As a rapper, Eminem was able to defy the odds and rise to the top of music charts with his explosive lyrics and memorable beats.It was no surprise when he was picked to play Jimmy "B-Rabbit" Smith in '8 Mile', a story based heavily on his past and humble beginnings. What was surprising, however, was that his performance would be so strong that whispers of Oscar-nominations began to swirl among movie-goers and film reviewers alike.
'8 Mile' is the road which separates formal Detroit, MI from the surrounding suburbs, and is an area littered with a population of people who are struggling to survive. As a struggling factory worker, B-Rabbit spends his nights attending local rap battles with his friends, though never having enough courage to participate himself. Frustrated with his place in the world, he finally gathers up enough strength to take on the toughest opponent of all - himself.
Universal brings this inspiring film to Blu-ray in a wonderful high definition presentation. Video is gets a noticeable bump in quality over the DVD, and even the drab colors of the film benefits from the increased resolution. The audio, naturally, sounds much more defined, a welcome treat for a film with such a vibrant - and Oscar-winning - soundtrack.
Many will immediately dismiss this film because of Eminem's involvement, and that's a shame. You don't even have to be a fan of rap to be sucked into the timeless story of a person struggling against the odds to do something better with their life. An easy upgrade to current owners of the DVD, and a definite must rent for those who don't.
As we had reported earlier, today's Blu-ray release of A&E's 'Pride and Prejudice' recently benefited from frame-by-frame restoration of the original negative, a process usually reserved for only the most important of films. The results are stunning, with a new level of clarity that has never been seen before. Check out this video if you want to learn more about the restoration process.
After the success of films like '300' and 'Sin City' (which is being released next week on Blu-ray), studios began buying up graphic novel properties left and right (much like they had when comic book films like 'Spider-Man' and 'X-Men' (also do out next week) hit big at the box office). The result is the Will Eisner's 'The Spirit' also received the motion picture treatment with '300' and 'Sin City' creator Frank Miller at the helm. While audience reception was mixed at best, there is no denying that Lionsgate has once again provided a beautiful Blu-ray release.
For a complete listing of all the Blu-ray titles released today, click here.
I'm excited for Splinter which was released today. It was a surprisingly good independent horror film. I can't seem to find it in any stores around though, so I guess I'll get it off Amazon.
Will pick up Pride and Prejudice this Friday and watch it over the weekend. Though I've seen it a few times, still want it in my collection especially, like Blu_Beast said, "after reading Dr. Svet's review".
