Synopsis: Following a lengthy prison term, Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) finds himself on the outside looking in at a world he once commanded. Hoping to repair his relationship with his daughter, Winnie (Carey Mulligan), Gekko forges an alliance with her fiancé, Jake (Shia LaBeouf). But Winnie and Jake learn the hard way that Gekko is still a master manipulator who will stop at nothing to reclaim his rightful place at the top of Wall Street.

Review: Wall Street is one of those epic films from the 1980s that has not only held-up in quality, but has never really been forgotten.  Its a cult classic of sorts and so when Money Never Sleeps was announced I put aside my usual groan when a sequel is developed decades too late and gave it a fair whirl.   The world of sequels is a dodgey one, because it can be a lot of fun to see what happens after the events in the first film to characters that you're invested in.  On the other hand, it can end up being a thinly veiled remake of the original.  Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is certainly not that type of sequel.

This film is a fantastic follow-up to a great story.  You get to see how characters evolved and we get to further analyze the character of Gekko.  This is especially interesting, because some peopel grow and seek redemption in their older age.  The main question of this film becomes...is that what Gekko is doing, or is he up to something more nefarious than ever?  Overall a great film full of remarkable twists.

The extras on this blu-ray collector's edition include: Commentary by Director Oliver Stone, A Conversation with Oliver Stone and the Cast of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, Money, Money, Money: The Rise and Fall of Wall Street and Deleted and Extended Scenes.

Interest Range: Drama, Sequel

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Synopsis: Make tracks with Battle Force 5--Vert, Agura, Stanford, Zoom, Sherman and Spinner--in a fast-paced race to save the world from destruction! This elite team of drivers racks up the miles, zipping through interdimensional Battle Zones in spectacular chases, pursued by The Vandals and The Sark, all seeking the powerful BattleKeys that unlock the portal to Earth. As BF5 teammates live by their "Never Back Down, Never Give In" pledge, their enemies become more devious. In this thrilling six-episode lineup, Vert must outwit Vandals leader Kalus on his home planet, Stanford must defeat The Sark after they infiltrate BF5's secret garage and Zoom must battle The Vandals in a cage match on a "prankster" planet. Local sci-fi nut Zeke also lends his cunning to the team when a discovery and a lightning bolt supercharge his brain with Sentient knowledge. Strap in for a pulse-pounding ride full of amazing adventures on out-of-this-world race courses with Battle Force 5!

Review: This DVD set collects the final 14 episodes of the epic kids show Hot Wheels: Battle Force 5!  This one is a huge favorite in our household.  My 6 and 8 year olds both LOVE it.  In fact, my 8 year old son has a big box of the toys too that he pulls out to watch with the show.   The kids absolutely freaked over this second half of the first season collection and put it in their DVD player immediately!  The computer-generated animation is really appealing to the little ones and they love the characters, action and storylines.  This is a great release at a great price!

Links: www.BattleForce5.com

Interest Range: Animation, Hot Wheels

Synopsis: Tis the season for the cheer and charm of the Peanuts kids - and this delight special offers five segments full of unforgettable moments. Snoopy works as a bell-ringer to raise money and tries making peace with the ferocious cat next door. Linus strives to strike the right tone in his letter to Santa - and his friendship with an indecisive girl at school. Sally's idea about gift giving and the identity of Santa may be unusual - but her strange notion about how to obtain a Christmas tree surprisingly does the job. Lucy tries awfully hard to be nice...and still coax everyone around her to buy her presents. Charlie Brown and Sally wait up for Santa (a surprisingly short man), who spreads Christmas gift cheer further than they had thought. Make merry!

Review: Its the 60th anniversary of the classic Peanuts characters and we're getting more and more DVD releases!  The cartoons have been so prolific over the years that its hard to collect them all.  Thankfully, this new 18 minute DVD captures a few tales that cannot be found anywhere else.  Its short, but sweet in these tales that not only entertain, but in true Peanuts fashion also bring an emotional reaction.  This is a great DVD that will please any collector and make parents happy.

Links: www.PeanutsDVD.com

Interest Range: Charlie Brown, Xmas, Animation

Review: The Family Guy Star Wars spoof films have been amongst the funniest I've seen.  We started with Blue Harvest and then Something, Something, Something Dark Side and now It's a Trap, which pokes fun at fan un-favorite The Return of the Jedi.  

There is always a little apprehention about whether a film like this will live-up to the previous incarnations and Seth does deliver, despite his tongue-in-cheek intro claiming that this film is no good.  Its absolutely hilarious and pokes great fun at our favorite film trilogy yet again!  From a Ralphie "double dog dare" reference to Ewoks spearing Storm Troopers to death in a bloody end, the film is non-stop hilarity.   If you love Family Guy, you already know what to expect.  If you haven't seen these and you enjoy spoofs, definately check them out.  These and the Robot Chicken Star Wars parodies are some of the best spoof films ever made.

This set comes with a blu-ray, DVD and digital copy.  My kids were SO excited to see this film they absconded with the DVD right away and my son has been bugging me to upload the digital copy to his iPod.  The blu-ray stays with mom and dad.  These packs are fantastic, and I'm so glad that Fox opted to release it in the combo format!  This was a great way to wrap-up this great trilogy.  I only wish they'd go forward and attack the prequels!  So much material!

Synopsis: In this charming, critically acclaimed tale of rumors and reputation, Olive (Emma Stone), an average high school student, sees her below-the-radar existence turn around overnight once she decides to use the school's gossip grapevine to advance her social standing. Now her classmates (Amanda Bynes, Aly Michalka) are turning against her and the school board is becoming concerned, including her favorite teacher (Thomas Haden Church) and the distracted Guidance Counselor (Lisa Kudrow). With the support of her hilariously idiosyncratic parents (Stanley Tucci, Patricia Clarkson) and a little help from a long time crush (Penn Badgley), Olive attempts to take on her notorious new identity and crush the rumor mill once and for all.

Review: Easy A is one of those comedies that really caught me by surprise.  I figured it would look cute, but not really live up to the hype.  I think without lead actress Emma Stone the film would've been a dud, but she brings such life to the character of Olive Penderghast that you can't help but love this film.

Emma Stone breaks out in this lead role of a girl that sells pretend sex for bribes in a film that reminded me almost instantly of 'Can't Buy Me Love' from the 1980s.  The film is full of laughs and the very charasmatic Stone.  Her character is so snyde and so fun that you can't help but love her.

This film is now the reigning queen of the high school satire genre!  We highly recommend to anyone.

The special features include: movieIQ+sync (logo) and BD-Live connect you to real-time information on the cast, music, trivia and more while watching the movie!, Extra Credit: Pop-Up Trivia Track, Commentary with Director Will Gluck and Emma Stone, The Making of Easy A
The School of Pop Culture: Movies of the Eighties, Vocabulary of Hilarity, Gag Reel, Emma Stone Audition Footage

Synopsis: Step it up to the stratosphere with Step Up 3, the eye-popping dance movie that gets your juices flowing like nothing before it. Gravity-defying routines, pulse-pounding music and heated drama take you to a dimension that's nothing less than amazing. When a tight-knit group of New York City street dancers are pitted against the best hip hop dancers in the world, it's a high stakes dance battle that'll change their lives forever. And with hot new chart-topping tracks from Flo Rida (Feat. David Guetta), Trey Songz, Wisin y Yandel and Sofia Fresh (Feat. T-Pain) - plus exclusive, dance-filled bonus features - experiencing Step Up 3 is one of the most exhilarating moves you can make. 

Review: The Step Up films have become quite a franchise and big money-maker.  This latest edition, Step Up 3, was released in 3-D in the theaters and raked in a ton of dough.  Today we're going to look at the blu-ray + DVD combo release of the film.  This set does not include the 3-D version.

All of these films center around some teen and young person drama with a backdrop of dancing.  If you're of a certain age, you've seen this film before.  An unrealistic place where all of these amazing kids go do dance like professionals in their spare time, meanwhile the place is in danger of shutting down if they can't raise a hundred grand and the kids are all on the streets instead of dancing all day!  Gasp!  What makes these films fun is the highly choreographed and very skilled dancing.  These are really fun flicks for tweens and those that enjoy dance.  I even saw elements of Capoeira in there, which is one of my favorite martial arts.
 

Overall,  a fun film and great for it's target audience. 

The special features include: 

DVD
• Extra moves (Linear Video). This music montage features the dancers with alternate angles and extra footage
• Making of the music videos (Linear Video)
• Music Videos
o "Club Can't Handle Me" - Flo Rida featuring David Guetta (3:52)
o "My Own Step (theme from Step Up 3D)" - Roscoe Dash and T-Pain, featuring Fabo (4:42)
o "Already Taken" - Trey Songz (3:58)
o "This Girl" - Laza Morgan (3:13)
o "This Instant" - Sophia Fresh featuring T-Pain (3:36)
o "No Te Quiero (Remix)" - Sophia Del Carmen featuring Pitbull (3:13)
o "Irresistible" - Wisiny Yandel (3:15)
o "Spirit of the Radio" - Jrandall (3:10) 

BD (included all DVD bonus features, plus)
• Born From A Boombox: A Luke Katcher Film (Linear Video). View the never-before-seen documentary Luke made to get into film school
• Deleted scenes (Linear Video). With intros by Director Jon M. Chu
o Club Battle (3:34 includes intro)
o Sneaker Montage (4:06 includes intro)
o Carlos Explains Redhook (1:34 includes intro)
o Jacob Tribal Story (4:32 includes intro)
o Capoeira (3:49 includes intro)
o Moose Gets "Sick" (2:52 includes intro)
o Sad Montage (3:53 includes intro)
o Opening World Jam (4:28 includes intro)
• NOTE: The 1-disc 3D Blu-ray contains the feature only; there is no bonus on the 3D Blu-ray

Synopsis: Deadly bacteria! Doomsday devices! Robotic spiders! Sound like a big budget sci-fi thriller? Nope. Even better. It’s the 5-Disc, 26-Episode Swat Kats: The Radical Squadron Complete Series Collection. Chance Furlong and Jake Clawson appear to be ordinary junkyard auto mechanics until trouble occurs in Megakat City. In a flash they fly their high-tech Turbokat toward danger as T-Bone and Razor: the Swat Kats. The city is run by the power-hungry Commander Feral and his militant team of Megakat Enforcers. Jake and Chance were once Enforcers but Feral demoted them to working in the scrap yard, where the Swat Kats were born. They take on any kind of menace from the undead sorcerer Pastmaster to lobster-like alien warlord Mutilor. The hardware-heavy action never stops in this animated fan-favorite from Hanna-Barbera Studios that’s fur-flying fun!

Review: Swat Kats was a very successful, yet often underrated and not mentioned animated series from the early 1990s.  The show ran in the Hanna BarberaThe Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera animation block from 1993-94.  In fact, it was the number one syndicated animation show of 1994.  They were going to bring it back, but the Time-Warner merger prevented that.  The Funtastic cartoon block was cancelled and a focus was placed on Cartoon Network programming instead.

The show has never been released on DVD...until now!  The Warner Archive is bringing us this great old toon.  The 5-disc set includes all 26 produced episodes of the show (there were a few unproduced ones in different stages of development at the time of cancellation).  The episodes are taken from the best possible master tapes of the show.  The DVD does not include any extras, but honestly just being able to relive this great show is enough for this reviewer.  We HIGHLY recommend picking this one up.  Its not available in stores, just by demand from the Warner Archive!

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Synopsis: The 1960 World Series® was a classic sports Cinderella story, pitting the upstart Pirates against the Yankees dynasty, which had already captured 18 championship titles.  The star-studded lineups included Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Roger Maris on the New York side with Roberto Clemente, Dick Groat, and Vern Law on the Pittsburgh roster. After six games, the heavily favored Bombers had compiled impressive Fall Classic numbers: a .340 team batting average, 78 hits, and 46 runs to the Pirates 17.  Yet the opportunistic Pirates had the series even at three wins apiece.  In the tense Game 7, the Pirates stormed to an early 4-0 lead, but waves of scoring from both clubs had the game knotted at nine in the bottom of the ninth.  Then, 24-year old second baseman Bill Mazeroski -- known more for his glove than his bat -- approached the plate and launched the first World Series-ending home run in baseball history, setting off a delirious celebration that reverberated from Forbes Field across Pittsburgh and through the annals of all-time sports achievements.

The five-reel, 16mm Game 7 kinescope was discovered last December in Crosby’s home and it is the only known copy of the game, considered one of the greatest ever played.  Crosby, a one-time part owner of the Pirates hired a company to make a kinescope copy of the Game 7 (filmed the TV broadcast as videotaped was not yet created!) while he vacationed in Paris, too nervous to watch the series stateside.  Called by the Yankees’ legendary Mel Allen and the Pirates Bob Prince, it is the complete NBC broadcast, and one which was thought to be lost forever.  And, now, direct from the Major League Baseball archives, this rare and extraordinary television broadcast has been restored for this remarkable DVD presentation.  Disc 1 features the complete, original 1960 World Series Game 7, with alternative radio play-by-play.  Disc 2 contains the 1960 World Series Film, 1960 Pirates highlights, newsreels, and player interviews.

Featuring the quintessential making of a Fall Classic hero, BASEBALL’S GREATEST GAMES: THE 1960 WORLD SERIES, GAME 7 is a time capsule of one of the most iconic games in World Series history.

Review: It often feels like there aren't a lot of surprises left in the world.  Every once in awhile a treasure is discovered and for baseball fans one such treasure was unearthed last December in the basement of late crooner Bing Crosby.  You see, Crosby was part owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who took part in the epic 7th game of the 1960s world series against the Mickey Mantle/Yogi Bera era Yankees!  You see this tense game was a tie-breaker for the two, but anyone that didn't see it live on or television at the time was out of luck.  There were no known recordings of the game..it was lost forever.  It turns out that Crosby had hired someone to record the television broadcast in kinescope and no one even knew!  Now, A&E is releasing it on DVD for us all to enjoy and experience, many of us for the first time.

This DVD is a MUST-HAVE for any baseball fan or sports historian.  To be able to see this exciting game is a wonderful gift that fans never would have expected!  The 2-disc DVD is full of great extras, reels and interviews.  We highly recommend this one!  Thanks Bing!

Interest Range: Sports, History

Synopsis: 16-year-old James Powers finds himself lost after his mother dies and he is forced to live with his three Irish aunts. Displaced and distressed, he longs to come back to America. One lucky weekend, desperate for cash after learning the ropes with bookies, gamblers and crooks, James starts a wildly successful business of selling illegal magazines on the black market. Tough, street smart and with cash in his pocket, he must now decide where home really is...

Review:The title to this film, Turning Green, is a reference to an American boy that is sent to live with his aunts in Ireland after his mother passes away.   The film is basically his struggle to mesh with a crime-infested area of Ireland and learn to deal with some very serious and very damaging people.  The film includes Irish stars, such as Colm Meany and Timothy Hutton in great criminal roles.  Hutton gets a lot more attention now, especially on movie covers, thanks to his hit TNT show Leverage.  I must admit that I have a soft spot for him now, whereas before I couldn't have cared less.  In this film he's a hardcore enforcer and does a great job of it.   The acting in this one is top notch is great for anyone interested in crime drama.

Synopsis: Angelina Jolie stars in Columbia Pictures' Salt, a contemporary espionage thriller. Before becoming a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt (Jolie) swore an oath to duty, honor, and country. She will prove loyal to these when a defector accuses her of being a Russian sleeper spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture, protect her husband, and stay one step ahead of her colleagues at the CIA.

Review: There was a lot of talk about SALT being the new action-film franchise.  Angelina Jolie is the new Jason Bourne, thats what we're fed.  Is this true?  I came into this film with a certain level of skepticism.  I love Jolie's past work and obviously I don't mind looking at her on the screen, but can this film live up to the enormous hype?  The reviews from moviegoers online were VERY mixed.

What is SALT?  Salt is action..hardcore and intense action.  The movie almost completely rests upon the bad-ass action sequences.  This film has been very, very underrated.  This unrated version includes extended and director's cuts versions of the film.  There are a lot of more violent scenes that were cut out of the theatrical release.  The action is realistic and therefore rather gritty.  Jolie pulls out a great performance and shows she still has her acting chops.  Overall, this is a great film for anyone into action thrillers.

The special features on the deluxe unrated blu-ray include: movieIQ
The Ultimate Female Action Hero, The Real Agents, Spy Disguise: The Looks of Evelyn Salt, The Modern Master of the Political Thriller: Phillip Noyce, False Identity: Creating A New Reality, "The Treatment" Radio Interview with Phillip Noyce, SALT: Declassified, Filmmakers' Commentary, Unrated Filmmakers' Commentary, Unrated Extended Filmmakers' Commentary and Spy Cam: Picture-in-Picture.

Synopsis: The epic Highlander saga hits full stride in Season Three with a gripping collection of tales that introduce some of the legend's most vital characters and most vaunted weaponry. Through it all the mystery of the "Highlander" unfolds and deepens as his incredible story leaps time and emotions to bring us further into the tortured world of the Immortals. In the end, "There Can Be Only One."

Review: The third season of Highlander is where the show has finally hit a stride and has really picked-up after the tragic death of Tessa in season 2.  Duncan is living in the gym and keeping his secrets from Charlie.  Meanwhile, he encounters all types of immortal baddies in his quest to live.

The first season release of Highlander met with some fan controversy, although this reviewer knew enough about the source material picture quality to completely understand any element of imperfection that the blu-ray was bound to have.  Season 2 did have a great improvement, along with some amazing extras, some of which included fan involvement.  This time around, the picture quality is crisp and the colors really pop.  The menus are a much better quality and all-around this is a really improved release.  Its a joy to own.  We highly recommend it for any Highlander fan.  The Highlander blu-ray releases just keep getting better and better.

The blu-ray special features include: Live By The Sword: A Documentary on swords and their use in the series, Third Time In: A series of interviews with cast and crew discussing the making of Season 3, Still Shots: A Behind-the-Scenes musical montage, 2 picture-in-picture (PIP) commentaries, Methos Rocks: A humorous and revealing interview with the 5000 year-old Immortal, Forever Fans: Archival footage from 1998. A fan retrospective and iPhone BD Touch remote control feature.

Interest Range: Highlander, Sci-Fi, Fantasy

Synopsis: Comedian/actor Robert Klein stars in his ninth HBO stand-up special, an hour of all new insights into society’s foibles and follies, plus several memorable musical interludes. Klein performs his routine in front of a live audience at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ Amaturo Theatre in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Review: Robert Klein is one of the best observational comedians of all-time.  His whit and banter have been around since the 1970s in his nine HBO comedy specials, broadway, movies, books etc.  He has crossed almost all entertainment borders, becuause of his whit and charm.  He can be compared with contemporaries like George Carlin, though I dare say he doesn't get the same fanfare.   We lost George, but fortunately we still have Robert to foot the bill.  I can only imagine what Carlin would have to say about Sarah Palin. I know it'd be something...thats for sure.

This new HBO comedy special is full of what makes Klein a fan favorite.  A lot of new observations about the political and social landscape and a lot of anger about the right wing.  This one is a must-have for any fan.  If you haven't checked out Klein yet, this is a great place to start!

Synopsis: Rita Hayworth, who was born Margarita Cansino, the daughter of Spanish and Irish parents, trained from a young age as a professional dancer and would become one of the more enduring symbols of glamour and sex appeal of her era. As a result of her sultry good looks and talent displayed in every genre, including comedies, dramas, musicals, thrillers, and even westerns, Rita Hayworth became the unmatched Queen of the lot at Sunset and Gower, in Hollywood, and one of Columbia's most important contract stars. By 1940, a picture starring Rita Hayworth guaranteed the highest level of production values and her films are some of the most iconic of their era. Now Sony Pictures and The Film Foundation have teamed again to bring five of her finest films to DVD--three of them for the first time. These films highlight Hayworth's charm, grace and allure as a dancer, dramatic actress, and vamp--while charting the exceptional range of her career. It's a collection that showcases one of Hollywood's most unforgettable stars...and is certain to win her legions of new admirers as well.

Review: Rita Hayworth is one of the classic and most beloved vamps in Hollywood.  Her fame began to rise during the great depression and continued on until her death in the late 1980s.  She had a handful of marriages, one of which was to the great Orson Welles.  Her films are well-know and beloved.  Typically when you get a DVD collection you might get one good movie and a bunch of stinkers that a studio can't move.  That is NOT the case this time around.  Sony actually gave us a wonderful collection that includes both Cover Girl and Gilda, two of her best roles.  History has dubbed her the "Love Goddess", but one of the charming things about Rita was her discretion and her class.  She always stayed appropriate and due to this remains a classic beauty.  This is a great collection for anyone interested in film history and vintage films.  These really take you back to an more innocent era and thats fun to see.

The films in this great vintage collection include:

COVER GIRL-- Rita's gorgeous red hair made her a natural for Technicolor, and her beauty is amply displayed in this musical about a dancer who unexpectedly becomes a magazine cover model. Dance partner and love interest, Gene Kelly (who also served as an un-credited choreographer with Stanley Donen) becomes jealous when her rising celebrity clashes with his ambition. The songs are by Ira Gershwin and Jerome Kern, with supporting actors Phil Silvers, Lee Bowman, Otto Kruger, and Eve Arden rounding out the superb cast.

GILDA-- Gilda (Rita Hayworth), the wife of a casino owner (George Macready) in Buenos Aires, is surprised to be introduced to her husband's new casino manager (Ford), a man from her past. Rita's legendary striptease to "Put the Blame on Mame" is an unforgettable moment in one of the greatest of all film noirs, and the peak of her career--not to mention a searing depiction of one of the most erotic and tortured relationships on film. Directed by Charles Vidor, the film co-stars Joseph Calleia, Stephen Geray and Gerald Mohr.

MISS SADIE THOMPSON--The fourth screen version of the famed Somerset Maugham story details the arrival of a free-spirited woman to Samoa, where she naturally arouses the interest of the Marines based there (especially sergeant Aldo Ray), as well as the wrath of the fire-and-brimstone preacher (Jose Ferrer) who wants her sent away immediately. Curtis Bernhardt (A Stolen Life) directed the film, which was originally released in 3-D.

SALOME-- Rita plays the gloriously beautiful but wicked Salome with relish in this Biblical tale of the stepdaughter of Roman King Herod (Charles Laughton), whose growing lust for his charge leads her to make a very unique demand involving John The Baptist (Alan Badel). William Dieterle (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) directed this lavish production, which also stars Stewart Granger, Dame Judith Anderson and Sir Cedric Hardwicke.

TONIGHT AND EVERY NIGHT-- This moving picture of life in war-time London is a tribute to those enduring the nightly bombing raids that strafed the city, and Hayworth is radiant as an American showgirl in London. Another gorgeous Technicolor musical and an unusual dramatic role for Rita, based on the real theater troupe who never missed a performance, despite increasingly dangerous circumstances. Victor Saville (Goodbye, Mr. Chips) produced and directed the film, which co-stars Lee Bowman, Janet Blair and Leslie Brooks.

The special features on this DVD set include: Commentary with Author/Filmmaker Richard Shickel, Baz Luhrmann on Cover Girl, Introducing Miss Sadie Thompson with Patricia Clarkson and Patricia Clarkson on Tonight and Every Night.

Simply email your entry to dvdlegion.com @ gmail.com for your chance to win!

Synopsis: Ben Affleck follows his acclaimed Gone Baby Gone directorial debut by directing, co-writing and starring in a taut thriller about robbers and cops, friendship and betrayal, love and hope and escaping a past that has no future. He plays Doug MacRay, leader of a Boston bank robber gang but not cut from the same cloth as his fellow thieves. When Doug falls into a passionate romance with the bank manager (Rebecca Hall) briefly taken hostage in their last heist, he wants out of this life and out of the town. As the Feds close in and the crew questions his loyalty, he has one of two choices: betray his friends or lose the woman he loves. Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively, Titus Welliver, Pete Postlethwaite and Chris Cooper also star.

Review: The Town is the second film directed by Ben Affleck.  Its an adaptation of Chuck Hogan's "Prince of Thieves".  Affleck not only directs, but stars as a major player as well.   This film, set in a tough Boston neighborhood, brings Affleck back to his roots and what he knows best...and it shows.

The film is basically a movie about generations of criminals and how one many tries to find his way out.  Its gritty, intense and action-packed.  The heists are fantastic and the subject material is taken very seriously.  This is a phenominal second attempt by Affleck.  I hope he sticks to a very serious genre with his filmmaking, he does well.

The special features include a theatrical version plus extended cut not seen in theaters, Commentary on both versions by Ben Affleck, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 on both versions; French Dolby 5.1 and Spanish Dolby 5.1 on theatrical version only, Ben's Boston: Actor-director Ben Affleck takes you through the moviemaking process in his hometown. Segments include: The Cathedral of Boston; Nuns with Guns: Filming in the North End; Pulling Off the Perfect Heist; The Town: and more

Links: http://thetownmovie.warnerbros.com/ 

Synopsis: Acclaimed filmmaker Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) makes his animation debut with this fantasy adventure based on the beloved books by Kathryn Lasky. Young owl Soren marvels at his father's epic stories of the Guardians of Ga'Hoole, mythic winged warriors who fought a great battle to save all owl kind from the evil Pure Ones. When he and brother Kludd fall from their treetop home and into the talons of the Pure Ones, it's up to Soren to make a daring escape with the help of other brave owls. Together they seek the Great Tree, home of the Guardians--the only hope of defeating the Pure Ones and saving the owl kingdoms. The stellar voice cast includes Abbie Cornish, Miriam Margolyes, Helen Mirren, Sam Neill, Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess and Hugo Weaving.

Review: Legends of the Guardians is based on a children's novel series, Guardians of Ga'Hoole.  This film is the first translation of this series onto the big screen.  One of the first things that caught my eye about this film, other than the extremely interesting visuals, is the director Zack Snyder.  He has never made an animated film, per say, but his other films (300, Watchmen) have been very heavily green-screened features.  That and Zack typically directs very heavy material, so I was interested to see how his extreme style would effect this movie that is intended for kids and young adults.

The film is visually stunning, with the graphics studio that brough you Happy Feet coming back with a really unique and new style.  The lighting and the texture on the owls is really outstanding and engaging and it looks amazing on blu-ray.

The story is rather basic and borrows from past fantasy epics, such as Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, but overall its a fun kids movie.  My 6 and 8 year olds enjoyed it thoroughly and have watched it a few times already since we recieved it.  Overall, I'd have to rate this one very highly.  Its certainly a unique feature to share with your kids.

Links: http://legendoftheguardians.warnerbros.com/ 

Interest Range: Animation, Animals, Fantasy

 You can own this DVD today

Synopsis: The incredible true story of how the greatest graffiti movie of all time was never made...

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP is a chaotic trip through low-level criminality, comradeship, and incompetence. By turns shocking, hilarious and absurd, this is an enthralling modern-day fairytale... with bolt cutters.

This is the inside story of Street Art—a brutal and revealing account of what happens when fame, money, and vandalism collide. EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP follows an eccentric shopkeeper turned amateur filmmaker as he attempts to capture many of the world's most infamous vandals on camera, only to have famed British stencil artist Banksy turn the camcorder back on its owner in one of the most provocative films about art ever made.

Review: I wasn't sure what to expect when I went into Exit Through the Gift Shop.  I mean, this is a film directed by street art legend Banksy, but its not about Banksy...I don't know, it was confusing.  All became clear once I tuned-in, though.  A lot of things became clear about the history of street art and some of the most major players in the game.

I'm an artist myself and I have a deep appreciation for the revolutionary careers of artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey.  I must say that once I saw this documentary about the life of Mr. Brainwash, AKA Thierry Guetta, my opinions on these artists changed.  They tried to paint Thierry as a lunatic and a poser, but instead he comes off as a natural product of his environment.  He embodies his artwork and these guys that let him hang out and film them are basically bitter because they paid more dues and they didn't seen him as some elite artist like they were, but rather some geeky guy they let hang out with them.  In the end, both Banksy and Fairey come off looking a bit douchey and full of themselves.

That all being said, this is a phenominal documentary.  One of the best I've seen in years.  I'm very excited to have had the chance to see this glimpse into the past.  You get TONS of footage of these talented street artists sneaking around at night and doing their thing, often assisted by Thierry.  This one is a must-buy for anyone into art and especially street art.  We HIGHLY recommend!

Interest Range: Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Mr. Brainwash, Street Art, Space Invader, Thierry Guetta

Synopsis: Growing up with wacky, dysfunctional parents, New York writer Chris Rocket finds his world turned upside down again when he returns to his childhood home in Florida. With a family like this, he’ll be lucky to last the week. Starring Jimmy Fallon, Sharon Stone, Lucy Liu and Tom Arnold.

Review: The Year of Getting to Know Us has a great cast for an indie flick and you'd expect to see something pretty funny from Jimmy Fallon, right?  Wrong!  This is a thinkin' man's drama.  This is a comedy in the same way Garden State was a comedy from Zach Braff.  It just wasn't, but what we did get was an epic drama about life and love and family.  I can highly recommend this one.

Synopsis: Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (Justin Long) strike sparks for a summer fling in New York City but neither expects it to last once Erin heads home to San Francisco and Garrett remains behind for his Big Apple job. But after six romantic weeks, neither is sure they want it to end. So despite opposing coasts, naysaying friends and family and unexpected temptations, the couple just might have found something like love. And helped by a lot of texting and late-night phone calls, they might actually go the distance.

Review: Drew Barrymore has become well-known for the feel-good, but somewhat realistic romantic comedy genre.  Her past forays, such as 50 First Dates, Music & Lyrics and Never Been Kissed have all been wildly entertaining and fantastic films that have homes in our personal DVD library.  We were hoping for another smash from her with Going the Distance and we most certainly were not disappointed.

One of the things that really makes this film a winner is the natural chemistry between co-stars Barrymore and Justin Long.  They have dated in real-life, so this was a natural fit and it shows on-screen.  The film is warm and funny, while we watch two lovers try to make a long-distance relationship work.  The supporting cast is defintely a huge factor here with Charlie Day of 'Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia' and the always lovable Christina Applegate.  Overall, this is a nice film thats great to watch with your sweetheart.  Guys will enjoy it too, its not your typical "chick flick".

The special features on this blu-ray include: How to Have the Perfect Date, A Guide to Long-Distance Dating, The Cast of Going the Distance: Off the Cuff, Commentary by director Nanette Burstein, The Boxer Rebellion "If You Run" music video, Behind the Scenes of the Going the Distance soundtrack and Additional scenes.

Links: http://going-the-distance.warnerbros.com/dvd/

Interest Range: Comedy, Romantic Comedy

Synopsis: When second-graders Bryce and Juli first meet, Juli knows it's love. Bryce isn't so sure. In the days and years ahead, Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) does all he can to keep his wannabe girlfriend at arm's length and the smart, independent-minded Juli (Madeline Carroll) continues to give him the benefit of the doubt. This tender coming-of-age romantic comedy from director Rob Reiner takes the pair from grade school to junior high, through triumph and disaster, family drama and first love, as they make discoveries that will define who they are,  and who they are to each other

Review: The art of the subtle movie has all but been lost in a world where studios are looking for state of the art 3-D summer blockbusters.  Flipped takes us back to a world of Stand By Me and the Wonder Years..even a Christmas Story, where a world gone by is revisited.  I haven't seen a film this retro and innocent since My Girl.  The great thing about a film set as a youth in the 1960s is that you know and you can almost feel that the loss of innocense not just of the characters, but the entire nation, is teetering in the distance.

Flipped is a great movie, with a story told in narration form by both the boy and girl involved, which creates an amusing and interesting contrary narrative.  It gives you both sides of this story and actually warms your heart for once, instead of breaking it in two.  This is a true feel-good movie, without being too over the top sappy.  Nice work WB.

The special features on this blu-ray include: The Differences Between a Boy and a Girl: The he said/she said lowdown between stars Madeline Carroll and Callan McAuliffe, Embarrassing Egg-scuses: Madeline teaches raising chickens and hatching the perfect egg, How to Make the Best Volcano and Flipped: Anatomy of a Near Kiss.

Links:  www.lotteryticketmovie.com/dvd/#/splash

Interest Range: 1960s, Teen Romance

Synopsis: For some unexplained reason, letters to Santa Claus are being returned to the children of Junctionville.  It seems some resident has angered St. Nick, calling Christmas "a fraudulent myth!"  Sketptical Albert Mouse has to be brought to his senses "and let up a little on the wonder why."  How Albert is persuaded to change his tune paves the way for Santa's jolly return to town -- and the joyous finale of the animated fable inspired by Clement Moore's poem and produced by the merrymaking conjurers of Rankin/Bass Studios.

Review: Everyone loves a good Xmas movie.  I enjoy watching everything from Rudolph to Frosty to the Garfield Xmas special and Charlie Brown each year.  One that hasn't been around for many years, at least not that I've caught, is the Rankin/Bass animated classic "Twas the Night Before Christmas." 

This enjoyable classic cartoon shows a tale of what would happen if we sassed Santa and he stomped off the job.  Its a well produced and fun cartoon that isn't well circulated on television, so this may be the first chance for your kids to see it.  Mine loved it and that was enough for me!  

Links: http://www.kidswb.com/whv

Synopsis: Hang on for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime as Jack Bauer (Keifer Sutherland) unveils darker secrets, faces deadlier conspiracies, and is thrust into more extreme action than ever before in Season 8 of 24! As Day Eight unfolds, Bauer races against the clock to prevent the assassination of a Middle Eastern leader on a vital peace-making mission. Meanwhile, a deadly terrorist threat against New York City intensifies and builds towards an explosive climax.  Relive the electrifying final season of TV's most groundbreaking series ever, including a surprise ending you simply must see.

Review: 24 is one of the biggest shows to hit the air in years.  It had a massive weekly following of rapid Jack Bauer fans.  In fact, the name Jack Bauer I heard all of the time leaked into conversation.  24 was a 8 season series that was riddled with action, thrills and double crosses.  Trust no one.  Until now.  The final season offers some hope in this world of espionage shady political dealings and assasination.

The show wraps up with this final season and the DVD release is pumped full of extras.  This is a must-have for any fan of 24. If you haven't checked the show out and you're like me, I often like to wait until a show has run its course and THEN watch it on DVD, so I can see it as quickly or slowly as I wish ( I hate cliffhangers!) then now is the time!  This one would make a GREAT Xmas gift.

The special features on this DVD set include:

Synopsis: There’s more action, more adventure — and more attitude — in The A-Team Extended Edition, which includes a never-before-seen version of the film with spectacular added footage not shown in theaters!

Buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride starring Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Sharlto Copley. Convicted by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit, a daring team of former Special Forces soldiers must utilize their unique talents to break out of prison and tackle their toughest mission yet. It’s going to take guts, split-second timing and an arsenal of explosive weapons...this is a job for The A-Team.

Review: I grew up watching the A-Team.  I tuned in every week to see my favorite team of mercenaries go to work for the greater good.  I had the action figures and the van...heck, I still do!   I was most interested in seeing Mr T.  I don't think its any secret that Mr. T made that show what it was.  This new movie seems to have forgotten that....

The film is well made with very good quality actors from Liam Neeson (Batman Begins) to Jessica Beil (Blade 3) and Bradley Cooper (The Hangover).  The action sequences are great and there is a basic, albeit entertaining plot of the crew being set-up for a crime they didn't commit and having to clear their name against all odds.  The film is great overall, my only issue is with the lack of T.  I know that T is old.  He's old as dirt and I know that, but something in me still wants T.  At least in a cameo.  The guy they got to fill his shoes doesn't hold a candle to the original and the character is really downplayed, which is a shame.  Its still a fun film and looks wonderful in high definition.

The special features on this blu-ray include:

Synopsis: First it was a mine that exploded in the middle of the Moroccan desert. Years later, it was a stray bullet that lodged in his brain... Bazil doesn't have much luck with weapons. The first made him an orphan, the second holds him on the brink of sudden, instant death. Released from the hospital after his accident, Bazil is homeless. Luckily, our inspired and gentle-natured dreamer is quickly taken in by a motley crew of junkyard dealers living in a veritable Ali Baba's cave. The group's talents and aspirations are as surprising as they are diverse: Remington, Calculator, Buster, Slammer, Elastic Girl, Tiny Pete, and Mama Chow. Then one day, walking by two huge buildings, Bazil recognizes the logos of the weapons manufacturers that caused all of his misfortune. He sets out to take revenge, with the help of his faithful gang of wacky friends. Underdogs battling heartless industrial giants, our gang relive the battle of David and Goliath, with all the imagination and fantasy of Buster Keaton...

Review: This film is crazy!  Brought to us by eccentric French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amelie, City of Lost Children) Micmacs is a tale of naive but poignant characters that join together for a justified plot of revenge.  Bazil has terrible luck with weapons.  They have caused him to be fatherless and then serious injured to the point where he could die at any moment.  He meets a group of odd and specialized miscreants that eventually assist him in exacting revenge on the weapons company he feels is responsible for the woes in his life.

The film is odd and strange.  Its visually entertaining and has elements of film that were passed on years ago, but made a long overdue comeback.  This film is fresh, interesting and full of zest.  We HIGHLY recommend it for anyone looking for something truly different.

The special features on this DVD include: Commentary with Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, The Making of Micmacs, Q&A with Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Actress Julie Ferrier and Animations: Absurd Deaths

Interest Range: Fantasy, Drama

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Synopsis: John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill and Oscar® Winner Marisa Tomei star in this quirky, hilarious story about love, family and cutting the cord. Not-so-recently divorced John (Reilly) thinks he’s finally found the perfect woman when he meets the sweet and sexy Molly (Tomei). There’s just one problem – Molly’s son Cyrus (Hill) clings to his mom like lint on a T-shirt, and he’s not about to let another man come between them. It’s one hysterically awkward moment after another as John and Cyrus fight for the right to be Molly’s #1 man.

Review: Cyrus is a new film that falls into the Mumblecore genre of filmmaking.  That is basically where the cast improvs a lot of script and its very heavy on dialogue and banter.  When I went into this film I was expecting a laugh out loud comedy.  What I got was maybe the most uncomfortable drama of the year.

It was one of those movies that made you anxious just knowing what was coming next.  The moments were very ackward and uncomfortable at times, but that was really the quirk and feel of this film.  Basically the film starts with John C. Reilly living a lonely life after his wife divorced him 7 years ago.  He goes to a party with her and her new fiancee to meet people and meets a way out of his league Marisa Tomei.  He soon finds out (by stalking her all creepy-like) that she comes with the baggage of a 21 year old son, Cyrus, played by Jonah Hill.   Cyrus and his mother are waaay too close and he spends the film predicably trying to break them up.

This film isn't full of any plot surprises, but some of the banter is good if you enjoy ackward and sometimes darker comedy.  John C. Reilly pulls in a fantastic performance, as usual.  Marisa Tomei was amazing in the Wrestler and carries some momentum to Cyrus.  Jonah Hill really shows more of his acting range and definately gives himself a nice notch on the acting belt with his portrayl of a creepyily jealous son.

Interest Range: Comedy