Valentine’s Day Blu-ray Review
“Valentine’s Day” is sappy, predictable Hollywood dreck. Continue reading
Edge Of Darkness Blu-Ray
Mel Gibson returns to acting after 8 years in a new action thriller “Edge Of Darkness”, which is based on a British mini-series from the 80s. Directed by Martin Campbell, who directed the original mini-series and also the James Bond remake, “Casino Royale”. Gibson plays a Boston cop and single father of a daughter who works at a mysterious research facility. When she comes home for a visit, she’s sick from unknown reasons and as he takes her to the Dr., she is shot and dies as they are walking out the door of their house. At first, the police investigation centers on Gibson and who might want to harm him but after talking to some of his daughter’s friends it becomes clear to him that she was the one gunned down. The rest of the film is all about Gibson finding out who and why his daughter was killed. Gibson is haunted by earlier images of his daughter throughout the film, which brings a supernatural element to the plot. Continue reading
Armageddon Blu-Ray
Michael Bay’s big film before “Transformers” was this doomsday plot action thriller with producer Jerry Bruckheimer on board. Stars Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Steve Buscemi, Billy Bob Thornton, Owen Wilson, Michael Duncan, and Will Patton are put in charge of saving the planet from a rogue comet the size of Texas, as no one in the government can hold a candle to these oil drilling experts. (We need these guys in the Gulf of Mexico right now!). The semi-serious plot (the end of the world sure is funny)involves their recruitment, training and their adventures getting to the comet to drill a hole and stuff it with a nuke before it impacts Earth. Along the way they team up with a space happy Russian cosmonaut and “serious” members of the NASA crew.
The science part of this science fiction film is laughable but the movie in general is really one of those “put your brain on hold and just watch the action” type films anyway. If you can get around those facts that are glaring in parts (fires in space?) you could enjoy the film for its effects, humor and action sequences.
The blu-ray picture is up to Disney (Touchstone) standards, as well as the DTS-MA sound. Extras are not plentiful at all, which is a disturbing trend for Disney films( Tombstone also lacked extras found on the Vista series dvd set) but all we get on this blu-ray is Aerosmith’s music video I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing, a theatrical trailer, and teaser trailer. With the Criterion dvd set loaded extras this a real letdown.
Tombstone Blu-Ray
“Tombstone” has got to be one of the finest modern Westerns ever made. The story of legendary Wyatt Earp and the affable but deadly Doc Holliday are skillfully played by Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer. The supporting cast of Sam Elliot, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Michael Biehn, Charleton Heston (in one of his final film roles) and Dana Delaney among others, make this the definitive film about Earp in Arizona before and after the famous shootout at the OK Corral.It is a memorable experience to enjoy through many viewings.
The film is historically accurate and was researched thoroughly before scenes were added to the two plus hour film. While some might say the film was a Hollywood recreation of history, eyewitness accounts of events were used in the writing of the final script for authenticity.
Val Kilmer makes this film much more with his portrayal of Holliday. His witty lines, southern drawl, and remarkable characterization are dead on from start to finish. He is the ultimate “Huckleberry” of this film, showing up even the talented Russell.
This blu-ray disc is a welcome addition to any western fan’s library. The picture is outstanding; you can count the hairs on Sam Elliot’s mustache in some scenes, it’s that sharp. Colors are rich and well balanced. The sound is also excellent throughout, from bullets flying past your ear to the thunder of horses riding into town.
Extras include most of what was on the Vista series dvd set but not the commentary from director George P. Cosmatos, or the extra four minutes from the director’s cut of the film. There was certainly enough space on the disc for these but were left out. However, that’s my only peeve about the disc on this blu-ray. It’s a film that deserves blu-ray and I’m glad Disney has finally given it to us in high definition.
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans Blu-Ray
“Bad Lieutenant:Port Of Call New Orleans” is a Werner Herzog film starring Nicholas Cage in the title role. The film centers on this decorated police officer, who also is addicted to drugs and fits the title of the film perfectly. Cage fans will see him at his maniacal best in this modern noir portrait by Herzog. Of course, Herzog has to throw in a few bizarre statements of his own, such as the “Iguana cam” and the “alligator cam”, just to keep you wondering what the hell is going on.
Costars in this black comedy-police drama include Eva Mendez as the bad girl Cage loves, Val Kilmer as his co-worker/partner (one of the best roles in a while for him), Jennifer Coolidge, Fairuza Balk and Brad Dourif. Together they show the sleezy side of post Katrina New Orleans in a atmospheric tale of crooked cops, drugs and murder.
The blu-ray presentation is first rate and really shows off the atmospheric lighting in the film, which has a major impact in scenes. Extras consist of a lengthy, multi-segmented “making of ” featurette with Herzog and cast. While it is interesting to watch once, that would probably be the only time. “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans” is an entertaining but slightly bizarre film that shows off the acting talents of Cage to the max. Fans of his will definitely want to pick this up to add to their collection of his great performances.
IMAX:Under The Sea Blu-Ray
Howard Hall does the principal work in this IMAX presentation on Blu-Ray, directing, filming, and writing most of the narration. He previously has done other IMAX sea documentaries with great success. Narrated by Jim Carrey, the film covers species around the coral reefs of the world and their unique ways of protecting themselves, their mating habits and rituals and the symbiotic relationships some have formed. Highlights include the cuttlefish, the great white shark (filmed outside of a cage), Australian sea lions, beautiful jellyfish, sea dragons, and sea snakes.Without getting too heavy handed, the narration also sends the message that the changing climate caused by global warming is killing off some of these areas and animals.
The blu-ray picture is what you’d expect; the colors and detail are stunning and the additional sounds and enhancements in surround sound make this a quite entertaining film, even though it is way too short (40 minutes). The film was originally made for a 3D IMAX presentation but this disc is 2D. Extras on the disc include a ten minute advertisement about the film (making of feature) and some extra footage in each area they filmed in. This is worth watching just to see the incredible amount of equipment needed to film an IMAX film; the camera alone weighs in at about 1300 pounds and can only take 3 minutes of film at a time before it has to be reloaded. It takes an enormous amount of crew and transportation to get the filmmakers where they need to go.
I can highly recommend this short film that studies sea life and captures some rare moments. The narration is family friendly and the film can be enjoyed by all members of the family. Rated G.
Fantastic Mr. Fox Blu-Ray
It’s been a while since anyone has made a stop motion animated picture from start to finish (other than Wallace and Gomit) so this release is refreshing to watch. Those of you who grew up with computer animated features will probably “not get” this film, as the method for moving the characters is not consistent (fur moves, jerky movements) but that is also part of the joy of this movie, as it allows a lot to be on the screen with vivid colors and textures, brought out further by the blu-ray disc’s high resolution. If you can get past the fact that this was done the “old fashioned way”, you will learn to appreciate the painstaking approach to this kind of animation and will find a great story for adults and kids.
George Clooney and Meryl Streep lend their voices to the main characters which involves a fox and his family life as he plots for one, last big heist against the farmers before settling down for good. Things don’t go as planned and the animals find themselves in a major conflict with humans. The satirical nature of the script will have adults laughing as hard as the kids but for different reasons. I think adults may like this film even better than kids. Wes Anderson directs this film of a Roald Dahl story. If you’ve seen or read any of Dahl’s works you can understand why this film has a lot of hidden meanings. Add to this Wes Anderson’s quirky nature that he has in a lot of his films(Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums) and you have a great combination.
The disc set features a digital copy, a dvd and blu-ray discs, with additional features, such as a “making of special”, a look at the puppet makers, and a feature on characters created by Roald Dahl, making this an excellent value. Please grab this disc set and prepare yourself for a great evening of entertainment.
Sherlock Holmes Blu-Ray
Ah, leave it to Hollywood to reinvent one of the most celebrated detectives in fiction, casting two of the most dynamic leading men for the roles, and have a major hit from it, which leads right into a sequel. Robert Downey Jr., already red hot with his “Ironman” franchise, plays Holmes as an eccentric social misfit who is brilliant in flashes but is inept in some everyday situations, as shown when he meets Watson’s fiancee(Kelly Reilly). Watson, played by Jude Law, helps to even out his chum, with unending patience and also with muscle, at times. This Holmes is as much the mental giant as portrayed by Basil Rathbone but with added action hero characteristics. Add to the mix a past love (Rachel McAdams) who works for a shady “professor” for romantic intrigue and some additional humor. Guy Ritchie directs the film with a lot of fast paced action throughout.
This Holmes is as fit as any action hero, and the film has many elements of an adventure/action thriller with elements of the supernatural thrown in. The villain is less than memorable, a British Lord who has risen from the dead to create chaos for the English government. Of course, Holmes, manages to explain everything logically in the end.
The blu-ray disc contains a typical amount of extras including a feature on the making of the film and by watching this you will see just how much CGI is relied on to make today’s films. The CGI is very good at displaying late 19th century London.
If you like action/adventure, quick witted dialog and eccentric Robert Downey Jr. characters, this film will not disappoint.
Lord Of The RIngs (Theatrical Version) Blu-Ray
Okay, I bought the first dvd set of these three films when they came out, and then waitied with most of the public for the extended versions to come out a year later. Now New Line is doing the same number on the public as before, releasing the theatrical versions of the films in one case, along with dvd extras on dvds (not blu-ray) and making us wait even longer for the films extended versions on blu-ray. It really sucks that New Line is doing this to fans of the films, who have been devoted and patient for their release on high definition.
This edition really shows that not much effort was put into its release; the films themselves look great but they are bare bone discs with no extras other than BD-Live. Even the menus are plain and ordinary, without even any animation. The package itself is also very plain, without an insert or any additional information.
These films, even if they are only the theatrical versions, deserve better than this package. I’m sure New Line will have the Extended Versions done in time for the holidays, bilking the public to buy the trilogy again, the way it should have been released in the first place. Rent this edition to enjoy the films; do not buy unless money is no object in your life.
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