DVDschlock

review: HALLOWEEN (Blu-ray)

2008-11-03T20:21:00.001-08:00

Weinstein Company // Buy from Amazon.com

Director Rob Zombie's terrifying re-imagination of the original slasher film, the HALLOWEEN COLLECTOR'S EDITION will arrive on Blu-ray as a two-disc set from Dimension Films and Genius Products. Oozing with bonus features, the Collector's Edition will include commentary by Writer/Director Rob Zombie, deleted scenes with optional commentary, alternate endings with optional commentary, bloopers, The Many Masks Of Michael Myers, Re-Imagining Halloween, Meet The Cast, Casting Sessions, Screen Test for Scout Taylor-Compton, the theatrical trailer and Blu-ray Live. The discs are presented in English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD and English 5.1 Dolby Digital with English CC and Spanish subtitles.

I don't envy Rob Zombie taking on a remake of a truly classic, genre-defining horror classic. Obviously, he wanted to put his own spin on it - and that he did - but ultimately, for all the new backstory and really (really) well-crafted cinematography, it's still an attempt to capture the intangible magic that made the original such a true classic... and unforunately, it fails for that very reason.

Not that the original take on the backstory and characters isn't well done - it is - or that this is somehow a poorly-executed film - it definitely is not... It's just not "Halloween." If he had just called it "Rob Zombie's Psycho" (or maybe "Slasher Flick" instead, so as not to confuse him with the cross-dressing psycho in the house on the hill), I probably would've enjoyed this film 50% more than I did.

But as it stands, he did not, I did not, and it is what it is. A curious film, well-done but doomed to disappointment before the first frame was shot, but still interesting viewing for fans of well-done horror or Rob Zombie flicks.

Video
A phenomenal 2.35:1 high def transfer delivers this very stylishly-crafted film in top-notch form. A beauty to behold (relatively speaking, of course) on Blu-ray.

Audio
An aggressive Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround mix will terrify your ear canals in fine fashion!

Extras

audio commentary w/ Rob Zombie

4.5 hour documentary on the production (!!!)

deleted scenes (w/ commentary)

alternate scenes (w/ commentary)

behind the scenes featurette

bloopers

casting footage

Scout Taylor-Compton screen Test

trailer

Closing Thoughts
Entertaining movie (but weak remake) + LOADS of extras = very nice Blu-ray release

review: CASINO ROYALE (COLLECTOR'S EDITION) (Blu-ray)

2008-11-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

Sony // Buy from Amazon.com

The most successful James Bond movie ever gets a first-class upgrade when Casino Royale Collector's Edition arrives on DVD and Blu-ray(tm) High-Def October 21, 2008. Daniel Craig (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Munich) transforms himself into the urbane and sophisticated Agent 007 for this adrenaline-filled adaptation of Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel. Audiences revel in the heart-stopping action of Bond's initial assignment with his license to kill. A box office smash and home entertainment chart-topper, the Collector's Edition of Casino Royale offers a "Double-O" dose of extra features, plus free e-Movie Cash to see the next Bond installment, Quantum of Solace, in theaters November 7, 2008.

Big James Bond fan - big fan. Wasn't sure about Daniel Craig - decent actor, but not the slick willy we were used to with Moore & Brosnan. "Casino Royale" comes out, kicks ass, reinvents an icon and becomes the most successful (and profitable) film in the franchise. Shoo, disbelievers.

Craig is bad-ASS in this one - hard-edged, no bullshit, tough-as-nails secret agent man. You still got the gadgets, still got M, still got the ladies, still got the comic book villain... but it's done in such a way as to make it more of a modern-day Bond, not something pulled from an alternate reality. It's hyper-real, but still realistic, and just damn well done.

The fight scenes are awesome, the acting first-rate, and the overall viewing experience top-notch. It's not just a great Bond flick, it's a freakin' great ACTION flick, and that's saying something.

Video
The video is presented in a 2.40:1 high definition transfer that is SCARY good - every single pixel of the screen delivers a photo-quality picture quality that amazes the eyeballs, tickling them like soft feathers to the squealing delight of your orbital synapses!

Audio
Dolby TrueHD surround mix is phenomenal - crisp, clean, razor-sharp and booming at all the right times.

Extras

"Becoming Bond" featurette

"James Bond: For Real" featurette

"Bond Girls are Forever" featurette

"You Know My Name" music video

audio commentary w/ producers & crew

5 new featurettes

picture-in-picture commentary track w/ director

James Bond trivia quiz

BD-Live enabled

Closing Thoughts
Freakin' fantastic action flick that's by far the best Bond film ever + TONS of new extras = magnificent Blu-ray release!

review: SWEENEY TODD (Blu-ray)

2008-11-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

Paramount // Buy from Amazon.com

Re-imagined by legendary director Tim Burton and starring Golden Globe® winner (and Academy Award® nominated) actor Johnny Depp, Stephen Sondheim's Tony® Award-winning Broadway hit never looked and sounded so good! Also starring Helena Bonham Carter (Fight Club), Alan Rickman (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), Timothy Spall (Enchanted), and Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat), SWEENEY TODD tells the ghoulish tale of the infamous demon barber as he seeks revenge by the blade of his trusty razors. This two-disc Special Edition DVD is packed with blood-pumping special features including in-depth looks at the musical and its history, the making of the film, and a whole lot more! Grab your razors, warm the oven, and prepare some very special meat pies as SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET comes to Blu-ray on October 21, 2008! "You, sir! How about a shave?"

I'm a huge fan of previous Burton + Depp collaborations - "Edward Scissorhands" is a masterpiece, "Ed Wood" is an out-and-out classic and "Sleepy Hollow" is a truly enjoyable film no matter how many times I sit and watch it. As such, it was only logical to assume I'd enjoy their lastest pairing just as much - Depp as a murderous barber? I'm in!

Well, stupid me: I didn't realize when I first saw this film that it was a musical, based on a Broadway production. Yikes - that's scarier than a crazed barber slashing throats. Not my cup of tea.

However, finding the strength to sit through *shudder* singing, I was engrossed by the hyper-stylized cinematography and, of course, Johnny Depp is on fire, as always. That cat can act - he truly becomes ol' Sweeney Todd, and the maniacal gleam in his eye is something to behold.

I just didn't like the singing... Damn.

Video
Boasting a very cool (literally & figurately) color palette, the 1.85:1 HD transfer is remarkable. Blu-ray is a wonderful format, but also unforgiving of bad cinematography, but thankfully the magic eye behind "Sweeney Todd" saw fit to hit a homerun with the visuals. Remarkable.

Audio
The Dolby TrueHD surround mix is phenomenal - all of the dialogue, singing, sound effects and overall soundscape are crisp and clean and sound just wonderful coming through in eargasmic fashion from your surround set-up!

Extras

"Burton + Depp + Carter = Sweeney Todd" featurette

history on the "real" Sweeney Todd

soundtrack featurette

making-of featurette

"Sweeney's London" featurette

featurettes on set & costume design

Moviefone ad w/ Depp & Burton

photo gallery

trailer

Closing Thoughts
Ho-hum film with amazing visuals + strong assortment of extras & featurettes = worth checking out, even if you don't like musicals

JAMES BOND BLU-RAY COLLECTION SIX-PACK (Blu-ray)

2008-11-02T20:02:00.001-08:00

MGM // Buy from Amazon.com

The world's most well known secret agent is even hotter in high definition when six, must-have, electrifying James Bond films debut on Blu-ray Disc from MGM and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Recently restored and re-mastered for the highest quality picture and sound quality via the state-of-the-art Lowry process digital frame-by-frame restoration and featuring special features galore, Bond is primed for Blu-ray Disc with a selection of 007 adventures spanning the storied career of cinema's most recognizable spy. Bond titles arriving on Blu-ray Disc, timed to the highly anticipated worldwide theatrical premiere of the 22nd James Bond mission QUANTUM OF SOLACE this November include DR. NO, DIE ANOTHER DAY, LIVE AND LET DIE, FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and THUNDERBALL.

Confession time: I squealed like a little girl when I opened up the padded envelope that arrived on my doorstep and found not 1, not 2, 3 or 4, but 6 (SIX!) James Bond films on Blu-ray for review! I've long been a Bond boy (admittedly, growing up with Roger Moore as my James Bond before discovering Sean Connery and converting over to Pierce Brosnan) and I can't even begin to count how many times I watched the many Bond flicks as a boy growing up... I believe every single birthday party I had included at least one bond flick ("Moonraker" a personal guilty pleasure)... so suffice it to say, I was pretty damned excited to sit down for a weeknd of high-def Bond!

Of this six-pack, "Die Another Day" and "Live and Let Die" are probably my two faves, but it's like saying which piece of gold you like in a boxful of treasure - no matter which one you pull out, you're going to be getting gold baby, gold. I have to say that I apprecated "Dr. No" more as a thirtysomething than I did as a kid, and "From Russia With Love" is also pretty damned good.

Let's not kid ourselves: if you have never seen a Bond film, you're not reading this review anyway. For those of you who have seen and know the power of "Bond... James Bond..." then trust me when I say ol' 007 has NEVER looked as good as he does in these releases. Blu-ray does Bond good, and you're sure to squeal with delight... just like a schoolgirl.

Video
Wow. Wow wow wow. Each film is relesed in it's original widescreen aspect format, and to say that Bond was made for Blu-ray is an understatement -- these films look AMAZING! Obviously, the newer the film, the better it looks, but even the original films look razor-sharp and infinitely better than anything we've been subjected to on cable or (shudder) VHS... Amazing.

Audio
Your choice of DTS HD 5.1 Master Audio mixes, or original mono/stereo/5.1 mixes... Go for the former and give your speakers a superb workout!

Extras

Dr. No

"The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier" - Audio Commentary Featuring Director Terence Young and Members of the Cast and Crew

"Top Level Access 007: License to Restore" - Featurette Detailing the Bond Ultimate Edition Film Restoration Process

"Declassified: M16 Vault" - The Guns of James Bond

Premiere Bond

"007 Mission Control" Interactive Guide Into the World of Dr. No

Inside Dr. No

Terence Young: Bond Vivant

Dr. No 1963 Featurette

"Ministry of Propaganda" - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

Die Another Day

"The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier" - Audio Commentary Featuring Director Lee Tamahori and Producer Michael G. Wilson

Audio Commentary Featuring Pierce Brosnan and Rosamund Pike

"Declassified: M16 Vault" - From Script to Screen

Shaken and Stirred on Ice

Just Another Day

The British Touch: Bond Arrives in London

On Location With Peter Lamont

"007 Mission Control" Interactive Guide Into the World of Die Another Day

MI6 DataStream

Additional DVD-RO

Features Available!

Madonna's "Die Another Day" Music Video

"Ministry of Propaganda" Photo gallery

Live and Let Die

Audio Commentary Featuring Sir Roger Moore

"The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier" - Audio Commentary Featuring Guy Hamilton

Audio Commentary Featuring Tom Mankiewicz

"Declassified: M16 Vault" - Bond 1973: The Lost Documentary

Roger Moore as James Bond, Circa 1964

Live and Let Die Conceptual Art

"007 Mission Control" Interactive Guide Into the World of Live and Let Die

Inside Live and Let Die

On Set With Roger Moore

"Ministry of Propaganda" - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

For Your Eyes Only

Audio Commentary Featuring Sir Roger Moore

"The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier" - Audio Commentary Featuring John Glen and Actors

Audio Commentary Featuring Michael G Wilson and Crew

"Declassified: M16 Vault" Deleted Scenes and Expanded Angles

Bond in Greece, Bond in Cortina

Neptune's Journey

"007 Mission Control" Interactive Guide Into the World of For Your Eyes Only

Inside For Your Eyes Only

Animated Storyboard Sequences

Sheena Easton's "For Your Eyes Only" Music Video

"Ministry of Propaganda" - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

From Russia With Love

"The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier" - Audio Commentary Featuring Director Terence Young and Members of the Cast and Crew

"Declassified: M16 Vault" Ian Fleming: The CBC Interview

Ian Fleming and Raymond Chandler

Ian Fleming on Desert Island Discs

Animated Storyboard Sequence

"007 Mission Control" Interactive Guide Into the World of From Russia With Love

Inside From Russia With Love

Harry Saltzman: Showman

"Ministry of Propaganda" - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

Thunderball

"The Complete Special Features Library: Mission Dossier" - Audio Commentary Featuring Terence Young and Others

Audio Commentary Featuring Peter Hunt, John Hopkins and Others

"Declassified: M16 Vault" The Incredible World of James Bond - Original 1965 NBC Television Special

A Child's Guide to Blowing Up a Motor Car - 1965 Ford Promotional Film On Location With Ken Adam

Bill Suitor: The Rocket Man Movies

Thunderball Boat Show Reel

Selling Bonds - Original 1965 Television Advertisements

"007 Mission Control" Interactive Guide Into the World of Thunderball

The Making of Thunderball

The Thunderball Phenomenon

The Secret History of Thunderball

"Ministry of Propaganda" - Original Trailers, TV Spots, Photo Gallery and Radio Communications

Closing Thoughts
Freaking AMAZING first set of Bond on Blu-ray + TONS of phenomenal extras = truly one of the top releases to the format!

review: INDIANA JONES & THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL (Blu-ray)

2008-10-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

Paramount // Buy from Amazon.com

One of cinema's greatest adventure heroes is back in this latest chapter of the immensely popular INDIANA JONES franchise! Directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by Frank Marshall, with George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy as executive producers, the smash hit stars Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone and John Hurt, all following Indy on a perilous adventure to find the coveted Crystal Skull of Akator. Utterly packed with exciting bonus features, this may just be the biggest DVD and Blu-ray release of the year!

I love the first 3 Indiana Jones films - #1 is the best, #2 is entertaining and #3 is probably my favorite. As such, I was pretty excited to hear they were making a 4th installment... but then I remembered: Jar Jar Binks. Remember how excited you were to hear that there was actually going to be a NEW "Star Wars" flick? Remember the utter deflating disappointment of frigging Jar Jar Binks? Well, "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" is Jar Jar Binks for Indiana Jones.

It's not that the film doesn't try - it does. The cast put forth valiant efforts (well, Marion was a bit annoying, but other than her...) and the cinematography was pretty damn good. I even got a kick out of seeing a glimpse of the Ark inside a busted open box in the big warehouse. However, none of that mattered in the face of a flat, uninspired film - this sucker jumps around like a seizure from locale to locale, plot device to weak attempt at humor... leaving me, the viewer, at best bored, at worst pissed off at the tepid decline of a true cinematic icon.

Truly a shame, but not altogether surprising. Remember 2 words: Jar Jar.

Video
Despite the pain of watching this movie unfold, it's actually quite breathtaking to see the actual quality of the transfer. The 2.40:1 widescreen picture is unbelievably detailed, with the most minute details being crystal clear on screen. A gorgeous transfer. A crappy movie.

Audio
On par with the superb video presentation, the Dolby TrueHD surround mix is breathtaking - every single speaker in your home theater set-up will get a workout with this one!

Extras

"Return of a Legend" featurette

"Pre-Production" featurette

trailers

production diaries

"Warrior Makeup" featurette

"Crystal Skulls" featurette

"Iconic Props" featurette

"The Effects of Indy" featurette

"Adventures in Post Production" featurette

still galleries

pre-viz sequences

interactive timeline of Indiana Jones films

Closing Thoughts
Admirable, but failed, attempt to recapture magic + loads of extras (2 discs worth) = play with fire, get burned

review: THE AMITYVILLE HORROR (Blu-ray)

2008-10-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

MGM // Buy from Amazon.com

There's no place like home...for bloodcurdling horror! James Brolin Margot Kidder and Academy Award® winner• Rod Steiger fall prey to the powers of darkness in this spine-tingling tale of a house possessed by unspeakable evil. One of the most talked-about haunted-house stories of all time The Amityville Horror will hit you where you live. For George and Kathy Lutz the colonial home on the river's edge seemed ideal: quaint spacious and amazingly affordable. Of course six brutal murders had taken place there just a year before but houses don't have memories...or do they? Soon the Lutz dream house becomes a hellish nightmare as walls begin to drip blood and satanic forces threaten to destroy them. Now the Lutzes must try to escape or forfeit their lives... and their souls.

Supposedly based on true events, "The Amityville Horror" is one of those films that I think I watched parts of as a young boy, and it made an indelible impression upon me, as the whole red room scene still freaks the shit out of me. However, watching this film as a 30something, it's really not scary so much as it's genuinely creepy. Still, for a 30 year old film, it holds up well and does entertain.

A victim of a recent remake (which sucked hard, by the way), this film (and, by extension, it's remake) are proof that there's just nothing like an original. Watching this one now, after having most recently seen the remake, I'm even more impressed with the direction, the cinematography, the intensity of the actors, and the overall atmosphere of creepiness that prevails throughout the entire film.

Too bad it's such a bare-bones Blu-ray release, but it's still a decently-entertaining flick.

Video
For a 30 year old film, this one holds up pretty well, and the 1080p high def transfer onto Blu-ray lets it look undoubtedly the best it ever has (or will). A bit of dirt and speckling here and there, but overall this is a strong, crisp presentation (of a 70s movie, remember - no THX quality here.)

Audio
A DTS HD Lossless Audio 5.1 surround mix is generous, albeit dramatically underutilized (a stereo mix would've been plenty for this one.) Still, I'll never complain about having TOO high a quality mix!

Extras

trailer

Closing Thoughts
True horror classic + zero extras = worth checking out if you've never seen the film, or want to see it in as much detail as possible

review: JACK BROOKS: MONSTER SLAYER

2008-10-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

Anchor Bay // Buy from Amazon.com

Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer takes the "zero-to-hero" concept to a whole new level of fun and fright. As a young boy, Jack (Matthews) saw his parents brutally murdered by monsters. Now he toils as a plumber, is saddled with an annoying girlfriend (Skarsten), attends therapy sessions that accomplish absolutely nothing, and is enrolled in night classes where he barely manages to stay awake. But when his professor (Englund) accidentally unleashes an ancient curse and begins to transform into a hideous monster, Jack must put down his plunger, prepare to do battle with the forces of evil, and confront his destiny once and for all.

This is truly a movie after my own heart - an unabashed love letter to 80s monster flicks that I used to rent and devour (pun intended) back in the days of VHS. No big budget, no super special effects, just equal parts gore & comedy, men in rubber suits, and a bad-ass hero to right the world. Diggit.

Truthfully, I wish I'd come up with this premise, but it's really so much more than just a fun movie - the entire backstory, production and even the box cover is all tightly focused on recreating the magic of 80s monster flicks, and in that it wildly succeeds.

At times creepy, always fun & entertaining, and damn-well made, this is an easy recommendation for all you readers out there - and special thanks to the mighty Anchor Bay for releasing this!

Video
The 16x9 anamorphic widescreen transfer is excellent, with deep blacks and sharp detail throughout.

Audio
The included Dolby 5.1 surround mix is intensely boombastic, mixing up the dialogue into the monster sound effects in fine fashion.

Extras

audio commentary w/ director, producer/actor & composer

"Behind the Scenes" making-of featurette

"Creating the Monsters" featurette

"Creating the Music" featurette

"World Premiere: Sitges, Spain" featurette

deleted scenes

storyboard comparisons

conceptual art

photo galleries

trailer

Closing Thoughts
Fun, goofy, 80s monster fun + LOADS of extras = hilarious romp back in time to when monster movies were just about having a good ol' time!

review: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Blu-ray)

2008-10-20T19:26:00.001-07:00

Fox // Buy from Amazon.com

Mel Brooks' monstrously crazy tribute to Mary Shelley's classic pokes hilarious fun at just about every Frankenstein movie ever made. Summoned by a will to his late grandfather's castle in Transylvania, young Dr. Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) soon discovers the scientist's step-by-step manual explaining how to bring a corpse to life. Assisted by the hunchback Igor (Marty Feldman) and the curvaceous Ings (Teri Garr), he creates a monster (Peter Boyle) who only wants to be loved.

This is a film that was a bit mysterious to me for many, many years. I had heard many good things about it, so once I finally got around to renting it from my local video shop a few years back, I had high expectations... expectations that were dashed quickly and mercilessly, as I found myself bored and underwhelmed by the film. Where was the drop-down hilarity I had been promised? Where were the class one-liners my friends were so fond of quoting?

Truthfully, I hadn't given the film another thought since then - until Fox was kind enough to send a copy for review to the mighty DVDschlock.com. Curious if my previous disappointment would still hold true as I'd "matoored" (that's "matured" but prounced snooty-like) since my last viewing...

I'm very happy to say that either the film aged better, or I did, because I found myself laughing out loud and admiring the slick comedic stylings of this truly superb ensemble cast. Brooks really did craft a masterpiece with this one, and clearly my younger self was an out-and-out jackass for not realizing this at the time.

No matter, I can now, and I do - bueno!

Video
A truly gorgeous high definition transfer - "Frankie" is delivered in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and its black & white imagery is rendered razor-sharp in the Blu-ray format.

Audio
Admittedly, a Dolby mono mix on a Blu-ray disc seems a bit surprising, but given the whole tone and vibe of the film, somehow it works just fine.

Extras

audio commentary w/ Mel Brooks

making-of featurette

deleted scenes

outtakes

photo galleries

trailers & tv spots

Closing Thoughts
Classic horror comedy from the King Mel Brooks + strong assortment of extras = comedy gold (on Blu)

review: JACK FROST (REMASTERED)

2008-10-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Warner Bros. // Buy from Amazon.com

Jack Frost is sure to warm everyone's hearts with the first ever re-mastered Deluxe Edition DVD release of the classic, stop-motion animation feature Jack Frost. From the animation sorcerers at the Rankin/Bass studios, this enchanting holiday perennial about the crafty cold-weather elf.

There are not many things I love more than Christmas, but Rankin-Bass Christmas-themed animagic productions are one of them! "Jack Frost" is probably at the top of the 2nd-tier releases (the "Rudolph" films being at the top, productions such as "Leprechaun's Christmas" being the 3rd-tier) and it's great to see Warner taking this classic and giving it a solid remastering.

A fun, light-hearted piece of family-friendly entertainment, we learn the back story of the title character and follow his adventure to save his queen. Really, it's pretty formulaic, but there's something so honest and pure about the animated gems from Rankin-Bass in the 60s and 70s that transcends time, space & kitchiness, especially for holiday suckers such as myself.

I really enjoy this film, and love this release. Light on "deluxe" featurse, but definitely remastered, and as such - recommended!

Video
Unbelievable - this full-screen transfer is the best I have ever seen this production look, far & away better than the cable reruns or even the DVD releases from a couple years back.

Audio
Clean, remastered mono mix is a-okay by me.

Extras

"Totally Cool Crafty Creations" featurette on how to make holiday crafts

sing-along option for 3 songs

Closing Thoughts
Remastered Rankin-Bass holiday fun + minimal extras = worthy addition to any fan of true Christmas classics!

review: YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN (Blu-ray)

2008-10-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Sony // Buy from Amazon.com

It will be a simply "Smurfy" day October 7, 2008 when The Smurfs: Season 1, Volume 2 comes out on DVD. Released in time to observe the Smurfs' 50th anniversary this year, this DVD will feature 20 re-mastered and uncut episodes from the second half of the series' premiere season, along with a special bonus featurette. Outfitted in eye-catching, super-smurfy packaging, this title makes a perfect gift this holiday season for Smurf fans of all ages.

I have a love/hate relationship wtih Adam Sandler films... well, that's probably overstating it - I love some of them ("Little Nicky" being an underappreciated classic, in my opinion), but what I've come to realize is that it's not Sandler that makes his great movies great - it's his supporting cast of regulars. Unfortunately, NONE of the usual boys appear in this one... which means it has some amusing chuckles here & there, but for the most part, snoozefest.

Sandler gives it his all - he's a semi-believable action star in the beginning, and goes all-out delivering "The Zohan"... but really, the character just is not that interesting. John Turturro as "The Phantom" is pretty damn funny, but he's not used enough. Plus, you just want him to somehow transform into "The Jesus" (from "The Big Lebowski") anyway...

Too bad - fun, lighthearted, harmless - but just not all that good.

Video
The 1.85:1 high def transfer is unbelievably crisp and razor-sharp from start to finish. Gorgeous to behold (never thought i'd say THAT about an Adam Sandler movie!)

Audio
A Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround mix is included that delivers the dialogue and surprisingly-catchy soundtrack in fine form.

Extras

audio commentary w/ Adam Sandler & others

audio commentary w/ director

"Translating the Zohan" featurette (on foreign expressions)

"Look Who Stopped By" featurette on famous friends who had appearances in the film

"Dugan: The Hand's on Director" featurette

"The Stunts of Zohan" featurette

"Dugan Espanol?" featurette

"Zohan vs. the Phantom" featurette

"Zohan's Doubles" featurette

"Shooting Baja for Tel Aviv" featurette

"All American Redneck" featurette

"From Guns to Scissors" featurette

"News on 3" featurettes

"The Robot" featurette

"Laughing is Contagious" gag reel

deleted scenes

"Getting Sticky" featurette

BD Live content

Closing Thoughts
Mildly amusing, but ultimately weak, entry in the Sandler cannon + ASSLOAD of extras = worth a rental on NetFlix, if only to fill an evening

review: THE HAPPENING (Blu-ray)

2008-10-19T20:18:00.001-07:00

Fox // Buy from Amazon.com

From M. Night Shyamalan, the writer-director of The Sixth Sense and Signs, comes a gripping thriller about a family on the run from a mysterious and deadly phenomenon. Academy Award Nominee Mark Wahlberg (2006 Best Supporting Actor - The Departed) stars as Elliot Moore, an ordinary man trying to save his family from a terrifying, invisible killer. As Elliot begins to discover the true nature of what is lurking out there, it soon becomes clear that no one--and nowhere--is safe.

Good lord this is a shitty film. I don't say that lightly, or haphazardly - I'm a big fan of M. Night's, and even count his most-reviled film ("Lady in the Water") and probably one of my Top 20 fave films (a true modern day fairly tale.) However, even with nothing but love and admiration in my heart, I can't even grin and bear it to say this is a ho-hum film. It's not. It's horrible. It's so, so bad.

Boring. Inane. Dare I say it... sloppy. I... just... didn't.... care. I tried, but the film beat the interest out of me by minute 20 or so, and then I was mesmerized by the trainwreck that is "The Happening."

Damn...

Video
Thankfully, while the movie itself will suck your brain away, it looks gorgeous on the Blu-ray format, with a razor-sharp 1080p high def transfer.

Audio
Feauturing a DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix, this is a very nicely mixed film, finding the perfect balance between primary audio and background sound effects.

Extras

7 production featurettes

deleted scenes

gag reel

trivia track

digital copy of film

Closing Thoughts
Unfortunately, the weakest entry in Shyamalan's catalogue + decent extras = maybe worth a rental, but don't watch too late (or you'll fall asleep)

review: THE SMURFS (Season 1, Volume 2)

2008-10-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

Warner Bros. // Buy from Amazon.com

It will be a simply "Smurfy" day October 7, 2008 when The Smurfs: Season 1, Volume 2 comes out on DVD. Released in time to observe the Smurfs' 50th anniversary this year, this DVD will feature 20 re-mastered and uncut episodes from the second half of the series' premiere season, along with a special bonus featurette. Outfitted in eye-catching, super-smurfy packaging, this title makes a perfect gift this holiday season for Smurf fans of all ages.

C'mon - honestly now, what is more wonderful, cuddly and just plain lightearted & fun than The Smurfs? Whenever I used to try to cheer girlfriends up, I'd say something like, "Think about popcorn, puppy dogs and The Smurfs" (yeah, Don Juan de Marco I am not.) There's just something about the simple and unabashed glee that those little blue suckers have when they're smurfing around that imprinted them on my brain as a child, and my adult brain continues to hold a special place for those micro mites.

This is the second volume from season 1, and you get more of what we saw in season 1: fun, frivolities, Gargamel and happy endings. Throw in questions about how there can be an entire village of male smurfs, yet only one female (??), and the fact that they live in mushrooms and inject the word "smurf" in place of about 100 different words, and you have the makings of a solid bit o' entertainment for children AND adults alike!

Lots of fun, for kids big & small.

Video
Presented in their original fullframe aspect ratio, every episode looks mighty good & clean - no complaints.

Audio
Dolby mono: original, clean, sufficient.

Extras

"I Smurf the Smurfs!" featurette

trailers

Closing Thoughts
Fun return to simple childhood bliss + decent extras = well worth adding to your collection

review: THE VISITOR

2008-10-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

Anchor Bay // Buy from Amazon.com

In a world of six billion people, it only takes one to change your life. Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins) is a lonely man. Having lost his wife, as well as his passion for teaching and writing, he's merely going through the motions. He fills his empty days by trying (unsuccessfully) to play classical piano. When the college where he teaches sends him to attend a conference in Manhattan, Walter returns to the apartment he once shared with his wife ... and is startled to discover that a young couple is living there!

Victims of a real-estate scam, Tarek (Haaz Sleiman, "Veronica Mars," "24"), a Syrian man, and his Senegalese girlfriend Zainab (Danai Gurira, "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," the upcoming Ghost Town) have nowhere else to go. Reluctantly, Walter allows them to stay with him - and thus begins an amazing, emotional journey for all of them. Touched by Walter's generosity, Tarek, a talented musician in his own right, insists on teaching Walter to play the African drum. This shared love of music deepens their friendship, with the differences in culture, age and temperament falling away.

But when Tarek is arrested for being an undocumented resident and held for deportation, Walter is spurred into action, taking up his friend's cause with a passion he thought was long gone. When Tarek's beautiful mother, Mouna (Hiam Abbass, The Nativity Story, Munich), arrives in search of her son, Walter's personal commitment develops into an unlikely - and unexpected - romance.

Words cannot begin to describe the sheer beauty that is "The Visitor" - it is truly an utterly mesmerizing, wonderful, heartwarming film about the inherent good in people and the splendor of completely disparate people coming together in unexpected circumstances.

The synopsis above does a solid job of laying out the key plot points, but actually sitting down to watch the film, get to know the characters, see how they grow/develop/interact, and carry the plot points from one scene to the next is to witness something truly wonderful and beautiful.

This is a magnificent film that most people won't see, but everyone should.

Video
The 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation is crisp and strong throughout, delivering a very solid viewing experience.

Audio
The Dolby 5.1 surround mix is excellent, although admittedly it barely gets to flex its muscles given the dialogue-heavy nature of this film.

Extras

audio commentary w/ director & star

"Inside Look at The Visitor" featurette

deleted scenes

"Playing the Djembe" featurette

trailer

Closing Thoughts
Breathtaking, wonderful film + nice assortment of extras = one of the most touching films I've ever seen

review: THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE (Blu-ray)

2008-10-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Dark Sky Films // Buy from Amazon.com

It has been called grisly, sick, and perverse," as well as raw, unshakeable, and the movie that redefined horror. It was attacked by churches, banned by governments, and acclaimed by only the bravest of critics. It stunned audiences worldwide and set a new standard in movie terror forever. In 1974, writer-producer-director Tobe Hooper unleashed this dark, visionary tale about a group of five young friends who face a nightmare of torment at the hands of a depraved Texas clan. Today it remains unequaled as a landmark of outlaw filmmaking and unparalleled in its impact as perhaps the most frightening motion picture ever made.

I still remember the first time I sat down to watch this on videotape - I must've grown up seeing the cheesy TCM2 box covers in my video store (the cheesy ones with all the bad guys posed like "The Breakfast Club" because I was expecting some type of goofy pseudo-horror film. However, even though I was in my mid-20s, I was terrified, mesmerized and hooked.

Since then, I've devoured all of the (lesser) sequels/remakes, and watched the original a few times. Now, to finally see the mighty "Chain Saw" on Blu-ray, is a dream come true. Dark Sky does fantastic work with their releases, and this is easily the shining star of their catalogue, and sets a new benchmark for classic films released onto the format.

Beautiful, beautiful transfer, loads of extras, tender loving care from start to finish. Fantastic release.

Video
You have to have seen this film in its previous releases to truly appreciate just how good the Blu-ray version is. Granted, no one is ever going to mistake this for a THX-quality film, but take a look at the old VHS copies, and early DVD releases... and even the remastered Dark Sky DVD from last year (check out our review here...) and then pop this sucker in. Glorious. This film has never, ever looked better.

Audio
Your choice of a DTS 5.1, lossless stereo track and the original mono mix. I'm a sucker for surround, and was suitably impressed.

Extras

audio commentary w/ Tobe Hooper, cinematographer Pearl and star Hansen

audio commentary w/ art director and several stars

radio & tv promos and trailers

"Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Shocking Truth" feature-length documentary

"Flesh Wounds" feature-length documentary

tour of the farmhouse by Leatherface

interview w/ Teri McMinn

bloopers

deleted scenes

Closing Thoughts
Truly scary, visionary, original filmmaking + TONS of extras = unbelievable Blu-ray, definitely recommended!

review: DAREDEVIL (Blu-ray)

2008-10-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

Fox // Buy from Amazon.com

For Daredevil, justice is blind, and for the guilty, there's hell to pay! Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner ignite dangerous sparks and nonstop thrills in this "dazzling action-adventure" (The Film Journal) about the newest breed of superhero. By day, blind attorney Matt Murdock (Affleck) toils for justice in Hell's Kitchen. By night, he's Daredevil, The Man Without Fear - a powerful, masked vigilante stalking the dark streets with an uncanny "radar sense" that allows him to "see" with superhuman capabilities. But when the love of his life, fiery Elektra Natchios (Garner), is targeted by New York City's ruthless Kingpin of crime (Michael Clarke Duncan) and his deadly assassin Bullseye (Colin Farrell), Daredevil may be about to meet his match.

Although I was a comic book geek growing up, and primarily a Marvel dude at that, I was never that big on Daredevil. It's not that I actively DISliked him - I guess I just couldn't care less about him, lumping him in as a 2nd-tier citizen of the Marvel Universe.

Well, even 2nd-tier characters warrant their own movies, and sometimes they really, really work (see "Iron Man" for example.) The theatrical release of "Daredevil" was ho-hum, but this director's cut did bring some additional meat to the bone. It's still Ben Affleck being Ben Affleck (I maintain that I'm sure I would love him as a buddy, just can't take him seriously as an actor) and it's still Jennifer Garner reprising her role from "Alias."

Sigh. Boring.

The only 2 things I thought were really good with this film were the special effects (love how they were able to visually show how Daredevil "sees") and Michael Clarke Duncan as the Kingpin... 2 words: bad. ass.

Video
An impressively strong 2.35:1 high-def transfer is delivered here, with sharp visuals throughout (worth of the Blu-ray format!)

Audio
A booming, robust DTS HD 5.1 surround mix is fan-freaking-tastic.

Extras

featurette on the director's cut

audio comments from director & producer

"Beyond Hell's Kitchen" featurette

"Men Without Fear: Creating Daredevil" featurette

Jennifer Garner's screen tests

additional featurettes

music videos

trailers

Closing Thoughts
Fairly well-done, darker-hued superhero flick + nice assortment of extras = worth checking out

review: THE SIXTH SENSE (Blu-ray)

2008-10-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

Disney // Buy from Amazon.com

A gripping ghost story with a stunning finale, The Sixth Sense became a surprise blockbuster shortly after its release. The film features Oscar-nominated performances by the startlingly intense Osment and the fiercely maternal Collette, as well as a subtle, subdued turn by Willis. Shyamalan directs his intriguing script with almost clinical precision, using carefully framed visuals to create the film's distinctly chilling atmosphere. On the strength of its pitch-perfect acting and direction, The Sixth Sense has become the most successful thriller of all time.

Not much I can say about this film that you don't already know - either you've seen it, and had the same shocking viewing experience as every single other person who watched it... or you haven't seen it, and wonder why the big twist is so surprising. (You've ruined it for youself by knowing ahead of time, you dummy - how can you ever experience the utter disbelief of the twist ending now?? Sheesh.)

Very creepy, very engaging, very tricky, very well done. Everyone is in top shape here and brings their "A" game. Watching this now - probably my 5th or 6th time - I'm just as enthralled, and even appreciate it more now that I have a better sense of what clues to look for, or how to "view" the film (through knowing eyes.)

On that note, I found the featurette on "Rules and Clues" very interesting, but do not watch until AFTER you view this film for the first time!

Video
The film is delivered via a 1.85:1 high-def transfer that is undoubtedly the best this film will ever look, but just the same, I found to be a bit soft and dull.

Audio
An uncompressed PCM audio mix is very clean & pristine, but clearly this is a talkie flick with minimal sound effects, but what there are sound great.

Extras

"Reflections From the Set" featurette

"Between Two Worlds" documentary on ghosts

"Moving Pictures: The Storyboard Process" featurette

deleted scenes

publicity short

cast & filmmaker bios

featurette on music & sound design

"Rules and Clues" guide to watching the film for a 2nd time

Closing Thoughts
Incredibly original & very well-crafted thriller + strong assortment of extras = well worth your time to check out

review: IRON MAN (Blu-ray)

2008-10-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

Paramount // Buy from Amazon.com

Suit up for action with Robert Downey Jr. in the ultimate adventure movie you've been waiting for, Iron Man! When jet-setting genius-industrialist Tony Stark is captured in enemy territory, he builds a high-tech suit of armor to escape. Now, he's on a mission to save the world as a hero who's built, not born, to be unlike any other. Co-starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges, it's a fantastic, high-flying journey that is "hugely entertaining" (Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal).

I knew "Iron Man" was going to be a kick-ass movie... Honestly, it could've so easily gone wrong, but with Jon Favreau behind the camera and the invincible Robert Downey, Jr. in front of it, this was as much of a lock as you can get. And it was.

Entertaining, action-packed, special effects dripping, faithful to the comic book, fun, romantic, tension-filled... insert adjective here. "Iron Man" delivers.

What's even more impressive is just how kick-ass this Blu-ray release is - this is one of Paramount's lead-off titles to the format, and not only have they delivered, but they have raised the bar -- see the points below for just how freakin' awesome this title is!

Highly, HIGHLY recommended.

Video
Un-freaking believable. No surprise that this 2.40:1 high def transfer is absolutely first-rate & reference quality through and through. Crystal clear - a beauty to behold!

Audio
Wow - it probably sounds better than it looks, and it's one of the best looking Blu-ray releases I've ever seen!

Extras

"The Invincible Iron Man" featurette

interactive featurette on 3 of his suits

deleted and extended scenes

"I Am Iron Man" making-of featurette (110 minutes!)

visual effects featurette

BD-Live feature

photo galleries

trailer

Closing Thoughts
Rip-roaring piece of entertainment + TONS of extras = probably the best Blu-ray release yet!

review: FRIDAY THE 13th: THE SERIES (Season 1)

2008-10-05T12:29:00.001-07:00

Paramount // Buy from Amazon.com

The suspense-drama series that brought the serial horror genre back to television makes a frightening return when Friday The 13th - The Series: The First Season arrives on DVD for the first time ever on September 23, 2008 from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment. The series, produced by Paramount Domestic Television, originally debuted in first-run syndication in September 1987. The collectable six-disc set includes all 26 eerie episodes from the fan-favorite show's first season. Featuring intense psychological terror and bone-chilling suspense, Friday The 13th - The Series centers on two distant cousins who inherit their late uncle's antique shop when his soul was taken by the Devil after he failed to hold up his end of a deadly agreement. Joined by an eccentric antiques dealer, the team must race against time and fate to retrieve each diabolically cursed item sold from the hexed store before it unleashes its deadly force.

I remember really enjoying this series when it ran in the mid-80s. Although it had absolutely nothing to do with the iconic film series of the same name, obviously the intent in borrowing the name was to convey a sense of creepiness and horror to the series (which it did.) I think this series really wet my appetite for other shows such as "Tales from the Crypt" and even "X-Files" as this show was more about mysteries and the supernatural (rather than other comparable shows such as "Twilight Zone" which were really unnconnected short films). I really dug the central plot device of the curio shop of evil goods, had a crush on the red-headed lead, and remember being genuinely creeped out by some of these episodes.

I've long waited for this one to debut on DVD, and now that I've been able to sit through the first season (many episodes I'd never seen before), I'm happy to report that this show holds up quite well and is still able to deliver entertainment value in 2008. Dated? Sure, but still fun, intriguing and more than a little bit creep at times.

Well worth checking out.

Video
Presented in their original fullscreen aspect ratios, the episodes making up the first season of this underrated series look mostly good. It's a TV show from the 80s, and looks it, and while this may not be THX-certified, no real complaints, as expectations were met.

Audio
Dolby 2.0 mono mix is perfectly adequate - nothing special, to be sure, but nothing really to complain about. A bit of hiss now and then, but no big deal...

Extras

promos

sales presentation

Closing Thoughts
Fun, mostly entertaining series from the 80s + minimal extras = great to finally enjoy on DVD!

review: HAROLD

2008-09-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

City Lights Media // Buy from Amazon.com

As a young teenager suffering from really early male-pattern baldness, Harold has never had it easy. Despite the efforts of his scattered mother --- and aggravated by his beauty-queen-mean sister - life is a trial for Harold. And now his teen angst is topping out: He's facing his first day at a new high school in a new town. He's not only going to be the "new kid," but the "new weird bald kid."

Day one turns out to be even worse than he expected. Right off he comes face- to-face with the school bully, and learns very quickly that the new school's teachers are barely more sympathetic or supportive than his bullying nemesis. Harold's saving grace arrives in the person of Cromer, the subversive school janitor, who knows and cares far more about the students than any teacher or administrator.

With a cleverness hidden behind his unassuming janitor's uniform, broom and bucket, Cromer comes to Harold's aid, teaching him how to out maneuver his adversaries, and, ultimately, how to survive that most difficult and dreaded American institution ---High School.

The basic premise is a thirteen year-old bald kid tries to find acceptance at his new high school... and despite how potentially weak (and admittedly strange) that may sound, this is a solid (if quirky) indie comedy that is a truly enjoyable viewing experience.

Primarly, the titular character is played by the cute kid from Bruce Willis' "The Kid" (not to mention many movies since then, but I adored him in that one), so to see him all growns up (or at least growing up) is a treat in & of itself. To see him playing a 13-going-on-40 year old is hilarious. His deadpan delivery of some wicked one-liners, and his interplay with the truly bizarre supporting characters that carry this flick along, is top-notch from start to finish.

Did I mention quirky? Definitely quirky. But in a fun, lighthearted, and very enjoyable way. Seek this one out - you won't be disappointed.

Video
A nice & crisp anamorphic widescreen presentated is delivered in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio that is impressively strong.

Audio
This is a talkie flick, so the Dobly 5.1 surround mix doesn't get to flex its muscles all that much, but it's good, clean, solid throughout, so no complaints.

Extras

footage from premiere

trailers

Closing Thoughts
Quirky, odd, fun, delightful + minimal extras = unfairly compared to "Napoleon Dynamite" but worthy of standing on its own two feet

review: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN TRILOGY (Blu-ray)

2008-09-24T20:47:00.001-07:00

Disney // Buy from BestBuy.com

Available for the first time, the complete Pirates Of The Caribbean collection on Blu-ray(tm) Disc. Lose yourself in the magic of every moment of the swashbuckling phenomenon that took the world by storm with all three films of the Pirates Of The Caribbean trilogy in one spectacular eye-popping, ear-stunning Blu-ray boxed set. Thrill to the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), and the unforgettable cast of rogues and heroes that made each of these movies a smash hit from sea to sea.

Experience Jack's quest from the very beginning as he and his crew reclaim the Black Pearl and discover the cursed treasure that has doomed Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) to live among the undead. The astonishing ride continues with amazing battles against the legendary ruler of the ocean depths, Davy Jones, and against leviathans from the deep, culminating in a reunion of the Pirate Lords and a titanic maelstrom battle. With an ocean full of bonus features and three epic films, the Pirates Of The Caribbean Gift Set is a treasure trove of entertainment in Disney Blu-ray.

I remember being VERY dubious that Disney was actually going to try to build a film around, admittedly, one of their weaker/lamer amusement rides. "Pirates of the Caribbean"?! C'mon! Well, a few years later and now the films are what you think of when you hear that title, with the ride being more of an "oh yeah, right" afterthought. Funny how that works.

The first movie left me feeling underwhelmed when I viewed it for the first time, and a few years later, sitting down to watch on Blu-ray did help its case, as I actually quite enjoyed it. It's not overly intelligent by any stretch of the imagination, but it's a helluva fun movie - sit back, pop some corn, and have some fun. Nothing wrong with that.

Part 2 was probably my favorite - the characters were established, the bad guy was far more dastardly than in Part 1, and there's the whole lurking (literally & figuratively) presence of the Kraken to shake things up. Good fun.

Part 3 was a mind-screw - the whole Jack Sparrow & the afterlife sequence had me scratching my head wondering what the hell was going on, and the movie seemed to really meander to & fro throughout the entire film. Ultimately, of course, it all sorts itself out, but what a screwy ride. It's almost like the sequel was too long to be just one single movie, so they divvied it up into 2, but then had to pad each with 30-40 minutes of filler... not as noticable in Part 2, but seemingly obvious in Part 3.

Anyway, overall they're fun films, and this packaged set is fantastic, as the quality is second to none, and the amount of extras included is mind-blowing. Enjoy - you'll have fun with this.

Video
Truly amazing. All 3 film are presented in gorgeous 2.35:1 widescreen high definition transfers that are truly, absolutely, unequivocally reference quality from start to finish. WOW these look good.

Audio
On par with the superb video presentation, each film gets a super deluxe 5.1 PCM surround mix that will absolutely delight & tickle your eardrums. Again: reference quality.

Extras

Part 1: 3 audio commentaries (Johnny Depp & Gore Verbinski; Keira Knightly, Jack Davenport, Jerry Bruckheimer; writers); "Scoundrels of the Sea" factoid pop-ups; 8-part making-of documentary; 8 mini featurettes; 19 deleted & alternate scenes); more featurettes; video diaries; blooper reel, interactive pirate piece; Disney's "Wonderful World of Color" (from 1968); photo gallery; trailers

Part 2: audio commentary w/ writers; "Liar's Dice" game; "Charting the Return" featurette; "According to Plan" featurette; "Captain Jack: Head to Toe" featurettes; "Meet Davy Jones" featurette; featurette on Disney "Pirates" ride; "Fly on the Set" behind the scenes featurette; photo diary; footage from premiere; image gallery; bloopers, featurettes on sword training & more making-of pieces; trailers

Part 3: bloopers; "Enter the Maelstrom" interactive behind the scenes; "Keith and the Captain" featurette; "Tale of Many Jacks" featurette; "World of Chow Yun Fat" featurette; "Anatomy of a Scene: The Maelstrom" featurette; score featurette; featurettes on art design; "Inside the Brethren Court" featurette; deleted scenes

Closing Thoughts
Fantastically entertaining trilogy + MOST INCREDIBLE ASSORTMENT OF EXTRAS EVER ASSEMBLED = easy recommendation for any fan of fun filmmaking and/or reference-quality high def Blu-ray fun!

review: CHILD'S PLAY: 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

2008-09-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

MGM // Buy from BestBuy.com

After six-year-old Andy Barclay's (Alex Vincent) babysitter is violently pushed out of a window to her death, nobody believes him when he says that Chucky, his new birthday doll, did it until things start going terribly wrong... dead wrong. And when an ensuing rampage of gruesome murders lead a detective (Chris Sarandon) back to the same toy, he discovers that the real terror that a deranged doll has plans to transfer his evil spirit into a living human being - young Andy.

I remember seeing this film in the movie theater back when I was but a teenager - I loved it then, and I love it today. While I do enjoy where the franchise has gone (more into the camp/comedy genre), it's refreshing and entertaining to go back and watch the first film in the cannon, as this one was truly original, very well done, and surprisingly creepy. Despite the subject matter, this is pretty straight horror, and it does a fine job of leaving the viever feeling unnerved and unsettled (no easy feat given that the bad guy is basically a Cabbage Patch Kid.)

For unknown reasons, MGM has never released this film in widescreen format until now, so while I have enjoyed previous releases (in full-frame aspect ratios), it seemed like a breath of fresh air to finally get to watch and enjoy it in all its widescreen glory. Probably more psychological than anything (really - how much scenery did we lose by getting a pan-and-scan version?), but nonetheless it was good watching.

Video
Finally - we get to enjoy this true classic in all its widescreen glory. The print quality is overall quite good - about what you'd expect from a 20 year old film - and so color me happy.

Audio
A lovely Dolby 5.1 surround mix will delight viewers... while mostly a front-heavy mix, the surrounds get to pipe up ever so often.

Extras

2 audio commentaries: actors & Chucky designer; producer & writer

4 scenes with "Chucky" commentary

"Evil Comes in Small Packages" 3-part featurette

"Creating the Horror" featurette

"Unleashed" featurette on editing

"Chucky: Building a Nightmare" featurette

footage from 2007 "Child's Play" reunion

vintage EPK

photo gallery

trailers

Closing Thoughts
A truly enjoyable (and surprisingly creepy at times) horror classic + LOADS of excellent extras = the definitive release for this fine film

review: KILL BILL (VOLUMES 1 & 2) (Blu-ray)

2008-09-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

Miramax // Buy from BestBuy.com

Kill Bill: Volume 1
Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill, Vol. 1, is trash for connoisseurs. From his opening gambit (including a "Shaw-Scope" logo and gaudy '70s-vintage "Our Feature Presentation" title card) to his cliffhanger finale (a teasing lead-in to 2004's Vol. 2), Tarantino pays loving tribute to grindhouse cinema, specifically the Hong Kong action flicks and spaghetti Westerns that fill his fervent brain--and this frequently breathtaking movie--with enough cinematic references and cleverly pilfered soundtrack cues to send cinephiles running for their reference books. Everything old is new again in Tarantino's humor-laced vision: he steals from the best while injecting his own oft-copied, never-duplicated style into what is, quite simply, a revenge flick, beginning with the near-murder of the Bride (Uma Thurman), pregnant on her wedding day and left for dead by the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad (or DiVAS)--including Lucy Liu and the unseen David Carradine (as Bill)--who become targets for the Bride's lethal vengeance. Culminating in an ultraviolent, ultra-stylized tour-de-force showdown, Tarantino's fourth film is either brilliantly (and brutally) innovative or one of the most blatant acts of plagiarism ever conceived. Either way, it's hyperkinetic eye-candy from a passionate film-lover who clearly knows what he's doing. --Jeff Shannon

Kill Bill: Volume 2
"The Bride" (Uma Thurman) gets her satisfaction--and so do we--in Quentin Tarantino's "roaring rampage of revenge," Kill Bill: Volume 2. Where Vol. 1 was a hyper-kinetic tribute to the Asian chop-socky grindhouse flicks that have been thoroughly cross-referenced in Tarantino's film-loving brain, Vol. 2--not a sequel, but Part Two of a breathtakingly cinematic epic--is Tarantino's contemporary martial-arts Western, fueled by iconic images, music, and themes lifted from any source that Tarantino holds dear, from the action-packed cheapies of William Witney (one of several filmmakers Tarantino gratefully honors in the closing credits) to the spaghetti epics of Sergio Leone. Tarantino doesn't copy so much as elevate the genres he loves, and the entirety of Kill Bill is clearly the product of a singular artistic vision, even as it careens from one influence to another. Violence erupts with dynamic impact, but unlike Vol. 1, this slower grand finale revels in Tarantino's trademark dialogue and loopy longueurs, reviving the career of David Carradine (who plays Bill for what he is: a snake charmer), and giving Thurman's Bride an outlet for maternal love and well-earned happiness. Has any actress endured so much for the sake of a unique collaboration? As the credits remind us, "The Bride" was jointly created by "Q&U," and she's become an unforgettable heroine in a pair of delirious movie-movies (Vol. 3 awaits, some 15 years hence) that Tarantino fans will study and love for decades to come. --Jeff Shannon

I remember how blown away I was when I saw these films in the theater... While admittedly Tarantino films have always rubbed me the wrong way (the dialogue is so self-aware, trying far too hard to be cool), but the Kill Bill flicks were just so damn cool... Uma was truly bad-ass, the villains are all supremely bad-ass, and the cinematography will truly blow your mind.

While the films were released (both theatrically and now on Blu-ray) as seperate, stand-alone (companion) films, truthfully they're 2 halves of the same film, and should be viewed & considered as such. While that will require a serious committment on your part (book off the entire night to enjoy in your own home theater), the time you spend will be well worth it, as this will be a cinematic experience virtually unparalleled in ass-kicking fashion.

By this point in time, no one who wasn't already drawn to Kill Bill or Tarantino films is going to just "stumble" across these films because they're now on Blu-ray, so if you're reading this review, you're already interested in the films and want to know if it's worthwhile to pick them up on Blu-ray.

It is. Go now.

Video
Both films are presented in 2.40:1 widescreen high def transfers that LEAP off the screen and will skewer your eyeballs like razor-sharp samurai swords. These have always been really cool-looking films, and the Blu-ray format lets every single pixel of perfection shine thru in all its glory!

Audio
The sweet, sweet uncompressed PCM audio mixes will tickle your ear canals like sweet Uma whispering in your ear... (until she pulls out aforementioned samurai sword and fillets you with it!)

Extras

Vol 1: making-of featurette; 5,6,7,8s musical performance; trailers

Vol 2: deleted scene; making-of featurette; video from film's premiere

Closing Thoughts
Unbelievable pair of films (that truly watch as one single cinematic experience) + decent extras = gorgeous Blu-rays that are a feast to behold!

review: NIGHT WATCH / DAY WATCH (Blu-ray)

2008-09-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

Fox // Buy from BestBuy.com

Night Watch
Among normal humans live the "Others" possessing various supernatural powers. They are divided up into the forces of light and the forces of the dark, who signed a truce several centuries ago to end a devastating battle. Ever since, the forces of light govern the day while the night belongs to their dark opponents. In modern day, the dark Others actually roam the night as vampires while a "Night Watch" of light forces, among them Anton, try to control them and limit their outrage.

Day Watch
Like The Matrix, Day Watch combines cutting-edge digital effects and mind-blowing action to create a stunningly original world. This Unrated Edition takes you on an even wilder ride with more intense thrills and incredible effects. Only one thing stands between peace and Armageddon: the supernatural agents of Day Watch, who fight to control the armies of light and darkness. When the son of a senior Day Watch officer turns to the darkness, forces beyond the imagination are unleashed and the fate of the world hangs in the balance!

I'm proud to say that I first caught wind of "Night Watch" a few years ago while reading some forgotten web site, and I actually tracked down & ordered a Russian import DVD of the film. Suffice it to say that it blew my mind (comparisons to "The Matrix" are fair, but I give the nod to "Night Watch") and I was very pleased to hear that Fox was going to give this film a North American theatrical release.

Admittedly, I'm not sure how well it did, but regardless, enough attention was paid to the film to get a sequel made, "Day Watch", and now Fox is releasing both films onto the pristine Blu-ray format. And they are a feast to behold.

I forgot how much I liked "Night Watch" and how impressed I was that, for as truly amazing as the special effects are, it's the unbelievably imaginative storytelling that trumped all for me... "Day Watch" continues that phenomenal story, and not unlike the "Kill Bill" films (also recently reviewed on Blu-ray on DVDschlock.com), these films really work well together in a single viewing, as I enjoyed them for this review.

There's really not much truly original filmmaking nowadays - a lot of rehashing old (and maybe not-so-good) ideas - but the "Watch" films are first-rate, action-packed, entertaining and mind-bending... Do yourself a favor and check them out.

Video
"Night Watch" is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, while "Day Watch" gets a 2.35:1 ratio. Both are (obviously) are given high-definition transfers for their Blu-ay debuts, and both look absolutely fantastic. Both films are filled with unbelievable visual sequences, and every single frame of every single shot looks magnificent on the Blu-ray format.

Audio
Both films have their original Russian soundtrack presented in a DTS HD 5.1 surround mix that is equal to the best soundtracks ever released on the Blu-ray format. Just unbelievable.

Extras

Night Watch: audio commentary w/ director; audio commentary w/ author; behind the scenes featurette; 2 shorter featurettes; deleted scenes; trailer

Day Watch: audio commentary w/ director; making-of featurette; trailers

Closing Thoughts
Truly an epic duo of films + solid assortment of extras = well worth seeking out for fans of immersive storytelling, crazy-ass special effects, or mind-altering alternate realities

review: SNUFFIN' ZOMBIES

2008-09-06T23:03:00.000-07:00

Buy from Official Site

Life sucks for super-loser Frank Wilkens: no job, no girl, and he just spent the remainder of his inheritance on booze.

Now broke, he and his only friend, a kindhearted, mentally challenged dunce named Ralphie, are lured into the world of snuff films. The deal: kill ten people on film and receive three million dollars.

Ready to do anything for cash, Frank agrees to the pact and goes on a killing spree that can only be described as awesome, killing his ex-boss among others. But there's one problem: the dead have been resurrected, and they only have two things on their mind: revenge and human flesh.

What an unbelievable mindscrew - I thought that I was in for some standard low-budget, shot-on-DV zombie madness (the kind of film I myself like to create), but what was unleashed upon my eyeballs instead when I slapped in "Snuffin' Zombies" exceeded all of my wildest expectations...

While it definitely has some great zombietime scenes, this is truly a surreal gongshow, straight from the brain of writer/director/producer/star Karl Benacci. Judging from this film, he may be clinically insane, but that don't mean he can't craft together a crazy, lunatic piece of entertainment that is a HOOT to watch from start to finish! Honestly, the first 20 minutes had me wondering just what the hell was going on, yet like a car accident, I could not tear my eyes away... and I was smiling throughout!

Clearly, this is one man's opus, and he has poured every fibre of his being into the film. You can't help but admire what he's created here and I applaud his efforts. It's a helluva fun ride, so sit back, open your eyes wide, and giv'er!

Video
Presented in its original full-frame aspect ratio, the film looks like a low-budget film shot on digital video...

Audio
The Dolby 2.0 stereo mix is mostly clean throughout, with only the occasional bit of dialogue dropping too low to be easily heard.

Packaging
Really nice/slick digipack packaging, with tri-fold layout, glossy printing - very nice!

Closing Thoughts
Crazy, wacked out indie zombie fun!

review: SON OF RAMBOW

2008-09-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

Anchor Bay // Buy from BestBuy.com

The irresistibly original and hilarious film follows the adventures of two boys growing up in the video age of the 1980s. Will Proudfoot is looking for an escape from his family's stifling home life when he encounters Lee Carter, the school bully. Armed with a video camera and a copy of Rambo: First Blood, Lee plans to make cinematic history by filming his own action-packed video epic. Together, these two newfound friends-turned-budding-filmmakers quickly discover that their imaginative--and sometimes mishap-filled--cinematic adventure has begun to take on a life of its own! Entertaining, uplifting, and brimming with nostalgia, SON OF RAMBOW "makes you feel like a kid again" (Giant).

Something about the premise for this film resonated with me when I first read about it - not sure if it was my own passion for making my own home movies as a kid, the feelings of alienation that I think every kid growing up has to deal with, or maybe the fact that I'm dying to see the shot-for-shot remake of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" that some kids made (that drives me BATTY I want to see it so bad), but regardless, "Son of Rambow" sounded like a quirky little film that I would probably really enjoy.

And enjoy I did. Fun story, great casting & character portrayals by the main (and non-professional!) actors, all packaged up in this warm, family-friendly, and thoroughly enjoyable film.

What I enjoyed most about the film was not so much the surface-level stuff described above (although that was all top-notch), but the undercurrents of emotion that run throughout the film. Somehow, the filmmaker really seemed to capture the essence of adolescene - not just the on-screen antics of a misfit kid, but the actual emotional intensity that goes along with being that age and having to deal with all the trials and tribulations the world throws at you. That, more than anything else (although again - the "everything else" is first-rate in this film) makes this a highly recommended watch for readers of this review.

Video
Presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, the film looks solid from start to finish. I was really impressed by the rich cinematography and really nicely-framed shots, all of which look great on this DVD.

Audio
A nice, clean, robust Dolby 5.1 surround mix delivers the ear candy in top-notch form.

Extras

audio commentary w/ director, producer & 2 main actors

"Boys Will Be Boys" making-of featurette

"Aron" short film

"Website Winner"

trailers

Closing Thoughts
Fun, light-hearted, very enjoyable film + nice assortment of extras = well worth seeking out and watching