Hi Bryan Here….

So like I said in September, “October is Awesome for blurays”.  Well October packs a punch for its first week of releases.  So let us jump right in and get to all the goodies.  Some of the must own blu-rays include ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘Jackie Brown’, ‘Lion King’, 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!!

AMER (BLURAY)

I have not seen this yet, but the cover art has me intrigued.  I’m a sucker for these horror sexploitation films.  Three key moments, all of them sensual, define Ana’s life. Her carnal search sways between reality and colored fantasies becoming more and more oppressive. A black laced hand prevents her from screaming. The wind lifts her dress and caresses her thighs. A razor blade brushes her skin, where will this chaotic and carnivorous journey leave her?

EXTRAS

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (3D BLURAY+2D BLURAY+DVD+DIGITAL COPY)

Beauty and the Beast is absolutely one of the best animated films of all time.  When it first came out. it was a modern marvel and is now a pure classic.  One of the best tellings of the story.  This bluray was released a few months ago and now Disney has released it again with the 3D bluray disc along with all the other discs.  The 3D actually elevates the original content through the new 3D effects.  The same AMAZING audio mix and all the same great extras made it to this release.  A must own for any fan of the film and for 3D tv owners.

EXTRAS

• Never-before-seen alternate opening
• Deleted scenes
• Beyond Beauty
• Broadway Beginnings
• Composing a Classic
• Music video

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES (BLURAY)

John Irving scripted this screen adaptation of his 1985 novel. Set during World War II, The Cider House Rules concerns Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire), an orphan who spent most of his childhood at the St. Cloud Orphanage in rural Maine, where he grew up under the strong but affectionate care of Dr. Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine). Larch has passed along his medical education to Homer, and the young man helps the doctor care for abandoned children and the newborn babies of unwed mothers; however, Homer refuses to assist Larch with the illegal abortions that he performs on the side; Homer has moral objections to abortion, while Larch believes in the rights of the individual and sees it as his duty to keep women in need away from dangerous incompetents. Wally Worthington (Paul Rudd), an air-force pilot, brings his girlfriend Candy (Charlize Theron) to St. Cloud for an abortion, and Homer decides to go with them when they leave, hoping to see the world; however, the three end up going no further than the state line, where Wally’s mother (Kate Nelligan) runs an apple orchard and cider mill, and Candy’s family traps lobsters. When Wally ships off to battle, Homer grows closer to Candy, and the two fall in love. But their idyllic life at the cider mill is interrupted when Rose Rose (Erykah Badu), a field worker at the orchard, becomes pregnant and her father, cider-house foreman Mr. Rose (Delroy Lindo), turns out to be the father of her unborn child. This news coupled with the death of Dr. Larch, forces Homer to take a long look at both his moral principles and his future. Rapper Heavy D appears in the supporting cast as Peaches.  Definitely worth getting.

EXTRAS

CINEMA PARADISO (BLURAY)

Cinema Paradiso offers a nostalgic look at films and the effect they have on a young boy who grows up in and around the title village movie theater in this Italian comedy drama that is based on the life and times of screenwriter/director Giuseppe Tornatore. The story begins in the present as a Sicilian mother pines for her estranged son, Salvatore, who left many years ago and has since become a prominent Roman film director who has taken the advice of his mentor too literally. He finally returns to his home village to attend the funeral of the town’s former film projectionist, Alfredo, and, in so doing, embarks upon a journey into his boyhood just after WWII when he became the man’s official son. In the dark confines of the Cinema Paradiso, the boy and the other townsfolk try to escape from the grim realities of post-war Italy. The town censor is also there to insure nothing untoward appears onscreen, invariably demanding that all kissing scenes be edited out. One day, Salvatore saves Alfredo’s life after a fire, and then becomes the new projectionist. A few years later, Salvatore falls in love with a beautiful girl who breaks his heart after he is inducted into the military. Thirty years later, Salvatore has come to say goodbye to his life-long friend, who has left him a little gift in a film can. In 2002, over a decade after the film’s original release, Tornatore brought the original 170-minute director’s cut to American screens for the first time.  Such a great film, but a terrible disc.  The audio and video are pretty uninspiring and with no extras, I’d hope there would be a better release, but if you are a fan of the film, then by all means pick this up.

DEAD ALIVE (BLURAY)

Director Peter Jackson’s second feature cheerfully trumps the gross-out quotient of his splatterfest debut, the appropriately named Bad Taste. The tone is cartoonishly comic, and the premise is simple: The village dweeb (Timothy Balme) is trying to maintain a budding romance with the sweet Paquita (Diana Penalver) while concealing the fact that his overbearing mum (Elizabeth Moody, in an amazing good-sport performance) is a flesh-eating zombie. (She owes her condition to a bite from a “Sumatran Rat Monkey” at the local zoo.) Complicating matters even further is Les, a greedy uncle (Ian Watkin), who suspects that his sister has died and is eager to occupy her elegantly furnished Victorian mansion. The climax is a housewarming party Les throws to celebrate his “inheritance;” what he really gets is his comeuppance, thanks to his sister and her similarly afflicted zombie pals, who burst out of their basement prison to turn the guests into appetizers. Our hero finally cuts a wide swath through the zombie party crashers with the help of a rotary blade lawn mower, leaving the house awash in blood and body parts in order to save his romance.  One of my favorite horror comedies of all time.  This is truly one of the goriest movies EVER and is a must and regular film shown around Halloween.  So much fun but the only extras is a trailer.  Come one now Peter, give us an ultimate edition of Dead Alive.   Highly recommended.

EXTRAS

– Theatrical Trailer

FAST FIVE (BLURAY+DVD+DIGITAL COPY)

Dumb movie franchise and dumb plot.  This is a silly and stupid film, but The Rock is in it and there is just something badass and charming about The Rock that made this somewhat enjoyable.  But by no means is this good.  The audio is demo quality, but that’s about it.

EXTRAS

HARAKIRI (CRITERION COLLECTION BLURAY)

Criterion knocks it out of the park again with Harakiri.   Following the collapse of his clan, an unemployed samurai (Tatsuya Nakadai) arrives at the manor of Lord Iyi, begging to be allowed to commit ritual suicide on the property. Iyi’s clansmen, believing the desperate ronin is merely angling for a new position, try to force his hand and get him to eviscerate himself—but they have underestimated his beliefs and his personal brand of honor. Winner of the 1963 Cannes Film Festival’s Special Jury Prize, Harakiri, directed by Masaki Kobayashi is a fierce evocation of individual agency in the face of a corrupt and hypocritical system.  Looks and sounds amazing.

EXTRAS

JACKIE BROWN (BLURAY)

The most underrated of Tarantino films.  This film gets better and better every viewing.  I have always said if this film didn’t come out right after Pulp Fiction, then Jackie Brown would have done better at the box office.  Quentin Tarantino wrote and directed this adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s 1995 Rum Punch, switching the action from Miami to LA, and altering the central character from white to black. Ruthless arms dealer Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson), who lives with perpetually stoned beach-babe Melanie (Bridget Fonda), teams with his old buddy Louis Gara (Robert De Niro), just released from prison after serving four years for armed robbery. ATF agent Ray Nicolette (Michael Keaton) and cop Mark Dargus (Michael Bowen) bust stewardess Jackie Brown (Pam Grier), who was smuggling money into the country for Ordell. Ordell springs Jackie, but when middle-aged bail bondsman Max Cherry (Robert Forster) picks her up at the jail, he’s attracted to her, and they choose a romantic route with detours. Mistrust and suspicions surface after Jackie pits Ordell and the cops against each other, convincing Ordell that she’s going to double-cross the cops. Tarantino commented on the film’s budget: “Jackie Brown only cost $12 million. You can’t lose. You absolutely, positively can’t lose. And you don’t have to compromise.”  For just $10.00 this release a must own.  Great video and audio and excellent extras.

EXTRAS

• Jackie Brown: How It Went Down featurette
• “A Look Back at Jackie Brown” – Interview with Quentin Tarantino
• Chicks With Guns Video
• Siskel & Ebert “At the Movies”- Jackie Brown review
• Jackie Brown on MTV
• Theatrical Trailer and TV Spots
• Stills Gallery

Critic’s Corner: Then and Now

THE LEAGUE SEASON 2 (BLURAY)

I haven’t seen this yet, but I have some friends who swear by this show and find it flat out hilarious.  I’ve seen a couple of episodes from the 1st season and yes it is very funny.  I need to start watching these.  But the 2nd season is on bluray now, so I need to catch up.

EXTRAS

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (BLURAY)

Yes, the film that skyrocketed Roberto Benigni’s career is on bluray now.  An inspired motion picture masterpiece, Life Is Beautiful was nominated for 7 Academy Awards – winning 3 Oscars including one for Best Actor Roberto Benigni. In this extraordinary tale, Guido (Benigni) – a charming but bumbling waiter who’s gifted with a colorful imagination and an irresistible sense of humor – has won the heart of the woman he loves and created a beautiful life for his young family. But then, that life is threatened by World War II…and Guido must rely on those very same strengths to save his beloved wife and son from an unthinkable fate! Honored with an overwhelming level of critical acclaim, this truly exceptional, utterly unique achievement will lift your spirits and capture your heart!  The film is really good, btu sadly since this film Benigni hasn’t made anything really worth loving.  Hopefully he gets his stride back, but great to have this in hi-def.

EXTRAS

LION KING (3D BLURAY+2D BLURAY+DVD+DIGITAL COPY)

This might be the best release of the week.  I loved this movie.  Every bit of it.  I remember seeing it in the theater when it came out back in the early 90’s and just falling in love with every aspect of the film.  This movie is so powerful on so many levels.  This is one of Disney’s finest masterpieces.  One of the most popular Disney animated musicals, The Lion King presents the story of a lion cub’s journey to adulthood and acceptance of his royal destiny. Simba (voiced first by Jonathan Taylor Thomas, then by Matthew Broderick) begins life as an honored prince, the son of the powerful King Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones). The cub’s happy childhood turns tragic when his evil uncle, Scar (voiced by Jeremy Irons), murders Mufasa and drives Simba away from the kingdom. In exile, the young lion befriends the comically bumbling pair of Pumbaa the warthog (voiced by Ernie Sabella) and Timon the meerkat (voiced by Nathan Lane), he and lives a carefree jungle life. As he approaches adulthood, however, he is visited by the spirit of his father, who instructs him to defeat the nefarious Scar and reclaim his rightful throne. Borrowing elements from Hamlet, classical mythology, and African folk tales, The Lion King tells its mythic coming-of-age tale with a combination of spectacular visuals and lively music, featuring light, rhythmic songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, and a score by Hans Zimmer. Embraced by children and adults alike, the film also spawned hit songs (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “The Circle of Life”) and a hit Broadway musical. In late 2002, The Lion King was re-released in the large-screen IMAX format.  SERIOUSLY BUY THIS MOVIE.  You also have the option to get the big Lion King box set that includes Lion King, Lion King 1 1/2, and Lion King 2.  All on bluray in collectible casing.  Best release of the week.  Do it.

EXTRAS

PEE-WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE (BLURAY)

Two of the most original talents in recent decades – Pee-wee Herman and director Tim Burton – teamed on what was to be the major breakthrough in this riotously funny movie about Pee-wee’s cross-country search for his stolen bike. As Pee-wee encounters bikers, cowboys, crooks and a phantom trucker and passes through the Alamo and Warner Bros. Studios, any resistance is futile: unstoppable laughter always follows. Celebrate the one-of-a-kind magic that this mirthful, colorful, bountiful movie still packs.  Burton’s first film is just so amazing.  Everything about this film is genius.  It is scary, creepy, and hilarious.  Get this film.

EXTRAS

– Commentary by Paul Ruebens and Tim Burton

– Additional Scenes

– Production sketches and storyboards

– Music only track with commentary by Danny Elfman

– Theatrical Trailer

PLANET EARTH COMPLETE BBC SPECIAL (BLURAY) LIMITED/SPECIAL EDITIONS

One of the best documentary series ever.  At least the most beautiful.  With an unprecedented production budget of $25 million, and from the makers of Blue Planet: Seas of Life, comes the epic story of life on Earth. Five years in production, over 2,000 days in the field, using 40 cameramen filming across 200 locations, shot entirely in high definition, this is the ultimate portrait of our planet. A stunning television experience that captures rare action, impossible locations and intimate moments with our planet’s best-loved, wildest, and most elusive creatures. From the highest mountains to the deepest rivers, this blockbuster series takes you on an unforgettable journey through the daily struggle for survival in Earth’s most extreme habitats. Planet Earth takes you to places you have never seen before, to experience sights and sounds you may never experience anywhere else.  You can choose to get the limited edition or the special edition.

EXTRAS

PULP FICTION (BLURAY)

Finally, Pulp Fiction is on bluray.  This is by far the best the film has sounded and looked since it came out all those years ago.  Everything is stunning about this release.  There are new extras and new audio and video mixes.  Pure bliss.  I wish there was a new commentary track, but I’ m not really complaining.  So AWESOME!!  Get this film.

EXTRAS

SALO: OR A 120 DAYS OF SODOM (CRITERION COLLECTION BLURAY)

Criterion is Awesome.  Hands down the most fucked up film ever made.  SERIOUSLY.  The director was brutally murdered shortly after the release of this film.  It has been banned in countless countries and is just so unbelievably fucked up.  I have showed this to friends and they had to consider still being my friend after they watched it.  But non the less, I love this movie.  I’m sick I know.  But it is fun to watch people squirm in their seat while watching this.  It makes me laugh.  Four fascist libertines round up 9 teenage boys and girls and subject them to 120 days of physical, mental and sexual torture.  This is insane.  Not for the weak or sane.

EXTRAS

SCREAM 4 (BLURAY+DVD+DIGITAL COPY)

Wes Craven and Kevin WIlliamson team up with the original cast of the original Scream and bring in a fresher and younger cast to mix with the older ones.  This is not as good as the first and original film, but it is a far step up from the last two films.  In Scream 4, Sidney Prescott, now the author of a self-help book, returns home to Woodsboro on the last stop of her book tour. There she reconnects with Sheriff Dewey and Gale, who are now married, as well as her cousin Jill (played by Emma Roberts) and her Aunt Kate (Mary McDonnell). Unfortunately Sidney’s appearance also brings about the return of Ghostface, putting Sidney, Gale, and Dewey, along with Jill, her friends, and the whole town of Woodsboro in danger.  If you like the Scream films, then you will love it.

EXTRAS

SPACE JAM (BLURAY)

Michael Jordan + Looney Toons = AWESOME!!!

That’s it for this week.  Stay tuned for next week for more amazing releases.