An ex-Marine finds himself thrust into hostilities on an alien planet filled with exotic life forms.
As an Avatar, a human mind in an alien body, he finds himself torn between two worlds, in a
desperate fight for his own...
A very simple and short review.
If you love this movie, like I do and have a 3d blu ray system, this is a must for your collection. This is truly a 3D demo disc and is the next best thing to seeing it in the theater. Not a lot of eye popping 3D effects, but is more there to help immerse you into the story, but they do it beautifully.
Colors are vivid as is the sound.
No extras, so hold onto your three disc blu ray set for now.
The world of Pandora could not look any better.
Winkler gvies a fine performance as Slade, a depression era Scrooge in this version of Dicken's A Christmas Carol, which has been out of print for several years. Same story, same outcome, of course, but with a newer setting. Slade helps pave the way for paying with credit in this version set around the time of the depression. Winkler does what he can with the character playing Slade as both a young and older man.
The video, for a made for television movie, is actually quite good. I was not expecting a whole lot, but was pleasantly surprised. Audio, is mono, but good considering the age of the film.
A few extras, with a somewhat forgettable interview with Winkler, when he tells us how he turned down the lead in the film Grease because it was too close to his Fonzie character. Surprising I never heard that story before.
All in all, not a bad piece of entertainment for the holidays and one that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
The true story of Austrian industrialist Oskar Schindler, who harbored Polish Jews during WWII
by using them as workers in his factory. Schindler saved 1,100 Jews from certain death.
Schindler's List can arguable be considered Spielberg's best film. It is hard for me to say I loved this film, due to the subject matter, but it is great and everyone should view it at least once. I cannot say enough good things about this masterpiece. Yes I cried at the ending just like I did with my Mom when we first watched it many years ago an VHS.
One of the best looking blus I have in my collection, and the black and white cinematography comes to life due to the higher resolution.
Audio also packs a wallop.
Spielberg did not want many extras from what I understand. He wanted the movie to speak for itself, and it does.
All in all a perfect looking and sounding blu, thanks to Stephen supervising it's release. Thank you Mr. Spielberg, thank you.
This film is basically a vehicle for Carmen Miranda with Groucho, IMO, used in name recognition only. He plays a seedy agent who has Miranda play two parts so he gets twice the commission. Sounds ok in theory, but the makers didn't quite pull it off.
It is more musical numbers than anything else and the story is threadbare, to say the least. This was Groucho's first movie without his brothers, but I expected better. None of the familiar Groucho is to be found here. He is even given a musical number to perform with his famous greasepaint mustache, but it is not memorable at all. He is really not in this film all that much.
No extras are to be found.
Unless you are a big huge fan of Miranda and/or Marx, don't go to the Copacabana.
Now if Rufus T. Firefly or Captain Spaulding were to hit blu ray I would really shout,"HOORAY!"
Olive Films | 1954 | 86 min | Not rated | Region A (B, C untested) | Mar 26, 2013
While a Uranium prospector is in the desert he is accidentally exposed to radiation from an atomic bomb test. He becomes radioactive and is recruited by the FBI to help break up a spy ring.
The Atomic Kid on blu ray? It is surprising that this unforgettable Mickey Rooney vehicle has seen the light of day on blu ray. Was it perhaps a package deal that Olive Films made that included some duds being released in order to get higher profile titles?
The premise of someone, in this case the great Mickey Rooney, surviving an atomic blast should have lent itself to some great comedy, but the script shows otherwise.
The picture quality leaves a lot to be desired, but since it is from Olive films, I am sure the problems lie within the master itself and no tinkering was applied. Lots of the dark scenes are very dark and much of the image is lost. The lighter scenes fair better with detail and clarity. Speckles can be found throughout.
The audio is no better with lots of hissing and some warbling in the musical portions of the soundtrack.
No extras whatsoever, not even the trailer.
I recommend this title only for die hard fans of Mickey. Anyone else should proceed with great caution.
20th Century Fox | 1969 | 148 min | Rated G | Region A, B (C untested) | Apr 02, 2013
Barbra Streisand and Walter Matthau star in the charming tale of Dolly Levi, a New York matchmaker who falls in love with a wealthy bachelor from Yonkers named Horace.
Love this film even though Walter Mathau's singing leaves a bit to be desired. I laugh out loud when he sings about husky women in the "It Takes A Woman", number. And yes, most are in agreement about Streisand being too young for the part. But those two things aside it is a very entertaining musical and perhaps the last of what I call the "old time feel good musicals". My favorite part is the short sequence with Streisand and the great Louis Armstrong.
The picture quality for a film of this age is very very good, with lots of detail and clarity. I have seen it in all the other video formats and this is, to say the least, stunning. Almost like watching it again for the first time.
The audio is sumptuous as well.
Very light in the extras department though.
So pop this in and say hello to Dolly all over again.
Rebirth
Well Go USA | 2011 | 82 min | Not rated | Region A (B, C untested) | Mar 26, 2013
It’s 1990, and the child, Manit, has just witnessed the killing of his parents by corrupt cops. Shot at point-blank range, Manit survives, but with a bullet in his skull that prevents him from experiencing emotion.
With his...
I felt this martial arts film had it's fair share of action, but I do wish some of the fighting scenes lasted a bit longer.
The premise is not a new one: A child sees his parents get murdered then when he grows up exacts revenge on the evildoers. Jon Foo did nicely as Manit, the grown up who gets his revenge.
The video was very clear and defined. Only thing I found was the the night scenes were a bit dark which made it a little harder to view all the intense action.
The audio is very dynamic when using the 5.1 mix. My only complaint was that both Thai and English were used together. Even though there is basis for it in the story, this time, unlike Inglorious Basterds, it didn't work for me.
The trailer for the film and like titles are the only extras to be found.
I took a chance on this title, after reading the review here, and paid only about eleven bucks for it, including shipping, but I got my money's worth and a bit more.
When scientists use eco-terrorism to impose their will on the world by affecting extremes in the weather, Intelligence Chief Cramden calls in top agent Derek Flint.
You'll be smiling while watching the first of the two Flint movies starrring James Coburn as the super suave, super smart, Bond type spy.
The plot is also a Bond take off with tongue in cheek humor, maybe not belly laugh material, but very very amusing. Lee J. Cobb is in charge of gettig Flint to work for the president and his dislike of Flint aides the humor effectively.
The picture quality for a Twilight Time release is not what we have come to expect from this company compared to say the likes of The Blue Lagoon and Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines. Probably due to what Fox gave them to begin with. Yes the picture is soft at times, but most noticable is the washed out color. It looks like the elements have not been kind to Flint and some color correction could have helped solve this problem.
Audio is very good and I love the Goldsmith score, it fits the flavor of this film beautifully.
Love the extras too, including a couple of screen tests.
So if you don't want to wait for another three years to buy this fun film get it while you can.
DigiBook
Warner Bros. | 1927 | 89 min | Not rated | Region A (B, C untested) | Jan 08, 2013
For five generations, men in the Rabinowitz family have been Cantors in the synagogue, but Jakie is more interested in jazz and ragtime music. Jakie leaves his New York home for good. After years on his own, now calling himself...
That line made iimmortal by the great Al Jolson, was a foreshadowing of things to come. The Jazz Singer helped usher in the sound era of motion pictures.
I gave the film five stars, partly due to it's historical significance, which I will get to shortly. The story, simply put, is about a son who craves his father's acceptance and the father refusing to give it.
The picture quality, for a film of it's age is exceptional, and I am sure Warner has kept this in great condition due to what it did for the studio
Audio is quite good too, considering it originated from records.
Extras..wow! Such an extensive set.They are sadly, in standard format and not blu. But it has been a pleasure to watch these fine treasures, which I understand were also found on the standard dvd set of The Jazz Singer as well. There are many including a documentary about the advent of sound in motion pctures, a cartoon explaining sound on film and not to mention several Vitaphone short subjects that were thought to have been lost. I have just one very minor quibble with the Vitaphoe shorts: I just wish each one had the exact year of it's release.
The Jazz Singer was the first feature length film to incorporate sound. If Warner decided not to go with sound who knows how long it would have been before the movies learned to talk? They would have eventually, but ti just boggles my mind to think how the motion picture landscape of today woud have been different. Just think, if there was no sound for say ten years, there probably would have been no Walt Disney as Snow White came out in 1937. That animated masterpiece is what put Walt on the map, so no Jazz Singer means maybe no Disneyland etc. And what about the classic Universal horror films of the early 30's? They would, more than likely have been made, but without sound, and I doubt they would have had the mpact that they still have today. What about all the Warner gangster pictures? Also no Marx Brothers etc... the list can go on and on. Today's movies would be different too as many of today's filmmakers have been and still are influenced by many of the older films from the days of the studio system.
So even though it was a financial decision on the part of Warner, without any inkling of how films would, from that year on, be changed, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving the world The Jazz Singer.
Pier Paolo Pasolini was a celebrated poet, writer, and all-around intellectual, but it was his maverick, controversial filmmaking that distinguished him as an influential artistic force. The director's last film, '120 Days Of...
I won't get into a description of Salo here because I'm quite sure how to describe it as a film.
Many have been greatly horrified and shocked by this movie, but I wasn't and I have three theories for that:
1) I read a lot of what the film entailed and quite frankly I was expecting a lot of worse/sickening things.
2) If what was depicted in the film really happened and not just faked for the camera it may have had more of an impact, but it's like when someone gets shot and killed in a movie you know they really did not get shot and killed and the same goes for this and you can tell just by the editing that what was happening was just special effects and the like.
3) Since the advent of home video, I have seen many many things and Salo is ...well...sort of tame by comparison.
Now I am not implying that you or someone else will be able to watch ths and not be bothered by it in some fashion, Many will be disturbed.
Picture and audio is quite good for a film of this age and that was a very nice surprise.
Nice set of extras too.
Before viewing I would still recommend caution and doing some research beforehand.
A boy and girl are shipwrecked on an uninhabited tropical island. With no adults to guide them the two make a simple life together unaware that sexual maturity will eventually intervene.
The Blue Lagoon loos as magnificent an lush as it's island scenery. Twilight Time/ Sony have hit another home run with this fine release.
It is as good as I remember when I first saw it on television many many years ago. Some'people's views have changed on this film, but mine have not. I still find the innocence, the natural exploration of love etc. still as emotional and effectual as ever.
PQ and AQ are awesome. Natural film grain is found along with great detail. Some of which I never noticed before including the hair on Atkin's face and legs.
If you like this film get it before it's 3,000 copies sell out.
Many call this film a dark comedy and a cult classic. Well on my first viewing I didn't see either. I just didn't get it. Maybe I need to view it a few more times as I had to with Oh Brother Where Art Thou? When I do, if my views towards this film changes, so will my review.
PQ not bad but could have been a bit better. Not surprising as this title is from Universal and they have a spotty track record for PQ and AQ.
Extras not too shabby.
Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray
New Line Cinema | 2008 | 92 min | Rated PG | Region free
| Jan 17, 2012
A science professor's untraditional hypotheses have made him the laughing stock of the academic community. But on an expedition in Iceland, he and his nephew stumble upon a major discovery that launches them on a thrilling...
Journey was a fum popcorn flick in the theater and courtesy of a 3D, for 3D television upgrade, is just as good in your home.
The film is loosely based on the Jules Verne novel with Fraser and all doing a great job with their characters. Funny linea abound in the film too.
3D video is awesome. I have close to 20 3D titles in my collection and this one is one of the best by far. I used to think the version with the red and blue glasses was good, but it doesn't even come close to this one.
Audio is nice with great stereo effects.
Sadly, just the few extras that were on the earlier release are the only ones found here.
If you have a 3D television this is one title that is a must have.
MASH
20th Century Fox | 1970 | 115 min | Rated R | Region A (B, C untested) | Sep 01, 2009
One of the world's most acclaimed comedies, M*A*S*H focuses on three Korean War Army surgeons brilliantly brought to life by Donald Sutherland, Tom Skerritt and Elliott Gould. Though highly skilled and deeply dedicated, they...
A marvelous blu ray to add to your collection. No need to tell you the story as y'all know it by now. Some prefer the television series more as they are used to seeing Alda and company in the roles. But this is just as great'
I've read that it was filmed with filters to make it a bit softer, maybe because the realities of war are so harsh, but the video quality is exceptional. It is head and shoulders above all the other formats this title has been released on as I have seen 'em all.
Great audio for it's time.
Lovely set of extras to boot.
Glad to have this titlein within my vast blu ray library.
The line is from my favorite piece in Paul Bartel's wickedly funny dark comedy. If the premise of this couple killing sexual swingers to get money to open their restaurant, isn't enough for you, just keep watching. It gets funnier and funnier. Great Cameos to from the likes of Buck Henry, Ed Begley Jr., etc.
I have seen this film on VHS and dvd and Criterion's blu does not disappoint, hence the 5 star video rating. It has never, and probably cannot, look much better than it does. Kudos once again Criterion!!!!!
Extras are mouth watering, including two of Bartel's short fims.
Eating Raoul is a complete feast for the eyes, ears and brain.
A quest that begins as a personal vendetta for the fierce Cimmerian warrior soon turns into an epic battle against hulking rivals, horrific monsters, and impossible odds, as Conan realizes he is the only hope of saving the great...
First of al the film itself is ,IMO, not all that bad with Ron Pearlman as his dad and Leo Howard ( Disney XD's Kickin" It) as a young Conan). It is a bit bloody, but all in good fun for this title.
The problem I have with this blu is the slipshot, hurry up 3D conversion. True they weren't going to do it like Cameron did with his Titanic. All there is basically are some great depth/distance pieces. The coversion team really dropped the ball with, what should have been, some great eye popping 3D effects. There are instances where swords, knives and arrows should have been right in your face, but they just lay there like the 2D presentation.
Audio is fine as well as the extras.
Glad I only spent a total of about 12 bucks, including shipping, for this one.
Kwik
Shout Factory | 2011 | 112 min | Not rated | Region A (B, C untested) | Aug 21, 2012
Speed-loving motorcycle courier Ki Soo is the bane of every traffic cop's existence. Nothing can stop Ki Soo on the road, until his latest delivery blows up a building. A mysterious caller tells Ki Soo that there is a bomb...
Great action flick involving a motorcyclist and his girlfriend. It involves many crashes and explosions along with great chase sequences involving his motorcycle helmet and what will happen if he tries taking it off.
Video is excellent for a title put out from The Shout Factory. A 100% upgrade from their disappointing Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea blu ray.
Wasn't quite sure where to put this complaint, but I figured this is a good a place as any. The only quibble I have is with the subtitles. The OAR is 2.35:1 and part of the subtitles appear in the black bar below the picture. Minor yes, but I still hate it. That is why I deducted .5 from the video qualty.
Audio is also quite well with good seperation.
Extras are ok, but nothing too too special.
Overall a solid release from The Shout Factorry and an excellent addition to one's blu ray library if a fan of the genre.
Sony Pictures | 2009 | 120 min | Rated PG-13 | Region A (locked) | Aug 03, 2010
Jake Taylor has it all: friends, fame, a basketball scholarship and the hottest girl in school. What could be better? Enter Roger Dawson. Roger has nothing. No friends. No hope. Nothing but putdowns and getting pushed aside....
Great film concerning teen suicide and sexuality mixed in with them trying to find themselves and how God fits into their lives. Not a movie for everyone, but if you are in a receptive mood it will touch you on many levels. Even though it deals with God and Christianity you don'thave tob e overly religious to get meaning from this film. It is geared for teens and their families and everything does not end up in a nice tidy ending but with a dose of reality.
Video is much better than expected for what is considered a lower tiered title. Audio sparkles as well.
Extras are well worth viewing.
Well worth a family viewing and one that can help teenagers to start talking with each other and their parents about the things contained within this fine disc.
The classic fantasy/comedy based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play starring James Stewart in one of his finest performances as the good-natured Elwood P. Dowd, whose constant companion is Harvey, a six-foot tall rabbit that only...
This great Jimmy Stewart classic finally comes to blu ray. It is as charming as it ever was. It is one of Stewart's best loved films. Harvey is a gigantic rabbit ( 6 feet 3 1/2 inches to be exact) whom it sems that only Elwood P. Dowd (Stewart) can see.
Video for a film of it's age is great and so is the audio.
Extras are not too great though.
This title is a must for all Stewart's fans. Make this movie visible in your blu ray collection.
Great classic horror/suspense film with the excellent Kevin McCarthy as Dr. Bunnell. IMO much better than the Sutherland or Kidman remakes. Still packs a wallop. Wish they had the version without the tagged on begginning and ending.
Video quality is not bad as one can see a lot of clarity and detail. Also grain can be found. A few pieces seem soft, but this film has never looked better and most fans will not be disappointed.
Sound for a film of this period is good also.
Alas, no extras not even the theatrical trailer.
A fine release from Olive films that gets a gigantic thumbs up from me.
This extraordinary comic version of the historic 1910 London-to-Paris air race features the
greatest aviators from around the world. They all come together when a stuffy, but very rich,
newspaper publisher decides to sponsor...
This 60's comedy is finally on blu. Not as slapsticky as I had hoped, but still tons 'o' fun. Reminds me of Around The World In 80 Days and It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World. Great aerial antics abound.
I think the video was awesome, and I saw no signs of reds bleeding thru. One of the best blus I have video wise.
Audio is not too shabby either.
Extras are okay, but wish there were more. I did notice, for the first time for me anyways, that the TV spots were in black and white.
Yes this was a bit more than I would have normally payed for a single blu ray, but considering it is from Twilight Time with only 3,000 being made I feel it was money well spent.
Blu-ray + UltraViolet
Sony Pictures | 2011 | 101 min | Rated PG-13 | Region A (C untested) | Jun 26, 2012
Hollywood, 1927: As silent movie star George Valentin wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion, he sparks with Peppy Miller, a young dancer set for a big break.
A great great motion picture about the last days of the silents and the beginning of talkies. It is a drama, a comedy and a romance all rolled into one, which is not an easy feat to pull off, and besides there is Uggie the dog. If you know Singin' In The Rain and A Star Is Born you have the basic story. I love the fact that it was done as a silent film in black and white which helped give it it's period flavor. I cannot single out one performance as being better than the other as everyone in the cast was excellent and totally believable. The musical score, also, is a character in the film itself.
Video was great and in the original Academy aspect ratio.
Audio is also quite good.
Extras are not bad, but wish there were a few more.
All I can say is I loved this film. Before seeing it The NeverEnding Story was my favorite movie of all time, but now it is tied with this multi Oscar winner.
Paramount Pictures | 1968 | 98 min | Rated PG | Region free
| Jul 03, 2012
Barbarella, a 41st century earthling, is sent on a mission by the president of Earth to find Duran Duran, a scientist who has disappeared with an all-powerful weapon.
Boy what a trip watching this flick. I believe Fonda was married to the director at the time she made this. And she must have been truely in love with him to make this mess, but what a lovely bad mess it is. It is so bad it's good. Don't pay much attention to the plot, thought there is a meger one. The sets, the acting are subpar, but that is the charm of this movie. Just watch and enjoy.
The video and audio are not to shabby, but without a top notch restoration the results are probably the best we will see.
Sadly, the trailer is the only extra found.
Get a big bag 'o' popcorn, a big soda and prop your feet up or a trp down campy lane.
The story centers around a boy and how he reacts when his widowed mother becomes romantic and sexual with a sailor. Some have suggested the ending is a big surprise, but I found it predictable and consistant with the characters.
The video is very bad. It is very soft and washed out. That may be how the film was shot, but considering the damage to the print used I question even that. There are scratches and specks galore, enough that they hinder the enjoyment of the film. The presentation reminds me of how television stations, a long time ago, would show movies directly from a worn out 16mm print. There are a few instances, and I mean a few, where grain is present. Perhaps the lack of grain and the softness in the quality suggests DNR was used. One other strange thing I noticed during the beginning credits: A couple of times in between individual credits it looks as if the picture is frozen for a few seconds, but the timer on my player keeps on counting. At first I thought perhaps a defect in the disc, but after the credits are through so is the brief image freezing. I cannot compare this blu to the dvd as I have never seen that version.
Audio is not much better.
No extras at all.
This is my first Shout Factory blu ray and if all others are similar in nature I wil refrain from buying more from them.
Legend | 1975 | 127 min | Rated R | Region A, B (C untested) | Sep 14, 2010
Mede is a slave whose master, Hammond Maxwell intends on keeping him as a prizefighter. As Maxwell focuses his attention on his wenches and Mede's brutal training, his neglected wife turns her passions towards Mede himself.
Mandingo is one film I cannot say I loved watching, but I loved the experience of seeing it and will do many more times. Why I say this is due to the unflinching view of slavery and bigotry that was portrayed and probably very acurately at that.
The source material was not really restored, but you have a true sense of seeing the film elements in the presentation. The colors are soft and somewhat faded looking. I am sure much of this was attributed to the makers of the movie and a restoration may have bought out just a bit more color from the film.
The audio is just as one might expect from such an older release.
The extras are not very good. Would have been nice to have some people talking about Mandingo's impact and what it says to today's audiences.
This is a movie, that if you know nothing about slavery, you should view. Even though the story is ficticious, the views, thoughts and ideas along with the treatment of slaves is pretty accurate.
Universal Studios | 1998 | 181 min | Rated PG-13 | Region A (B, C untested) | May 01, 2012
A media mogul acts as a guide to Death, who takes the form of a young man to learn about life on Earth and in the process, fall in love with his guide's daughter.
Great performances from Hopkins and Pitt in this variation of Death Takes A Holday. Some may think it is a bit long, but the time is needed for the story to unfold in a relaxing yet watchable way. Pitt is great as Death with Hopkins as his somewhat unwilling subject.
The PQ is adaquete, but could have been better. Since it shows grain there is probably a lack of or very little DNR used. Some nice detail is also evident. Audio is not bad either.
Sadly not many extras.
A good movie, that takes it's time to fully show it's characters, but is worth your time.
20th Century Fox | 1971 | 104 min | Rated R | Region A (locked) | Feb 24, 2009
Tough-talking New York City detective Popeye Doyle and his partner uncover an international drug smuggling ring, but it's Doyle's feverish and relentless pursuit of the suspects that drives the investigation forward.
Great 70's police drama with Hackman in his well deserved Academy Award role as Popeye Doyle.
Many people complain about the film grain, but that is what the original film was like and that means I am all for it. Friedkin adjusted the colors to make it look like what it was in it's original unreeling and that is great. You may see some bleeding of red as in Doyle's Santa suit, but that is what was originally intended. Also the big grain paticles make the film look gritty just like the subject matter which helps to get one more immersed in the story and it's characters.
Audio is just as fitting with a wonderfully haunting score.
Extras are exceptional as well.
The French Connection looks just like what it did when it first came out and what the director wanted so to me that is al I ask for in a blu ray.
20th Century Fox | 2007 | 87 min | Rated PG-13 | Region A (locked) | Dec 18, 2007
The long anticipated Simpsons Movie finds the fate of Springfield — the suburban setting that has been home to "The Simpsons" clan for more than 18 years — hanging in the balance when Homer and his new pet pig inadvertently cause...
Go get your favorite snack and sit down for a good time this popular animated dysfunctional family. By now everyone probably knows the plot so I won't get into it.
The PQ and AQ are great.
Extras are good also.
Buy this blu if you love Homer and Company.
Sidewalk salesman Slicker Smith and Herbie Brown accidentally enlist in the army in order to escape being hauled off to jail and soon find themselves in boot camp.
The comedy of Abbott And Costello finally hit blu with their first starring vehicle Buck Privates. It contains some of their classic comedy bits along with the wonderful music of The Andrews Sisters. It is one of their famous, "service comedies". Even though the routines of the boys are always funny and timeless, the film seems dated due to the wartime themes and the tunes. Now that's no reason not to sit down and enjoy the boys in one of their best. Even the great Shemp Howard has a small roll as an army cook.
For a film from 1941 I think Unversal did a real good job with the picture quality. It appears that some DNR was used as other films from this period have bigger grain particles. But this is the clearest this film has ever looked and most will be pleased with the results.
For it's age the audio is well and very clear to understand.
Not a lot extra wise. The Abbott And Costello Meet Jerry Seinfeld special is included on this release in standard definition, but most A & C fans probabaly already have it in either their 4th dvd volume or the Universal box set.
If you are a die hard Bud and Lou fan, pick up this blu even if you've got the dvd as it is a superb upgrade from the standard dvd.
Avatar is the kindly, eccentric sorcerer-ruler of Montagar, a rainbow paradise inhabited by elves and fairies. Avatar's evil brother Blackwolf dominates Scortch, a bleak land of goblins and wraiths. When the power-hungry...
This is a great animated good vs. evil fantasy film involvng wizards, fairies and elves. From the mind of Ralph Bashki comes this entertaining story mixing propaganda films in with the world of fantasy.
I went back and forth on how to rate the PQ as it is somewhat problematic. Let me address each problem individually.
1) Grain: As is in this website's review the argument is made grain vs. no grain when it comes to animation. If it is the original film I say leave it there. And in the case of Wizards the grain helps to enhance the filmic quality of the image.
2) Color streaking: It is prevalent, but since the streaking remains exactly in the same spot for several frames, that makes me think it was in how the film was made rather than age of the original negative.
3) Scratches/speckles: Some speckles are age related, but a lot are, most likely, due to the the way the animation was filmed, with the different layers of animation layered upon one another. Should said spots be removed? I can see both points of view on this, but these anomilies, if truely due to the movie making process, where if digitally erased, I feel the movie would lose something and it woud look too new/processed.
The audio is real good for it's age.
Extras are okay, but more would have been appreciated, if available.
Wizards is one wicked blu ray that should appeal to animation and fantasy fans alike.
20th Century Fox | 1972 | 117 min | Rated PG | Region A, B (C untested) | Oct 09, 2012
A passenger ship, on her way to the scrap yard is pushed to her limits by the new owners to save on the dismantling fees. A tidal wave hits her, flipping her over so that all the internal rooms are upside down. A priest takes a...
Great disaster flick fom the seventies. Irwin Allen was the master of these films and The Poseidon Adventure shows just that. It holds your interest throughout with fascinating characters. Characters that you care about are the key ingredients in any disaster film. People that you are rooting for.
PQ is great for a film from the early seventies, kudos to Fox for such a great effort with the visuals. The audio is not bad either.
Extras are transported from the two disc dvd version and are, sadly, kept in standard dvd.
This is one of those, "They don't make 'em like that anymore", films that is great to have in any collection.
TLA Releasing | 2003 | 107 min | Not rated | Region free
| Aug 30, 2011
Aaron Davis and Christian Markelli are the two most opposite people in the world. Aaron is a young Elder (or a Mormon missionary) who wants to do his family proud and is quite passionate about his religion and film. Christian is...
Great first release by TLA. Great story, sensual and packs an emotional punch.
The PQ shows a bit of grain in scenes which give it more of a filmic look. Audio also is good.
Nice set of extras to boot.
If you like gay cinema, this one comes highly recommended.
Remastered Edition
Redemption | 1972 | 88 min | Rated R | Region A, B (C untested) | Mar 13, 2012
Christine gets her big chance at modelling when she applies at Sybil Waite's agency. Together with Christine's sister Betty they go to a castle for the weekend for a photo shoot. Sybil has lured Christine to the castle for more...
A girl goes to a modeling agency for a job and gets mixed up with a witches coven. Typical female sexplotation movie of the seventies, with no surprises really.
The picture , for the most part had that seventies look/feel to it and I wanted to rate it higher except two glaring things stoped me. In the mddle of a few scenes the brightness of the picture changes/fades and you can even see some light appearing on the sides of the screen during the final nighttime scene. And the second thing is at around 56 minutes which I deem totally unforgiveable and unacceptable. That is in the right hand corner of the screen you see the black reel change circle. I have not seen one of those since the early days of VHS. I am sure both these things are in the source material and nota faulty transfer, but should have been fixed up.
The audio is kind of unclear and muffled which makes listening to the English accent of some of the actors a bit more difficult.
Not great extras, the trailer, a stills gallery and some other Redemption films trailers.
If you are a fan of these type of films that show women scantily clad or sans clothes , mixed with bad acting and a campy script than Virgin Witch just might be your cop 'o' tea.
20th Century Fox | 1966 | 179 min | Rated PG-13 | Region A (locked) | Jun 03, 2008
1926 China. Engineer Jake Holman is transferred to the USS San Pablo, a gunboat patrolling the troubled waters
of the Yangtze River. As Chinese factions battle around them, the crew has one singular mission: to protect...
This fine Robert Wise/Steve McQueen vehicle sails onto blu with ease. It is a slowly paced film that is worth your time spent. They don't make 'em like this anymore.
The picture is highly grained, but well defined. I'm sure the grain is what the makers wanted so as to give the movie an older time feel to it and it works. The other famous Wise film, The Sound Of Music, is not really grainy at all, to give it a more timeless/fantasy feel to it. The difference between both films show how much attention was given to the filming of each epic and is a credit to all involved.
Audio is what is to be expected from a movie of this age.
Extras are pretty darn nice too.
If you like old style movies that take their time to unfold and tell ther tales than The Sand Pebbles is for you.
Blu-ray + UltraViolet
Sony Pictures | 2010 | 100 min | Rated R | Region A (locked) | Jan 03, 2012
Introverted Sally Hurst has just moved in with her father Alex and his girlfriend Kim when she realizes that their sprawling estate holds its fair share of secrets. Ascending to the depths of the house, Sally gains access to a...
This is your typical scarefest, with a lot of predictability. A little girl sees all these creatures and at first no one believes her or sees them and then...stop me if you've heard this before .Great atmosphere/mood I will admit though.
Awesome video and audio to boot.
Extras are ok, but not overly special.
If you love these types of movies get this one as the atmosphere helps to make this more enjoyable.
Magnolia Pictures | 2010 | 85 min | Rated R | Region A (locked) | Jun 14, 2011
When Robert, an inanimate tire, discovers his destructive telepathic powers, he soon sets his sights on a desert town; in particular, a mysterious woman becomes his obsession.
Meet Robert, he is made out of rubber and he's a tire. A great film about a tire that kills living things and some people watching the events through binoculars. I loved this film. It is not for everyone and most may consider it bizarre to say the least. Many like the premise, but not the execution. For me it worked, but I gravitate toward weird films anyways. I can see it graduating to cult status.
I thought the picture, for the most part was awesome. It seems parts were a bit washed out and I am not sure if that was the intention of the filmakers or not. But it is spot on sharp and very well detailed.
Audio is also quite well.
The extras are okay, but too few.
Even though I loved this strange lttle movie I would recommend a rental first, if you can, as it may not be on everyone's "to own" list.
On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary and Mary from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently...
The Muppets are back and in a big way!!! I loved this film from beginning to glorious end. Great cameos throughout and one from one of my all time favorite movie stars. Won't give away who, but he is in the first musical number and I was surprised to see him. Yes I even shed some happy tears, from the recreation of The Muppet Show opening to the duet from two of the Muppets.
The video and audio are spectacular to say the least.
I rented this so there were no extras on the blu ray.
To sum it all up all I can say is Wocka Wocka Wocka!!!!!!!
Starz / Anchor Bay | 1991 | 108 min | Rated PG-13 | Region A (locked) | Jan 17, 2012
Volunteering to drive his girl friend's son home for Thanksgiving to Chicago from his boarding school in Georgia, little does Dutch expect the picaresque adventures in store for him. When a blunt, down-to-earth construction...
Nice John Hughes film. Even though he was not the director his signature is all over this fun film. Ed o"Neill was an excellent choice to play Dutch. Never thought this would hit blu, not yet anyways, but is a welcome little treat.
The picture is okay, mostly soft, but a few scenes do appear sharp and is a bit better than the standard dvd.
Audio suffices and gets the job done.
Only extra, sadly, is the trailer.
This is not a bad film by any means, and considering the video and audio qualities, I would suggest you pick it up if you can get it inexpensively.
Ultimate Director's Cut
Paramount Pictures | 1979 | 93 min | Rated R | Region free
| Jul 03, 2007
A battle of gigantic proportions is looming in the neon underground of New York City. The armies of the night
number 100,000; they outnumber the police 5 to 1; and tonight they're all after the Warriors -- a street gang...
This is one wicked looking blu ray.
The picture is totally awesome for a film it's age and considering most of it takes place at night and still looks spectacular is very impressive.
The audio is no slouch either, which has some great tunes contained within.
The extras, which are few, are from the dvd version. Wish there could have been more and in HD.
If you have ever been thinking of adding this title to your blu collection, do not hesitate as you won't be sorry.
Warner Bros. | 2011 | 110 min | Rated PG-13 | Region A (B, C untested) | Jul 15, 2011
Irresponsible charmer Arthur Bach faces his biggest challenge -- choosing between an arranged marriage or an uncertain future with the only woman he has ever loved.
Arthur is one of those few films that for some unexplainable reason I absolutely hated when I first saw it, but the more it sat in my mind and festered the more I came to like it. It is not quite as good as the original, but not bad either. Brand is just the opposite in stature as Moore and you cannot help but wonder if that had anything to do with the casting. The story is the same, but IMO, suffers from a few stumbling blocks. The first is, that even though they used a new script they borrowed some lines from the original which was totally unneccessary as they should have let this newer version stand on it's own merits. But I do love the nod they give to the original when Naomi tells him what she and Hobson did on Wednesday. Second, for me anyways, is that you don't feel as much, if any, pity for Brand's Arthur whereas you do for Moore's. I actually felt sorry for Moore's Arthur Bach and I'm sure others did as well, hence his deserved Oscar nomination.
The picture and audio are quite good, considering this is a new release, but not reference quality. I also noticed grain in a few small scenes.
Extras are kind of bland. You have one that is usual, which is everyone praising Brand and his comedic skills and improvisations. A few deleted scenes and a mostly unfunny gag reel.
If the original is one of your all time favorites I would stay clear of this one or if you really like the Moore version proceed with caution. Otherwise give it a spin, it may be you cop 'o' tea.
