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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Blu-ray Review “Arrow: The Complete Second Season”

Actors: Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Willa Holland, Emily Bett Rickards
Number of discs: 9
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 16, 2014
Rating TV-14
Run Time: 1056 minutes

Season: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Arrow” is a show that has certain gotten much better as its progresses. I originally stopped watching this show a few episodes into the first season since I figured it wouldn’t last and now today it is easily one of the smartest and coolest shows on the air. Plus superheroes are kinda hot today and this show is really showing its aces bringing out some great superheroes and most importantly solid villains. Based on the characters from DC Comics, “Green Arrow”, “Arrow” stars Stephen Amell (Private Practice), Katie Cassidy (Gossip Girl, Melrose Place), David Ramsey (Blue Bloods, Dexter), Willa Holland (The O.C.), Emily Bett Rickards (Flicka: Country Pride), Colton Haynes (Teen Wolf, The Gates), Manu Bennett (Spartacus, The Hobbit), with Susanna Thompson (Cold Case, NCIS) and Paul Blackthorne (The River). Can’t wait to see what they have planned for season three and of course the spin-off series for “The Flash”.

Official Premise: Billionaire archery enthusiast Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) returns for another season in Starling City. Sworn to fight crime and corruption in his city, Oliver (aka the Arrow) – with the help of the tech-savvy Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards) and his iron-fisted right hand, John Diggle (David Ramsey), and the occasional, reluctant assistance of former police detective Quentin Lance (Paul Blackthorne) – has been waging a one-man war on crime. But in all wars, there are casualties. To honor his fallen friend, Tommy Merlyn, and protect the people he loves, Oliver must rededicate himself to his mission and be more than just a vigilante. He must become a beacon of hope for the city’s most vulnerable…and a weapon of justice against those who prey upon them. Malcolm Merlyn (aka the Dark Archer) rocked Oliver Queen’s world in the first season finale of Arrow, but who’s going to pick up the pieces?

“Arrow: The Complete Second Season” comes as a combo pack including Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet copy of all 23 episodes from season two, plus the season one bonus recap episode. The 1080p transfers are nothing short of awesome. The show has really stepped it up from the first season and these transfers benefit from that. There is a nice style to this show and I love the way it is shot. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, which nails it with the shows action. The special features are a bit a let down for such a great season. There are three featurettes included. “From Vigilante to Hero” is a look into Oliver Queen’s journey from fighting crime to being Starling City’s savior. “How Did They Do That?!” looks into the show’s visual effects. “Wirework: The Impossible Moves of Arrow” dives into the fight sequences. Lastly there is the Arrow 2013 Comic Con Panel, some deleted scenes and a •gag reel included.

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Blu-ray Review “The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Fifth Season”

Starring: Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Kat Graham, Steven R. McQueen, Candice Accola
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Rated TV-14
Run Time: 968 minutes

Season: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Me and “The Vampire Diaries” kind of have a love/hate relationship for the last five seasons, I have been back and forth with it. I always say that I am done with this show yet we still find ourselves watching it. I blame Iam Somerhalder for being so damn cool! 😉 This fifth season is honestly starting the final approach for me. There is so much going on…there are too many doppelganger and the focus is just everywhere. I think this might be my last season…this time I mean it (I think…maybe…we’ll see). This show has definitely jumped the shark and but  it still has done better than its spin-off, “The Originals”, which flopped right from the first season. Still, if you love the show, season six is coming around the corner any day now, so get ready for more confusing vampire drama.

Official Premise: After a sizzling summer with Damon, Elena leaves Mystic Falls for Whitmore College and moves into a dorm with Caroline as her roomie, ready for new adventures and new friends. But dark thoughts gnaw at Elena, and soon familiar faces are back in the girls’ lives. There’s Stefan with his shadow self, Silas, plus Katherine, with a diabolical agenda and a jaw-dropping transformation. As the doppelgangers test destiny, pitting the Salvatore brothers against each other, the student body count rises — evidence of powerful forces on campus. The struggle later continues between the mysterious Travelers, new witches and our favorite vampires, fighting for their own survival and, ultimately, the fate of Mystic Falls.

Despite the season itself, Warner Bros has been giving this series solid Blu-ray and this one is no different. It comes as a combo pack with Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet. The 1080p transfer work with the style of the show as does the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 with all its trendy Hot Topic style music. The special features are decent but nothing amazing at all. There is “Reinvention: To The Other Side and Back” shows fans about the mystery of the “other side”. “I Know What You Did …In the Last 100 Episodes” is a glorified pop quiz feature. “A Day in the Afterlife” does behind-the-scenes with Graham, but is nothing special. Lastly there is a gag reel and some deleted scenes included.

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Blu-ray Review “Haven: The Complete Fourth Season”

Starring: Emily Rose, Lucas Bryant, Eric Balfour
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Entertainment One
Release Date: August 26, 2014
Run Time: 572 minutes

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

“Haven” is a TV series that was originally based on Stephen King’s novel “The Colorado Kid”. Since it premiered it has become a entity of its own and branching way beyond the novel. The fourth season of the show is really a big turning point for the show and it wastes no time sucking you in. In fact, this show seems to get better and better with each season. With the fifth season airing as we speak and the sixth already greenlit, we have hardly seen the end of this great series.

Official Series Premise: Haven follows former FBI agent Audrey Parker (Emily Rose), who became a cop in the small town of Haven, Maine, and quickly found herself involved in the return of “the Troubles,” a series of supernatural afflictions that have plagued the seaside village for generations. Partnered with local residents Nathan Wuornos (Lucas Bryant) and Duke Crocker (Eric Balfour), Audrey began to realize that Haven’s fate was linked to her own, and only she can save the town and the people she loves from the weight of their curses.

Official Season Premise: Season Four of Haven opens six months after the gripping third season finale, when Duke, who had jumped into the imploding barn to save Audrey, suddenly appears out of thin air in Boston. Assisted by Jennifer Mason (Emma Lahana), a woman with her own mysterious connection to Haven, Duke finds that Nathan has fled the town, Audrey is still missing, and the Troubles are worse than ever.

The Blu-ray comes with solid 1080p transfers along with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks. The visual effects work well with the transfers and the beautiful locations. There are over two and half hours of special features included along with an exclusive 16 page comic book thrown in as well. Kicking off the extras we get thirteen “Inside Haven” Featurettes, one for each episode, which gives a great behind-the-scenes look into the show.

There are Panel Highlights from various conventions including San Diego Comic-Con, Nerd HQ and New York Comic Con. There are three interviews with the Cast talking abut this season. There are six audio commentaries tracks with the show’s writers. These are good but I would have loved to see some cast commentary as well. There is the “Darkside Seekers” Webisode Series including, as well as a deleted scene and Blooper Reel including, rounding out these very impressive extras.

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Blu-ray Review “Person of Interest: The Complete Third Season”

Actors: Jim Caviezel, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Chapman, Sarah Shahi, Michael Emerson
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Warner Home Video
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Run Time: 1012 minutes

Season: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

When “Person of Interest” started airing I never really caught onto it. It is called one of “television’s most gripping dramas” but I really just never got into it. I think you really need to love the cast of the show you are watching. Same thing to me happened with “Under the Dome”. Good show but terrible cast. The cast here is very talented don’t get me wrong, Michael Emerson and Jim Caviezel rock stars but I not a huge fan nonetheless. Either way the show is a hit and it will be entering its fourth season this fall on CBS.

Official Premise: In Season Three, the team suffers a devastating loss and faces staggering challenges. Technical wizard Finch (Michael Emerson) and ex-CIA operative Reese (Jim Caviezel) join forces with rogue agent Sameen Shaw (Sarah Shahi) to save lives and seek justice, but the team now faces an uncertain future. With The Machine, now completely self-governed and hidden from all, the POI team must struggle to protect their mission and the evolving intelligence providing their numbers.

The 23 episodes included are Liberty; Nothing to Hide; Lady Killer; Reasonable Doubt; Razgovor; Mors Praematura; The Perfect Mark; Endgame; The Crossing; The Devil’s Share; Lethe; Aletheia; 4C; Provenance; Last Call; RAM; /; Allegiance; Most Likely To…; Death Benefit; Beta; A House Divided & Deus Ex Machina.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s “Person of Interest: The Complete Third Season” is being released as a combo pack with Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet. I love the Warner Brothers always comes through with all of there television releases with UltraViolet bonus, which allows consumers to instantly stream and download all 23 episodes from The Cloud for viewing on computers and compatible iOS and Android devices.

The special features includes for this release are decent. There is a featurette “Person of Interest: The Future of A.I.” look into the real life technology with the creators. “Saying Goodbye to a Friend” features cast and creators talking about the loss of a character. “Bear on Set” looks into the episode with Boker the dog.

There is footage from the 2013 Comic Con Panel. There is only one commentary track includes with Michael Emerson on the season finale. If you are a fan of this show, one episode is not really enough to really wow you to be honest. With 23 episodes, five is a really the minimum. There is a gag reel included. Lastly there are digital comics based on each episode, this is really good bonus feature for sure.

Own it on Blu-ray™ Combo, DVD & Digital HD September 2

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

Starring: Laura Vandervoort, Greyston Holt, Greg Bryk, Paul Greene, Steve Lund, Michael Xavier
Number of discs: 4
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Entertainment One
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Run Time: 572 minutes

Season: 2 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars

You know when you watch a show and you know right away that you are either going to love it or hate it.  “Bitten” fell into the latter category from the very first episode. I am not sure what it was since I definitely like Laura Vandervoort. She is very easy on the eyes and quite naked right from the very first episode 😉 but I just didn’t dig it. The show’s plot never developed into what I thought it could have and it ended up being very predictable. I am sure this series has a following, so it’s fans will be at least happy to know that this release includes all 13 UNCUT featuring footage not seen on American television.

Official Premise: Desperate to escape both a world she never wanted to be part of and the man who turned her into a werewolf, Elena abandons her Pack and takes refuge in a new city, starting over with a hot new romance and a successful photography career. But when bodies turn up in the werewolf sanctuary, Elena is torn between the life she s building and the wild and dangerously unpredictable one she thought she left behind. Based on the Women of the Otherworld novels by #1 New York Times best selling author Kelley Armstrong.

Entertainment One, like usual with their Syfy TV series releases, delivered us an impressive Blu-ray despite my feelings on the series itself. I would just wish that they would get on board with the digital HD copies and start bringing their Blu-ray releases to the digital age. The colors are sharp and the details are well presented. The CGI isn’t ground breaking but looks good for what it is worth. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is actually in my eyes the star of the release. It is one fine track. This show is carried well by the music and cue’s used throughout, especially through the action scenes.

In terms of special features, we are back to the disappointing end of the release. There are three audio commentaries on the pilot episode, “Summons” “Bitten”, and the finale, “Ready”. They feature Executive Producer J.B. Sugar, Executive Producer/Writer Daegan Fryklind and star Laura Vandervoort. There is a short behind-the-scenes looks into the series. My favorite is definitely “VFX – Behind the Wolf”, which goes into the CGI in depth…sort of…since it only runs about 4 minutes. Lastly there is a feature on the show’s Stunt Choreography and a bunch of Deleted/Alternate Scenes included.

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Blu-ray Review “The Walking Dead: The Complete Fourth Season (Limited Edition)”

Actors: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Chandler Riggs, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride, Scott Wilson
Directors: Ernest R. Dickerson, Guy Ferland, Greg Nicotero
Number of discs: 5
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
DVD Release Date: August 26, 2014
Run Time: 696 minutes

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

Just when you thought that “The Walking Dead” couldn’t get any crazier…main characters getting killed off, pushing the limits of cable TV…we get season four, which takes it up yet another notch. Season four was a very impressive season for this show and easily my favorite to date. The season is split into technically three parts. The first half is the take down of the prison, the second is the group solo and getting back together (in some sense) and the third is the arrival at Terminus. Season five is being setup to kick off what is guaranteed to be the best season yet. With the show getting more and more popular with each episode, it is becoming an unstoppable force. If you love this show, this Blu-ray should hold you off until “The Walking Dead” season 5 returns on Sunday, October 12th.

Official Premise: In the new season, we see Rick and the group of survivors fostering a thriving community in the safe haven of the prison only to have it short-lived as the group loses everything, their home, family, and friends to the threat of the walkers, outside threats and the hidden dangers brewing inside the fences. The group of survivors are broken apart and sent on divergent paths, unsure of everyone else’s fate as they are exposed to new dangers, new enemies, and heartbreaking choices. They will have their faith thoroughly tested — a faith that breaks some of them and redeems others.

This season show not great but literally outstanding performances from everyone in the cast including. Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Chandler Riggs, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride, Emily Kinney, Chad Coleman, Sonequa Martin-Green, Lawrence Gilliard, Jr. and Scott Wilson. Speaking of Scott, we lost our beloved Hershel this season but his spirit will live on. He was a hard person to lose and easily one of my favorite characters on the show. Last season, I absolutely hated (and I am sure I am not alone) Carl but this season, Chandler really knocked it out the park. The VIP of the season easily has to be Melissa McBride! WOW! Looking at flowers will never be the same! Where is her damn Emmy nomination!?

Anchor Day has been amazing with giving “The Walking Dead” Blu-ray amazing Limited Edition sets. The first season was more basic but the second season was the large zombie head with the screwdriver in the eye and the third was The Governor’s tank. The fourth season’s limited edition release includes an exclusive McFarlane Toys Tree Walker Case. The Tree walker’s head and arm move when you remove the Blu-ray set. It is quite epic and a must have for any hardcore collector. You look at the quality of work that comes with this release and you will be convinced that it is worth the extra money. But get it while it is available because like the other seasons, this is sure to become an expensive collectible.

Like the past seasons, The Blu-ray presentations comes with outstanding 1080p transfers with even better Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround tracks. Literally this are GOLD! I love watching this show on TV when it airs but the Blu-ray presentations are so much better to enjoy. When the Governor storms through the prison in their tanks, my surround sound system was screaming for a break. From every gunshot to zombie roar, the sound is just outstanding. You literally forget you are watching TV series, as this show feels so theatrical.

The special features for this series have always been amazing! This season is no different. To start, we have Blu-ray exclusive extended episodes for “After” and “The Grove”. There are six cast and crew audio commentaries included on this set. The first is on “30 Days Without An Accident”  with Executive Producer and Showrunner Scott M. Gimple, Executive Producer/Unit Production Manager Tom Luse and Executive Producer/Special Effects Make-Up Supervisor/Director Greg Nicotero. Next is “Internment” with Executive Producer and Showrunner Scott M. Gimple and Actor Scott Wilson (Hershel). “After” includes Greg Nicotero, Co-Executive Producer Denise Huth and Actor Danai Gurira (Michonne).

There are two tracks for the episode, “Still” the first with Director Julius Ramsay and Actor Emily Kinney (Beth) and the second with Writer/Producer Angela Kang and Actor Norman Reedus (Daryl). The last track is “The Grove” (Ep14) with Scott M. Gimple, Denise Huth and Actor Andrew Lincoln. I cannot say enough good things about these tracks. I loved everyone of them. The ones with Greg and the other producers are super technical and you get tons of great information about the show. If you love this show, you cannot miss these. All gems.

Next up we have eight outstanding Behind-the-Scenes Production Featurettes. First up are “Inside The Walking Dead and “The Making of The Walking Dead”, which are self-explanatory. These are great for fans wanted an inside look in how the show is created. “Hershel” and “The Governor Is Back” are character based featurettes on two of our favorite characters to bit it this season. “Drawing Inspiration” and “Society, Science & Survival” look into the preparation taken for this season. “Inside KNB EFX” dives into the work of Greg Nicotero and his creations. Lastly “A Journey Back to Brutality” is a look back at the season and there are some Deleted Scenes included as well.

Here is the Comic-Con trailer for what we can expect for Season Five!

 

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“​Sweeney Todd” Kicks off Garden Theatre Season, Starting September 12th


35th Anniversary of Epic Sondheim Musical

WINTER GARDEN, FL (August 22, 2014) – The Garden Theatre is proud to present TheatreWorks Florida’s production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street showing September 12 – October 5, 2014. Sweeney Todd kicks off the Garden Theatre’s 2014-2015 Season and is sponsored by Joe Worsham and Becky Worsham Farrant at Pacific Global Investment Management Company and by Insight Credit Union.

Sweeney Todd will be the first live play to use the Garden Theatre’s new state-of-the-art lighting system, which includes LED lights programmed on a cutting-edge console with the ability to make lightning-fast adjustments, as easy as from a mobile device. These new elements have been added to intensify the patron experience and immerse them deeper into the story.

The suspenseful, heart-pounding Stephen Sondheim masterpiece, currently in its 35th anniversary year, tells the infamous tale of revenge by an unjustly exiled barber returning to 19th century London. His thirst for blood soon includes his unfortunate customers, while a resourceful owner of a pie shop downstairs has the people of London lining up in droves for a mysterious new meat pie recipe.

Sweeney Todd is directed by Scott A. Cook, the artistic producer of TheatreWorks Florida. It is a definite departure from Cook’s most recent shows at the Garden Theatre – the musical comedies Nunsense and Legally Blonde. Cook has developed show designs and concepts for companies such as Universal Studios Florida and the Walt Disney World Company, and won numerous producers’ honors including the Pierrots Award, Best Musical for Cats at Theatre Winter Haven in 2006 and 10 awards including Best of Fest at the 2012 Orlando International Fringe Festival for Little Shop of Horrors.

As he prepared for Sweeney Todd, Cook researched the history of the character and discovered a debate as to whether a demented barber really existed. The character first appeared in an 1846 “penny dreadful,” a type of horror tale of the era published in serial form. Many of these publications were fictionalized accounts of real crimes, and allegedly the writer who first set down Sweeney Todd’s name in print was known to hunt regularly through newspapers for his story ideas.

“The 19th century London world of Sweeney Todd is a twisted, bizarre, nightmarish puzzle that resonates with the audience’s own senses and experiences, begging the question: what is evil and what is madness?” said Cook. “The message of Sweeney Todd is clear: there is evil and madness afoot and nothing will be served up plain. Be warned…”

The remarkable cast includes:
Sweeney Todd – Nick Kroger
Mrs. Lovett – Candy Heller
Anthony Hope – Robb Ross
Johanna – Jennica McCleary
Beggar Woman – Janine Papin
Judge Turpin – Alexander Mrazek
Beadle Bamford – Nathan Jessee
Adolfo Pirelli – Benjamin Ludwig
Tobias Ragg – Nick Rishel

Ensemble members include Eric Desnoyers, Tony Moreno, Matthew Johnson, Omar Montes, Kristy Barnes, Lindsey Gradwohl, Frida Söderdahl and Desiree Perez.

Those who have previously appeared on the Garden Theatre stage include Janine Papin (Nunsense, 33 Variations), Alexander Mrazek (A Christmas Survival Guide, Alice Lost in Wonderland), Matthew Johnson (Legally Blonde), and Desiree Perez (Hairspray, Nunsense, Little Shop of Horrors).

Tickets to Sweeney Todd are $25 for seniors and students, $29 for adults. Show times are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. There will be an Industry Night performance on Monday, September 29 at 8pm with $15 tickets for those in the theatre industry.

For tickets, visit gardentheatre.org or contact the Garden Theatre Box Office at 407-877-GRDN (4736). Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts of up to 25% by contacting group sales manager Jana Goupil at 407-877-4736 x208.

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Blu-ray Review “Once Upon a Time: The Complete Third Season”

Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Josh Dallas, Emilie De Ravin, Colin O’Donoghue, Lana Parilla, Jared Gilmore, Robert Carlyle, Michael Raymond-James, Rebecca Mader
Director: Victor Nelli Jr.
Number of discs: 5
Studio: ABC Studios
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Run Time: 946 minutes

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

When this show first aired, the first season was a good draw but the second season lost some focus and was just full of tons of fairy tale character cameos with no main goal for the show. The third season was a nice return to the focus of the first season and the show seems to be on the right track going forward especially with introduce the “Frozen” gang into the fourth season. This show is sure to double its viewers easily. Luckily, it is already coming off a strong season. The first half of this season focuses on the characters from Peter Pan and the second introduces the new villain, the Wicked Witch of the West. So I enjoyed this season quite a bit and I can’t wait to see where they take us next.

This show has a fantastic code including Ginnifer Goodwin as Snow White, Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan, Josh Dallas as Prince Charming, Emilie De Ravin as Belle, Colin O’Donoghue as Captain Hook, Lana Parilla as Evil Queen, Jared Gilmore as Peter Pan, Robert Carlyle as Mr. Gold/Rumplestiltskin, Michael Raymond-James as Baelfire and this season also introduces the Wicked Witch of the West played perfectly by Rebecca Mader.

Official Premise: Can five heroic characters set aside their personal grudges and private demons to rescue Henry — and themselves — from the ultimate evil? The stakes are higher than ever in a Neverland that’s the stuff of nightmares. At the dark heart of its mystery is Peter Pan, an ageless entity with a diabolical agenda and a chilling secret. For Emma, Henry, Hook, Rumple, Regina, Charming and Snow, Pan’s actions have far-reaching consequences that will change their lives forever, create new alliances and introduce both Storybrooke and the Enchanted Forest to a powerful new villain of legendary wickedness: the Wicked Witch.

“Once Upon a Time: The Complete Third Season” includes the 22 episodes from the season with beautiful 1080p transfers. As this show progresses, it is getting much more polished and pretty and these transfer are benefiting from that. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks are also top notch and deliver the charm that this show has. I would have loved Disney to hook us up with digital copies of this season like they have been with their DisneyMoviesAnywhere.com website, but I guess the key word is in the URL and they haven’t crossed over into TV yet.

In terms of special features, there are three featurettes included to start. The first is “Wicked Villains: What makes the villains of Once Upon A Time tick?”, which looks into the shows baddies. “The Tale of Ariel” looks into the character and her development. The next is a Blu-ray exclusive featurette called “Inside the Writer’s Room: The Next Big Character”, which gives us an inside look into the writer’s process. There are cast and crew audio commentaries included, which are a great way to re-visit specific episodes. There are also some deleted scenes and a gag reel included titled “The Fairest Bloopers of Them All”.

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Enter to Win a DVD of Hulu’s Original Series “Deadbeat: Season One” [ENDED]

To celebrate the Target exclusive release of Hulu’s hit original series “Deadbeat”, Media Mikes is excited to giveaway one (1) copy of Season One on DVD to our readers. If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of this prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite Hulu series. This giveaway will remain open until September 5th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to all of our Media Mikes readers worldwide. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

Kevin Pacalioglu (Labine) may have no money and no clue, but he can see dead people, so that’s pretty cool. Faced with a constant stream of stubborn spirits, Pac goes to whatever lengths require the least amount of effort to help New York City’s most frivolous ghosts finish their unfinished business. Starring Tyler Labine (TV’s “Reaper”)the show also features Brandon T. Jackson (Tropic Thunder), Lucy DeVito (TV’s “Melissa & Joey)and Cat Deeley (the host of TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance”).

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DVD Review “The Blacklist: The Complete First Season”

Starring: James Spader, Megan Boone, William Sadler, Diego Klattenhoff, Harry Lennix, Parminder Nagra
Director: Joe Carnahan
Number of discs: 5
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: August 12, 2014
Running Time: 939 minutes

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

I remember the first time my wife made me watch an episode of “Boston Legal” and I was completely in protect since I wasn’t a big fan of procedural law or cop shows. Man, was my world broken open to the wonderful world of Allen Shore, played by James Spader and Denny Crane, played by William Shatner. When I saw that James Spader has a new show, I couldn’t be more excited to check it out. The show really gets your hooked to each episode. They throw out little bread crumbs and lead you in for their reveal to it’s numerous secrets. Spader really gives an outstanding performances as Raymond “Red” Reddington. It is just such a great role for him. I highly recommend this show and those who are fans already this DVD will hold you off until season two premieres on September 22th.

Official Premise: Raymond “Red” Reddington, one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, surrenders at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.. He claims the FBI and he have the same interests, that is, getting rid of dangerous criminals and terrorists. Reddington will co-operate, but insists he will speak only to Elizabeth Keen, a rookie FBI profiler. Keen questions Reddington’s sudden interest in her, despite his claim she is very special. After the FBI brings down a terrorist he provided information on, Reddington reveals that this terrorist is only the first of many. In the last two decades, he’s made a list of criminals and terrorists he believes matter the most; a list the FBI doesn’t know exists. Reddington calls it “The Blacklist”.

“The Blacklist: The Complete First Season” comes with some decent extras, even though there is more included on the Blu-ray copy, as well as a digital copy for the episodes. I would have loved to have that available to me as well. To start with the extras there are commentary track on the pilot episode, “Anslo Garrick Part 1” and “Berlin: Conclusion” with Jon Bokenkamp, John Eisendrath and Joe Carnahan. They are very informative and a great way to re-enjoy the show. If you want more you got it since there are literally twenty-two, that’s 22, making-of featurettes called “Beyond The Blacklist”, which looks into each episode. Lastly “The Insider: Behind The Scenes Of Season 1” looks into the making of the season, as a whole.

 

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Win a DVD of Hallmark’s “Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove: Season 1” [ENDED]

To celebrate the DVD release of Hallmark’s “Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove: Season 1”, Media Mikes is excited to giveaway one (1) copy of the DVD to our readers. If you would like to enter for your chance to win one of this prize, please leave us a comment below or send us an email with your favorite recent Hallmark Original film. This giveaway will remain open until July 25th at Noon, Eastern Time. This is open to our readers in US and Canada only. One entry per person, per household. All other entries will be considered invalid. Media Mikes will randomly select winners. Winners will be alerted via email.

Andie MacDowell stars as Judge Olivia Lockhart who is considered the community s guiding light in the picturesque, coastal town of Cedar Cove, Washington. But like everyone else, Olivia fights the uphill battle of balancing career with family and finding love, all while doing her best to care for the township she calls home. Based on the best-selling author Debbie Macomber s beloved book series.

 

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DVD Review “Witches of East End: The Complete First Season”

Starring: Julia Ormond, Mädchen Amick, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Rachel Boston
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: June 24, 2014
Run Time: 418 minutes

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

“Witches of East End” is a new original series from the channel Lifetime and based loosely on the book of the same by Melissa de la Cruz. I wasn’t really planning on watching this show when it aired but something about it drew me in…like I was under a spell…wait a sec?! Or maybe it was the very attractive women in the trailer 😉 This show is smart, sexy and very fun to watch. Looking forward to Season 2 when it returns on Sunday, July 6 on Lifetime.

If you want to talk about “cougars”, this show has got two very attractive women including Julia Ormond (“Sabrina (1995)”) as Joanna Beauchamp and Mädchen Amick (“Twin Peaks”) as Wendy Beauchamp. Then of course, we have Jenna Dewan-Tatum (“Step Up”) as Freya Beauchamp and Rachel Boston (“The Ex List”) as Ingrid Beauchamp only adding to the sexy of the show.

Official Premise: “Witches of East End” stars Emmy award-winning Julia Ormond as Joanna Beauchamp, an ageless mother trying to keep a supernatural secret from her daughters, Freya (Jenna Dewan-Tatum) and Ingrid (Rachel Boston) so they can lead a normal life. But when Joanna’s estranged sister (Mädchen Amick) arrives to warn her of an evil entity out to destroy them all, Joanna is forced to reveal the truth about her family’s magical legacy.

There are a great group of supporting cast as well, who popped in throughout the series including Virginia Madsen (“Candyman”), Enver Gjokaj (“Dollhouse”), Neil Hopkins (“Skyline”), Matt Frewer (“Lawnmover Man 2”) and Freddie Prinze Jr. (“Star Wars: Rebels”) to name a few.

The special features are not the great but do get a few laughs at least. There is a short featurette called “Falling Under Their Spell”, focusing on the show’s characters. There are some deleted scenes, a gag reel and a cat blooper included. I would have loved to seen some commentary tracks from this great cast.

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Blu-ray Review “Dragon Ball Z: Season Five”

Starring: Sean Schemmel, Stephanie Nadolny, Christopher Sabat, Daisuke Gōri, Mayumi Tanaka, Kenji Utsumi
Director: Daisuke Nishio
Number of discs: 4
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Funimation
DVD Release Date: June 24, 2014
Run Time: 615 minutes

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

I am currently in the process of moving and recently canceled my satellite TV service in preparation of the move. So only having a Blu-ray player, Season Five of “Dragon Ball Z” couldn’t have arrived at a better time. It is funny you can fly through over 600 minutes of something when you have nothing else to do. Season Five includes episodes 140-165 of the classic anime series, uncut and presented in remastered high definition for the first time ever! I can’t wait for Season Six since that will include the Complete Cell Games. Oh baby! Can’t wait!

Official Premise: As the battle with the Androids rages on, a fierce evil rises from the shadows: the monster known as Cell! Dr. Gero’s heinous creation is the ultimate weapon, a fighting machine built from the genetic material of the greatest warriors ever to walk the Earth!

These episodes have undergone a frame-by-frame restoration to remove any blemishes, tape marks and foreign bodies from the film. Funimation has been consistently delivering for the fans on this series and this season is just as impressive. There are three audio tracks included, the Japanese audio and two English tracks: the U.S. English-language broadcast dub and a mix with English dialogue and Japanese music. These have also been re-mastered in the interest of noise reduction and superior sound quality.

Episodes Include: Seized with Fear; The Reunion; Borrowed Powers; His Name is Cell; Piccolo’s Folly; Laboratory Basement; Our Hero Awakens; Time Chamber; The Monster is Coming; He’s Here; Up to Piccolo; Silent Warrior; Say Goodbye, 17; Sacrifice; Saiyans Emerge; Super Vegeta; Bow To The Prince; Hour of Temptation; Krillin’s Decision; Last Defense; Cell is Complete; Vegeta Must Pay; Trunks Ascends; Saving Throw; Ghosts From Tomorrow and The Cell Games.

There are some decent special features as well included for this release. There is a great behind-the-scenes look with “Dragon Ball Z Retrospective Part Five”. There are two featurettes under “Inside Dragon Ball Z”. The first is an “Interview with Sonny Strait”, the voice of Krillin. The second is an “Interview with Stephanie Nadolny”, the voice of Goku’s son, Gohan. Lastly there is a Textless Opening & Closing Song and a U.S. Trailer included.

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