”.  It includes an HD Extended Version, which runs 57:35 minutes from Editor Robert Lederman.  The extended cut includes thirteen minutes of new footage, which was recently turned up from Writer Melinda Snodgrass’ private VHS tape collectionand then reconstructed in high definition. Next, we have a Hybrid Extended Version for “The Measure of a Man” running at 55:50 minutes. This version of the episode that mixes up the broadcast footage in high definition and the rough VHS footage.  It is raw but still a cool look at the amazing episode.  Lastly, there is an amazing audio commentary track from Melinda Snodgrass, Michael and Denise Okuda as they discuss about the episode.

Disc Three consists of two “Archival Mission Logs” featurettes.  The first is “Inside Starfleet Archives: Penny Juday – Star Trek Coordinator”, which has her speaking about her role as the Star Trek archivist, with Star Trek Magazine and working on the film “Star Trek: Nemesis”. Next up is “Selected Crew Analysis – Year Two”, which features various cast/crew chatting about the show’s characters roles including Patrick Stewart, LeVar Burton,  Gene Roddenberry, Rick Berman, Wil Wheaton, Marina Sirtis, Diana Muldaur and Peter Lauritson.  Lastly there is a funny Gag Reel, presented in HD and runs about 10 minutes.

The star of Disc Four extra is the audio commentary track from Dan Curry, Rob Bowman, and Mike & Denise Okuda for the episode “Q Who?”.  Lastly, there is also another “Archival Mission Log” called “Departmental Analysis Year Two – Memorable Missions”.  It features interviews with cast and crew on the following episodes:  “Loud as a Whisper”, “The Icarus Factor”, “Up the Long Ladder”, “The Dauphin”, “Elementary, Dear Data”, “Manhunt”, and “The Measure of a Man”.

Disc Five has the best extras of any disc and also the best feature in the whole release, which is “Reunification: 25 Years After Star Trek: The Next Generation”, which runs just over an hour.  It is a awesome cast reunion with all of the primary cast members — Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, and Wil Wheaton.  It just makes me want to give them all a hug and re-watch the episodes again! “Make it So – Continuing Star Trek: The Next Generation”. It consists of two parts, the first part 1 – “Strange New Worlds” and the second “New Life and New Civilizations”.  Each one runs about 40 minutes and is a look into the season’s best qualities and character in depth from cast, crew and others.  Lastly there is one more final “Archival Mission Log” called “Mission Overview – Year Two”, which is a look into Roddenberry’s plans for the future and reflection on the show’s success.

Blu-ray Review “Eastbound & Down: The Complete Third Season”

Actors: Danny McBride, Steve Little, John Hawkes, Jennifer Irwin, Jason Sudeikis
Studio: HBO Studios
Rating: TV-MA
Release Date: December 4, 2012
Run Time: 311 min

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

After season two of “Eastbound & Down”, I thought this took a downfall. But the third season is a nice bounce back for the show, it is not as good as the first but definitely gets the bases loaded. Jason Sudeikis joins the cast this as Kenny’s new best friend and kindred spirit Shane. The series is very unique and nice blend of comedy and also drama. It is executive produced by Will Ferrell, Chris Henchy, Adam McKay, Jody Hill and Danny McBride. The new direction for this season definitely paid off, since HBO picked up the comedy series for a fourth season, which will consist of another eight episodes. So we haven’t seen the last of Kenny “Fucking” Powers. I also suggest HBO to take this story to the big screen!

Season Official Premise: Powers, whose boorish behavior and fading fastball led to a spectacular career flame-out now finds himself back on the mound in the USA. Picking up a year after season two, the third season finds Kenny in action on the “Redneck Riviera” (aka Myrtle Beach, SC), somehow resurrecting his baseball career by becoming the closer for the minor-league Myrtle Beach Mermen. Even as he tries to pass himself off as the “King of Myrtle Beach,” Kenny struggles to come to terms with growing older and accepting the responsibilities of being a new father.

“Eastbound & Down: The Complete Third Season” is presented very well on Blu-ray. Each episode is delivered in a sharp 1080p and in its original aspect ratio: 1.78:1. The audio includes a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 trakc, which works well with the music and the dialogue. The star of the special features are eight audio commentaries  from all the comedy talent including Danny McBride, Jody Hill, Steve Little, David Gordon Green, Katy Mison, Craig Robinson and more. They are all worth checking out and a great way to revisit the episodes.  There are also  some decent deleted scenes, including an exclusive “Dinner with the Schaeffer’s” and also a very funny blooper reel  included.

Complimentary Passes to One Night Only Screening in Orlando and Kansas City of “Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Celebration of Season 2” [ENDED]

NCM Fathom Events and CBS Home Entertainment are coming together again to celebrate Season 2 of the iconic series Star Trek: The Next Generation in a special one night big screen event.

Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Celebration of Season 2
In Select Movie Theaters Nationwide
Thursday, November 29th at 7:00 PM (local time)
Only One Night
This not to be missed movie theatre event will feature two of the most popular Next Generation episodes, Q Who? and The Measure of a Man which will include, for the very first time, about 13 minutes of never before seen additional content.

If you would like to enter for a chance to win free passes to see to attend the one night only screening, please follow the following instructions.

  • For Orlando, please leave a comment below and let us known what is your favorite “Star Trek” character. 
  • For Kansas City, text the word ENERGIZE to 43549.  Winner will be picked and notified on November 27. There is no charge to text 43KIX.  Message and data rates from your wireless carrier may apply.

Winners will be chosen on a RANDOM BASIS on November 25th. ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON/PER HOUSEHOLD PLEASE! OTHERWISE ALL ENTRIES WILL BE DISREGARDED. The winners will be will notified via email if chosen to win. Good luck and thanks for supporting MediaMikes.com

This special event will also include exclusive looks at the extensive restoration taken to make Season 2 look better than ever before, never-before-seen interviews with the original cast members, a behind-the-scenes look at the artists who created the original FX elements and photography and a reunion with the original cast members, captured in April 2012, as they celebrate 25 years of this unforgettable series.

Set in the 24th century, The Next Generation was created by Gene Roddenberry over 20 years after the original Star Trek series. The Next Generation became the longest running series of the Star Trek franchise, consisting of 178 episodes over 7 seasons. Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Celebration of Season 2 is the first opportunity to see a transcendent digital presentation and the world premiere of the extended cut of The Measure of a Man in select movie theaters nationwide on Thursday, November 29th at 7:00 PM (local time).

Jaleel White chats about season 2 of Syfy’s “Total Blackout”

Jaleel White has been one busy man on television. He was a contestant on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and started hosting Syfy’s new game show “Total Blackout”. Jaleel took out some time to chat with Media Mikes again to discuss the season 2 of Syfy’s “Total Blackout”, which premieres October 30th, and what we can expect.

Mike Gencarelli: So we know the idea behind “Total Blackout” – challenges played in complete darkness, how is season two going to amp it up for viewers?
Jaleel White: I don’t think we are going to disappoint people. We have definitely improved upon last year. It all boils down to money. At the end of the day the more people to like the show, the more money we will get [laughs]. This season, the exotic nature of the show has been amped with the animals. Last year, we had little dogs and stuff like that. That wouldn’t even been be allowed on the idea table this season. So, definitely the exotic nature is one. Second, I have to say the contestants themselves. We got a lot of our first choice contestants. Last year people didn’t realize what the show was since it was new and we got a lot of people backing out at the last minute. But since the show has become a hit, trending on twitter and people like it – now we have the opposite problem. We have too many people that want to be on the show. So there is definitely no any contestant shortage this season.

MG: Last time we spoke you said “contestants get smarter” and were concerned about the screening process; do you feel that was addressed and planned for this season?
JW: I definitely felt like we chose some really great contestants. I am really proud of the people we got this season. There is an episode also where we bring back people have previously lost. So we have that loser’s all-star episode and in fact, it was particularly touching for the contestant that won and their reaction.

MG: Last season was your first go at hosting a game show, what were you personally looking forward to most in this second season?
JW: I said it last year and will probably keep saying it for as long as this show is on, it is really fun to be a part of TV that I feel like the love and the landscape make it that people want to watch the show. I don’t have to beg people to watch this show. It is just awesome for me man!

MG: What is your favorite challenge this season?
JW: It has to be the mouse trap mazes. It is so creative. They also got the most physical reaction out of our contestants. That is my personal favorite this season.

MG: Have they ever considered doing a celebrity, maybe with some Syfy talent, episode of the show?
JW: Well we got some surprises for you this season. I know we are boys but sorry man my lips are sealed. Stay tuned because it is going to be cool.

MG: Have they tried to convince you to get in that dark room yet?
JW: Joe Rogan doesn’t do his show. Why does everyone want me to do my show? [laughs] I am the host, man [laughs]. Well, I don’t know what circumstances would put me in the dark room but I would welcome whatever it would be. Obviously, I would have a far greater advantage from a psychological stand point. I welcome it if it comes along though. I got it, put me in there with Joe Rogan or some other hosts [laughs].

MG: What would be your worst nightmare to encounter in there?
JW: Oh man! An alligator would be up there. Also for me if wouldn’t be a snake…it would be snakes.