Paul Newman, the Academy-Award winning superstar who personified cool as an activist, race car driver, popcorn impresario and the anti-hero of such films as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, “Hud,” “Cool Hand Luke” and “The Color of Money,” has died. He was 83. Newman died Friday after a long battle with cancer at his farmhouse near Westport, publicist Jeff Sanderson said. He was surrounded by his family and close friends. Newman is survived by his wife, five children, two grandsons and his older brother Arthur.

Well its finally here, the moment just about everyone has been waiting for Warner Brothers has officially announced a December 9th release date for its monster hit The Dark Knight starring Christian Bale and the late Heath Ledger. Set to release with 5 different sku’s; a single disc DVD, two disc dvd, a special edition batpod giftset, a Blu-Ray Disc special edition as well as a Blu-Ray batpod giftset. We have your Blu-Ray specs below, the special features for the 2 disc version will likely be the same without the HD upgrade.

Technical Specs

• 1080p 2.4:1 Widescreen (with IMAX framed sequences)
• 5.1 Dolby TrueHD

Special Features

• Gotham Uncovered Documentary (Focus Points)
• Batman Tech: The Incredible Gadgets and Tools (HD) - History Channel Documentary
• Batman Unmasked: The Psychology of The Dark Knight (HD) - History Channel Documentary
• Gotham Tonight - 6 episodes of Gotham Cable’s Premier News Program
• Photo Galleries
-The Joker Cards
-Concept Art
-Poster Art
-Production Stills

I was first exposed to Speed Racer in the early 90’s when it was aired on MTV very early in the mornings. And since then I have been hooked, at one point owning all 5 volumes of the series that Lions Gate have released on DVD. So when I heard that Larry & Andy Wachowski were finally bringing Speed Racer to the big screen I felt they were the perfect directors to do it, when I heard they were doing it as a family film with a “sorta pop-art asthetic to it” I gotta say I got a little more interested. Sadly Speed Racer failed to exceed expectations at the box office, mainly because it went against the juggernaut that was Iron Man. But now it is on DVD and Blu-Ray Disc for everyone to see, but did this film fail because of competition or was it just not that good? Read our review and find out.

Film and Features

Hurtling down the track, careening around, over and through the competition, Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is a natural behind the wheel. Born to race cars, Speed is aggressive, instinctive and, most of all, fearless. His only real competition is the memory of the brother he idolized-the legendary Rex Racer - whose death in a race has left behind a legacy that Speed is driven to fulfill. Speed is loyal to the family racing business, led by his father, Pops Racer (John Goodman), the designer of Speed’s thundering Mach 5. When Speed turns down a lucrative and tempting offer from Royalton Industries, he not only infuriates the company’s maniacal owner but uncovers a terrible secret-some of the biggest races are being fixed by a handful of ruthless moguls who manipulate the top drivers to boost profits. If Speed won’t drive for Royalton (Roger Allam), Royalton will see to it that the Mach 5 never crosses another finish line. The only way for Speed to save his family’s business and the sport he loves is to beat Royalton at his own game. With the support of his family and his loyal girlfriend, Trixie (Christina Ricci), Speed teams with his one-time rival-the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox) - to win the race that had taken his brother’s life: the death-defying, cross-country rally known as The Crucible.

The casting on this film is just about pitch perfect Emile Hirsch is great as Speed, its good to see him doing so very different types of projects (Alpha Dog, Into the Wild, Speed Racer) its really showing off what he can do as an actor. The rest of the cast is equally as strong, everyone does a great job, though I will admit the actor who plays Spritle is very very annoying (though he was in the anime too so Im not bothered by it).

Dont let the packaging fool you there isnt much to this release in terms of special features. The Blu-Ray edition comes with 3 disc, the first carrying the movie and special features, the second has a DVD-based game, the third disc is a Digital Copy of the film. While I was not expecting a commentary track (the Wachowski’s are notorious for not doing any kind of press for their films), but the brothers are no where to be found on this disc. We do get a couple of behind the scenes featurettes that offer a little insight into what it took to bring this film to the big screen. Speed Racer: Car-Fu Cinema is a 30 minute behind the scenes look at the visual effects style of the film. Speed Racer: Supercharged is a 15-minute look at the individual cars and drivers, providing blueprints for each vehicle and outlines of their various weapons and pilots. Spritle in the Big Leagues is a set tour by the actor that plays Spritle. And last but not least the interactive game is just horrible so no need to say anything else.
-Rating: 4 out of 5

Tech Specs

When I saw the film in the theaters the first thing out of my mouth as I was leaving the screening, was “I cant wait to see this in HD” and Warner Bros. do not dissapoint, this Blu-Ray Disc is a candy-coated wet visual feast for the eyes. It is presented in a 2.4:1 1080p Widescreen aspect ratio that is THE BEST video presentation I have ever seen on any format. The coloring is perfect, free from additional grain or noise.

When this release was first announced it was stated that it would include a Dolby TrueHD mix but when it hit store shelves, we were left with a standard Dolby Digital mix, which is great…for a Standard Def. release but it just sub-par with what Blu-Ray can provide. The soundtrack leaves a little to be desired, but the speakers really begin to pulse and shake in the racing sequences
-Rating: 4 out of 5

Overall Review

A faithful adaptation of an anime classic, Speed Racer is the best looking movie on any HD format (alive or dead). Sadly the special features are severly lacking, while were never going to get a film maker commentary why couldnt we get Joel Silver and the Cast on a track (just throwing that out there WB)
-Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Speed Racer

Film and Features: 4
Technical Specs: 4
Overall Review: 4
Studio: Warner Bros.
Genre: Action/Adventure
Aspect: 2.4:1 1080p Widescreen
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital

On November 11th Universal Home Entertainment will release Hellboy II: The Golden Army on DVD & Blu-Ray Disc. Directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Ron Pearlman, Selma Blair, and Doug Jones reprise their roles from the groundbreaking first Hellboy film. After an ancient truce existing between humankind and the invisible realm of the fantastic is broken, hell on Earth is ready to erupt. A ruthless leader who treads the world above and the one below defies his bloodline and awakens an unstoppable army of creatures. Now, it’s up to the planet’s toughest, roughest superhero to battle the merciless dictator and his marauders. He may be red. He may be horned. He may be misunderstood. But when you need the job done right, it’s time to call in Hellboy (Ron Perlman). Along with his expanding team in the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Development—pyrokinetic girlfriend Liz (Selma Blair), aquatic empath Abe (Doug Jones) and protoplasmic mystic Johann—the BPRD will travel between the surface strata and the unseen magical one, where creatures of fantasy become corporeal. And Hellboy, a creature of two worlds who’s accepted by neither, must choose between the life he knows and an unknown destiny that beckons him. As always we have the disc info after the break for the Blu-Ray edition.

Technical Specs

• 1080p Widescreen: 1.85:1
• English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

Special Features

• Feature Commentary with Director Guillermo del Toro
• Feature Commentary with Cast Members Jeffrey Tambor, Selma Blair and Luke Goss
• Set Visits: Seven mini documentaries provide viewers with unlimited access to the Hellboy II: The Golden Army set
• Troll Market Tour with Guillermo del Toro
• Animated Zinco Epilogue Comic
• Deleted Scenes With Optional Commentary by Director Guillermo del Toro
• Prologue: A special introduction to the DVD from director Guillermo del Toro
• Pre-Production Vault:
-Director’s Notebook: Exclusive interviews, image scans and text from Guillermo del Toro’s personal notebook.
-Concept Art Gallery: Original designs and concepts for Hellboy II: The Golden Army’s costumes and sets.
• Hellboy: In Service Of The Demon: Over two hours of footage that takes fans into the creation of this film
• Production Workshop: Professor Broom’s Puppet Theatre: A special look inside the opening sequence of the film including storyboards and animatics
• Image Gallery Featuring Teaser Banners, One-Sheets and Poster Explorations
• DVD Rom: Hellboy II: The Golden Army Script

Exclusive Blu-Ray Hi-Def BD-Live Bonus Features

• My Chat: Using your internet-connected player, host a text chat with your friends who also own Hellboy II: The Golden Army on Blu-ray™ Hi-Def while you watch the movie in synchronization
• Sneak Peek of Wanted: Watch never-before seen footage from the explosive action movie Wanted, starring Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy
• My Scenes Sharing: Show your friends your favorite scenes
• Comic Book Builder: Create an original downloadable Hellboy adventure by selecting still images from the movie, dropping them into comic book layouts and adding text. The result can be e-mailed to friends or published
• U-Control: Universal’s exclusive signature feature U-Control allows viewers to delve into the making of the film with the click of the remote without ever leaving the movie
• Scene Explorer: Schufften Goggle View: View scenes from the film as it progresses from storyboards and early renderings of the visual effects to the final film
• Director’s Notebook: Fans will get an interactive glimpse at the director’s personal journal and view how early thematic concepts evolved into the final film. Includes an introduction by Guillermo Del Toro
• Set Visits: Interactive vignettes provide information about key moments in the film
• Comic Book Back-Story Interactive Feature: Clickable motion pages provide backstories of the film’s characters

There are some movies that are ingrained in in peoples memory. Films that you know where you were when you first saw it. To me The Godfather and The Godfather Part II are in that league. The Godfather is quite possibly Francis Ford Coppola’s finest hour, and has already been released on DVD in a collector’s boxset as well as individual DVD’s, well now 3 years into the lifespan of Blu-Ray Disc we get a set with all 3 of the films set to release on September 23rd, and we have your early review of the set.

Film and Features

Spanning the rise and fall of the Corleone crime family headed by Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) and his family: Santino “Sonny” Corleone (James Caan), Fredo “Freddie” Corleone (John Cazale), Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) and Connie Corleone (Talia Shire). Vito Corleone is the aging don (head) of the Corleone Mafia Family. His youngest son Michael has returned from WWII just in time to see the wedding of Connie Corleone to Carlo Rizzi. All of Michael’s family is involved with the Mafia, but Michael just wants to live a normal life. Drug dealer Virgil Sollozzo is looking for Mafia Families to offer him protection in exchange for a profit of the drug money. He approaches Don Corleone about it, but, much against the advice of the Don’s lawyer Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), the Don is morally against the use of drugs, and turns down the offer. This does not please Sollozzo, who has the Don shot down by some of his hit men. The Don barely survives, which leads his son Michael to begin a violent mob war against Sollozzo and tears the Corleone family apart.

Widely considered as one of the greatest movies of all time The Godfather and The Godfather Part 2 are classics that stand the test of time, while the third is far inferior to the other 2 films, the more I watch it the more I like it.

We get a 4th disc of special features with a handful of new features (All in HD) and the commentaries on all three films and everything else from the 2001 release on this Blu-Ray Disc.
- Rating: 5 out of 5

Tech Specs

To say the DVD release of The Godfather needed improvement would be an understatement, the picture was very grainy and extremely soft and very muddy though it was suposedly mastered under Coppola’s supervision it was reguarded as one of the worst DVD transfers ever. Thankfully the Blu-Ray release fixes most of those problems while some of them are still present. We are given a 1.85:1 1080p Widescreen transfer that while given its age looks very good but still looks soft in some spots. This is as close as they have ever been to looking how it did when they were first released. And while there is still some color degradation and the occasional scratch in the print. The third film which was released in 1990 obviously looks the best out of the 3 films, featuring little to no grain at all and looks like it couldve been made yesterday.

When it was released in 2001 The Godfather Trilogy was given a full 5.1 surround mix which was perfectly fine and didnt really need improving on, which is why this Dolby TrueHD mix sounds very similar to that Dolby Digital track and adds some richness to that track that makes for a fuller sound.
- Rating: 4 out of 5

Overall Review

A great collection for a fantastic series of films. And deserves to be in your Blu-Ray Collection, it also should be noted that a new SD-DVD set and individual DVDs are being released as well.
- Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

The Godfather: The Coppola Restoration

Film and Features: 5
Technical Specs: 4
Overall Review: 5
Studio: Paramount
Genre: Drama
Aspect: 1.85:1 1080p
Audio: 5.1 Dolby TrueHD

On December 2nd Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will release this summers X-Files: I Want to Believe on DVD (with 2 seperate editions) and a BD-Live enabled Blu-Ray Disc. The film picks up six years after the series ended, The X-Files: I Want To Believe finds Fox Mulder (David Duchovny; “Californication”) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson; The Last King of Scotland) reunited after leaving their careers at the F.B.I. behind them. Forgotten by their former employer that ignored their unique investigations, the duo is called upon once again when several women begin to disappear and body parts turn up buried in the snow of the Virginia wilderness. With Mulder’s steadfast belief in the paranormal and Scully’s ever present skepticism, the investigation leads them to a shocking discovery that tests their faith and questions what is truly possible. As always we have the Specs and features of the Blu-Ray edition below for you.

Technical Specs

• Widescreen 2.40:1 1080p (AVC-MPEG 4)
• English 5.1 DTS HD Lossless Master Audio

Special Features

• Theatrical Version and Unrated Extended Cut of the film
• Audio commentary by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz
• Body Parts: Special Make-up Effects featurette
• Chris Carter: Statements on Green Production featurette
• Deleted Scenes
• Gag Reel
• Music Slideshow - “Dying 2 Live” by Xzibit
• Trust No One: Can The X-Files Remain A Secret? feature-length documentary
-Part 1 – “You Can Go Home Again”
-Part 2 – “Misinformation”
-Part 3 – “Don’t Give Up”
• BD-Live web-enabled content
-The X-Files Dossier: Agent Dakota Whitney Files – create your own Special Agent avatar profile to browse through 5 “X-Files” case files on clairvoyance; users can also participate in several online forensic challenges with Agent Drummy
• BonusView mode
-The X-Files Complete Interactive Timeline – featuring over 80 video clip segments from “The X-Files” archives
-Picture-in-picture commentary with Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz*
• In-Movie Features via BD remote direct access*
-Real-time Index (Red Button)
-BonusView Commentary (Green Button)
-Behind The Camera (Blue Button)
-Storyboards and Concept Art (Yellow Button)
• Isolated Score track
• Enhanced for D-Box Motion Code systems
• Digital Copy of the film for portable media players
*available on the Extended Cut version only

Ok this has been everywhere for the past day or so and it has actually turned out to have some legs so here it goes. A while back creators Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis did an interview stating that they had an idea for a third Ghostbusters film that would involve them training new ‘busters and unknowingly unleashing Hell on Earth in New York City and had to take down Satan himself who had taken over the mayor’s office. When that interview was made the young ghostbusters that were in talks were Ben Stiller, Chris Farley, and a few other up-and-coming comedic stars, well that idea went no where due to the fact that Bill Murray has become a little bit of a serious actor and saying that he wanted no part in a new live action Ghostbuster film but would be open to doing an animated feature. Well now The Hollywoood Reporter is reporting that writers/producers of NBC’s “The Office” Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg have been hired by Columbia Pictures to write a third Ghostbusters film. Reportedly, the new version will restart the franchise (both in the film world and for Sony), with possible involvement from the original cast members, though the original cast would not be in major roles in the new film. Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman, Harold Ramis, Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd is named as being “aware” of the project and involved in its development.

Now personally I dont mind the recent trend of remakes and refreshes of established franchises. But Ghostbusters is one of my all time favorite movie series, and to be honest I do not want to see an all new team of Ghostbusters, I would really like to see Aykroyd and Ramis vision as using New York City as a modern day Hell on Earth, but to be honest Francis Lawrence already did the same thing with Los Angeles in the Keanu Reeves film Constantine.

Ok last sunday we had the jump on everyone and announcing the release of the HBO Mini-Series Generation Kill but all we had for you was a date and boxart, well now everything is official and we can bring you exactly what you will be seeing when you get the set on December 16th of this year.

Technical Specs

• 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
• 5.1 Dolby Digital

Special Features

• Audio Commentary from creators David Simon & Ed Burns, and Author Evan Wright
• Eric Ladin’s Video Diaries
• Making Generation Kill - 30 minute featurette
• Generation Kill: A Conversation with the 1st Recon Marines

Here goes the trailer for Kevin Smith’s upcoming Zack & Miri Make a Porno starring 40 Year Old Virgin Alum’s Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks. In it the 2 play life long friends who when money gets tight conjure up a plan to make their own porn film to pay the rent.

The day has finally arrived, Transformers has hit Hi-Def….wait didnt It already? Well yea but now its on Blu-Ray Disc and Michael Bay can stop his bitching. Transformers was my favorite cartoon growing up, I had the toys, watched the show, saw the animated film in the theaters…twice! In 2007 Paramount & Hasbro enlisted the help of epic action director Michael Bay (Bad Boys, The Rock) to bring the world of the Autobots and the Decpiticons to the big screen. But is this new Blu-Ray version worth the upgrade? read on and find out.

Film and Features

Weve already had the pleasure of reviewing the initial DVD Release of the 2-Disc Special Edition back in October of 2007, so theres no need to rehash the specifics of the film.

This Blu-Ray Disc release offers the same special features as the previous 2-Disc DVD & HD-DVD release so those familiar with it know exactly what to expect all special features are presented in 1080p Hi-Def.
- Rating: 5 out of 5

Tech Specs

Transformers is Paramounts best selling High Definition Disc and they have spared no expense in porting the film over to Blu-Ray Disc. The disc features the exact same 1080p 2.35:1 AVC MPEG-4 encoded video transfer as its HD-DVD counterpart, and it looks excellent, flesh tones are perfect every detail is brought foward with stunning clarity!

A new Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix has been mixed for this release and its hard to imagine a better sounding mix anywhere else. Providing thunderous bass and excellent surround effects, Transformers is destined to become the perfect demo disc for home theater enthusiast everywhere.
- Rating: 5 out of 5

Overall Review

A definite step up from the previous Standard Def DVD version, but if you already own the HD-DVD version you already have this same exact disc, there is nothing new with it. But If your buying this film for the first time on Hi-Def it is a definite must have!
- Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Transformers

Film and Features: 5
Technical Specs: 5
Overall Review: 5
Studio: Paramount/Dream Works
Genre: Action/Sci-Fi
Aspect: 1080p 2.35:1 (AVC MPEG-4)
Audio: Dolby TrueHD 5.1

On October 21st, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Marvel Studios bring you THE INCREDIBLE HULK on DVD on both single disc and 3-Disc Special Editions & 2-Disc Blu-ray Hi-Def! The Special Edition and Blu-ray versions are loaded with bonus material with special features exclusive to the Blu-ray version. As always we have all the information after the jump.

Technical Specs
• Widescreen 2.35:1 (1080p AVC-Mpeg4 Codec)
• DTS HD Master Audio 5.1

Special Features

• Alternate Opening
• The Making of THE INCREDIBLE HULK: An in-depth look at the making of the blockbuster film, featuring interviews with Edward Norton, director Louis Leterrier, and producers Avi Arad, Kevin Feige and Gale Anne Hurd and the entire cast and crew. The documentary covers the film’s innovative take on the character, look and storyline, as well as the casting process, production and profile of director Louis Leterrier.
• Becoming The Hulk: This featurette focuses on Edward Norton’s approach to the iconic role and the incredible visual effects employed by award®-winning studio Rhythm & Hues to create the character on screen.
• Becoming The Abomination: From the first motion-capture session to the visual effects at Rhythm & Hues, viewers go behind the scenes with actor Tim Roth and watch as he transforms both his mind and body into the super villain known as The Abomination.
• Anatomy of a Hulk Out: Behind-the-scenes looks at three of the movie’s most exciting action sequences:
- Hulking Out in the Bottling Plant – Go inside the first action sequence of the film where both viewers and the army are given a glimpse of the Hulk to come.
- Hulking Out on Campus – A behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a Hulk action sequence, featuring airplanes, guns, and even a sound machine.
- Hulking Out in Harlem – From pre-visualization animatics to visual effects, this featurette shows how filmmakers created one of the largest action sequences in Marvel film history.
From Comic Book to Screen: See the incredible comic books come to life courtesy of narration, sound effects and “living” panels of action.
• Feature Commentary With Director Louis Leterrier And Cast
• Digital Copy

Blu-Ray Exclusive Features

• U Control: Universal’s exclusive signature feature, U Control puts viewers one click away from going deeper into the making of the film without ever interrupting the movie, through animated comic book panels, storyboards, early renderings of the visual effects, interactive cast and crew interviews and exclusive information about the characters, back story, and THE INCREDIBLE HULK physics.
- Thunderbolt Files – Explore the top-secret files of the forces hunting The Hulk with this interactive feature that takes you deeper into the movie – without ever leaving the film.
- Scene Explorer – Discover the secrets behind the special effects! Explore all the individual layers that go into an effects-intensive scene with this unique Blu-ray feature.
- Comic Book Gallery – Enjoy a Hi-Def experience of the classic comic book images that inspired key shots in the movie.
• BD-LIVE FEATURES – Blu-ray and Playstation3 players with an Internet connection can access exclusive interactive applications that allow viewers to communicate with friends and family while watching the film:
- My Chat – Just plug your player into your Internet connection and connect to BD-Live to chat with friends while watching the movie and conduct your very own private screening discussions.
- My Scenes Sharing – Share your favorite clips with your buddies through the BD Live Internet connection.

Even though the 7-part Mini Series just wrapped tonight, HBO has set a December 16th release date for this title, produced and adapted for the network by David Simon & Ed Burns (The Wire) based off of Evan Wright’s book of the same name. Generation Kill follows the highly trained Maries of First Recon Battalion through the first 40 days of the Iraq War and in that time frame they deal with supply shortages, incompetent commanding officers, and life in general. All that is known as of right now is that it is a 3-Disc set, no word on special features or specific technical specs but its safe to say it will feature a 1.78:1 Widescreen Aspect Ratio with 5.1 Surround Sound. No word on a Blu-Ray release either but we will keep you posted as soon as word breaks!

The Rumor has been floating around since the release of Superman Returns most of it confirmed prior and some just speculation, well now we have gotten the official word. DC Comics and Warner Bros. studios plan on rebooting the Superman film franchise, completely ignoring 2006’s Superman Returns. In an article in the Wallstreet Journal Warner Bros. Pictures Group President Jeff Robinov had the following to say which you can read after the jump.

Warner Bros. also put on hold plans for another movie starring multiple superheroes — known as “Batman vs. Superman” — after the $215 million “Superman Returns,” which had disappointing box-office returns, didn’t please executives. “‘Superman’ didn’t quite work as a film in the way that we wanted it to,” says Mr. Robinov. “It didn’t position the character the way he needed to be positioned.” “Had ‘Superman’ worked in 2006, we would have had a movie for Christmas of this year or 2009,” he adds. “But now the plan is just to reintroduce Superman without regard to a Batman and Superman movie at all.”

The studio is set to announce its plans for future DC movies in the next month. For now, though, it is focused on releasing four comic-book films in the next three years, including a third Batman film, a new film reintroducing Superman, and two movies focusing on other DC Comics characters. Movies featuring Green Lantern, Flash, Green Arrow, and Wonder Woman are all in active development.

I’ve said it time and time again, The Wire is by far one of the best pieces of television to ever be given to us in the past 20 or so years. Created by former Baltimore Sun reporter David Simon and former Baltimore Police Dective-turned-School Teacher Ed Burns. From the streets to the port to the schools and the halls of government, The Wire has chronicled the tribulations of a post-industrial American city. Now, in its final season, the drama directs its last question to the media and its consumers: If anything in The Wire’s depiction of urban America was genuine or important, then what is it, exactly, that occupies our attentions? What are the stories we embrace? And what are the stories we ignore? And why?

Series and Features

In a city that can no longer even recognize its problems, much less begin to solve them, police detectives attempt to bring in one last, worthy case against a violent crew of narcotics traffickers. And when bureaucratic poverty and infighting threatens that case, one detective will risk everything, creating a fraud that will eventually entangle the city’s newspaper, which is weakened by declines in circulation and advertising. With journalism itself so vulnerable and desperate, an unscrupulous, ambitious reporter will ride the story wherever it goes - or wherever he wants it to go.

The major themes of this season can be boiled down in 2 direct quotes from this season “The Bigger The Lie, The More They Believe” and “Doing More With Less”. The doing more quote can be applied to both the story of this particular season, and the behind the scenes story of this season. The previous 4 seasons were all either 12 or 13 episodes each, well for its final season HBO originally wanted Simon to wrap up all the loose ends in 8 episodes, but he was able to talk them up to a more resonable 10, though even with the extra two episodes a lot of the action still felt rushed.

Everyone who has read my previous reviews on the third and fourth seasons or have the series previous seasons on DVD in their own collections kinda already know what to expect with this 4-Disc boxset. You get 6 audio commentary tracks by David Simon and Co. as well as 2 promotional behind the scenes featurettes that aired on HBO before the start of the season. It wouldve been nice if they had included the mini-prequels that were on HBO-ONDemand but alas they are not there. The audio commentary tracks are very informative and well worth your time to give them a listen. The featurettes are worth checking out at least once, if you have not seen them already.
- Rating: 4 out of 5

Tech Specs

Presented in its original 4:3 full screen aspect, HBO has always done an excellent job with the video quality on their DVD efforts and this set is no different, the disc do a good job in accurately portraying the realistic puesdo-documentary style that the series is known for. The 5.1 Dolby Digital track is perfectly sparse. If that sounds like an oxy-moron to you than you are absolutely right, The Wire is a VERY dialouge driven show, with absolutely NO musical score at all, in fact the only music you hear comes from the car radio’s of the characters (with the exception of the song that closes out the final espisodes montage). You do get a variety of ambient sounds in your rear surround’s though (the faint yelling of dealers on other corners, cars going by, police sirens), and its in these ambient details that really make this audio track so incredible!
- Rating: 5 out of 5

Overall Review

While not the strongest season, David Simon and company have put together; to me thats still season 2 though if you ask most people they will say Season 4 was the series watermark. But Simon does some how, manage to close up all the loose ends that he has laid out in the previous 4 seasons of the show, while still showing that this story may infact be over, but on the streets of Baltimore, if you take down one Drug empire another one will pop up in its place, if one junkie gets clean someone else is getting ready to destroy their life by putting that needle in their arm. The more things change, the more they stay the same!
- Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

The Wire: The Complete 5th Season

Film and Features: 4
Technical Specs: 5
Overall Review: 5
Studio: HBO Video/Warner Bros.
Genre: Drama/Crime
Aspect: 1.33:1 Full Screen
Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital

This summer may as well be called The Summer of the Bat, with the Dark Knight ruling the box office since its release and to celebrate its release Warner Brothers has put out a slew of titles to promote the film. We’ve already reviewed the Blu-Ray release of Batman Begins and now we bring you the review of the animated bridge between the two films Batman: Gotham Knight.

Film and Features

When The Matrix Reloaded was set to release The Wachowski’s put brought together some of the best studios and directors to bring stories from their universe to life to expand the overall expierence of the movie with The Animatrix. Well now Christopher Nolan and the producers of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight have done just the same with Gotham Knight. A series of 6 interconnecting stories that bridge the gap between the two films and show Batman’s rise from novice crimefighter to The Dark Knight we have come to expect him. These globe-spanning adventures pit Batman against the fearsome Scarecrow, the freakish Killer Croc, and the unerring marksman Deadshot. From some of the world’s most visionary animators and comic book legends (Brian Azzarello, David S. Goyer, etc…) comes a thrilling depiction of Batman as man, myth and legend.

Warner Bros. released 3 versions for home release: A single disc DVD, a 2-Disc Special Edition and a Blu-Ray version, unfortunately we were only given a copy of the single disc edition to review so our review will reflect so. On this disc we have a great feature commentary by DC Comics Executive Gregory Noveck, former Batman Editor Dennis O’Neil, and Kevin Conroy (The Voice of Batman for Batman: The Animated Series, Batman: Mask of the Phantasam, Justice League). As well as a exclusive Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Animated Feature - Wonder Woman.
- Rating: 4 out of 5

Tech Specs

Presented in a 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen Aspect Ratio, Gotham Knight looks incredible, though there is no reason why any animated release shouldnt look great. Colors are vibrant and the over all style oozes all over the screen, each animator has a specific style and drastic take on the Batman mythos and it shows with each segment. The audio is also superb sporting both English and Japanese 5.1 tracks (since it was animated by the masters of Japanese Animation, they did their own script translation as well.) Bass is deep and responsive, and the surround effects are top notch.
- Rating: 5 out of 5

Overall Review

A great treat for those who are looking for more Batman in their life. Batman: Gotham Knight is something for the casual and hardcore fans alike.
- Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Batman: Gotham Knight

Film and Features: 4
Technical Specs: 5
Overall Review: 4
Studio: Warner Premier/Warner Bros. Animation
Genre: Action
Aspect: 1.85:1 Anamporphic Widescreen
Audio: 5.1 English & Japanese Dolby Digital

On October 14th, Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Home Entertainment will release the worldwide box office blockbuster INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL on DVD and Blu-ray! 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. The specs are after rather lengthy so check them out after the jump!

Technical Specs
• 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen (1080p-AVC Codec)
• 5.1 THX Certified Dolby TrueHD

Special Features

Disc 1

• Indiana Jones Timelines
- Story Timeline: Showcases the key events of the “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” storyline
- Production Timeline: A Making-of chronology for “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”.
- Historical Timeline: Dives into the real-world historical influences that are referenced in the
• The Return of a Legend - The evolution of the new film and a tribute to the legendary hero and his creators. (HD)
• Pre-Production - Follows Steven Spielberg as he creates animatic sequences, Shia LaBeouf as he learns to swordfight and captures the reunion of filmmakers and cast on the soundstage. (HD)

Disc 2

• Production Diary: Making Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
- Shooting Begins: New Mexico (HD)
- Back To School: New Haven , Connecticut (HD)
-Welcome to the Jungle: Hilo , Hawaii (HD)
- On-Set Action (HD)
- Exploring Akator (HD)
- Wrapping Up! (HD)
• Warrior Makeup (HD)
• The Crystal Skulls (HD)
• Iconic Props (HD)
• The Effects of Indy (HD)
• Adventures in Post Production (HD)
• Closing: Team Indy (HD)
• Pre-Visualization Sequences
-Area 51 Escape (HD)
-Jungle Chase (HD)
-Ants Attack (HD)
Galleries
-The Art Department
-Stan Winston Studio
-Production Photographs
-Portraits
-Behind-the-Scenes Photographs

Well this image has been making its rounds the net today, but im sure there might be 1 or 2 people who havent seen it. Here is a first look at Jake Gyllenhaal as the title character in the upcoming Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.

Sad news coming from Chicago, Actor and Comedian Bernie Mac has passed away at the age of 50, from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital. The comedian suffered from sarcoidosis, an inflammatory lung disease that produces tiny lumps of cells in the body’s organs, but had said the condition went into remission in 2005. Mac was born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough on Oct. 5, 1957, in Chicago. He grew up on the city’s South Side, living with his mother and grandparents. His grandfather was the deacon of a Baptist church.

on September 30th, Paramount and Marvel Studios will release 3 editions of John Favreau’s Iron Man. There will be your standard 1-Disc movie only release, a 2-Disc Ultimate Edition DVD and a Ultimate Edition Blu-Ray Disc. As always we have your info below, just to let you know the following info is on the Blu-Ray Disc release, though all the same features will be available on the 2-Disc DVD as well.

Technical Specs
• 2.40:1 Widescreen 16×9 (AVC-1080p Transfer)
• English 5.1 Dolby True HD

Special Features
Disc 1
• Hall of Armor
• The Invincible Iron Man (HD)
-Origins
-Friends & Foes
-The Definitive Iron Man
-Demon in a Bottle
-Extremis and Beyond
-Ultimate Iron Man
• Deleted/Extended Scenes (HD)
• BD Live Features
-Iron Man IQ

Disc 2
• I Am Iron Man (HD)
-The Journey Begins
-The Suit that makes the Iron Man
-The Walk of Destruction
-Grounded In Reality
-Beneath the Armor
-It’s All in the Details
-A Good Story, Well Told
• Wired: The Visual Effects of Iron Man (HD)
• Robert Downey Jr. Screen Test (HD)
• The Actor’s Process (scene rehearsal with cast) (HD)
• The Onion “Wildly Popular Iron Man Trailer to be Adapted into Full Length Film” (HD)
• Theatrical Trailers (HD)
• Image Galleries