However, 1985′s European Vacation was such a huge disappointment that I never bothered watching Christmas Vacation when it showed up four years later.  Although the official wife of this reviewer loves the movie, I had never really had any incentive to watch the movie until I was asked to review it.

Oddly enough, watching this movie reminded me of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.  If you’re old enough, do you remember that looooong four years between Star Wars and its sequel?  Remember how that wait was rewarded with a great movie that exceeded anything you could expect.

Well, Christmas Vacation was like that, except completely the opposite.  It took the producers four years to come up with a completely abysmal sequel, one that you wish you could erase from your brain immediately after watching.  Unfunny, puerile, boring, clichéd, and pathetic are the words that pop into mind after suffering through this.

Film  

Think of the worst episode of Saturday Night Live you’ve ever seen.  Remember how there were three funny jokes mixed into 90 minutes of bad physical humor, flat punch lines, bad acting, and boring drudgery?  Yep, that’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!

So our hapless hero Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) mistakenly decides that he should have both his and his wife’s parents stay over for Christmas.  Although Ellen (the ever-lovely Beverly D’Angelo) warns him about what will happen, and how he’s setting himself up for disappointment, he insists.  Let the hijinks begin.

Wow, Clark fell off the roof hooking up thousands of lights.  Never saw that coming.  Wow, Clark went into the attic and was locked in.  Never saw that coming either.  Turkey overcooked?  Big dog knocks down all the dishes and a sideboard?  Crazy Aunt shows up?  Tree catches fire? Yup, yup, yup, and yup.

As a movie-goer, when I see a comedy, I’d like to laugh, be entertained, and occasionally be surprised by little twists and turns the screenwriter and director put in.  In Christmas Vacation, there is none of this – it is so formulatic, I can picture the screenwriter using a book like “Screenwriting for Dummies” when making the script.  Although the cast is talented (including a young Juliette Lewis), the material is badder than bad.  Even the “happy ending” is so over the top and forced that it feels artificial.

Truly, the blame for this movie lies at the feet of John Hughes.  A talented and humorous writer who effectively tapped into the bitter irony that life sometimes is (The Breakfast Club, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Pretty in Pink), his writing skills began deteriorating in 1987.  This is evident when one looks at the list of forgettably bad commercial comedies he wrote from 1988 on (including Christmas Vacation).

The only thing that keeps this movie from getting a 0 is Randy Quaid, who reprises his role as Cousin Eddie.  Until he appears in his ramshackle motor home, the movie is completely lifeless.  Only he adds the necessary humor and unpredictability the movie so desperately needs.  Even though his character is a complete caricature, he is the only person that can elicit any sort of reaction from the viewer.

Video 

Do you own this on DVD?  If so, don’t bother with the Blu-ray.

The film is clearly period correct, and has an appropriate amount of grain and texture for a 1989 movie.  However, some older movies are cleaned up and sharpened in a way that the viewer can enjoy enhanced definition without destroying the character of the film (like The Princess Bride).

In the case of Christmas Vacation, it appears to have been straight transferred to Blu-ray without any post-production clean up.  Net result, you end up with a movie that has no discernible improvement over an upscaled DVD.  I could almost imagine the upscaled DVD looks even better as it would be less likely to over highlight the grain of the original film stock like the Blu-ray does.

Audio 

The movie is in period-correct Dolby Digital 2.0, and is reasonably well-mixed; as the film is so dialog-heavy, 2-channel is not a distraction.

Not unexpectedly, there is some harshness to the DD dialog, as well as an expected lack of dynamics on explosions, crashes, and exploding cats.

Generally, the sound is adequate, though nothing special for a movie of its age.  To me, it felt like Warner Brothers just mailed this one in, especially when we compare it to the greatly enhanced 5.1 HD audio mixes we’ve seen on movies from the same period.

Special Features

Although one expects a smaller special feature set in a 20 year-old movie, this Blu-ray’s features are poorer than poor.

It comes with a commentary (which is more humorous than the movie itself, mainly due to Randy Quaid), and the original theatrical trailer in 480p.  That’s it.

Being a “20^th Anniversary Edition”, you’d think there’d be some behind the scenes footage, or even a “looking back” interview with the cast and crew.  Even a reunion would have been nice (even just Chevy and Beverly!).  However, we get……a trailer.  Boooo.

Not only is this (by far) the worst set of special features I’ve seen on a Blu-ray, this wouldn’t even be adequate for a DVD.

Final Thoughts 

When I make the time investment in watching a movie, I do not have a lot of expectations.  However, there are two “golden rules” no movie should not violate: don’t bore me, and don’t insult me.  National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation managed to do both.

The worst part is that even for fans of the movie (my official wife is one of them), there is little to give them incentive to track down this movie on Blu-ray.  The print is not cleaned up for hi-def, the sound is not enhanced, and the special features are non-existent.  Overall, I believe this is the worst offering I have yet to see from Warner Brothers on Blu-ray.

Rent or buy at your own risk.

The Film 

If I said that Saturday Night Fever wasn’t a huge commercial success, I would be lying.  Not only did the film make John Travolta a household name, but also it helped to popularize disco music around the world.  Much like Kurt Cobain and the grunge movement of the 1990′s, Saturday Night Fever was responsible for disco’s success, and I did not even mention the soundtrack yet.  The soundtrack, featuring disco songs by the legendary Bee Gees, became the one of the best selling movie soundtracks of all time.  Wow!  That is quite an achievement for a film that was initially considered to be too profane to be poised for any kind of real commercial success.  So what about the critics?  Well, they loved the movie and the next tidbit of trivia, I think, says it all.  Saturday Night Fever was the favorite movie of the late film critic Gene Siskel.  He liked the movie so much that he bought the famous white disco suit, worn by John Travolta in the film, at a charity auction for $17,000.  Not even my friend Keith spends that much money on his clothes.

The overall theme and central plot of the movie shouldn’t be that unfamiliar to most of us.  The film stars John Travolta as 19-year-old Tony Manero, a troubled Brooklyn youth who spends his weekends dancing his problems away at the 2001 Odyssey, a local discotheque.  While at the disco, Tony is the king.  This helps him to forget the reality of his life, which includes a dead-end job, his unsupportive parents, local racial tensions, and his dead-beat friends who are always bringing him down.  We all choose to camouflage or mask our real life pain in some fashion or form.  Dancing at the 2001 Odyssey is the way Tony masks his problems, and therefore, this is the story of Tony Manero and his redemption.  Doesn’t sound like a disco film too much now, does it?

I’m usually pretty long winded with my film reviews here, but I am going to let this cinematic masterpiece speak for itself.  Fans of the movie already know the bountiful treasures that waits for them within the movie, and with it now being released on the Blu-ray format, the little things are only that much better.  It’s like having that perfect steak cooked just right where the natural juices are more than enough to not warrant the need for any A1 sauce to mask the dryness.  I truly envy the newbies who have never seen Saturday Night Fever before, and will be watching it for the very first time on Blu-ray.  You truly don’t know how lucky you are. 

Will Tony, at such a very young age, realize his mistakes in life and travel down the path of enlightenment or will he get trapped in the dead end streets of life that present itself in troublesome Brooklyn, NY?  Will he find true love in his dance partner Stephanie (Karen Lynn Gorney) and realize what he has been missing out on his whole life, or will he disrespect her just like he does any other woman he meets?  More importantly, will he win the 2001 Odyssey Dance Contest?  And what will ever become of Father Frank Jr. (Martin Shakar)?  Who is Father Frank Jr. you ask?  Well, I guess you will just have to watch and see.  There are just too many questions to ask and answer here. I would hate to waste your time and spoil any of the surprises when you could be on your way to watching this gem right now.  From the opening scene to the end, you will laugh, you will cry, but most importantly you will dance in your seat with exuberating rhythms while watching this historic coming of age movie. 

Video 

All I can say here is wow!  I cannot believe how good this film looks on the Blu-ray format.  This is Blu-ray in its finest hour.  When you see a film of this age that looks this good on the Blu-ray format, it makes you wonder how movies that are less than ten years could ever look bad on Blu-ray (hint…hint…Terminator 2).  Well unfortunately that is wishful thinking, but kudos to Paramount for delivering an exceptional re-mastered film print here.  I was expecting to sit down and see a washed up version that would probably look as good as the first the first Godfather film does on Blu-ray and what I got was the Special Edition of the Star Wars films.  Yes, my Saturday Night Fever Blu-ray experience was that intergalactic.  Of course there are a few troubling aspects of the film’s video, but the restoration here deserves the inflated score I gave in the video department.  This is the finest Saturday Night Fever has ever looked, hands down.  From the solid blacks to the rich vibrant colors you can’t help but falling in love with the beauty of this print.  And did I mention the sharp details and textures to be found?  Wow!  I am just astonished how sharp and detailed this print looks on the Blu-ray format.  The amount of fine detail present is impeccable.  I could literally count the swirls in the wood grain mantle upon which Frank Jr.’s picture rests upon and believe it or not, the strands of hair on John Travolta’s head that previously looked like a bush in older incarnations of the film on DVD and VHS.  Of course, there are a few soft shots here and there, but nothing that could ever take you away from the engrossment of enjoying this film. 

Oh yeah, I guess I should mention the technical details, huh?  Sorry, I got so carried away over how marvelous this video transfer looks.  It truly makes you feel like “You Should Be Dancing.”  Paramount brings us an exceptional 1080P MPEG-4 AVC video encode presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio.  I was not expecting the end result to ever look this good.  I get goose bumps just thinking about how this favorite film of mine, despite its age, looks so stunning on Blu-ray.  I am going out on a limb here, not looking back, and awarding this film transfer a 4.5 in the video category (Brian takes the hot branding iron…sizzle…steam rises).

Audio 

The audio quality of the Saturday Night Fever Blu-ray release surprised me almost as much as the video did.  Realistically speaking, a film from 1977, unless it is Star Wars, should not sound this good.  Saturday Night Fever benefits greatly from 5.1 Dolby TrueHD surround mix as the legendary soundtrack of the Bee Gees is brought to life all around you.  Little atmospheric nuisances like trains and cars passing by are nicely mixed in the rear channels.  I was remarkably impressed to hear the separation of the channels and the muffled way they made the 2001 Odyssey Club sound when the film’s characters were outside the building.  The audio mix is just another impressive quality of this Blu-ray release courtesy of Paramount.  I really can’t say enough good things about it.  The dialogue was always loud and clear.  I never once had to strain from my seated viewing position to hear a single word muttered.  Perhaps my only complaint would have been how some of the dialogue sounded a bit canned and/or hollow, but that is to be expected from a movie filmed back in the 1970′s.  I really want to rate this one higher, believe me, but I am confidently going to award the audio track a solid 4 stars.  You can be the judge of whether or not it should be rated higher.  Feel free to let me know.

Special Features 

While it is not overly abundant, the nice and surprising thing about the Saturday Night Fever Blu-ray supplemental package is that all the materials, with the exception of the deleted scenes, are presented in High-Definition.  I bet you didn’t see that coming from a 1977 motion picture.  Well it’s definitely a nice change of scenery for a Blu-ray catalog release.  Are you ready to learn what groovy swag awaits you? 

• Audio Commentary – The audio commentary track consists of only Director John Badham.
• Catching the Fever (HD) – This 53-minute documentary is divided into five segments: “A 30 Year Legacy,” “Making Soundtrack History,” “Platforms and Polyester,” “Deejays and Disc” and “Spotlight on Travolta.”  This documentary looks as beautiful as the film does. This may be one of the best looking High-Definition documentary tracks I have ever seen.  I can’t believe how old some of the stars look compared to Mr. Travolta.  There are some good things to be found here for fans of the film.  You need to check this one out.
• 70′s Discopedia – This is your basic trivia track that accompanies the playback of the film.
• Back to Bay Ridge (HD) – This 9-minute mini-documentary takes you through some of the various filming locations made famous by this movie.
• Dance Like Travolta with John Cassese (HD) – This 10-minute featurette serves as a dance tutorial, as John and his dancing partner teach you the steps of Tony and Stephanie’s routine.
• Deleted Scenes (SD) – The 4 minutes of deleted scenes are the only special features to be found in Standard Definition.  Three different scenes can be found here with optional commentary available by John Badham.
• Fever Challenge! (HD) – Last but not least, this 4-minute interactive feature includes an onscreen dance floor with squares that light up to teach you the steps of John Travolta’s dance routine to “Night Fever.”  I tried this and needless to say I could not keep up.  I guess that is why I have always been discouraged from the dance floor.

Final Thoughts 

It really does not get much better than this folks.  Saturday Night Fever has never looked and sounded so good in any viewing format before.  For the fans of the movie this is an instant purchase, requiring no thought on your behalf.  I encourage High-Definition enthusiasts to revel in the fact that this is how a 1970′s catalog release should look on the Blu-ray format.  Heck, this is how every catalog release should look on the Blu-ray format (hint…hint…the horrible quality of Warner’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves). 

If you have never seen this film before, I am still going to highly recommend a purchase of this Blu-ray.  Saturday Night Fever has something to offer just about everyone and like I said before, it is one of those rare delicacies that can traverse multiple generations.  An 18-year old lad today will probably enjoy it just as much as their parents still will.  This is why this film will always hold a spot in my Top 10 favorites of all time.  Now the deal just got sweeter for me with this exceptional Blu-ray release from Paramount.  “You Should Be Dancing” and “Jive Talkin” with this release today.  What are you waiting for?  Get it now!

I hope you enjoyed my review of Paramount’s Saturday Night Fever Blu-ray release.  Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below.  I look forward to receiving any feedback from my readers.

Saturday Night Fever was released on Blu-ray May 5, 2009.  If you like what you read in the review above, then please show your support for our site by clicking the shopping cart link above to order and save with Amazon’s Everyday Lowest Price Guarantee.  Thanks!

Not only is this the second Blu-ray release of I Am Legend, it is also the third time the Richard Matheson novel I Am Legend has been adapted to film. The first time was The Last Man on Earth, starring Vincent Price, still the best version in my mind to date. The second attempt was the cult classic The Omega Man starring Charlton Heston, although major portions of the adaption were changed from the book. Finally we have are third version, this 2008 release of I Am Legend starring Will Smith.

First the story, I Am Legend stars Will Smith as Dr. Robert Neville a scientist who was unable to stop the spread of the terrible virus that was incurable and man-made. Immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and perhaps the world. For three years, Neville has faithfully sent out daily radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. But he is not alone. Mutant victims of the plague – The Infected, also known as Dark Seekers – lurk in the shadows… watching Neville’s every move… waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. Perhaps mankind’s last, best hope, Neville is driven by only one remaining mission: to find a way to reverse the effects of the virus using his own immune blood. But he knows he is outnumbered… and quickly running out of time.

This is quite an interesting role for any actor, simply because 90% of the movie has no other cast. All dialog and interaction in the first two thirds of the movie surrounds Will Smith as he, and he alone, has to convince the audience of his solidarity. This was not a role I thought Will could pull off, but to my surprise he does a pretty decent job. His acting is strong throughout the film, especially when involving scenes with his only friend, his dog. I should state though, that it’s really the first two thirds were he shines, the last third the movie as a whole kinda falls apart, not necessarily due to Will’s acting though.

While the story does for the most part follow the ideals of Matheson’s work, some changes were made. Most of the changes were made to make the film fit with today’s day and age, things like the technology, weapons, dialog, etc. Most of these changes work for the most part, and have no negative aspect to the story as a whole. Where the major problems with the film start are the last third of the adaption. After such a strong movement by the director and writers most of the way through, I have to ask myself what the @$%^# happened at the end???? I won’t spoil it for you, but I will tell you that major plot changes were made from Matheson’s masterpiece, and I do mean MASTERPIECE, of an ending. These changes are in all honesty laughable, and I’m serious. Its so tongue and cheek bad at some points you just have to ask yourself what the heck am I watching, and then crack a smile. If you haven’t seen ‘I Am Legend’ yet it still is worth watching thanks to its first two acts and cool ideas, just realize overall it might leave you with a feeling of disappointment at the end.

Disc two also offers the alternate version of the film (with alternate ending) which in my opinion is somewhat better.  This Ultimate Collector’s Edition is essentially a re-bundled version of the standard BD release, with a few changes (most notably the extras) which will be discussed throughout this review.  Since there are a lot of similarities between these two Blu-ray releases, many pieces of this review have been ported over from the standard release review found here.

Video

While this release splits the theatrical and alternate versions, along with the special features over two discs instead of the single disc approach on the standard edition (increasing the bitrate marginally), the results are very similar. I Am Legend is presented in a 1080p/VC-1 encode, and it is very, very strong. I will say that out of the 150 odd titles I own on Blu, this is definitely one of the best discs I own. Everything is as it should be; then again this should be a demo quality disc simply because it was such a big sci-fi hit for Warner.

Colors are amazing; especially in scenes depicting the now vacate New York City. They are very strong when they should be, always vibrant and saturated but not overdone, no overkill. Also just as robust is the portrayal of detail throughout the film, it is literally jaw dropping at some points. I found myself often just looking around at the signs, posters and warnings posted around the New York area; the detail is so good you can actually read each and everyone. Beside color and detail, the contrast and sharpness are also as good as they come, important here because large portions of the film are shot at night.

Audio

The audio tracks that Warner provides on this release are the same as found on the standard edition release.  We are offered a number of audio options including English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround (48kHz/16-bit) and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround (640kbps) tracks on both the theatrical and alternate versions, as well as French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround dubs (640kbps) on the theatrical version only. While the DD track is good, it is the TrueHD track that is extraordinary.

Bass, mids and highs are all were they should be. The score and sound effects also nicely add to the eerie ambiance of the film, after all this sci-fi is supposed to have a sense of horror and suspense to it. The 5.1 experience is great for sticking you right in the center, though I still wonder if a 7.1 track would have even added to it.

Special Features

Now this is really where die-hard fans of I Am Legend will get their monies worth out of this Ultimate Collector’s Edition.  Here is what this release offers up…

Disc One

• Audio Commentary - This could be the most notable new addition to the extras on this release. We get to hear from director Frances Lawrence and producer/screenwriter Akiva Goldsmith. While there is LOTS of over overlap of content from the other extras on this and the previous release, we still get to hear their thought on the film and the production. I would have loved to have had Will Smith participate in this commentary track, but what can you do?

• Documentary: “Creating ‘I Am Legend’” (HD) - An hour long highlight of the production, focusing largely on the shoot in New York and other locations. Interestingly it does touch on key aspects of the process of adapting Richard Matheson’s original story, a personal fav of mine

• Focus Points (HD) – This is a branching feature where you can pull up short featurettes about the film as it is playing.  While it could have been done more flashy, it is still an adequate way to get the content across to the viewers

• Featurette (HD) – “Cautionary Tale: The Science of ‘I Am Legend’” – A short 20 minute extra on the science of the film. Boring… yes, interesting to some… maybe.

• Animated Comics (HD) - The four segments are: “Death as a Gift,” “Isolation,” “Sacrificing the Few for the Many,” and “Shelter.” These have nothing to do with the Dr. Robert Neville saga, but instead serve as side quests.

Disc Two

• Featurette: “Making I Am Legend” (SD) – This 25 minute promotional piece is very fluffy. If you have watched some of the other extras and seen the promotional pieces surrounding the film on television, this extra can be skipped.
• Vignettes: “I Am Legend: The Making of Shots” (HD) – This extra included five making-of vignettes (totaling 26 minutes). We get a taste of “Visual Effects Highlights,” “Alpha Male,” “Times Square Hunt,” “Seaport Evacuation” and “Alternate Ending.” Also included is commentary from the visual effects artists, split-screen comparisons and pre-visualizations.
• Deleted Scenes (SD) – Finally, we get 12 deleted scenes (totaling 20 minutes) with optional commentary by Lawrence and Goldsmith. As is usually the case, these scenes were cut for a reason (usually flow), but are nonetheless worth a watch.

Disc Three

• Digital Copy (SD) – this is a digital version of the film that you can add to your PCs, PSP, and iTunes film library.

Final Thoughts

While the film was good (rather than great), Warner has put together a very nice package with this release.  The Audio and Video are both top-notch, and with this release, so were the extras.  If you’re into sci-fi, especially dark future stuff, this Ultimate Collector’s Edition is for you. I might also add that you might want to check out The Last Man on Earth and The Omega Man if you haven’t done so yet.

Unlike most people, I have been waiting for Rob Zombie’s interpretation of Halloween to come out on the Blu-ray format for over a year now. Words cannot express how disappointed I was that I had to buy the Standard Definition DVD of this movie when it came out in late 2007 because there was no release date in sight for the Blu-ray format. Coincidentally, that was the last DVD I ever bought. Having always been a big Michael Myers fan, I was extra stoked that the theatrical release of this movie fell on my birthday. What a birthday that was! Could you imagine a better way to celebrate your birthday? There is no need to seriously answer that one. That is what they call a rhetorical question. I really enjoyed Rob Zombie’s eccentric visions in House of 1,000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects so I was very much looking forward to him tackling one of my all-time favorite movie villains, Michael Myers.

I wish I could say that Rob Zombie’s Halloween opened up to critical praise from fans and critics alike. Unfortunately, that was just not the case. And unlike the last review I just read about this movie, I will not be spending the next nine paragraphs telling you how horrible this movie is. I believe this movie was just as good if not better than the original 1978 Halloween. Before you all ignore me, please listen to my reasoning here. I need to drive one point home first. I have tremendous respect for John Carpenter’s 1978 Halloween. For the time period that movie was made, it was a masterpiece of suspense, chills and horror. I remember being a child and watching the ABC televised version of Halloween late one night and being freaked out of my mind thinking Michael Myers was lurking outside my house and if I looked out a window there he would be. If you are cognoscente of the tight budget they were working with, the limited cast and practically non-existent technology they had back then, I would say they did an outstanding job of what they set out to accomplish. That is they basically scared the sh$% out of the majority of their viewers using the clever art of suspense and not relying on special effects like most modern day movies do. With that being said, one has to wonder how some people can just immediately dismiss Rob Zombie’s interpretation without clearly realizing one thing…they are completely different movies. Sure Rob Zombie re-imagined the tale of Michael Myer’s in his own visions but in no way is purposely trying to take away from the magic of the original. He is paying homage to it in his own special way, as only he is capable of delivering. I think people instantly rush to judgment when they should really rate Rob Zombie’s version on its own merit instead of comparing it apple to apple with the original 1978 classic. They each have their own unique touch, taste and feel. I will reiterate that the 1978 classic was successful at building suspense and relying on people’s imagination to scare them out of their wits while Rob Zombie’s take is much more a modern day slasher film. They are two completely different films, in my opinion, and people need to wake up and realize this instead of comparing how Rob Zombie changed so many things to their dissatisfaction. It is a re-imagination of the original film…not a frame by frame remake.

As far as the film’s structure is concerned, I see Rob Zombie’s version as a three-part story. First, we get to see the very young Michael Myers and witness first hand what his horrible and troubled family life was like. This is different from the 1978 movie where we really only see him commit his first murder and that was it. Obviously, young Michael Myers has issues and that one fateful Halloween night, we all remember, changed his life for ever. Michael was found guilty of homicide and sentenced to a sanitarium. The sanitarium is where the second part of the movie takes place. The third part is where the real remake of the original Halloween happens. This is where we see in greater detail how Michael escapes from his imprisonment and wreaks havoc again in the small town of Haddonfield on…you guessed it…Halloween!

We are first introduced to Michael Myers as a very troubled youngster, living in a much troubled family. Sheri Moon Zombie portrays Michael’s mother. She is pretty much the bread winner of the household, working as a stripper at the Rabbit in Red Lounge, while Mike’s step dad, Bill Forsythe, is portrayed as a foul-mouthed couch potato with injuries. The couple had a certain on-screen chemistry that cracked me up with their sarcastic bickering. I believe it really hits home for some viewers as Zombie shows just how screwed up Michael Myer’s sadistic childhood really was. Of course, the mythical tale of Halloween would not be complete without Judith Myers, played by actress Hannah Hall, and little baby Laurie. Michael always did show a strange affection towards Laurie, even in Rob Zombie’s vision.

We pretty much all know the tragic tale of Michael Myers and how he ends up being institutionalized. And I think it is safe to assume that we all know who Dr. Loomis is. Dr. Loomis is portrayed by legendary actor Malcolm McDowell. The second part of the film, as I alluded to before, centers on Michael’s care under Dr. Loomis at the sanitarium where he is being held. Michael starts his treatment as a really sweet kid who really has no mental recollection of the murders he committed, but as the years go by his soul becomes darker and he begins to lose all sense of humanity. Dr. Loomis is deeply saddened as he has tried every form of treatment he knows to help Michael and there comes a time when he ultimately needs to let go. Unwillingly, he does, as he believes Michael to be of pure evil and permanently without hope for making a recovery. During these years we also see Michael’s growing affection for masks and the creation of these many masks to hide his ugliness, as he declares to his mother. This is just another aspect of how I believe Rob Zombie’s vision really works really well here as we never get to see these tragic years in the original Halloween.

And now for tonight’s entertainment…the third part of the story ushers in the real meat and potatoes of the Halloween films. This is where we finally see Michael Myers, now played by actor Tyler Mane, escape from his imprisonment, get his trademark clothes from a hilarious truck stop scene and instill fear once again in the population of Haddonfield, IL. Oh and I forgot to mention, he finally dons his trademark mask. Let the chills begin again! It is here where Zombie really pays homage to the original Halloween movie in retelling the story of the famous Halloween night in which Michael goes on his infamous killing rampage to reunite with his baby sister, who now goes by the name of Laurie Strode. Laurie Strode is played by actress Scout Taylor-Compton. While she doesn’t convey the young innocence that Jamie Lee Curtis did with her character, I found Scout’s acting to be exceptionally well-done. Watching her made me feel like she was genuinely scared of Michael and a prefect fit for the role of Laurie. Just like the original movie, Zombie throws in roles for Laurie’s two best pals and their seemingly loser boyfriends. Of interest here, is the role of Annie, played by actress Danielle Harris. The die-hard Halloween fans will remember Danielle Harris as the child from Halloween 4 and Halloween 5.

I will agree with the critics and fans that dismissed this film in only one respect. Rob Zombie did not deliver the suspense and eerie chills that John Carpenter effectively created. Instead, Rob made a modern day slasher movie in the intuitive and visionary way that only Rob Zombie is able to deliver. I would assume that if you are not a fan of Rob Zombie’s movies then you probably would have already snubbed this version of Halloween and probably this review. However, if you can accept the fact that Rob Zombie set out to create, not a remake of the original Halloween, but a retelling in his own imaginative way then I think you will be much more inclined to appreciate it for what it is…a modern-day horror movie. And if you still don’t believe me, do a little research, and you will find a quote from John Carpenter to Rob Zombie who said to make this movie his own. It is only because of the lack of chills and suspense that I drudgingly knock down the film’s scoring a little bit and put my own personal feelings aside, like an effective critic should be able to do.

The Unrated Collector’s Edition is the choice cut of meat the Weinstein Co. decided to bring to the table on the Blu-ray format. Unlike most unrated releases, the unrated footage here is substantially different from the theatrical version of Halloween we all saw in the theatres. It greatly expands upon the development of young Michael Myers into the adult version we all know during his institutionalized period. They also show a bunch of narrative video footage that Dr. Loomis filmed of Michael, narrating his sadistic behavior. I really love this additional material until we come to the scene I kind of wish they did not change. In the theatrical version we saw Michael Myers escaping his captives in a hallway, but in the unrated version we are presented a rape scene that Michael Myers witnesses in his own holding cell. Surprisingly, he saves the girl and kills her tormenters. It then erratically cuts to the end of the escape scene in theatrical version where all the guards and staff are already dead. The first time I watched this cut I was disappointed and it did not feel right, but after subsequent viewings it feels more natural, like it belongs. My only other beef with this movie is one scene of discontinuity which always drives me crazy no matter what the movie is. This scene happens towards the very end of the movie where Dr. Loomis is trying to save Laurie Strode from Michael. Outside of the house that Laurie runs into, Michael is basically pushing in Dr. Loomis’ eyes. As you can imagine this would cause profuse facial bleeding and it did not disappoint. Although, about one minute later, Dr. Loomis is seen being dragged into the house by Michael and his face is hardly bloody at all. Those are the little things that bother me but they still don’t take away my enjoyment of this fine horror presentation.

Video

Halloween arrives on the Blu-ray format with an impressive 1080P/AVC MPEG-4 encode presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. I was really taken aback by this fine video transfer. Words cannot express how much better this looks than the Standard Definition DVD I have been toting around for the past year. I guess I have a new coaster now! For this being such a dark movie and the majority of the setting was at night the black levels are prefect. The blacks are solid with no visible signs of grain or noise except for whenever intentional. I was in awe at the meticulous set designs and seeing all the fine detail in furniture, fabrics and even on the walls. It was like I was watching this movie for the first time with a new set of transplanted eyes. I was even able to make out a tattoo on Judith Myers that I never even saw on the DVD version. If you are a pore whore like me, then you will appreciate the fact that you can see every wrinkle and facial flaw that each character has to offer. The legendary mask also benefits from the 1080P encode as you can clearly see great concern went into making sure the mask looked perfectly aged. I am fooled into believing that it was buried under the basement floor of the Michael Myer’s home for the past fifteen years. I was equally impressed with the 3-D pop of the lighted interior shots and the crisp outside autumn scenery. You feel like you are a kid again taking a Sunday afternoon ride with your grandparents through the park as they are pointing out all the beautiful color-changing leaves that the autumn season has to offer, depending upon where you live of course.

There were only two flaws that I feel obliged to point out and subsequently lower the video score because of them. There are very small yet visible white speckles here and there throughout the movie. You really have to be paying attention to see them but once you do realize them, it can become just a tad distracting. I am not sure if this was intentional or not. My only other complaint is there were a small handful of soft scenes, but nonetheless, they were present.

Audio

The Weinstein Co. seems to support the Dolby True-HD camp and that is what they put into our trick-or-treat baskets here. One of my favorite attributes of the audio was the score and sound effects that were incorporated into this movie. Rob Zombie used a number of very iconic 70’s rock songs to perfectly lay the portrait of the time era for which this movie takes place in. The legendary John Carpenter’s score still sounds creepy as ever in Rob Zombie’s remixed fashion. The sound effects and eerie score will not disappoint the die-hard Halloween fans. One of my favorite sounds was the crack of the aluminum bat against the skull of Judith Myers’ boyfriend in the kitchen. The thump made by the bat’s contact to his skull is so authentic it makes my head ache. I never once strained to hear the dialogue as it is presented at very acceptable levels above the sometimes very aggressive soundtrack. My only complaint is that the score sounds way too front heavy for a horror movie of this aggressive nature. In my opinion, the rear channels were very underutilized when they should have been more engaging and immersive during most action sequences.

Special Features

Halloween comes to Blu-ray as a two-disc set. The first disc, which the movie is on, contains all the same extras as the 2-disc unrated DVD set that came out last year. The second disc contains an all new 4.5 hour documentary by the man himself, Rob Zombie. So, I guess you can clearly see that you will have to block out a large chunk of time from your busy schedule if you want to view all of these special features. I knocked the score down just a bit because, disappointingly, the majority of the extras are all in Standard-Definition, even the 4.5 hour documentary. I was saddened to find this out but nonetheless, for the die-hard fans, this is everything and more than they can possibly want or ask for.

The special features include:

• Audio Commentary – You can view this feature film with an optional commentary track by writer/director Rob Zombie.
• Deleted Scenes – (SD) There are 22 minutes of deleted scenes to be viewed here with optional commentary.
• Alternate Ending – (SD) I did not find this one to my liking at all, but you are able to view a complete alternate ending to the movie with optional commentary.
• The Many Masks of Michael Myers – (SD) Tyler Mane and Rob Zombie discuss how important the masks were in this short 6-minute featurette.
• Re-Imagining Halloween – (SD) A very light, 19-minute, documentary on the making of Halloween.
• Meet The Cast – (SD) This is an 18-minute featurette that contains and introduces the majority of the main cast.
• Casting Sessions – (SD) This featurette consists of 35 minutes of videotaped screen tests. There is also an extended screen test for Scout-Taylor Compton.
• Theatrical Trailer – (HD) Finally, we have the film’s trailer in High-Definition! This is sadly one of the only High-Definition supplements we get here.
• Michael Lives: The Making of Halloween – (SD) What more can I say? If you are a die-hard fan and you have 4.5 hours of your life to spare, then this is the documentary for you. Sadly again, the entire 4.5 hours is presented only in Standard-Definition.

Final Thoughts

What can I say that I have not said already? Rob Zombie’s film is a re-imagining of the original Carpenter classic. It was even blessed by John Carpenter. This is your typical modern-day horror film with one exception…it features the legendary bad-a#$ killer…the Boogeyman, Michael Myers. While you won’t necessarily experience any cinematic revelations during your viewing, you will be immersed in the troubled life of Michael Myers, an experience unlike John Carpenter’s version provided us. It’s a bit of history lesson as we go back in time and fill in all the gaps as to what really happened to Michael Myers during all those years of confinement. For all the die-hard and open-minded Halloween fans out there, recommending this film is a no-brainer. For all the others who are on the fence about seeing this or afraid it will ruin and/or taint their memories of their beloved original classic, then I urge them to partake in all the High-Def visual/aural splendor Rob Zombie’s visionary tale provides us. I had the pleasure of meeting Tyler Mane at Comic Con this past summer and he disclosed to me, the great news, that he signed on for two films. About a month later, I read the news of a Halloween sequel. Although it will not be produced by Rob Zombie, it is suppose to honor and continue the storyline that he has created. So, until the next eventual sequel is released, kick back with your bag of candy corn and enjoy this modern day re-imagined version of Halloween. Trick or treat!

Blade Runner: The Final Cut is the fifth version of director Ridley Scott’s 1982 film taking place in a dystopian future set in Los Angeles in 2019. Blade Runner is based loosely on Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? It places us in a grim future, in a dirty and overpopulated Los Angeles. The Tyrell Cooperation has taken genetic creation to a new level; they now have the ability to create a person. These people are called Replicants, and can be created to have more strength, endurance and intelligence than a normal person. They are used mostly on off world colonies as laborers. When they escape on earth it is deemed a problem and they are hunted down by Blade Runners, Deckard (Harrison Ford) is one of these and our main character. When a Blade Runner takes out a Replicant it is called retiring them. Blade Runner is essentially the story of Deckard hunting down a small group of escaped Replicants.

The set design and visual effects in this movie were second to none when the film was originally released in 1982, and they still rival many of the CGI films of today. The city is alive with neon lights, flying cars and sky scrapers. There is a breath taking scene where Deckard is walking inside and apartment building and up above the skylight a blimp flies over with all its flashing lights.

The acting in Blade Runner is superb, which is rare for your average science fiction film. Harrison ford turns out one of his best performances as the disgruntled Blade Runner Rick Deckard, he is able to show Deckard?s inner struggle with the morality of his job. Take notice of his reaction after ?retiring? a female Replicant. Sean Young is also surprisingly good as the Replicant Rachael, who is unaware of what she is. The best performance in this movie however is by Rutger Hauer who plays the leader of the escaped group of Replicants. He acts on pure emotion, and creates one of the most sympathetic villains I?ve ever seen.

Blade Runner: The Final Cut is the fifth version released including the three commercial versions, and the work print version that was shown in 1990 without Scott?s permission prompting the creation of the Director?s cut. The Final Cut is different than the others versions in a few different ways, it does not include the much debated voice over narration and also is without the happy ending. Now this may sound an awful lot like the Director?s Cut, which it is, but there are a few other significant differences between the two that makes it the better version in my opinion. They have touched up many of the visual mistakes that were still in the Director?s Cut, such as wires lifting the flying cars and also the wig on Joanna Cassidy?s (Zhora) stunt double. Also in this version Scott has shortened up some scenes as well as lengthened and completely altered others, which creates a better pace to this one.

The future presented in this movie may not seem too likely as the year 2019 approaches, but it rings true in more ways than one. For example the mass advertising that takes place and the overpopulation and out of control immigration, all of which we can see reflected in our present day. The plot to Blade Runner is simple but it presents many deep themes. It questions us on what it means to be human, and what really sets us apart, if at all from a Replicant.

Video

Blade Runner’s Final Cut hits Blu ray in 1080p 2.40:1 aspect ratio, resulting in a stunning video transfer that is going to knock the socks off all you fans. In the past DVD releases have been mauled with all sorts of grain and defects, but this new hi def release is simply fantastic. The difference isn?t subtle it simply looks amazing, the colors are fantastic and the overall transfer crisp. There is no denying that Blade Runner is one of the best looking catalogue titles on Blu-ray, if you like this movie in any way then you must have a look.

Audio

Blade Runner makes its Blu ray debut in stunning fashion, with a TrueHD 5.1 Dolby soundtrack. The results speak for themselves, ultimately there is nothing more to improve. The dialogue comes through brilliantly with no balancing issues, and all channel are used efficetvly. If you are like me with the latest standard definition release you were left wanting more, I can assure you that now all your needs will be satisfied.

Special Features

Blade Runners hi def release sees it packed with more special features than you have time to watch. This doesn’t leave fans with anything else to want, so enjoy.

• Audio Commentaries: “The Final Cut”
• Documentary: “Dangerous Days”
• Featurette: “The Electric Dream: Remember Philip K. Dick”
• Featurette: “Sacrificial Sheep: The Novel Vs. the Film”
• Philip K. Dick: The Blade Runner Interviews
• Featurette: “Signs of the Times: Graphic Design”
• Featurette: “Fashion Forward: Wardrobe & Styling”
• The Light That Burns: Remembering Jordan Cronenweth
• Screen Tests: Rachel & Pris
• Deleted and Alternate Scenes
• Vintage Featurettes
• Featurette: “Promoting Dystopia: Rendering the Poster Art”
• Featurette: “Deck-A-Rep: The True Nature of Rick Deckard”
• Theatrical Trailers

Final Thoughts

For fans of Blade Runner this can’t be put any simpler, there is nothing left to be desired. The video is stunning, the audio stunning, and team that up with more special features than you’ll probably ever watch and you got yourself a winner. The bottom line is, if you?re a fan of the film you need to go pick yourself up a copy in hi def.

Let me first say that I love Godzilla and I love monster movies. The Host is a South Korean film that has received much critical acclaim for the return of the giant monster. With many comparisons to both the Godzilla movies and Jaws, to say that I was looking forward to watching this would be an understatement. Yet, when all was said and done, I was left, like the monster, a little cold. Maybe I had just bought into the hype a little too much.

The Host, with its success in Korea, and limited success in the US, has set the bar much higher for Korean cinema in terms of ticket sales and dollars earned. Korean cinema has become more popular over the past several years and will likely continue to move in that direction if The Host is any indication.

Synopsis:

Part TV family sitcom, part giant creature horror-fest, The Host tells the story of a wacky dysfunctional Korean family and their fight to survive and stick together during a giant monster attack. What begins with silly family antics straight out of The Simpsons, quickly turns to real tragedy and loss. The cast of characters is thin and built on one-note. There is the doting grandfather, the imbecilic father, the drunken brother, the semi-successful sister, and the overly-intelligent/obnoxious daughter. It is the daughter’s kidnapping by the monster that pulls the family together despite all odds to try to save her. The creature itself looks like a CGI Sid and Marty Kroft character gone wrong, but it looks decent enough considering the likely low budget. There were some genuine thrills and some downright funny moments, but as I mentioned, I was hoping for more.

Unfortunately, throughout the struggles, little redemption is found for the characters, and some don’t even make it through the day. I guess that’s my beef with this movie. Is it horror, or is it comedy? I think what often makes a good horror movie is a good dose of dark comedy, but The Host just can’t balance it. I found it jumping from one extreme to the other, disregarding the characters let alone the audience. But maybe I’m being a bit harsh. It wasn’t a bad movie per-se, and has garnered some great reviews, but it wasn’t enough for this monster movie fan.

Video:

The Host arrives on BD via a 1080p/VC-1 encode. Like the film, I had somewhat mixed feelings about the transfer. While there were a few knockout shots (see the close-up of a girl at the beach near the beginning of the movie), I just didn’t feel the transfer was consistent. While much of the film is covered with a light grain (likely intentional), it seemed this verged into a heavier grain/possibly noise (likely unintentional) in spots. The overall result was an adequate presentation that, also like the movie, didn’t thrill me.

Audio:

Maybe I’ve been bashing a bit so far, but I won’t in the audio department. The PCM 5.1 track is a killer (pun intended). Prepare to be immersed in the sound-scape. This is demo material here, and anyone who questions the validity of a lossless track vs. Dolby Digital can compare the two here and find the PCM track significantly stronger. It really packs a wallop. This is how all track should sound in horror films, crisp, clean, and powerful at just the right times. As far as the dub, yes, you can watch it in English, but no, you shouldn’t.

Special Features:

Here’s a bone to pick. Why are high-def discs often left with less special features than their SD counterparts? I’m all about using the extra space on the disc for superior audio and video, but why not, like the SD version, include a second disc of extras? Anyhoo..Here’s what we get:

• The Making of the Host
• The Creature
• The Cast
• Deleted Scenes
• Gag Reel
• Commentary with director Bong Joon-Ho
• Korean Trailer

All features are presented in SD (why not include the rest of the SD features?) and are pretty self-explanatory. Worth watching are the Making of the Host and the commentary is worth the time for fans.

Final Thoughts:

Despite my review, I didn’t hate The Host, I just didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as I thought I would. That’s not to say it isn’t worth a rent, but I’d advise doing so before blindly buying (as I did). Audiophiles and fans will be more than pleased. I’ll be heading back to my newly released/remastered Gojira, thank you very much!

Where do you start with a film like The Untouchables? I suppose you start at the beginning. This has to be the best script David Mamet has ever written. The highly stylized vision of 1930 Chicago utilizes as much of the myth as it does the fact. After all, we want our mobster dramas larger than life. For rights issues the film claims to be based on the 1959 Robert Stack television series; however, all of the participants admit the result is completely unique and original.

What of the story? The time: Prohibition. The smell of bootleg gin and the sound of bullets linger in the urban air. It’s Chicago. It’s Good vs. Evil. Elliott Ness vs. Al Capone. Kevin Costner vs. Robert DeNiro. Federal Agent Eliott Ness (Costner) vows to take down Al Capone (DeNiro) and his bootleg operation that holds the entire city of Chicago in its terrorizing grip. With the help of an old beat cop, Malone (Connery), a Treasury accountant (Smith), and a Police Academy rising star (Garcia) Ness’s group of “Untouchables” takes on the hoods.

Next up we have to talk about the direction of Brian DePalma (no relation to cab dispatcher Louie, I think). DePalma has a solid reputation for breaking the rules, but in this case I think he simply invented new ones. When you consider the influence the film has had, you can’t very well say that rules weren’t firmly in place. Everything from camera angles to the smallest set dressing detail is firmly under De Palma’s control. Often the results are more style than substance. The Untouchables is that rare exception. In this film even the style is substance. The sets are grand in stature yet subtle in the details. The clothes were designed by Armani and do more than just place the characters in the times. The clothes become props that allow these actors to become their parts with amazing ease.

The cast is the ingredient that activates the whole project. Bob Hoskins was originally signed to play Al Capone. Mel Gibson was scheduled to play Ness. Gibson’s schedule got too tight and DePalma had another idea for Capone. At first there appeared to be resistance to casting DeNiro in the role. The film was already over budget. Hoskins would now have to be paid in any event and DeNiro just doesn’t work cheap. When he first showed up for the role there was concern that he would never be as imposing as Capone needed to be. DePalma, having already worked with DeNiro, knew how well the actor prepared for a role. Just three months later he was Capone as no other actor could have been. Honestly, this film would lose a lot without him. Once Gibson was lost, DePalma admittedly “settled” for a relative unknown. I don’t think much of Kevin Costner. Most of his roles I consider pretty lame. This is not one of them. Costner can, and does, play the ultimate G man. He wears the part like a tailored Armani suit. Mamet made the ingenious decision to give Ness a mentor. DePalma compounded the brilliance by casting Sean Connery in the role of Malone. Not since James Bond has Connery shone so brightly. Again, the role was such a comfortable fit. Andy Garcia and Charles Martin Smith add their own powerful nuances to the ensemble. Still, even a stellar cast with a great script make simply a very good film. Greatness comes from chemistry. These players, just like the characters they play, blend perfectly. Each adds a unique quality, making the whole greater than the sum of its parts.

Video

The Untouchables is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The disc contains an AVC / MPEG-4 / 1080p transfer. The bit rate averages an astounding mid 30’s mbps. There were moments when the rate entered the low 40’s. While I’ve only seen a little more than a dozen Blu Ray transfers to date, this is hands down the very best. How easy it would have been to simply bump up the compression rate and add a little window dressing to this early Hi-Def transfer. A splash of color there, a dab of detail here. There are already more than a few such examples. This transfer is simply beautiful. Colors fly along with bullets. Reds bloom like fresh garden roses while even the subdued earth tones that dominate the film display a level of texture I seriously doubt existed during the original theatrical release of the film. Check out the weave on the clothes. Notice the woodgrain on Malone’s phonograph cabinet. Many of these subtle shades are little to write home about when taken alone. Put enough together and you have texture. It is this sense of texture that’s missing in too many transfers whether they be HD or simply SD. The image is a testament to DePalma and his eye for detail long before any of us were talking HD. Black levels are perfect, containing a level of depth I’ve not seen in my own theatre before. Give some credit to the folks who lit this film. I think the lighting sells the whole thing. It is the natural look of everything that immerses you deeply into the film. It’s simply a difference between watching a film or experiencing one. This transfer allows you the latter. I would never have expected a nearly 20 year old film to be this good. If this is the future of Hi-Def discs, sign me up for more. Look closely in Malone’s final scene and you can see camera equipment reflected in his apartment window.

Audio

While neither the Dolby Digital EX5.1 track nor the DTS 6.1 version might be as much of an improvement as the picture it is indeed a noticeable notch above the SD release. The film ultimately lacks something in the sub levels. The notable exception is the driving snow plow early in the film. It rumbles like a tank toward the warehouse doors. Sadly this level of low end strength does not continue and never reaches that kind of a high point again. On the plus side is most definitely the Ennio Morricone score. From back in the days of the Eastwood Spaghetti Westerns, Marricone has created some of the most distinctive film scores around. The Untouchables is no exception. You can actually hear the reeds from the woodwinds and breath in the flutes. Fortunately the score received a significant upgrade from SD releases of the film. Here the sound is truly dynamic, even if a little light in the sub range. The rousing score is often used as a theme for the Acadamy Awards, and this release lets us truly appreciate why. The instruments are allowed to sing until the sound sustains beyond our ability to hear it any longer. Even then you can feel it somehow, a glorious call to action as The Untouchables ride across the fields to battle Capone’s smugglers at the Canadian border. Sound is so good at times that the crying of the oversized infant in the climax was getting on my nerves.

Special Features

• “The Script The Cast” This 18 minute feature, like all of those contained here, are carryovers from the SD release and are presented in SD. DePalma admits that at first he was just hoping to get a commercial success out of the way so he could go back to what he loved doing. Little did he know then’ Most of this 18 minutes are taken up giving us a sort of genesis of the story and original casting of the film. A ton of vintage interviews as well as more recent clips are worked in and out of the piece.
• “Production Stories” Pretty much a continuation of the first piece. This 17 minutes gives us a look at the sets and designs of the film. “Corruption looks fabulous” is the tag line for this segment.
• “Reinventing The Genre” We all know the mobster film has been done to death. Still, every once in awhile someone comes along with a fresh look at familiar ground. This 14 minutes continues pretty much in the style of the first two while looking at the inventiveness of the film.
• “The Classic” Best part of this 6 minutes is the attention given to Morricone. Not long enough, if you ask me.
• “The Men” This is a vintage promo piece running about 5 minutes long. Like the previous features, it was included in the SD release.

There is an HD trailer but it really doesn’t look any better than it did before.

Final Thoughts

The term classic is used far too often, so I’m reluctant to apply it here. It particularly bothers me when the term is applied to a relatively recent film. For me a classic has to have stood the test of time. Even a record breaking box office smash has no guarantee it will ring as true after 20 hard years have passed. As I watched the film for maybe the 15th time, I don’t think it’s possible, and certainly it wouldn’t be fair to describe The Untouchables without knighting it a classic. A common theme running through the extra features is this idea of texture. As I look at the film I am taken at just how apt that term is as a theme for this film. The idea of texture applies to the clothes, the sets, and even the acting here. Each thread, beautiful in itself, weaves together to form a grand Greek tapestry. The Untouchables has become a veritable classroom for film study, another integral element when describing a classic. Like the first two Godfather films before it, lessons abound in every aspect of filmmaking. Perhaps much of it is owed to lucky happenstance, but the end result is a wonderful example of how to make a film. You start with a compelling script. You bring together the finest craftsmen, from the director to the set designers. You put these words into the mouths of the best actors available, always keeping in mind chemistry. And with just a little luck, a masterpiece creates itself. “Thus endeth the lesson.”

Other than seeing bits and pieces of this film on TV over the past few years its been quite some time since I saw this film in its entirety. Like with most movies from the past I openly welcomed the chance to check out Coming to America and see if it lived up to what I remembered.

Akeem Joffer (Eddie Murphy, Norbit) is a Prince from the fictitious country of Zamunda, where he is the heir to the throne, yet remains severely unhappy with his life. He finally snaps when his parents (James Earl Jones and Madge Sinclair) present him with an arranged marriage. He refuses to go through with the marriage and along with his servant Semmi (Arsenio Hall) he travels to New York City in hopes of finding a bride that he loves and respects. After a few mishaps and awakenings to how things are done in America, Akeem finds an apartment in Queens where he is also employed at the fast food restaurant McDowell’s. Here he falls in love with the daughter of the owner; both are oblivious to his real identity which works both for and against him. The rest of the movie follows Akeem?s efforts to win over Lisa and have her hand in marriage.

Coming to America isn?t a laugh out loud type of movie; although I didn’t fall off my chair in laughter I did still enjoy the charm of this movie and the frequent chuckles I got out of it. Most of all I enjoyed the humor behind Akeem’s attempts to adjust to life in America, and his interactions with his servant Semmi.

All-in-all, I enjoyed this movie, even though it wasn’t as funny as I remembered, or would have expected out of Eddie Murphy in the 80′s. Still I would recommend a rental, or even a bargain bin purchase on SD, but as far as shelling out for it in hi-definition, that really depends on just how much you like this movie.

Video

Presented in a 1080p 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded in MPE4, Coming to America comes to Blu-ray with some good looking results, especially considering the movie is nearly 20 years old. The opening shots were among the best looking in the film, more specifically when Eddie Murphy is in his red bed everything looks crisp and surprisingly sharp, not only that the details were rather impressive as well. Once he comes to America the colors become bleaker, but this is clearly to enhance the New York feel. Although this transfer isn?t entirely comparable to some of the newer Blu-ray releases, considering its age I was impressed that there was only the occasional soft and grainy looking scene. Aside from the few problems this video transfer had it is a massive upgrade of the DVD and should be checked out by fans of the film.

Audio

Paramount has included a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track, and to put it bluntly this was rather disappointing, although that?s what you come to expect out of an aged comedic movie. The track with exception for the odd scene was completely front heavy, and unfortunately even the dialogue had some inconsistencies. There are a few scenes where distinct audible noises are present, usually in quiet dialogue scenes. However there was the occasional scene that will make use of all channels, but they are very few and far between. The soundtrack was the only aspect that consistently used all channels, so you can expect the typical 80?s heavy drum to rock your living room. On the plus side there were no balancing issues, all and all this audio track was nothing special, but for its age I will give it some credit.

Special Features

The special features are rather disappointing but still a good watch for fans of the movie, just not an abundance of them.

• Prince-ipal Photography – A 25 minute look into the making of the film, starting in the early stages of pre production, to the release of the film and everything in between. Includes some interesting cast and crew interviews.
• Fit for Akeem: The Costumes of Coming to America – A 18 minute featurette focusing on the creation of the costumes used in the film, more specifically the African costumes.
• Character Building: The Many Faces of Rick Baker – 13 minutes in duration, it follows the makeup jobs of Rick Baker, more specifically his work on making Eddie Murphy playing multiple roles.
• Composing America – An 11 minute look chronicling the musical talents of Nile Rodgers.
• A Vintage Sit-Down with Eddie and Arsenio – Excerpts from interviews with Eddie and Arsenio that have not been seen in nearly 20 years.
• Photo Gallery
• Theatrical Trailers

Final Thoughts

Coming to America is an enjoyable movie to watch, it will have you laughing several times, but it just wasn?t enough for me. The scene I enjoyed the most wasn?t even intended to be overly funny, but it includes a nice cameo from a young Samuel L. Jackson. Aside from being just slightly above average in the film department, I felt the audio was pretty average as well. The picture, although not overly impressive, did look rather nice considering its age. The special features were rather dismal, but overall this is quite a nice jump from the DVD version and I would recommend fans of the movie give it a purchase.

I will admit that on occasion I have enjoyed a romantic comedy or two, and when I initially saw the trailer for Failure to Launch, I anticipated it to make the list. Aside from the film’s stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey, Failure to Launch has a rather well assembled list of co-stars, including Kathy Bates (Misery), Terry Bradshaw (Former NFL Quarterback), Justin Bartha (National Treasure), and Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers). Sounds good enough, how does it turn out?

Matthew McConaughey plays Tripp, he enjoys a successful career as a high end boat broker, he drives a Porsche, and he spends all his free time outdoors maintaining his six pack. Sounds like quite the bachelor. There?s only one drawback – he?s 35 and he lives with his parents. Whenever a relationship is getting too serious he brings the girl home, she discovers he lives with his parents, and as a result breaks up with him. Life seems good for Tripp and his buddies who also live at home, they spend their free time swimming with the dolphins, mountain biking, rock climbing, paintballing, and well anything physical. Well, things turn upside down when Tripp?s parents hire Paula (Sarah Jessica Parker) to get Tripp to fall in love and finally get him to move out. But things get complicated when Paula actually starts falling for Tripp. Was their love doomed from the beginning? Or will these two end up with each other? Well, I think you all know the answer, but to find out for sure you?re going to have to watch the movie.

Failure to Launch turns out to be an enjoyable romantic comedy, and while it?s never really laugh out loud funny, it is constantly quite humorous. Of course you can expect the same old laid back, smooth Texas charm from McConaughey, and the happy innocence of Sarah Jessica Parker. The characters in this picture aren?t particularly deep, although there are a few surprises in the character arcs they are for the most part pretty cardboard and their actions predictable. Without the real presence of emotion or awfully troubled characters I would dub Failure to Launch as more of a comedy than anything, and it works out quite well.

Aside from the main focus of Tripp and Paula?s relationship, there are several ongoing storylines as well, including the love lives of their friends, and their relationships with their friends a family. Some of the most entertaining parts of the movie are when Tripp is out with his buddies where he continually attacked by animals.

This is one of those rare moments where I?ll actually compare romantic comedies. My favorites of this genre are always British; the Hollywood versions are often clich?d and predictable. The thing I like about Failure to Launch is that aside from being a typical Hollywood formula, it focuses more on the comedy than the romance, and turns out to be a pretty enjoyable movie. So for those of you who despise having to sit through a romantic movie, I?ll suggest this one, it?s not so bad to sit through if you can get past McConaughey using every possible opportunity to take his shirt off.

Video

Presented in a 1080p 2.35:1 aspect ration, the Blu-ray release of Failure to Launch impresses, and continues Paramount?s current streak of solid transfers. Almost every aspect of this transfer looks good, although there are a couple minor nitpicks here and there. The source material is in great shape, with no real blemishing on the films print. Both Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey look like they spent a bit too much time in a tanning booth, but flesh tones do have realistic hues. Detail remains constantly good throughout; every wrinkle on Terry Bradshaw?s face as well as every hair on his balding head is clearly seen with fine detail. While flesh tones and detail remain solid, I felt the rest of the colors used in the film were a bit oversaturated, often looking too bright in many places. Again Paramount has encoded this disc with MPEG-2, and like DreamGirls, both Blu-ray and HD DVD versions look identical.

Audio

Paramount has included what is becoming a standard for their Blu-ray releases – a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track. Thankfully the track sounds good even though the film relies heavily on the front channels. There are a few parts in the movie that will use all the channels, for instance the scene where Tripp and Paula go paintballing. This scene in particular used sub and rear channels effectively, creating the atmosphere as if you were actually there. The Plus track found on the HD DVD did have a bit more oomph, bass levels sounded a tad richer as did the rest of the channels but the difference is slight. Either way there isn?t much here that will test your sound system but the material is presented very well.

Special Features

Included on the disc are decent amount of features that provide some entertainment value, unfortunately a couple of the features feel like promotions for other companies and don?t really provide that much information related to the movie. It is also a slight disappointment to see these features in standard definition as Paramount usually presents them in HD.

• Casting Off: The Making of Failure to Launch – A 12 minute making of feature that includes interviews with every major cast member. Although a bit short in length it does provide enough information to keep it interesting.
• The Failure to Launch Phenomenon – An 11 minute look at the growing trend of kids living with their parents once they are adults. I don?t know, I think if your 38 and still living with your parents there is something wrong.
• Dating in the new Millennium – A 7 minute look on dating. This is look on on-line dating etc that some people may find interesting.
• Moviefone.com Unscripted with Matthew McConaughey and Terry Bradshaw – An 18 minute interview with the . The two interviewing each other is surprisingly entertaining and offers a good amount of insight into both actors.
• The Failure to Launch Contest – A real life contest that looks at three adults who still live at home but feel it?s time to move out. The winner gets 6 months paid rent at their new apartment.
• Theatrical Trailer

Final Thoughts

Better than most romantic comedies, but still not overly fascinating; Failure to Launch is a good watch, and a pretty good bargain on Blu-ray for fans of the film. The audio and video are impressive but the features are somewhat lacking. So for those of you who haven?t seen it yet, check it out because it?s a good alternative to a lot of the garbage out there.

Special Features List

• Casting Off: The Making of Failure to Launch
• The Failure to Launch Phenomenon
• Dating in the new Millennium
• Moviefone.com Unscripted with Matthew McConaughey and Terry Bradshaw
• The Failure to Launch Contest
• Theatrical Trailer

Veteran NYPD police officer Nick Conklin (Douglas) is a tough and streetwise officer who is facing criminal charges compliments of Internal Affairs. Charlie Vincent (Garcia), Conklin’s younger fashion friendly partner who has all the faith in the world that Nick will beat his charges, sets up a meet for after his hearing at a local restaurant. After enjoying a shot of scotch, the officers observe a meeting between a group of mobsters and Yakuza. Before long the meeting goes array when a Japanese man enters the restaurant with a group of thugs. After some dialogue is exchanged, the man murders two of the mobsters present at the table and steals a package. As the suspects flea the scene, Conklin opens fire on his henchmen killing them, and then pursuing the target on foot. After a short but intense chase scene followed by a fistfight the suspect is apprehended.

It is learned that this man is a wanted Yakuza member back in Japan and goes by the name Sato. To avoid creating more problems with Internal Affairs, Nick’s superior officer informs him that he and his partner will be extraditing Sato back to Japan where he will be tried. This request is met with some reluctance, but Conklin and Vincent sure enough fly with Sato to Osaka, Japan. When they land they hand custody over to the local police, washing their hands of the matter. As they prepare to leave, they are met by more officers indicating that the others were imposters and have already gotten away. From here the two get involved in the investigation to track down Sato along with the help of local mild-mannered cop Masahiro Matsumoto (Ken Takakura).

This is where the action really picks up, as they slowly get closer to the trail that Sato leaves behind, while at the same time being harassed by his gang members. The movie is filled with some classic action elements, and keeps it simple. The movie follows the trials of the officers who want justice with a great storyline and realistic action scenes. It may not have the intensity of Die Hard or the comedic relief of Lethal Weapon, but in many other aspects it is comparable. It has that classic action vibe to it where the story unfolds without much unnecessary action and side stories that are just an excuse to throw in more explosions (referring to now-a-day action movies). Instead the story is well thought out and straightforward, the good guys want to bring the bad guys to justice and aren’t afraid to bend the rules. If you are a fan of the action genre, this movie is definitely worth checking out. Like most action movies of that era it didn’t disappoint and will remain a classic.

Video

I did not expect much from Black Rains 1080p 2.40:1 video presentation, seeing as the film is almost twenty years old. However from the opening sequence I knew I was in for a pleasant surprise. The film starts in New York and these scenes show an impressive amount of detail. Colors here seem a bit muted and may not jump out as much as they could; however visual the film comes alive once the story shifts to Japan. The neon lights of the city jump out, showcasing some impressive color and detail not normally seen in older titles. The climatic finale, which takes place in Japans country yard, looks nothing short of spectacular. Black Rain is one extraordinary looking film and for its age ranks among the finest transfers on Blu-ray, a job well done by Paramount.

Audio

Black Rain is given two tracks, 5.1 Dolby Digital EX and 6.1 DTS, both that sound very good. For the most part the film sounds great; however at times it does sound dated and sometimes muffled a common problem for a film of this age. However there are more good things then bad with this track. Channel support for instance, is well above average. The 6.1 track made good use of rear channels and a surprisingly frequent use of bass during the films action sequences. Black Rain isn’t he best tracks heard on Blu-ray but never the less impressive for its age.

Special Features

Black Rain features a handful of interesting features, including an in depth making of documentary.

• Audio Commentary – Commentary by director Ridley Scott
• Black Rain The Script, The Cast – A twenty minute feature discussing the initial script of Black Rain. An interesting look at films script and casting, featuring interviews with screenwriters Craig Bolotin, Warren Lewis, Director Ridley Scott and Actor Micheal Douglas.
• Black Rain Making The Film: Part 1 & 2 – A seventy five minute feature that explores many aspects of film production, including the challenge of filming in Tokyo. It proved so challenging to film in Japan that 1/3 of the Japanese shots had to be shot back in the USA.
• Black Rain Post-Production – A twelve minute look at the films post production. A very interesting look on the editing process and creation of the musical score by Hans Zimmer.
• Threatrical Trailer HD

Final Thoughts

Unlike other movies coming from the same time period, Black Rain actually managed to impress me in regards to the video. This disc always looked crisp, and with a good audio track, Black Rain is a sure buy for fans of the movie, and a must rent otherwise. The only drawback of this disc is the lack of features, but this doesn’t take away from the otherwise fine quality of this disc.

Special Features List

• Audio Commentary
• Black Rain The Script, The Cast
• Black Rain Making The Film: Part 1 & 2
• Black Rain Post-Production
• Threatrical Trailer HD