On time for this week. HOORAY! Getting these cranked out on time feels oh so sweet. Well anyway, this is a fucking HUGE week for releases so let us jump right in and get to all the goodies. Some of the must own blu-rays include ‘Dazed and Confused’, ‘Super’, plus some other goodies. As usual, in this article, you will get some info about the disc and the extras that come with the movie as well as a personal opinion about the movie and a link to purchase the film over at AMAZON where you can save quite a bit of money, and it will give a small percentage kick back to this site so we can continue bringing you excellent stories and sales.
Enjoy and Here We Go!!
THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS (CRITERION COLLECTION BLURAY)
Criterion rolls out the red carpet yet again with their re-release of the amazing and tragic ‘Battle of Algiers’. “One of the most influential political films in history, The Battle of Algiers, by Gillo Pontecorvo (Kapò), vividly re-creates a key year in the tumultuous Algerian struggle for independence from the occupying French in the 1950s. As violence escalates on both sides, children shoot soldiers at point-blank range, women plant bombs in cafés, and French soldiers resort to torture to break the will of the insurgents. Shot on the streets of Algiers in documentary style, the film is a case study in modern warfare, with its terrorist attacks and the brutal techniques used to combat them. Pontecorvo’s tour de force has astonishing relevance today.” This looks AMAZING on bluray and sounds pretty amazing too. A must own.
EXTRAS
Gillo Pontecorvo: The Dictatorship of Truth, a documentary narrated by literary critic Edward Said
Theatrical and rerelease trailers
Production gallery
A booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Peter Matthews, excerpts from Algeria’s National Liberation Front leader Saadi Yacef’s original account of his arrest, excerpts from the film’s screenplay, a reprinted interview with cowriter Franco Solinas, and biographical sketches of key figures in the French-Algerian War
Marxist Poetry: The Making of “The Battle of Algiers,” a documentary featuring interviews with Pontecorvo, Gatti, composer Ennio Morricone, and others
Interviews with Spike Lee, Mira Nair, Julian Schnabel, Steven Soderbergh, and Oliver Stone on the film’s influence, style, and importance
Remembering History, a documentary reconstructing the Algerian experience of the battle for independence
“États d’armes,” a documentary excerpt featuring senior French military officers recalling the use of torture and execution to combat the Algerian rebellion
“The Battle of Algiers”: A Case Study, a video piece featuring U.S. counterterrorism experts
Gillo Pontecorvo’s Return to Algiers, a documentary in which the filmmaker revisits the country after three decades of independence
CAMERAMAN: THE LIFE AND WORK OF JACK CARDIFF (BLURAY)
A Fucking must purchase for any lover of cinema or film student. Jack Cardiff is the man. He is a legend. “Oscar-winning cinematographer Jack Cardiff had a career that spanned nine decades of moving pictures, providing a number of timeless classics such as “The African Queen” and “The Red Shoes.” Through his pioneering use of Technicolor photography, his work behind the camera altered the look of films permanently.” This is just badass. Get this.
EXTRAS
Interview with Craig McCall by Ian Christie
Jack’s Actress Portraits
Jack’s Behind-the-Scenes Movies
Cinematographer and Director Relationship
Working with Three-Strip Technicolor
Photo Galleries
Original Theatrical Trailer
Other Strand Releasing Trailers
DAZED AND CONFUSED (BLURAY)
This is not the Criterion Collection version. This standard release is far inferior to the Dazed and Confused Criterion version. I recommend wait for that bluray to be released which will be in October, but if you must own Dazed and Confused now, then get this. This does not have a lot of extras on it either. But this movie is a cult classic. Tons of famous celebrities before they were known world wide are in the this movie. It is hilarious and true to the time. ”
Complete with tie-dye and bell bottoms macramé and mood rings Dazed and Confused follows a group of high school students on the last day of school and one wild night they’d never forget…if only they could remember. Featuring a superb ensemble cast including Ben Affleck Matthew McConaughey Milla Jovovich and Parker Posey Richard Linklater’s (The School of Rock) critically acclaimed cult favorite features classic rock music by Aerosmith Black Sabbath and KISS and delivers an enduring film that Rolling Stone calls “spectacularly funny!”Starring: Jason London Ben Affleck Matthew McConaughey Parker Posey Milla Jovovich Joey Lauren Adams Rory Cochrane Adam Goldberg Michelle Burke Anthony Rapp Cole Hauser Wiley Wiggins Esteban Powell Nicky KattDirected by: Richard Linklater” I’d wait for the Criterion release.
EXTRAS
Deleted Scenes
“The Blunt Truth” featurette
Retro Public Service Announcements
U-Control: The Music of Dazed and Confused
BD-Live
pocket BLU app
My Scenes
DEAD MAN (BLURAY)
“A young man in search of a fresh start, William Blake (Depp), embarks on an exciting journey to a new town…never realizing the danger that lies ahead. But when a heated love triangle ends in double murder, Blake finds himself a wanted man, running scared—until a mysterious loner teaches him to face the dangers that follow a “dead man.” With an outstanding supporting cast includingGabriel Byrne (TV’s In Treatment) and Robert Mitchum (Cape Fear), Dead Man is another motion picture triumph from filmmaker Jim Jarmusch.” Great older film with the stunning Johnny Depp. Check this out. Glad this is on Bluray.
FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH (BLURAY)
One of the greatest films about high school. And Sean Penn’s best role to date. Forever Live Spicoli. “Academy Award® winner Sean Penn stars as the unforgettable Jeff Spicoli in the film that defined the outrageous and bold teen comedy genre Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Follow a group of Southern California high school students as they explore their most important subjects: sex drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. Directed by Amy Heckerling (Clueless) and written by Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous) this hilarious portrait of 1980s American teen life features film debuts of future stars Nicolas Cage and Forest Whitaker plus decade-defining music from The Go-Go’s Oingo Boingo and The Cars.Starring: Sean Penn Jennifer Jason Leigh Judge Reinhold Phoebe Cates Ray Walston Brian Backer Robert Romanus Scott Thomson Vincent Schiavelli Forest Whitaker Eric Stoltz Nicolas Cage Anthony Edwards Lana ClarksonDirected by: Amy Heckerling” Definitely worth getting. Criterion, why haven;t you made this part of your catalogue?
EXTRAS
Audio commentary with director Amy Heckerling and writer Cameron Crowe
“Reliving Our Fast Times at Ridgemont High” documentary
The Music of Fast Times at Ridgemont High
“Scene Companion” viewing option (PiP)
Trailer
THE FOX AND THE HOUND/THE FOX AND THE HOUND 2 (BLURAY+DVD)
Disney rolls out another film from the vault. This time it is the beloved ‘Fox and the Hound’. I have not watched the first film since it was released on VHS in that white plastic foamy packaging. And I never did see the sequel that was direct to video. I will say that the original Fox and the Hound film still holds up. It was amazing seeing it in hi-def. It looked fantastic and sounded beautiful and clear. “When Tod, an orphaned fox cub meets Copper, a coonhound puppy, they make a pledge to be lifelong friends, not realizing that Copper is being groomed to hunt wild animals, including foxes. Copper spends the winter with his owner, Slade, and an older dog, Chief, tracking animals at a remote cabin. When they return, a lonely Tod eagerly greets his old playmate but is stunned when a reluctant Copper joins Slade and Chief to chase Tod through the forest. During the pursuit, Tod escapes but Chief is seriously injured. Seeking revenge, Copper hunts down Tod only to find himself confronting an even bigger enemy, which he and Tod must face together.” It was great to hear Kurt Russell’s and Mickey Rooney’s voice again in the first film. It took me back. Now for the second film. Part two was not my favorite, but it was ok. Children will enjoy it. “In The Fox and the Hound 2, music takes centerstage as Tod contemplates joining up with “The Singin’ Strays,” a group of harmonizing dogs appearing at the local county fair but dreaming of hitting the big time at the Grand OleOpry. While Tod does his best to fit in with his new friends, Copper finds himself relegated to “roadie,” a position he begins to resent. With the encouragement of Dixie, the “diva” of “The Singin” Strays,” Copper manages to sabotage an important audition. The next day, their differences forgotten, Copper and Tod team up and, using Copper’s superior tracking skills, they locate the Grand Ole Opry talent scout who signs “The Singin’ Strays” (minus Tod, who chooses his friendship with Copper over fame) on the spot.” A must have.
EXTRAS
Blu-ray Disc:
· Unlikely Friends: A fun and fascinating Collection of Unlikely Friendships in the Animal Kingdom (ALL-NEW) — Friendships know no boundaries. They can occur across country lines, be shared among
young and old and even develop between different species!
DVD’s:
· The Fox and the Hound:
o “Best of Friends” Sing-A-Long – Viewers are invited to sing along with Pearl Bailey on this Walt Disney Classic Song.
o Passing the Baton: Making of The Fox and the Hound – This feature allows fans to take a deeper look at this little bit of Disney history as legendary animators hand over the reins to a new generation.
· The Fox and the Hound 2 :
o “You Know I Will” Music Video – High School Musical Star Lucas Grabeel sings this end-credit song.
o The Making of the Music – Music is the center stage in The Fox and the Hound 2. As such, this feature showcases how the songs in the film were created with Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood and some of the hottest performers in Nashville. Viewers will further discover how animation and music work together to further enhance a classic story.
MARS NEEDS MOMS (BLURAY3D+BLURAY 2D+DVD+DIGITAL COPY)
This movie was actually a whole lot of fun. I was very surprised on how much I liked it. I’ll be honest, I went into watching the film expecting a complete turd, but I was surprised by how adult it was. This movie was really good. It was funny, smart, and thrilling all at the same time. “Take out the trash, eat your broccoli — who needs moms anyway? Nine-year-old Milo (Seth Green) finds out how much he needs his mom (Joan Cusack) when she’s nabbed by Martians who plan to steal her mom-ness for their own young. In a race against time and oxygen, his quest to save her knows no bounds. And with some unexpected help, Milo just might find his way back to her — in more ways than one.” The 3D was BADASS and it looked INCREDIBLE and sounded even better than incredible. This is up there with some Pixar films. This really did do a great job. Highly recommended.
EXTRAS
Blu-ray 3D:
Everything on the Blu-ray & DVD plus….
· Mom-Napping (All-new 3D Exclusive) –There’s more than meets the eye during the Martian abduction of Milo’s Mom. This alternate scene — completely finished in 3D — tells all.
Blu-ray 2D:
Everything on the DVD plus…
· Extended Opening – The movie begins… but wait, there’s more. See it here.
· Life On Mars: The Full Motion-Capture Experience– Go way behind the scenes to the ‘space’ where the actors’ performances are captured. This feature-length, picture-in-picture viewing mode also lets you listen to director Simon Wells and actors Seth Green and Dan Fogler give a fun and insightful look into creating the movie.
· Deleted Scenes with Simon Wells introductions (4 Blu-ray 2D Exclusive Deleted Scenes) – 7 deleted scenes of which four are exclusive to the Blu-ray 2D release. Some cool scenes ended up on the cutting room floor. Now you can see them with introductions by director Simon Wells.
· “Flower Power” Easter Egg – the name of the show that Ki watched and learned English from is entitled “Freaks on the Street.”
Movie Download:
Everything on the DVD plus…
· Deleted Scenes – Three deleted scenes with introductions by Director Simon Wells
DVD:
· “Fun With Seth” – The cast and crew had a galaxy of fun making Mars Needs Moms, thanks to the on-set antics of Seth Green and Dan Fogler. Watch them do the ROM dance see them compete to see who can do their verbal ROM the fastest, and much more.
· Martian 101 – Do you speak Martian? Go behind the scenes and see how the producer and cast came up with their own unique Martian language. Then learn how to speak it yourselfwith lessons from a leading Martian language expert.
PAUL (BLURAY+DVD+DIGITAL COPY)
A fun light hearted comedy with one of the funniest duos in cinema right now and an extra terrestrial. “Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz Shaun of the Dead) reunite as sci-fi geeks taking a pilgrimage to America’s UFO heartland. There they meet a smart-ass alien Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen) who takes them on an insane road trip. As they struggle to return Paul home the little green man might just take the outcasts from misfits to intergalactic heroes. From the director of Superbad Greg Mottola and with a stellar supporting cast including Jason Bateman Kristen Wiig Bill Hader Joe Lo Truglio Jane Lynch and Sigourney Weaver Paul is a must-own comedy adventure not to be missed!Starring: Simon Pegg Nick Frost Jason Bateman Kristen Wiig Bill Hader Blythe Danner Joe Lo Truglio John Carroll Lynch Jane Lynch David Koechner Jesse Plemons Sigourney Weaver Jeffrey Tambor Steven SpielbergDirected by: Greg Mottola” Definitely worth having in any movie collection. Looks and sounds BADASS. Get this.
EXTRAS
Feature Commentary with director Greg Mottola, stars Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Bill Hader and producer Nira Park
Bloopers
The Evolution of Paul
Simon’s Silly Faces
Who the Hell is Adam Shadowchild?
Photo Galleries, Storyboards and Posters
Between the Lightning Strikes: The Making of Paul
5th Date Level Direction: The Cast on Greg Mottola
Mexico Zero: The Locations of Paul
The Many Pauls
Paul: The Musical
The Traveler Beagle
BD-LIVE™ (pocket BLU™, Advanced Remote Control Video Timeline, Mobile-To-Go)
RV Doorway: The Cast of Paul On-Location
Runway Santa Fe: An Interview with Nancy Steiner
Smithereens
SUPER (BLURAY)
If you were fortunate enough to catch this in theaters, then you already know how fucking kick-ass James Gunn is and how awesome this movie is. “When sad-sack loser Frank (Rainn Wilson, ‘The Office’), a short-order cook, sees his ex-addict wife (Liv Tyler, ‘The Lord of the Rings’) willingly snatched away by a seductive drug dealer (Kevin Bacon), he finds himself bereft and unable to cope. But he decides to fight back under the guise of a do-it-yourself superhero called Crimson Bolt. With a red hand-made suit, a wrench, a crazed sidekick named Boltie (Ellen Page, ‘Juno’) – and absolutely nothing in the way of superpowers – Crimson Bolt beats his way through the mean streets of crime in hopes of saving his wife.” This is definitely a must own. Show your friends and show your friend’s friends. Yall will be talking about this movie for a while.
YOUR HIGHNESS (BLURAY+DIGITAL COPY)
This movie was slammed by most critics, but I found it funny for the most part. Yes it is dumb, but that is what it is aiming to be. It is at heart a stone comedy with tons of violence. Much like ‘Pineapple Express’ but set a few hundred years before present day. “Get high and mighty with Danny McBride James Franco and Natalie Portman in Your Highness the epic and hilarious action-comedy from the director of Pineapple Express. Two royal princes—slacker Thadeous (McBride) and the noble Fabious (Franco)—join with an elusive warrior (Portman) on a quest to free a princess from an evil wizard. Along the way they’ll have to vanquish horrific creatures and traitorous knights in this raunchy trip loaded with footage too outrageous for theaters.Starring: Danny McBride James Franco Natalie Portman Zooey Deschanel Justin Theroux Toby Jones Damian Lewis Charles DanceDirected by: David Gordon Green” If you are a fan of these actors and like stoner comedies, then this is a must own, but if you are questioning in any way if you will enjoy this film, I’d rent it first.
EXTRAS
Feature commentary with video intro from Director Gordon Green, Executive Producer/Co-Writer/Star Danny McBride, and Stars James Franco & Justin Theroux
Damn You Gods: Full-length “making of” documentary
Alternate scenes
Gag reel
Deleted Scenes
Extended Scenes
Line-O-Rama
Perverted Visions
A Vision of Leezar
BD-Live
D-Box
My Scenes
Pocket BLU app
Well that is it for this week. Stay tuned for next week for some more great releases and goodies.
Former husky model, real-life Comic Book Guy, genre-bending screenwriter, nude filmmaker, hairy podcaster, pro-wrestling idiot-savant, who has a penchant for solving Rubik's Cubes and rolling candy cigarettes on unreleased bootlegs of Frank Zappa records.
