DVD

DVD

Friday 03 July 2009

• Morning Light – Blu-ray Review - CLIPS ADDED!

  

  An all-together ho-hum experience considering the coolness of the subject matter, “Morning Light’ is Roy E. Disney’s attempt to document the open-sea race, Transpac, a harrowing 2,500 race from California to Hawaii. Expertly captured, the problem lies with its reality television-like approach.

• 24: Season Seven – Blu-ray Review

  

  Jack’s back! Fox offers up the seventh season of their perennial favorite ‘24’ on Blu-ray soon after the season ended its run in mid-May. Oddly, this is the first I’ve seen of ‘24’ so while I may be out of the loop on some context, I got the gist of the show pretty quick – entertaining, fast-paced fluff. 

• Lonely are the Brave: Universal Backlot Collection – DVD Review

  

  A dept of gratitude should go to Steven Spielberg for giving the Universal studio president the bug to get this fine Kirk Douglas picture onto DVD.  I guess it helps to have friends in high places.  

• Everwood: The Complete Second Season – DVD Review - CLIPS ADDED

  

  Everwood is the beautiful small town that speaks to everyone who has ever had to live in a small town and survived.  Much about it is good, but there is way too much going on that is known by far too many people to make it as idyllic as it seems. 

Thursday 02 July 2009

• Home – DVD Review

  

  Home is a film that you will want to see over and over again.  In stunning visuals, narrated by Glenn Close, the story of Earth, our home, is told in terms of man’s connection with his environment.  It is beautiful, glorious, sad, exciting, wistful, triumphant and terrifying, all at the same time.

• Murder Most English – DVD Review

  

  Based on the detective novels of Colin Watson, Murder Most English: A Flaxborough Chronicle follows the work of Detective Inspector Purbright (Anton Rodgers) who solves crimes one just wouldn’t expect to find in such a sleepy English town as Flaxborough.

• She Stoops to Conquer – DVD Review

  

  Oliver Goldsmith’s play of mistaken identity, audacious behavior and very rocky true love, is brought to vibrant life by a cast of excellent performers, in a setting of a 17th century manor house with environs that add color and texture to the whole production. 

• Lookin' to Get Out (Extended Version) – DVD Review

  

  Lookin’ to Get Out has a reputation and it’s not a good one.  A notorious bomb in the career of late director Hal Ashby (Being There, Harold and Maude) it was discovered that he donated his director’s cut print to UCLA and this extended version finally “gets out.” 

• The Lucille Ball Specials: Lucy Gets Lucky/Three for Two – DVD Review

  

  Legendary comedienne Lucille Ball co-starred with some equally legendary co-stars in some comedy specials for CBS in the 1970s.  Great ones Dean Martin and Jackie Gleason join the redheaded funny lady, but the results are dated though it’s good to see them being released from the vaults.  

• Inkheart - Blu-ray Review - CLIPS ADDED!

  

  Fantasy has been making a comeback thanks to Lord of the Rings and New Line has certainly been looking for the next moneymaking fantasy series of films. They attempt to bring Cornelia Funke’s books to the big screen, but the results prove that LOTR’s success is not something that can be engineered.

Wednesday 01 July 2009

• Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season Two – DVD Review

  

  Doctor Who’s Billie Piper returns to the telly in much less than you’re used to seeing her in traveling around with a Timelord.  She strips off for her new job as a hooker in this funny, sexy show based on the blog of a lady of the evening in modern London. 

Tuesday 30 June 2009

• Do the Right Thing (20th Anniversary Edition) – DVD Review

  

  It’s been 20 years since Spike Lee’s defining film hit theaters and Universal produces this fine edition to celebrate.  The previous edition from was Criterion, but this new one adds some added value special features that will make fans want to snatch this one up.  Just don’t start a riot on your way to your local video shop to pick it up.  

• 12 Rounds – DVD Review

  

  Wrestler John Cena goes 12 Rounds with an international terrorist in this high-octane thrill ride from Renny Harlin.  Renny might take some beats from his previous action outings, but there are some thrilling set pieces in this New Orleans flavored jambalaya.

Monday 29 June 2009

• Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience – Blu-ray Review

  

  The Jonas Brothers appear to be following in the dance steps of Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus as they tried to recreate the box officer performance of her 3D concert.  They’ve even headed to the small screen with a TV series, but I’d imagine that Miley is the more successful one.  

• The Code – Blu-ray Review

  

  Morgan Freeman and Antonio Banderas have to break into a seemingly impregnable vault to steal some eggs or someone will die. This thriller would appear to have a top notch cast, but it dumped to home video because the story is entirely predictable. 

Friday 26 June 2009

• Burn Notice: Season Two – DVD Review

  

  Prepare to get burned once again as Season 2 of this fantastic series returns to DVD.  The characters are the same and this features more of the fine rapport set up in season 1 but also adds some mystery as Western starts to find out who burned him and what they want.  

Thursday 25 June 2009

• The Diary of Anne Frank, 50th Anniversary Edition – DVD Review

  

  George Stevens’ powerful film is given a new anniversary edition adding some new special features, but still showing that the film hasn’t lost any of the emotional power it displayed in 1959.  

• Confessions of a Shopaholic - Blu-ray Review

  

  Our society is consumer driven and some people are so hot to have the latest and greatest fashion that they’re willing to compile mounds and mounds of debt.  As our economy states to teeter, those same card companies willing to give you a greater credit line will start coming to look for you to pay it back. 

• The Pink Panther 2 – DVD Review

  

  Steve Martin returns as Inspector Clouseau to bumble through a case once again.  This time an international jewel thief has been stealing art treasures from around the world.  The Pink Panther diamond is next on his list, but a dream team of detectives have been assembled to stop him and Clouseau is on the list.

Thursday 18 June 2009

• Friday the 13th, Part VI: Jason Lives (Deluxe Edition) – DVD Review

  

  After the disastrous Part V, it was time to return to good stalking form for the man from Crystal Lake.  This time he returns from the grave and begins his murderous zombie rampage thanks to Tommy Jarvis and Mary Shelley.  

• Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (Deluxe Edition) – DVD Review

  

  The final chapter?  Yeah, right.  As long as old hockey face keeps raking in the dough we’re stuck with him.  The production thought it was Jason’s last stand so Tom Savini was brought back in to do the old boy in.  You can’t keep a cash cow down though.  

• Friday the 13th, Part V: A New Beginning (Deluxe Edition) – DVD Review

  

  The preceding was the final chapter, so why am I writing this review?  Well, you can’t keep Jason down…or can you?  Does old hockey face really appear in the film?  Stay tuned to find out though I think you already know the answer.  

• Friday the 13th, Part 3 3D - Blu-ray Review

  

  He’s coming at ya with his machete and hockey mask – chhhh, chhhh, chhhh, chhhh – in 3D!  Jason’s mad killing spree will leap off the screen, providing you’re wearing your 3D glasses.  This high definition entry does add some special features missing from the DVD release though.  

• Miracle - Blu-ray Review

  

  Kurt Russell puts on his coaching hat and hairpiece to lead the United States to a miracle victory against the Soviets in hockey.  Hope that didn’t spoil the movie for you, but the film is full of fine performances and well worth pushing the play button on your Blu-ray player.

• Spring Breakdown - Blu-ray Review - CLIPS ADDED!

  

  Three comedians are off to the beach for spring break fun, but their vacation turns out to be direct-to-video.  Our leads have been funnier in other films and spring does appear to breakdown, but it’s more to do with the film than the idyllic setting.  

Wednesday 17 June 2009

• Friday the 13th, Part 2 – Blu-ray Review

  

  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  Friday the 13th made a bushel full of money and the quickest way to cash in on it again was to make a sequel.  Part 2 pretty much remade the first one, but Jason was given star billing (wearing a flour sack).  

• John Adams (HBO Miniseries) – Blu-ray Review

  

  He invented that beer right?  No that was his cousin Sam in whose honor that beer is named, but John was known as the second president of the United States.  This excellent Emmy and Golden Globe winning miniseries chronicles the life of No. 2, based on the book by David McCullough.  

• Pete Seeger Live in Australia 1963 - DVD Review

  

  If you say “folk music legend” most people will immediately think of Pete Seeger.  That is perhaps why he was chosen to be the first release in a new series of DVD’s of folk icons. 

• Agatha Christie's Poirot: The Movie Collection - Set 4 – DVD Review

  

  Ah, our little gray cells are ready to be put to the test as Hercule Poirot once again graces our screen in two new adaptations of Agatha Christie’s novels. For who can surpass Poirot in gathering the clues and solving the case?

• Friday the 13th (Killer Cut) – Blu-ray Review

  

  Friday the 13th gets the remake treatment from Platinum Dunes, and the film feels like what a Friday the 13th flick should – lots of gore, a silent Jason stalking around, and a throwaway plot filled with throwaway actors.

• A Village Affair – DVD Review

  

  Author Joanna Trollope is a descendant of Victorian author Anthony Trollope.  Not only did Ms. Trollope inherit her ancestor’s ability to tell a good story, she has a gift of characterization.  Whether in print or on the screen, each of her people becomes real to readers and to audiences.

Monday 15 June 2009

• Defiance – DVD Review

  

  The Bielski brothers in some ways reminded me of Oskar Schindler.  Both of their stories were largely forgotten until a feature film was made and both saved about the same number of Jews from being killed by the Nazis.  They were both reluctant heroes, but ending up affecting many people with their heroism.  

• Fatal Attraction - Blu-ray Review

  

  The horror film for guys thinking about having an affair might be the proper subtitle for this one.  However, the 1987 thriller would go on to be a box office smash as well as pick up six Academy Award nods and give new meaning to the term rabbit stew.

• The Ruth Rendell Mysteries: Set 4 – DVD Review

  

  Chief Inspector Wexford is the type of person one would want to have in charge if there was a crime to be solved.  He exudes a sense of authority, and yet can be good humored and kind to those not responsible for the problems. 

• Russell Brand in New York City – DVD Review

  

  My cousin has a theory that everyone loves the “bad boy.”  The guys want to be him, and the girls want to be the one to save him with their love. 

• Revolutionary Road – DVD Review

  

  “Abandon hope all ye who enter here,” is part of the inscription on the gate to Hell in Dante’s Divine Comedy.  This should be the tag line for Revolutionary Road.  Not that it isn’t well cast, acted to perfection and carefully filmed, it is all of these, but this movie is as depressing as the location of the above mentioned line from Dante.

• The Invisibles: Season One – DVD Review

  

  Aging is one of the most effective ways to become invisible in our world.  We celebrate youth and fitness, and as wrong as it may be, tend to judge those of a certain age as being past any notice and usefulness, much less anything skillful or clever. 

Wednesday 10 June 2009

• He's Just Not That Into You - Blu-ray Review

  

  Several couples work through relationship issues in this film based on a self-help book by Sex and the City writers Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo.

• Intelligence: Season 2 – DVD Review

  

  There are a couple of things I hate.  The first is being given a title to review of a show in its second season.  The second, and more frustrating, is finding the show excellent and discovering that it’s cancelled and a third season isn’t coming.  Intelligence lives up to its name, but alas season two is all there is going to be.

• Murdoch Mysteries: Season One – DVD Review

  

  Wild Wild North could be another moniker for this genre bending Canadian television show.  Inspector Murdoch does lack the actor bluster of Artemis Gordon, but Yannick Bisson might fit into Robert Conrad’s tight pants.  Elementary, my dear Murdoch.

• The International – Blu-ray Review

  

  Clive Owen goes international in his dogged pursuit of a terrorist banking group.  He’s joined by Naomi Watts, but her role is so underwritten that it could’ve been jettisoned entirely.  

Monday 08 June 2009

• Taken – DVD Review

  

  You don’t want to mess with Bryan Mills.  Even worse you don’t want to mess with his beloved daughter.  He’ll track you down and make you pay no matter your location or status in an effort to make sure his little girl comes home safely.

• Gran Torino – DVD Review - CLIPS ADDED!

  

  If your elderly neighbor pulled out his finger and mimed a gun as you past you’d probably just laugh the old man off.  If your neighbor was Clint Eastwood you’d probably have to check your shorts as his theatrical legacy puts more “bullets” in that finger.  

Friday 05 June 2009

• Defiance – Blu-ray Review

  

  Although it feels a bit long by the time the credits roll, Defiance manages to keep your attention thanks to strong performances from its main cast, an important and historical plot (or as close to historically accurate as Hollywood can get), and an explosive final action sequence. The film also looks great on Blu-ray with every detail crystal clear.

Thursday 04 June 2009

• Raising the Bar: The Complete First Season - CLIPS ADDED

  

  Raising the Bar is a somewhat predictable law show, but it manages to stay entertaining thanks to its cast. The series is from Emmy-winning producer Steven Bocho, but it seems to lack the bite of some of his past television success – most notably NYPD Blue.

Wednesday 03 June 2009

• The Best of Star Trek: The Next Generation – DVD Review

  

  Having just seen the “best of” Star Trek the original series DVD, and been very pleased by the ‘re-do” of special effects, I was excited to see what I would discover on this disc.  Again four episodes have been chosen to represent “the best” of Star Trek the Next Generation.

• The Best of Star Trek: The Original Series – DVD Review

  

  Choosing favorite Star Trek episodes is like having to choose a favorite child from a family of beloved offspring.  As with children, each one of the Star Trek stories is unique and interesting, and always completely entertaining. 

• Revolutionary Road - Blu-ray Review

  

  The stars of Titanic reunite in film once again, though this movie is about as far away from their first outing as you can imagine.  Where Titanic featured a doomed ocean liner, Revolutionary Road paints a picture of domestic bliss gone wrong from the 1961 novel by Richard Yates.  

• Powder Blue – DVD Review

  

  If you take all the worst pretensions and contrivances of Paul Haggis’ ‘Crash’ and Inarritu’s ‘Babel’ (or ’21 Grams’) and throw them in a blender with a noticeable lack of production and tech credits, what you’ll be pouring out is ‘Powder Blue.’

• Army Wives: Season Two – DVD Review

  

  The women of Army Wives are back for another season of soapy drama that sees pretty much every character going through some kind of life-changing emotion and crisis.

Tuesday 02 June 2009

• Land of the Lost: Complete Series (Limited Edition Gift Set) – DVD Review

  

  Until the arrival of the first Jurassic Park movie, the most incredible dinosaurs the majority of us had ever seen “lived” in the Saturday Morning series Land of the Lost. 

• Saturday Morning Cartoons: 1970s Vol. 1 – DVD Review

  

  Here’s an idea for a fun Saturday morning. Set the alarm for 6:30 am and get comfortable in front of the television, pop in Disc one of Saturday Morning Cartoons, watch the “Wake Up Call” special feature and get ready to return to the past. 

• New In Town – DVD Review

  

  Having heard both good and bad from friends who had seen New In Town, I sat down to watch the movie with some misgivings, and ended up really enjoying the whole adventure. 

• Inside Man - Blu-ray Review

  

  Spike Lee sets aside his usual themes to direct this thriller about a bank robbery and scores - though the film was intended for another director.  The film does have a familiar New York setting and a high caliber cast as well as a twisty tale that draws you in.  

• Eddie Murphy: Delirious - 25th Anniversary – DVD Review

  

  If you’re of a certain generation and onward, Eddie Murphy is a kid-friendly actor.  However, if you’re from another time altogether you’ll remember him much differently and dirtier.  

• Man Hunt – DVD Review

  

  Just imagine if someone had hunted and shot Hitler before World War II broke out?  It would’ve saved countless lives and the world a lot of grief.  British hunter Thorndike had his opportunity, but missed it.  Now he finds himself on the run from the Nazis. 

• Anacondas: Trail of Blood – DVD Review

  

  If you find a trail of blood and follow it, more than likely it will lead to a cozy armchair and you’ll find a critic in it who has slit his wrists to avoid watching films like this one again. This trail leads down a snake hole alright and its one that you’ll not want to follow.  

• Killshot – DVD Review

  

  Much was made of Mickey Rourke’s return with the Wrestler.  However, Mick exercised his acting chops with this 2006 thriller where he played a hit man for hire from the Elmore Leonard novel.  The Wrestler finally got the film out of the vault, but the acting is just as powerful.  

• Star Trek: The Original Motion Picture Collection – Blu-ray Review

  

  The original crew of the Enterprise never looked better with the release of Star Trek: The Original Motion Picture Collection on Blu-ray. Although the effects might be a bit dated, the movies really shine in the high-def format, and are still a blast to watch (well, most of them are).

Friday 29 May 2009

• Outlander – DVD Review

  

  Outlander is a rocket of a film that blends medieval fantasy with sci-fi for the story of a humanoid alien who crashes on Earth during the time of the Vikings and accidently brings a nasty space critter with him. The movie is fast-paced, full of action, and a ton of fun to watch.

• The Devil’s Tomb – DVD Review

  

  Oh I wonder who could be buried here.  Could it perhaps be…Satan!  Putting aside the Church Lady for a minute, Cuba Gooding Jr. once again stars in a direct to video flick that tarnishes his Oscar, but this time he’s put through the paces by Sean Connery’s kid.  

• The Hunger: The Complete First Season – DVD Review

  

  The Showtime television horror anthology comes to DVD in a season set.  The previous releases were just compilations and featured highlighted episodes.  The first season is hosed by our suave, urbane “crypt keeper” Terence Stamp as the tales of hunger unfurl.  

Thursday 28 May 2009

• The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (Centennial Collection) – DVD Review

  

  The John Ford classic returns to DVD as part of the Paramount Centennial Collection sporting new special features.  Saddle up Pilgrim and mosey on back to the old west in this fine, classic film starring John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart and directed by old master John Ford.  

• Paul Blart: Mall Cop – Blu-ray Review

  

  Kevin James uses his hefty charm to cruise through Mall Cop.  It’s a decent piece of family entertainment, but don’t expect to want to go back for a second helping.  

Wednesday 27 May 2009

• Catlow – DVD Review

  

  Yul Brynner stars in this western comedy along with Richard Crenna from the pen of Louis L’Amour.  I’d imagine that L’Amour’s book wasn’t as comedic but the film also gave a certain television star a chance to break away from the character he’d become associated with. 

• A Bug’s Life – Blu-ray Review

  

  Put down the Raid, these bugs are friendly.  Pixar scores again with this tale of one ant’s quest to save his colony and become well liked.  A great roster of voices only adds to the wonderful film that the whole colony, hive, or ant bed can enjoy.  

• The Town That Was – DVD Review

  

  When the devil moves in next door, it’s bound to get hot.  If the residents of Centralia, Pennsylvania would’ve known what burning their trash dump in 1962 would’ve led to they would’ve just let it fester.  It would lead to the destruction of their town by a slow, hidden, smoldering death.  

• El Dorado (Centennial Collection) – DVD Review

  

  Director Howard Hawks liked his own Rio Bravo so much that his final two projects would bear a striking resemblance to it.  El Dorado would be his second to last film and would feature both John Wayne and Robert Mitchum in the cast.  

• The Machinist – Blu-ray Review

  

  Christian Bale gives a tour-de-force performance in this sleep deprived thriller.  Not only that but he starved himself to take on the skeletal, emaciated role and the results are shocking.  

• 3 Days of the Condor – Blu-ray Review

  

  The late Sydney Pollack takes the paranoia of Watergate and crafts it into this fine thriller starring Robert Redford.  Alas, Pollack’s untimely death probably accounts for the lack of special features, but the film is certainly thrilling the first time round.

• Black Sheep – Blu-ray Review

  

  Black Sheep would mark the second pairing of Chris Farley and David Spade and would also be the last, but maybe you saw the film the year before when it was called Tommy Boy?

• Without a Paddle – Blu-ray Review

  

  A likeable if mostly average comedy that balances out low-brow comedy, some good-natured silliness and even a stab at some genuine nostalgic pathos over the dreams of our youth, ‘Without a Paddle’ is recommended viewing for us guys whose age matches the early-30s of the protagonists. 

• Field of Dreams - Blu-ray Review

  

  Release it on Blu-ray and they will come, or so a phantom voice whispered to me.  Oops, forgot to take my medication and the voices start talking to me again.  Actually it’s Kevin Costner who hears the voice and soon a baseball diamond is sprouting up in his cornfield in this heartwarming film that’s destined to be a classic. 

• Major League (Wild Thing Edition) - Blu-ray Review

  

  When the team’s new owner wants to move to warmer climates and hires a bunch of misfits to drive ticket sales down, she never imagines that they’ll pull it together and make the playoffs.  That’s just what happens in this 1989 baseball comedy.  Play ball!

• Cinderella Man - Blu-ray Review

  

  As we again enter hard economic times, we all need something to inspire us and keep us going.  In the Great Depression (which what we’re going through is peanuts compared to that one) the country took inspiration from a broken down boxer who rose to the top of his game from career ending injuries.  

• Changing Lanes – Blu-ray Review

  

  Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson are out to get even with each other in this tepid thriller.  The problem is that we could care less about either character or their problems.

• Paycheck – Blu-ray Review

  

  Director John Woo’s last directorial film so far features a befuddled Ben Affleck (talk about typecasting) on the lam but not knowing why.  This sci-fi thriller ramps up the action and keeps you guessing as to what Affleck has been up to before he had his memory erased.  

• Passengers – DVD Review

  

  When you sit down to watch ‘Passengers’, you might get a distinct feeling of déjà vu - and no, not that Denzel Washington pic, but that feeling that you’ve seen this all before. You have. By the time the credits roll, ‘Passengers’ will be a blatantly obvious, if well-acted, dupe of another film that if I reveal would ruin the central surprise. 

• New In Town – Blu-ray Review

  

  Ironically, ‘New in Town’ is impossibly stale, a creaky fish-out-of-water rom-com headlined by Renee Zellweger that sees her corporate workaholic spinster find a new understanding of life and love amongst small-town caricatures. 

Tuesday 26 May 2009

• Jeeves & Wooster: The Complete Series – DVD Review

  

  There are just some things in this world that are so wonderful they take your breath away.  These don’t have to always be the glorious, the heroic, or the beautiful, they can be something of pure delight and fun as this complete series set of Jeeves & Wooster from A& E.

• Falling Down - Blu-ray Review

  

  “I’m mad as hell and I’m not taking it anymore.”  That iconic line isn’t from this movie but it perfectly describes the breakdown Michael Douglas’ character has in the film.  It’s a little hard to go fully on the side of our vigilante, but some days it’s easier to than others.  

• A Plumm Summer – DVD Review

  

  If you are looking for a family film that should please all ages, look no farther than A Plumm Summer.  Set in 1968 and based on a true story, this film explores all manner of emotional attachments, while investigating the story of a missing local television star, a puppet named Froggy Doo.

• Lipstick Jungle: Season Two – DVD Review

  

  Lipstick Jungle is a series fans feel ended too soon. It had an appealing and glamorous cast in stories that exhibited stylish life as well as humor and drama.  At least with the last season on DVD, fans will be able to visit again with Nico, Wendy and Victory.

• Crusoe: The Complete Series – DVD Review

  

  If Daniel Defoe were alive and writing today, his works would more than likely be either science fiction space explorations, or about international intrigues. 

• The Last Templar – DVD Review

  

  Who doesn’t love a treasure hunt, especially when it is attached to a mythic group or has a deep and perplexing mystery surrounding it?  There are words that conjure visions of hidden wealth and ancient curses, but perhaps none of them are as compelling as the legend of the Knights Templar. 

• October Road - The Complete Second Season – DVD Review

  

  There are series that come and go so quickly, due to whatever considerations, but still leave a strong impression.  October Road was one of those series, a dramatization of a successful novelist’s return to the hometown and people that inspired him. 

Tuesday 19 May 2009

• My Bloody Valentine 3D – DVD Review

  

  An old theatrical gimmick is given new life in a Valentine’s Day gorefest.  Expect much to be thrust at you towards the screen as Harry Warden returns to the small town of Harmony to extract his revenge.  

• True Blood: The Complete First Season – Blu-ray Review

  

  Alan Ball goes from morticians to vampires in his next project for HBO.  The small town of Bon Temps, Louisiana has some new citizenry.  They’ve stepped of the darkness with the invention of a synthetic blood.  The vampires are now amongst us and not everyone is happy about it.  

Monday 18 May 2009

• Jo Koy's anger management: Avoid France; new DVD May 19th

  

  Jo Koy is an elastic, energetic comedian who seems to use every inch of his stage, especially when he is riffing on his recent trip abroad, while recanting his detour to France, where Koy was met by feigned ignorance and outright insults whenever he asked the locals, "where is the Eiffel Tower?"

• My Bloody Valentine 3D – Blu-ray Review

  

  The remake of the semi-classic 1981 ‘My Bloody Valentine’ uses state-of-the-art 3D camera tricks to exploit all the gore and nudity horror aficionados will expect and then some. It doesn’t push the genre but it’s bloody good fun regardless. 

• Paul Blart: Mall Cop – DVD Review

  

  A huge surprise hit this past January, ‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop’ has now made a star out of Kevin James where he will now, no doubt, be the go-to guy for the chubby but endearing loser. The film is harmless fun for the family even if it’s basically one fat joke spread out to 90 minutes. 

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Blu-ray Review

  

  ‘Seven’ and ‘Fight Club’ director David Fincher switches gears with Brad Pitt in the passenger seat to tackle F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1921 short story about a man who ages backwards.

• Valkyrie – DVD Review

  

  It's cliché to say "I don't like Tom Cruise."  When "Valkyrie" was being advertised, I heard that phrase so often it made me sick. I'm not his biggest fan, but he knows how to read an audience, pander to them and usually how to pick projects we'll pay to sit through.

Sunday 17 May 2009

• Taken – Blu-ray Review

  

  Taken is a straight-forward thrill ride that barely hits the brakes once the action starts. Liam Neeson shows he can hang with the best action stars and his character is willing to bulldoze his way through anything to get his daughter back.

• The Da Vinci Code (Two-Disc Extended Cut) – Blu-ray Review

  

  The Da Vinci Code arrives on Blu-ray looking great, but still suffering from pacing issues. The Blu-ray adds 28 minutes into the film (mostly more character development), but they do little to correct some of the theatrical cuts’ problems.

• The Uninvited – Blu-ray Review

  

  Although it is light on scares, The Uninvited manages to entertain thanks to a twist ending that you might not see coming. The PG-13 rating keeps the film’s thrills light, but the plot will hold your interest – even if it is safe to watch with the lights off.

Saturday 16 May 2009

• Wayne’s World - Blu-ray Review

  

  It’s party time on Blu-ray as Wayne and Garth broadcast from the basement, but this time in high definition – excellent!  The iconic Saturday Night Live sketch proved so popular that it turned into a feature length film.  A sphincter says what?

• Wayne’s World 2 – Blu-ray Review

  

  You just knew this was going to happen when Wayne’s World made 121 million (Schwing!) at the box office.  Myers and Carey reprise their goofball, signature roles in an attempt to recreate that box office, but fell short.  It’s not for trying, but the sequel felt forced.  

• Batman – Blu-ray Review

  

  We might look back at the original Batman (1989) with some nostalgia, especially in the light of Nolan’s reboot of the franchise.  However, it’s a fun movie maybe though it ought to’ve been called the Joker as Nicholson’s homicidal prankster feels likes he’s given the most screen time.  

• Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Skynet Edition) – Blu-ray Review

  

  He’s back.  Arnold returns to high definition and this release features something old, something new, and something Blu.  The picture looks great to me, but all of the special features are going to be very familiar to fans - even though they’ve been gussied up with new menus. 

Thursday 14 May 2009

• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - Season One – Blu-ray Review

  

  Who are you?  The acclaimed television show makes its high definition debut and corrects come problems that occurred when it was released to DVD.  Namely that this presented season one in its proper aspect ratio for the first time.  Now we can all sing that Who song together.  

• S. Darko: A Donnie Darko Tale – Blu-ray Review

  

  So would seeing S. Darko in high definition make it any better?  Guess not.  I’m still just disappointed that more effort wasn’t put into this film or that the funds could’ve been used for an original idea or something more worthy than this sideways remake.  

Tuesday 12 May 2009

• Boston Legal: Season Five – DVD Review

  

  All court cases must come to an end.  So it goes as the gavel comes down on the popular Boston Legal.  The quirky characters get one more go round with the law before the door shuts on Crane, Poole, and Schmidt.  Grab your lawyers, I feel like adjudicating.  

• Galaxy Quest (Deluxe Edition) – DVD Review

  

  By Grabthar’s Hammer, there’s a new edition of Galaxy Quest!  There’s some other film currently in theaters that claims to be a reboot of a famous science fiction franchise, but what I want to know is when the big screen version of Galaxy Quest is going to arrive.  Heaven knows that those actors need some work.  

• Plague Town – DVD Review

  

  Maybe we’re seeing some fallout of the obsession with torture porn flicks and more reliance on creeps to scare - not that there’s not some red stuff in this film mind you.  Plague Town is an excellent, creepy throwback horror film that provides chills and will certainly keep you from planning an Irish vacation.  

• S. Darko – DVD Review

  

  Who thought a sequel to Donnie Darko would be a good idea?  Especially when the original writer/director isn’t involved.  It’s more of a sideways remake than a sequel and this just makes it feel worse.  

• Underworld Trilogy – DVD Review

  

  Just in time for the third film to hit DVD, Underworld gets a collection that puts all the films in one convenient box (a strange one at that).  If you’re a fan, you’ll just want to stick to the single disc release as you’ve already got parts one and two, but others might want to pick all of the films up at a discounted rate.  

Friday 08 May 2009

• Look – DVD Review

  

  As the opening crawl of the movie reminds us, we’re constantly watched by surveillance cameras wherever we go these days.  Director Adam Rifkin thought it would be interesting to make a fictional movie from that footage and this interesting film is the result.  They’re watching you, George Orwell would be so proud.

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – DVD Review

  

  Brad Pitt only wishes that he could age backwards since Hollywood doesn’t treat the elderly very well.  However, it’s digital trickery that turns him into a baby born old that gets younger as time goes along.  It’s a tale full of woe, but a great movie nonetheless.

Thursday 07 May 2009

• Nothing But the Truth – DVD Review

  

  Writer-director Rob Lurie fashions a fine parable of our times with this highly selective mirror on the Judith Miller case, a New York Times journalist who did time for not revealing her source that ousted CIA operative Valerie Plame. Inexplicably dropped in only two theaters, this well-told and acted tale deserves a second chance at home. 

• Pride and Prejudice – Blu-ray Review

  

  “It is a truth universally acknowledged that” fans of the 1995 A&E and BBC co-production of Pride and Prejudice will be very pleased with this latest incarnation of the beloved mini-series. 

• Knots Landing - The Complete Second Season – DVD Review

  

  It all began with Dallas.  Television viewers had an opportunity to enter the world of the insanely rich and sexy Ewing family and get a look at what went on in their lives.  With their big oil company and Southfork Ranch empire, the Ewings fought, romanced, conned and made deals that kept audiences gasping at the magnitude of it all. 

• X-Men Vol. 1 & 2 – DVD Review

  

  One of the greatest superhero cartoons arrives on DVD with the release of the Marvel Comics animated series X-Men Volume 1 and Volume 2. The two-disc sets collect episodes from the classic 1990s “X-Men” animated series that ran on Fox.

Wednesday 06 May 2009

• Jack Taylor of Beverly Hills – DVD Review

  

  Monty Hall of Let’s Make a Deal fame recounts that a group of his generation was sitting around a table at dinner one night and the conversation turned towards the fashion that each man had on.  One by one they opened their coats and looked at the label and they all had Jack Taylor’s name on them.  Bada bing baby.  

• The Waltons: The Complete Ninth Season – DVD Review

  

  The Waltons would only haunt Walton Mountain as the ninth season would be the last time we heard the family give their goodnights at the end of the day.  Sadly, the writing had been on the wall as some of the cast had already ceased appearing on the show. 

• Dexter: The Complete Second Season – Blu-ray Review

  

  Everyone’s favorite serial killer of serial killers returns to Blu-ray.  However, he’s having some performance anxiety as well as some difficulties as his offshore dumping ground is discovered and all over the press.  Surely, that can’t keep a good bad guy down?

• Saturday Night Fever – Blu-ray Revew

  

  The film that put John Travolta on the map finally makes it to high definition.  It’s certainly a time capsule for the 1970s and the disco era.  Like Grease, the film also features an iconic soundtrack, but unlike Grease, the film has been given better treatment on Blu-ray.  

• What Doesn’t Kill You – Blu-ray Review

  

  A finely-tuned, nuanced true-life tale about a couple of South Boston small-time hoods, actor-turned-director Brian Goodman gives ‘What Doesn’t Kill You’ a lived-in realism and provides a subtle acting showcase for headliners Ethan Hawke and Mark Ruffalo. 

Monday 04 May 2009

• Grease – Blu-ray Review

  

  Put on your leather jacket, grease up your hair, take some change for the jukebox, and gas up the hot rod as Grease rolls onto Blu-ray.  Even though we’re reliving the rocker past don’t think that little annoyances like getting knocked up are glossed over in this musical.  

• Ron White: Behavioral Problems – DVD Review

  

  Stogie and decanter of scotch in hand, Comedian Ron White steps away from Blue Collar comedy to star in this solo performance.  It’s not for the kiddies as White makes some pretty raw observations, but they sure are funny.