DVD

Tuesday 24 November 2009

• Funny People - Blu-ray Review

  

  Dying is easy.  Comedy is hard.  Dramatic People probably just wasn’t funny enough a title, but may have been more in keeping with the film and not what we have come to expect from Judd Apatow, Adam Sandler, or Seth Rogen.  That being said the movie does have some funny moments but pads the plotline.  

Monday 23 November 2009

• Doomsday 2012 – DVD Review

  

  As December 21, 2012 approaches, the hype is building.  In much the same way as the world prepared for the year 2000 to be a disaster, we are being enlightened to expect a universal doomsday in 2012. 

• Peanuts: I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (Deluxe Edition) – DVD Review

  

  What is Christmas without the Peanuts gang to help celebrate?  The heartwarming special from 2003 “I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown” has been remastered and given bonuses making it a perfect pre-holiday purchase, or a lovely stocking stuffer!

• Spread – Blu-ray Review

  

  One of the most obnoxious films I’ve seen in a while, ‘Spread’ can’t be seen as anything more than a vanity project for Ashton Kutcher - who is clearly trying for Richard Gere in ‘American Gigolo’ but ends up more Rob Schneider in ‘Deuce Bigalow’. 

• My Sister’s Keeper – Blu-ray Review

  

  To have a sick child must be hellish.  Especially when that child has leukemia and their time on the planet is short.  You’d do anything to extend that time, but to have another child for spare parts seems a bit weird.

• Kevin Smith Box Set (Clerks | Chasing Amy | Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back) – Blu-ray Review

  

  Three early pics from Kevin Smith get packaged together in a brand-new Blu-ray boxset with the rather lacking title ‘Kevin Smith 3-Movie Collection’. We get indie faves ‘Clerks’ and ‘Chasing Amy’ as well as the esoteric fan fave ‘Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back’ with some new exclusive extras thrown in for added incentive.

• Gone with the Wind (70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition) – Blu-ray Review

  

  Beautifully dressed in a red velvet elongated case in a limited edition release (150,000), the 70th anniversary of Gone with the Wind comes to Blu-ray and sashays into our hearts once more.

• Four Christmases - Blu-ray Review

  

  Christmas should not be this painful! However painful for Kate and Brad (played by Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon), it is hilarious for us to watch as their vacation plans (a tropical trip to Fiji) are thwarted and they have to spend time with not just one family, but four.

Thursday 19 November 2009

• Dark Mirror – DVD Review

  

  Do you ever get the feeling you’re being watched when you look in the mirror?  Sure you are since there you are looking back out at yourself.  Are you looking at the mirror or is it looking at you?  Deborah Martin moves into a new house that has a mysterious past and finds that there is something hiding in the mirrors.  

• Monty Python: The Other British Invasion – DVD Review

  

  Monty Python is forty years old.  No, it’s not a snake called Monty.  It’s….. The comedy group from England [large foot comes down and smashes reviewer].  These documentaries were previously only available on the Collector’s Edition set released in 2008.  

• Trick ‘r Treat – Blu-ray Review

  

  The treat is that this fine Halloween themed anthology film looks great in high definition on Blu-ray.  The bit of a trick is that several of the special features were made exclusive to the Blu-ray.

Tuesday 17 November 2009

• Star Trek – Blu-ray Review

  

  While some diehard Trek fans might not like some of the changes made to the franchise, J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek is an entertaining thrill-ride of a film that benefits from great casting, a fast-paced plot, and some great action sequences.

• Galaxy Quest – Blu-ray Review

  

  To boldly go where no Blu-ray has gone before… oh wait, wrong movie.  However, fans of that other film will want to pick up this Blu-ray when they’re grabbing the Blu-ray of the reboot of that unnamed franchise.  Galaxy Quest is a delightful parody of that iconic sci-fi show that also has a heart of its own. 

• The Ugly Truth – Blu-ray Review

  

  While not necessarily a reinvention of the rom-com genre, I’ll have to begrudgingly admit that ‘The Ugly Truth’ wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected. Much of that is due to the refreshing R-rating where the script wasn’t afraid to entertain the guys with consistent vulgarities. 

• Brüno – Blu-ray Review

  

  Shock-meister Sacha Baron Cohen is back with ‘Bruno’, an intermittently funny, always disturbing pic that follows his ‘flamboyant’ Austrian fashion-show host to the game American shores to wreak some more boundary-pushing, ‘Borat’-like havoc. 

Monday 16 November 2009

• Up - Blu-ray Review

  

  Up is the tale of a balloon salesman (voiced by Ed Asner) named Carl Fredricksen and his aviation-adventure dreams. It soars into your heart, makes you laugh and warms you at the same time. It is also a bit sad.

Friday 13 November 2009

• Love Actually - Blu-ray Review

  

  A little bit of something for everyone, especially romantics, is found in this hilarious comedy.  I’m just an old softie, but I greatly enjoyed the storyline about platonic love that features Bill Nighy as a boozy, burnt out rock star.  It’s an anthology film with each story turning up in the other and they’re all lovely.  

• Ally McBeal: The Complete First Season – DVD Review

  

  There is joy amongst the Ally McBeal fans with the release of this Complete First Season on DVD.  Up until now, the only things available were scattered episodes, or sets produced in other countries.  Now the full first year can be enjoyed with all the episodes in proper order.

• It’s a Wonderful Life - Blu-ray Review

  

  The perennial Christmas classic comes to vivid life in this high definition transfer.  George Bailey never looked so good.  It’s a wonderful Blu-ray.  Teacher says an angel gets its wings when Blu-rays look this good.  

• White Christmas: Anniversary Edition – DVD Review

  

  The palatial M&C offices have an air of snow about them and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet.  It may have to do with a visit from troubadours Der Bingle, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen.  It may be a White Christmas after all and I didn’t even know it was coming.  Lord help the sister that comes between man and my man, that didn’t sound right.  

• The Genius of Charles Darwin – DVD Review

  

  In this award winning documentary (British Broadcast Awards, 2009) the work of Charles Darwin is presented for consideration by evolutionary biologist and fellow of the Royal Society, Richard Dawkins. 

• Enlighten Up! - DVD Review

  

  What changes have you made in your life that have given you control over stress and put your body in synch with your mind?  For many it is the practice of yoga that makes the difference in navigating through the rough waters of life. 

• North by Northwest (50th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Book) – Blu-ray Review

  

  North by Northwest has come to be the definitive film by Alfred Hitchcock.  It hits all the right notes and features a suave, debonair Cary Grant, a ravishing Eva Marie Saint, sinister doings from James Mason and Martin Landau, and a finale of presidential proportions.  It’s perfection in both film and Blu-ray presentation. 

Wednesday 11 November 2009

• Monsters Inc. – Blu-ray Review

  

  Monsters Inc. scores on two fronts.  It’s another excellent Blu-ray from Disney and it’s another classic film from Pixar.  Pixar is obviously one of my favorite film production companies and Disney is certainly moving high on the list of best Blu-ray producers.  

• G.I. Joe: Resolute – DVD Review

  

  The biggest disappointment about G.I. Joe: Resolute is the fact that it is only 58 minutes long. If you are already a fan of the classic G.I. Joe cartoons or the franchise, this is a film you simply don’t want to end.

Tuesday 10 November 2009

• Mamma Mia! The Movie - Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! More Gift Set – DVD Review

  

  Revisit the Greek island where the sun never stops shining and they keep singing ABBA songs (though you may want Pierce Brosnan to stop his part in the vocal arrangements).

• Stargate: 15th Anniversary Edition - Blu-ray Review

  

  From Director Roland Emmerich (The Day After Tomorrow, The Patriot, and Godzilla) comes the cult classic Stargate in High Definition 1080p picture. Haled as ‘a must-see sci-fi classic’, Stargate grew into something bigger with the expansion of the franchise to the world of television and direct-to-DVD movies.

• Walt Disney Treasures: Zorro - The Complete First and Second Seasons – DVD Review

  

  Swashbuckling and debonair, Disney’s Zorro, the complete first and second seasons, comes to DVD. The two seasons of the show aired from 1957-59 and thrilled the kids of the late 50s with action, adventure, and comedy.

• Ultimate Cars Gift Pack – Blu-ray Review

  

  Pixar/Disney’s 2006 animated movie Cars comes to Blu-ray in an Ultimate Cars Gift Pack. Great for fans of Mater and Lightening McQueen and all of the rest of the gang of Radiator Spring, this is a must-have!

Monday 09 November 2009

• Forrest Gump (Sapphire Edition) – Blu-ray Review

  

  Run, Forrest, run… onto Blu-ray that is.  Paramount pulls out all the stops on this fine Blu-ray presentation that’s as tasty as a box of chocolates.  

• Silverado - Blu-ray Review

  

  Described as a ‘revival’ of the western in its 1985 theatrical release, Lawrence Kasdan’s now classic Silverado comes to Blu-ray format and holds up quite nicely with its sprawling western landscapes, opening gun fight, and quintessential western towns. 

Tuesday 03 November 2009

• The Mighty Boosh Special Edition DVD (Seasons 1-3) - DVD Review

  

  Come with us once again into the world of the Mighty Boosh!  Truly back again as this set gathers up all of the separate releases and adds another disc of special features.  If only Boosh fans would’ve known it was coming or weren’t annoyed by the navigation of that new disc.  

• Black Adder Remastered: The Ultimate Edition – DVD Review

  

  Rowan Atkinson’s genealogical relations return as we look down the Black Adder line.  Basil Fawlty usually has a rival in the form of Black Adder as this series is equally beloved as a “Brit”com.  

• Fawlty Towers: The Complete Collection Remastered – DVD Review

  

  Basil Fawlty is not a man to be trifled with.  Unfortunately if you’re staying at his hotel, you’ll not have much choice but to deal with the hysterical hotelier.  He has been completely renovated, remastered, and looks better than ever – just don’t expect his attitude to change.  Just don’t mention the war. 

• Land of the Lost - Blu-ray Review

  

  Will Ferrell gets shat out by a Tyrannosaurus Rex and you might feel about the same way watching this flick.  Instead of doing a straight adaptation of the Sid and Marty Krofft television series, they attempt a comedic send up.  However, it’s not all that funny.  I guess it’s not their fault.  

• The Orphan – Blu-ray Review

  

  “There’s something wrong with Esther” - damn straight.

• The Taking of Pelham 123 – DVD Review

  

  Tony Scott helms the remake of the 1974 film and Denzel Washington and John Travolta take the starring roles from Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw.  Some things about the ’74 version I liked better, but this redo is an enjoyable one.  

• Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs – Blu-ray Review

  

  Ice Age, Dawn of the Dinosaurs is the third installment of the Ice Age franchise, and comes to Blu-ray (with DVD included) via directors Carlos Saldanda and Mike Thurmeier  and writers Peter Ackerman and Michael Berg.

• The Shield: The Complete Series Collection – DVD Review

  

  Television has always had a love affair with the occupation of “cop”. I read somewhere that the most portrayed occupation in television and movies is a police officer. Whether good or bad or slightly a little of both, we love to watch the men and women in blue that live inside crime dramas.

Friday 30 October 2009

• Planes, Trains and Automobiles (Those Aren't Pillows Edition) – DVD Review

  

  The late John Hughes had cornered the market on teen comedies and this was his first foray into more adult fare.  It would also be the first film to pair comedic legends John Candy and Steve Martin.  The results are a Thanksgiving treat that is anything but a turkey.

Wednesday 28 October 2009

• The Prisoner: The Complete Series - Blu-ray Review

  

  It might be telling, but I’ll say that the Prisoner is one fantastic television show.  Patrick McGoohan will eternally be known as a number and in some ways a prisoner by the success of the 1967 show.  However, we can revel in the beautiful high definition premiere of the classic series. 

• Monty Python: Almost The Truth – DVD Review

  

  The iconic Brit comedy group Monty Python is celebrating forty years and this expansive, six part documentary looks into every nook and cranny.  I was expecting to not enjoy looking into Terry Jones’ nooks and crannies, but it turned out to be a fun time. 

• Stan Helsing – DVD Review

  

  “From the executive producer of Scary Movie” should be the only moniker on the box cover that should put fear into your hearts.  I did a double take after watching the film and wondered if that should’ve read excrement producer.  

• Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead – DVD Review

  

  No moneymaking horror franchise is going to be left for dead; they just go to Bulgaria or the like to film their next installment on the cheap.  Wrong Turn gets a third sequel and it may be gory, brainless fun but that doesn’t make it a good movie.  

• Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs + The Scrat Pack – DVD Review

  

  “The third time is the charm” has worn just a tad, but it is still not a chilly adventure for our prehistoric pals.  The major laughs still come from the silent Scrat as he finds a love interest and competition for that elusive acorn. 

• Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure - Blu-ray Review

  

  Tinker Bell was never a favorite of mine.  I guess she’s a cutie, but I always preferred the villainous Captain Hook.  That old codfish wasn’t given his own direct-to-video film series though.  This time around Tink is out to find a treasure that will fix some troubles she’s gotten herself into.  

Monday 26 October 2009

• Red Dwarf: Back to Earth – DVD Review

  

  Red Dwarf fans rejoice, the show is back for another adventure, this time Back To Earth.  The two disc Director’s Cut with specials is a must have DVD for every Red Dwarf fan collection and for those who appreciate British comedy that dares to take on the genre of Science Fiction.

• Esther Williams: Volume 2 – DVD Review

  

  Growing up watching Esther Williams movies, first at the theater and then on television, many little girls were inspired by the beautiful swimmer turned actress.  Her accomplishments and style are celebrated in this second collection of films presented by Turner Classic Movies and Warner Brothers DVDs.

• Paradise Postponed and Titmuss Regained – DVD Review

  

  Most people know the late John Mortimer as the creator of the beloved Rumpole of the Bailey novels and series.  He also wrote an intriguing and complex family drama novel which was made into the series Paradise Postponed and a sequel Titmuss Regained.

• Medium: The Complete Fifth Season – DVD Review

  

  In a show that continues to delight and surprise, the fifth season of Medium is another winning chapter in the chronicles of Allison DuBois a psychic who is also a devoted wife and mother and public servant working for the DA’s office. 

• Bones: Season Four – DVD Review

  

  Bones is a show that keeps getting better and better.  Good to begin with, it has consistently and intriguingly entertained audiences with mysteries solved by appealing characters who seem to live other than just in weekly episodes. 

• The 11th Hour: The Complete Series – DVD Review

  

  Sometimes very interesting shows just don’t make it in the competitive television market.  Such is the case with The 11th Hour, a program that showed much promise, but was cancelled after 18 episodes. 

Friday 23 October 2009

• Offspring – Blu-ray Review

  

  Laughably bad, ‘Offspring’ is a perfect example of how not to make a horror film: from shoddy direction and design to stilted acting that drains any and all tension out of any given scene. Only gorehounds and so-bad-it’s-good fans should dare spin this blight upon the horror shelf. 

Thursday 22 October 2009

• Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Blu-ray Review

  

  The Who’s down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot, the Grinch however did not.  He was green, scary, and sounded like Jim Carrey.  The Sueussian rhyme sounded good some of the time, but it can’t beat the original with Boris Karloff.  Erm, what rhymes with Boris Karloff?

• Natural Born Killers (Unrated Director's Cut) – Blu-ray Review

  

  Oliver Stone’s violent indictment of 1990s media society storms onto Blu-ray.  So has the world gotten better or worse since Stone turned his steely gaze to tabloid media?  Worse, much worse I’d say since Mickey and Mallory would be given a reality show today.  

• Waterworld - Blu-ray Review

  

  Talk about confusing.  Firstly, Waterworld was supposed to be a hit.  It wasn’t.  In fact it became a way to describe a bomb film.  Secondly, Universal unwisely uses the box art for this new Blu-ray release that they used on the extended cut DVD release but doesn’t put on the extended cut.  Help, I’m drowning.  

• Foyles’ War: Sets 1-5 – DVD Review

  

  Acorn Media has given us a wonderful gift in the boxed set of the complete series of Foyle’s War.  It is a World War II mystery series set in a village in England, and with fine actors, careful attention to details and excellent stories will be a hit with many new viewers, and a must have for Foyle fans.

• The Beiderbecke Tapes – DVD Review

  

  There are just some adventures that are so much fun, it doesn’t matter how long ago we first discovered them, there is always something to enjoy with every repeat.  This is the case with the Beiderbecke Tapes. 

• Ugly Betty: Season 3 – DVD Review

  

  In a year of changes for Betty (America Ferrera) this series maintains it charm and appeal.  In colorful and charismatic stories, audiences follow the adventures of Betty as she moves to the Big City and deals with relationships and work. 

• The Mentalist: The Complete First Season – DVD Review

  

  Some individuals have a natural ability to see beyond ordinary perception.  Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) is a psychic who leaves his fake act behind (after the deaths of his wife and child at the hands of a brutal murderer) and takes up a career that will help bring criminals to justice. 

Wednesday 21 October 2009

• Legend of the Seeker: The Complete First Season – DVD Review - CLIPS ADDED!

  

  Swords, magic, young persons on a quest and good versus evil, all the elements for good fantasy are incorporated into the series Legend of the Seeker.  Based on the universe within THE SWORD OF TRUTH novels of Terry Goodkind, Legend of the Seeker is entertaining and fun, and has become a “must see” program for many families. 

• Blood: The Last Vampire - Blu-ray Review

  

  The anime is brought to life.  However, the results are good but not as good as the anime that spawned it.  It’s sad when a movie has so much potential but some terrible moves bring the whole thing down a bit.  

Monday 19 October 2009

• Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Blu-ray Book) – Blu-ray Review - CLIPS ADDED!

  

  Oompa Loompa Doompa-Dee-Do, get your Wonkavision set ready because Willy Wonka has returned and is in high definition.  The somewhat sinister chocolatier wants to give you a personal tour of his factory, but don’t expect to go away unharmed if you a naughty child.  

• The Wizard of Oz (70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition) – Blu-ray Review - CLIPS ADDED!

  

  One of the most endearing films ever made makes its high-def debut on Blu-ray in a fantastic limited collector’s edition that contains almost everything a classic film lover would want.

Wednesday 14 October 2009

• Gotta Catch Santa Claus - DVD Review

  

  This year I am already firmly in the Christmas spirit, and it isn't even Halloween yet. I am checking my store for the first arrivals of the crack cocaine of the Yuletide, Egg Nog. 

Tuesday 13 October 2009

• Seventh Moon – Blu-ray Review

  

  Another entry in the Ghost House Underground label, ‘Seventh Moon’ employs a clever premise based on an ancient Chinese myth with star Amy Smart headlining and Eduardo Sanchez directing (of ‘The Blair Witch Project fame). A fun flick but the grainy hand-held vid source makes this a questionable Blu-ray recommendation.

• The Thaw – Blu-ray Review

  

  Taking a few elements from both versions of ‘The Thing’ as well as the minuscule threats that populate ‘The Andromeda Strain’, writer-director Mark A. Lewis uses global warming to power a smarter-than-usual dtv genre flick that still never manages to live up to its central story potential. 

• The Offspring – DVD Review

  

  They’ve been hiding out for ten years, but now a group of murderous cannibals are back.  Lookout if you’re in Maine.  Author Jack Ketchum’s novel is turned into a bloody mess but it’s not much of a movie unless you’re into gore.  

• The Children – DVD Review

  

  A small corner of the horror genre is dedicated to the killer child.  It’s not exactly fun to think of your pintsized progeny taking up weapons and killing you.  However, a virus (H1N1?) causes them to do just that in jolly old England.  Don’t worry it’s just a movie… or is it? [Insert scary music here]

• Genesis II – DVD Review

  

  Gene Roddenberry achieved three season of Star Trek, but wouldn’t fare so well with some of his other sci-fi show tries.  Genesis II is the pilot for a proposed series that never got off the ground and went into hibernation after he tried it a second time.

• Seventh Moon – DVD Review

  

  Seventh Moon is the latest picture from one of the names behind the Blair Witch Project.  It uses the same “shaky-cam” footage that the other film was known for, but offer also offers some chilling scenes of its own.  

• Scare Tactics: Season 3, Part 1 (Uncensored: Too Hot for TV) – DVD Review

  

  If your buddy gets you a job and the employers seem a bit sinister, you might want to start looking around for hidden cameras.  You may just be about to be scared.  Though don’t be too frightened, you might just be on Scare Tactics.  

Monday 12 October 2009

• The Thaw – DVD Review

  

  A group of students are traveling to an arctic mission to study with a renowned scientist.  What they find is an abandoned base of operations and the warmer temperatures have thawed out prehistoric critters that want to multiply.

• Friday the 13th, Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (Deluxe Edition) – DVD Review

  

  The city that never sleeps meets the killer that never dies.  Jason takes a little vacation from scenic Crystal Lake to take a slice out of the Big Apple.  The problem is that the horrifying hockey player doesn’t get there till late in the game.

• The Haunted Airman – DVD Review

  

  The Haunted Airman is based on Dennis Wheatley’s The Haunting of Toby Jugg.  That won’t matter much to most as the reason it might fly off the shelves is that Twilight’s Robert Pattinson is in it.  There’s not much mushy stuff so don’t expect much happiness from screaming tweens.  

• Drag Me To Hell – Blu-ray Review

  

  Spider-man trilogy helmer Sam Raimi returns to his horror roots in ferocious, yet good-natured form with ‘Drag Me to Hell.’ The film is a brazenly entertaining horror outing about a cherub-faced girl who messes with the wrong gypsy. It might toe the line between being a bit over the top but I found the 80s-inspired lunacy refreshing. 

Sunday 11 October 2009

• Friday the 13th, Part VII: The New Blood (Deluxe Edition) – DVD Review

  

  Jason Voorhees once again rises from his watery grave to torment the souls of Camp Crystal Lake.  This time he’s met his match when a psychic young girl is amongst the potentials victims.  Jason does get to splat many of the naughty teens before the showdown though.

• The Shortcut – DVD Review

  

  It’s the mark of doom for me, but the horror film The Shortcut’s PG-13 rating is a selling point judging from the sticker on the front.  It’s surprisingly violent though as our Scooby gang tries to solve the horrors of the evil doings on the shortcut.  Jinkies!

• The Hannibal Lecter Collection - Blu-ray Review

  

  A reviewer tried to give this set a bad review.  His liver was eaten with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.  Slurp.  Actually, the set features a fine special edition of Silence of the Lambs and the only way (so far) that you’ll get Manhunter and Hannibal in high definition. 

• Paul Newman: The Tribute Collection – DVD Review

  

  Paul Newman was a great actor, but his contributions as a humanitarian are also a shining legacy for the late Newman.  It has been nearly a year since he died and Fox has put out a “Tribute Collection” but it’s a mixed bag.  I don’t mean to knock it since I greatly enjoyed Newman, but there are some things you should know about. 

• Wagon Master – DVD Review

  

  John Ford’s favorite film finally stampedes onto DVD.  It’s not the picture we think of when we think of Ford.  It’s not going to supersede The Searchers in fame, but it’s obvious why he liked the picture so much.  

• SpongeBob Squarepants: The First 100 Episodes – DVD Review

  

  Fourteen discs, thirty-eight hours, five seasons, and one giggling yellow buck toothed sponge in pants.  America’s favorite Sponge celebrates his first hundred episodes with this square shaped set of the popular show.  So grab yourself a crabby patty and turn on the television, try not to drown, and enjoy the adventures of SpongeBob.  

• Away We Go - Blu-ray Review

  

  ‘Away We Go’ is a notable 180 for director Sam Mendes who usually specializes in high-production-value star-driven projects like ‘Road to Perdition’.

• Crank 2: High Voltage - Blu-ray Review

  

  Hopped-up assassin Chev Chelios is back in the Red Bull-fueled ‘Crank 2: High Voltage’ - a sequel to the cult 2006 fave that left no camera trick or vulgarity unturned. Actually, I take that back – ‘Crank’ left out anal rape via shotgun but that’s what we have sequels for, right?

• The Girl Next Door (Unrated Edition) - Blu-ray Review

  

  Despite its rather notable shortcomings when compared to its obvious predecessor, 1983’s raunchy teen classic ‘Risky Business’, I’ve always been a fan of Luke Greenfield’s ‘The Girl Next Door.’

• Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles - The Complete Second Season - DVD Review

  

  Those who have followed the Terminator stories into the television show The Sarah Connor Chronicles will not be disappointed by this second, but unfortunately last season of the series. 

• Castle: The Complete First Season – DVD Review

  

  Christmas came early this year for many of us, in the gift of an absolutely delicious television series, Castle.  The seemingly mismatched duo of detective fiction writer Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) are a treat to watch as they discover they make an excellent team for crime solving.

• The Proposal - Blu-ray Review - CLIPS ADDED!

  

  From director Anne Fletcher and writer Pete Chiarelli comes a very funny romantic comedy (think chick-flick here) staring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. Bullock and Reynolds cast their charismatic magic on-screen with the help of a really good supporting cast.

• The Unit: Season Four – DVD Review

  

  The Unit: Season 4 comes to DVD for its final installment, and fans will be thoroughly immersed in the lives of the Blanes, Browns, Gerhardts, and Charlie Grey as they fight in missions abroad and on the home front. The wives and their children are threatened by terrorist attacks on America soil by poison gas and nuclear war heads.

Friday 09 October 2009

• The Quick and the Dead - Blu-ray Review

  

  From director Sam Raimi comes the Blu-ray edition of The Quick and the Dead. Released theatrically in 1995, the film boosts an impressive cast of star talent that includes Russell Crowe, Gene Hackman, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Sharon Stone. 

Thursday 08 October 2009

• Tall Tales & Legends: The Complete Series – DVD Review

  

  She may look like she was born to play Olive Oyl, but actress Shelley Duvall also had some fame in the 80s producing kiddie fare.  She had just produced star studded versions of fairy tales and now turns her attentions to tall tales and legends.  This reissue packages the entire series at a much nicer price.  

• Children of the Corn (2009) – DVD Review

  

  Donald P. Borchers produced the original Children of the Corn and in later years wasn’t very happy with it.  He decided to return to corn country and redo the Stephen King short story.  Sometimes “He who walks behind the rows” should just stay behind the rows.  

• Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles - The Complete Second Season - Blu-ray Review

  

  We’re pretty much screwed in the future.  A computer has taken over and created robotic terminators to kill the resistance.  When it looks like the microprocessor powered militant is going to lose, he sends robotic assassins back in time to kill our teenaged savior.  

• Year One (Unrated) - Blu-ray Review

  

  Year One probably has a better film pedigree than the film actually turns out.  Both Jack Black and Michael Cera have been funnier, but neither one is going too far from the roles they were known for. 

Wednesday 07 October 2009

• Army of Darkness (Screwhead Edition) – Blu-ray Review

  

  Sam Raimi’s third installment of his Evil Dead series comes to Blu-ray, and just in time for Halloween. This is my favorite out of the Evil Dead movies, and probably because it is just so campy and so much fun (I saw this in its 81 minute theatrical release way back when).

• Trick ‘r Treat – DVD Review

  

  More of a treat than a trick, this horror anthology film follows several stories on Halloween night.  

Monday 05 October 2009

• Battle for Terra - Blu-ray Review

  

  A nice little animated eco-sci-fi film that features an all star voice cast.  Frankly, I wasn’t expecting much but was pleasantly surprised that the film turned out to be pretty good with some interesting production design.

• Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana – DVD Review

  

  What can be better than one Disney Channel show?  Why three of them crossing over and appearing in one 90 minute block.  Well, if you’re into them it’s nirvana and if you’re not it might be akin to torture.

• Jonas Rockin' the House (Volume 1) – DVD Review

  

  Here they come.  Walkin’ down the street.  They get the funniest looks from everyone they meet.  Hey, hey they’re the Jonas Bros.  If you know where that lyric originally came from, you’re too old for this show.  I have to get this review typed up before lights out at the nursing home so I must hurry.  

• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) - Blu-ray Review

  

  The one that started it all for Walt Disney is given Diamond treatment on Blu-ray and it has never looked better. 

• Chinatown: Paramount Centennial Collection – DVD Review

  

  With Roman Polanski in the news, it may be difficult to separate the director from the film.  Chinatown would be his last Hollywood film before going on the run.  It’s a fantastic film, a classic, and now Paramount adds some new special features to the mix.  

• An American Werewolf in London: Full Moon Edition - Blu-ray Review

  

  The bad blu moon is rising with the John Landis classic ‘An American Werewolf in London’ making it’s Blu-ray debut with a ‘Full Moon’ edition which offers up a new feature-length doc and a nice high-def transfer. 

Wednesday 30 September 2009

• The Hills Run Red – DVD Review

  

  A group of teens go in search of a legendary lost film and finds that instead of a fiction that the murderous killer is all too real.  

• The Legend of Drunken Master - Blu-ray Review

  

  To git into the swang of thinks I decided to git drunk to rearview this one, hiccup.  Well, not really, but Jackie Chan finds that his arts are more martial when he has a drink or ten so order up another round.  The folks at Buena Vista might’ve have one too many as well since they did the Drunken Masters no favors on Blu-ray.

• Iron Monkey - Blu-ray Review

  

  Monkeys throw their own feces.  Doesn’t that make you mad?  What does that have to do with the film?  Nothing really, just seeing if you were reading the review.  This takeoff on Robin Hood and Zorro features some excellent wire-fu, but no feces throwing.  

• The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi – Blu-ray Review

  

  The Eastwood of Japan, Takeshi Kitano, tackles one of Japan’s most iconic figures with ‘The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi.’ The film is a great take on the decades old property of a masterful blind swordsman in 19th century Japan who travels the land helping under the guise of a masseur.

• Hero (2 Disc) – Blu-ray Review

  

  Art-house fave Zhang Yimou offered up his gorgeous, meditative entry, ‘Hero,’ into the martial-arts genre headlined by Jet Li in an obvious bid to out wuxia Ang Lee who met enormous success with ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.’ Visually, the film is perfect for a Blu-ray release.

Sunday 27 September 2009

• Braveheart – Blu-ray Review

  

  Although it may not be totally historically accurate, Mel Gibson’s Braveheart remains a great film and looks incredible on Blu-ray. The film is a perfect mixture of romance, historical drama, and gut-spilling action.

Tuesday 22 September 2009

• Wallace and Gromit: The Complete Collection - Blu-ray Review

  

  They’ve been to the moon, avoided a thieving penguin, had a close shave, and currently are avoiding demise at the hand of a deranged baker killer.  Those to whom I refer are the dim Wallace and his intelligent pooch Gromit.  They’re delightful adventures and fans can only glory at them in high definition.  

• Sanctuary: The Complete First Season – DVD Review

  

  If you ever cried over King Kong’s fate, or felt sorry for the Frankenstein monster, you might find yourself really attached to the series “Sanctuary.”  This new show on the Syfy channel gives heart to the monsters and heroism to the doctor and her team who try to make a place in the world for nature’s misfits. 

• Primeval, Vol. 2 (Series 3) – DVD Review

  

  The British series that has ancient and future creatures coming through a time rift to terrorize modern Earth is back for a second volume of action.  There are big changes for the Team this season, and unfortunately the show has been cancelled without a complete resolution. 

• Fringe: The Complete First Season – DVD Review

  

  Sometimes there are shows that take you completely by surprise, as you are expecting something and it turns out to be entirely different.  This can be good or bad, but in the case of Fringe that expected something turned out to be so much more, and so much better than what we thought the show entailed.

• Brothers and Sisters: The Complete Third Season – DVD Review - CLIPS ADDED!

  

  It is another year in the lives of the members of the Walker family.  In spite of wealth and position, the Walkers and Harpers are just like any other family group, beset by worries and troubles as well as celebrating successes and joys.

• Shaun of the Dead - Blu-ray Review

  

  Shaun is well set in his patterns when a pretty big obstacle is thrown into his path.  It seems that the dead have arisen from their graves and are shambling around London town.  What’s a lad to do?  Why go to the pub, of course.  

• Hot Fuzz - Blu-ray Review

  

  If I had one complaint about the DVD release of Hot Fuzz it was that there were hints of a more expansive special edition and those features didn’t make it to that release.  The greater good was not served well when you want those hinted at special features. 

• Child’s Play - Blu-ray Review

  

  It’s the best of both worlds as killer doll Chucky gets his due on Blu.  The film is given a fine transfer on high definition, but you also get the DVD copy as well.  We’ll be best friends to the end.  

• Wrong Turn and Wrong Turn 2: Dead End - Blu-ray Reviews

  

  With a third direct-to-video sequel upcoming, the first two Wrong Turn films are given a high definition release.  It’s so that you and your inbred family can hoot and holler around the picture box to the hungry antics of your hillbilly cousins in preparation for the next installment.  Makes me hungry.  

Monday 21 September 2009

• Ghosts of Girlfriends Past – Blu-ray Review - CLIPS ADDED!

  

  The old familiar Christmas chestnut “A Christmas Carol” is dusted off, updated, and given a relationship themed twist.  

• Observe and Report - Blu-ray Review - CLIPS ADDED!

  

  I did some people watching this weekend when the family went to the mall to see a movie.  I also got to see some of the mall’s finest patrolling the area, but I doubt they’ll enjoy Observe and Report.  Maybe they’d like its more family friendly cousin Paul Blart.  

Friday 18 September 2009

• Fear Itself: The Complete First Season – DVD Review

  

  I almost wanted to type “Masters of Horror, Season 3” but that wouldn’t be right.  Fear Itself may have been from Mick Garris, who also created Masters, but Fear Itself was an attempt to bring the same type of series to NBC.  That might’ve been the rub since they couldn’t get away with some of the stuff they did on cable.