Synopsis: A complete collection of the endearing, stop-motion classic shows based on the acclaimed books!

Dressed in his characteristic duffle coat and oversized hat, cuddly Paddington Bear has been capturing the imagination of children around the world for generations. Paddington Bear, the series based on the internationally acclaimed books by Michael Bond, remains one of the most successful children s programs ever produced in the UK.

Paddington Birthday Bonanza
Paddington Goes to School
Paddington Goes to the Movies

Review: The new "Cookie Jar" imprint from Mill Creek has really been catching our eye here at the Legion.  Mostly for the 80s toon releases like Masters of the Universe, COPS and some GI Joe.  This release is geared towards a slightly different audience.  This is the UK Paddington Bear show.  It was highly popular in its day and certainly deserves some notice.  If you've never seen it, this show is a great one to share with your kids.  If you watched this one as a kid its a great trip down memory lane for a great price!

Interest Range: Classic Kids Programming

Synopsis: Patrice O'Neal is one of the funniest, most respected comedians working today. You know him from his recurring roles on The Office and Arrested Development, as host of VH1's Web Junk 20, as a featured guest on Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn. He also has a hugely-followed podcast and sells out shows across the country. 'Elephant In The Room,' filmed at the New York Comedy Festival, is his first full-length special and is being release extended and uncensored with 40 minutes of content not seen on TV. The special will air on Comedy Central and a CD of the same name will be released in conjunction.

Review: Patrice O'Neal is one of the funniest comics I've seen in awhile.  His comedy is very accessible, with topics from race to relationships to sports, he delves into a little bit of everything.  His commentary and viewpoint are fresh and his timing is dead-on.  I found his stand-up to be quite funny and definately something worth checking-out! 

Interest Range: Stand-Up Comedy

Now available on DVD at: http://bit.ly/WAC_BrassBancroft

Synopsis: In his third year as a Warner Bros. contract player, U.S. President Ronald Reagan did time as a federal employee 40 years before becoming U.S. President. In 4 fast-paced B-movies, he was Lt. “Brass” Bancroft, a stalwart Secret Service agent who risked life and limb to bring to justice illegal alien smugglers, counterfeiters and enemy spies. Apprehend the 2-disc Brass Bancroft of the Secret Service Mysteries Collection in the name of the law – and of vintage Hollywood fun

Review: The American public and the news media have always made it a point to refer to the late President Ronald Reagan's past as an actor, but how many have actually seen his work?  What kind of an actor was he?  What project(s) was he famous for?  I dare say that most cannot answer these questions.  Fortunately, the Warner Archive has come bearing answers with the Brass Bancroft series on manufacture-on-demand DVD.

This great new DVD set includes the following classic "B" action films:

-Code of the Secret Service
-Secret Service of the Air
-Smashing the Money Ring
-Murder in the Air

These secret agent films from the 1930s and 40s are a part of the Brass Brancroft series, said to be based on the works of W.H. Moran, ex-Chief of the Secret Service.  These types of films were mass produced.  These are kinda fun, because they are featuring the same recurring character.  The scripts and acting are pretty campy.  This DVD is a great piece for any fan of vintage film, especially B action film.

Interest Range: Vintage Film

Synopsis: TWO COUPLES LEARN TO BE CAREFUL FOR WHAT THEY WISH WHEN THEIR PASSIONS AND ANXIETIES DRIVE THEM OUT OF THEIR MARRIAGES AS WELL AS THEIR MINDS.

Review: This film was not my cup of tea.  Why, you ask?  Oh, you didn't ask did you?  Well, I'm going to tell you anyway.  Firstly, Woody Allen is one of my least favorite directors.  I like him even less as a person..he's just creepy.  Ok, that aside, this film is all about various married couples slutting around with lovers behind each other's backs.  Its a terribly modern idea of a love story gone wrong.  The sad thing is, this is just so close to real life that its depressing.  I'm no prude, but I don't enjoy that no one can stay faithful anymore and these types of films just tend to bore me.  Sexual politics is best left to those with something credible to say, not those that have slept with their wife's daughter.

Interest Range: Drama

Synopsis: Action superstar Wesley Snipes is back and badder than ever as CIA Agent Marcus Jones, a professional hit man caught in a double-cross between his partners in the agency, a ruthless arms dealer and a powerful Wall Street broker worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Framed for a murder he didn’t commit and chased by expert assassins, Jones must clear his name before its too late.Also starring Robert Davi (Die Hard), Gary Daniels (The Expendables) and Zoë Bell (Grindhouse), GAME OF DEATH is an action-packed thriller filled with pulse-pounding excitement.

Review: Game of Death is old school action.  This film reminds me of the action films I saw primarily in the 1980s with martial arts starts.  Lots of people dying, some cursing, but no real nudity or sexual content (that was left for the horror-flicks).

Wesley Snipes narrates this tale in a confession.  He's a CIA agent who is being targeted by crooked agents with millions of dollars at stake.  Thats all you need to know.  Oh, and Snipes shoots guns.  Thats the other thing you need to know.  This film isn't rocket science, its good old-fashioned action-killing fun.  Enjoy.

Interest Range: Action/Adventure

Disney Movie Rewards currently has a $10 off coupon for the Bambi Diamond Edition  Combo Pack!

Synopsis: Hot, sexy, exotic, and wild are the only words to describe this "lovers-on-the-lam blast of pure pulp escapism." (The New York Times) Indian superstar Hrithic Roshan stars as J, a Las Vegas hustler engaged to the daughter of the city's most powerful and dangerous casino owner. But all bets are off when he falls in love with the ravishing Natasha (Barbara Mori), an illegal immigrant engaged to J's jealous and violent future brother-in-law. When their illicit romance is discovered, J and Natasha flee for the border with the police and relentless hired killers on their trail. Pulse-pounding action and sensational musical numbers propel this passionate love story to its stunning conclusion. This special edition contains the "deliriously entertaining" (Variety) full-length version that became the first Bollywood movie to make the American box office Top Ten, and Kites: The Remix, the edgier and sexier English language version produced by director Brett Ratner (Rush Hour, X-Men: The Last Stand).

Review: We watch a lot of movies here at the Legion.  Over and over again we see the same predictable plot...the characters go through the motions, but we know how its going to end up.  We even know whats going to get them there!  They say there are no new ideas.  While I do believe that statement, there are new ways and means of getting to your ends.  This is proven by the Bollywood-style crossover film Kites: The Remix.

Starring Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, Kites is an English/Hindi/Spanish language film that really showcases the over the top nature of foreign filmmaking.  The action is ACTION and the love is LOVE.  I mean its serious.  No laze-fare attitudes in Kites.  Running from the mob, fighting for true love..its all here and its pretty bad ass.  Don't let the title fool you, this one is worth a watch.

Interest Range: Drama

Synopsis: Hang on for the ride of your life as Oscar® Winner Denzel Washington and Chris Pine (Star Trek) team up for the year’s most electrifying action-thriller. A runaway train, transporting deadly, toxic chemicals, is barreling down on Scranton, Pennsylvania, and only two men can stop it: a veteran engineer (Washington) and a young conductor (Pine). Thousands of lives hang in the balance as these ordinary heroes attempt to chase down one million tons of hurtling steel and prevent an epic disaster. Helmed by visionary director Tony Scott (Man on Fire), this story inspired by true events delivers excitement and suspense that are — unstoppable!

Review: Unstoppable is one of those films that goes back to the 1990s feel of mindless action thrillers.  We're looking at a modern day version of the Speed franchise.  The only question is, and this is up to your personal feelings, is this a good thing or a bad thing?  Are we missing these kinds of films in our lives?  Undeniably, its fun.  It gets your heart racing and its a well-made thriller with some great acting talent.  Its mindless fun..but make no mistake..its fun.

The special features on this blu-ray set include: Audio Commentary with Director Tony Scott, The Fastest Track: Unleashing Unstoppable, Derailed: Anatomy of a Scene, Hanging Off the Train: Stunt Work, On the Rails with the Director and Cast, Tracking the Story: Unstoppable Script Development and a Digital Copy.

Interest Range: Action/Adventure

Synopsis: Thomas Jefferson is the most researched, most written about, most referenced, and most quoted of our Founding Fathers. And yet, somehow, he remains the most stubbornly inscrutable. His life is a seemingly impenetrable thicket of contradictions: he enshrined the words All Men are Created Equal, and yet was a lifelong slave-owner; he was simultaneously a man of the people and the personification of the Virginia aristocrat; he was a die-hard American revolutionary who was also a dedicated lover of European culture and art; he advocated ruthless fiscal responsibility as president, yet his own finances were mired in debt.

Embrace and celebrate the third president s complicated life and legacy in the two-hour HISTORY documentary, Jefferson, the story of a national icon who remains, in historian Joseph Ellis memorable phrase, a great American Sphinx.

Review: Jefferson is one of the latest History Channel documentaries to hit DVD.  We love documentaries here at the Legion...and we love the History Channel.  Especially when they're not showing specials on tanks and nazis!  Its great to see some other history! lol.

Jefferson is a 90 minute documentary about one of our founding fathers and the walking contradiction that makes him still one of the most interesting characters in American history to this day.  The documentary does a great job of staying neutral, but it paints this man in a light that is human and real, and for that we give this one a big thumbs up!  Students and kids should see this one to help them wade through the idealized text book versions of our countries past!

It would've been nice to have some special features packed-in with this DVD, but then when I think about it....what are they really going to have? 

Interest Range: Documentary

Synopsis: Fueled by hatred and jealousy, Lex Luthor masterminds an elaborate plot to kill the Man of Steel – and it works. Poisoned by solar radiation, Superman is dying. With weeks to live, he fulfills his life’s dreams – especially revealing his true identity to Lois Lane – until Luthor proclaims his ultimate plan to control the world with no alien hero to stop him. Powers fading, Superman engages in a spectacular deadly battle with Luthor that could truly trigger the end of Earth’s Greatest Protector. This startling and gripping DC Universe Animated Original Movie stars the voice talents of James Denton, Anthony LaPaglia, Christina Hendricks and Ed Asner. 

Want to win a copy of this DVD?  Its easy!  You can email us at dvdlegion.com @ gmail.com to enter.  Also, you can follow us on Facebook for an extra entry!  Facebook.com/dvdlegion.

Watch for more chances to win on our network sites Toy Legion and Legions of Gotham!

Synopsis: Love At First Kill is a provocative thriller about seduction, deception, madness and murder. Harry is a young artist who lives with his overprotective widowed mother, Beth. But when a sexy divorcee moves next-door, Beth's paranoia triggers a chain of events that will shatter their worlds forever. What is the shocking secret behind Harry's recurring nightmares? What really happened to his long-dead father? And what horror is Beth capable of when pushed too far?

Review: This made for TV film is now on DVD.  The quality definately shows through.  Its not that its a bad film, its actually surprisingly good, but some of the actors are just not up to par.  The film's main actor, Margot Kidder (Superman), is wonderful in her performance at least.

The premise of this film is that Kidder's son is dating a new girl in town.  Kidder basically has what appears to be a psychotic break and blames the new girl for everything wrong in the world.  The cool thing about this film was definately the twist ending, which we won't reveal here.

This one is a great watch for a good price.  Don't let the made for TV aspect fool you, this one is fun.

Interest Range: Drama

Courtesy of DVDLegion.com

Bambi is now on blu-ray and in celebration of that we have some cool behind the scenes looks at lost characters from the film!

BACKGROUND
Within early story drafts of BAMBI, the writers explored a variety of forest friends for the young prince to meet. Friend Squirrel & Chipmunk were a couple of buddies designed to be featured in re-occurring segments throughout the film.

SQUIRREL was described early on as "a fast-talking, rustic - definitely comic character to personify a kindly, short-tempered little old man, He tells tall stories which even young Bambi can hardly believe. His practical jokes are funny only to himself. Very nosey and gets in on everything, he pokes into everyone's business and can't be insulted."

CHIPMUNK is defined as having "a high, piping, staccato-type voice with a rustic quality." He is always with Squirrel and acts as his stooge. A classic 'yes-man,' Chipmunk "echoes everything the squirrel says and has no ideas of his own."

One of the comic highlights of this duo was to be their re-occurring shenanigans along with a charming ode to their love of nuts!

Eventually, as production progressed, it was determined that the interplay between these two characters seemed to take the emphasis away from the main story and these charming characters were cut.

These images of friend SQUIRREL & CHIPMUNK are among the few images remaining from these lost characters, housed within the WDS - Animation Research Library.

BACKGROUND
In this lost sequence, HOPPER is nearly stepped-on by young Bambi as he is walking through the forest. 

HOPPER, with his grouchy outlook, let's the young prince and friends know that he is most displeased with them being so clumsy and careless -- calling them "a menace to society!"

 Within early story drafts of BAMBI, (as early as 1937) the writers explored a variety of forest friends for the young prince to meet.  HOPPER is one of many characters developed that Bambi would meet along his forest walk.  HOPPER is akin to another legendary Disney bug -- Jiminy Cricket, as it seems they were both in the early stages of development at the same time. HOPPER was described early on as - "a sharp-tongued pessimist.  Sees only the dark side of life and tries to convert the cheerful characters to his point of view." HOPPER "is the type who enjoys misery.  Gets hopping mad trying to spread his grouchy philosophy." Eventually, as production progressed, it was determined that theinterplay with Bambi and several additional characters seemed to take the emphasis away from the main story and these charming characters, including HOPPER, were cut. These images of HOPPER from his storyboarded sequence are among the few images remaining this lost character, housed within the WDS - Animation Research Library.

 

Synopsis: A tender, vibrant portrait of the life and work of a Beat Generation icon, WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS: A MAN WITHIN is an intimate documentary that breaks the surface of the troubled and brilliant world of one of the greatest authors of all time. Burroughs was one of the first writers to break the boundaries of queer and drug culture in the 1950s. His novel Naked Lunch is one of the most recognized and respected literary works of the 20th century and has influenced generations of artists. WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS: A MAN WITHIN is a probing yet loving look at the man whose works savaged conservative ideals, spawned countercultural movements, and reconfigured 20th century culture. Featuring: JOHN WATERS, PATTI SMITH, GENESIS P-ORRIDGE, PETER WELLER, LAURIE ANDERSON, IGGY POP, THURSTON MOORE, LEE RANALDO, JELLO BIAFRA, GUS VAN SANT, AMIRI BARAKA, DAVID CRONENBERG, ANNE WALDMAN, VICTOR BOCKRIS AND JAMES GRAUERHOLZ

Review: William S. Burroughs is a figure known by many.  His beat-era work helped to inspire underground and eventually above ground culture for decades after.  His writings and musings on culture and politics helped to inspire countless musicians and writers, along with movements like new wave and cyberpunk.  His commons themes were drugs, homosexuality and death.

This film is a fantastic and hugely informative documentary put out by the fine folks at Oscilloscope.  Oscilloscope has yet to show me one poor quality film, so everything they release I watch, until they give me reason not to!   I recommend that you do too.

Interest Range: Documentary

Synopsis: In this tense WWII-era thriller, Anne Keyes, a young woman from a powerful, political family, stumbles upon sinister evidence relating to a secret Nazi conspiracy plot. As war rages throughout Europe, Anne discovers the dark truths hidden by her family and becomes caught in a deadly web of lies and betrayal. Starring Romola Garai, Bill Nighy, Julie Christie and Christopher Lee.

Review: Glorious 39 is one of those films that is likely to fall under many people's radar.  That is why I'm intent on featuring it here on the Legion.  The title is a bit bland, but don't let that fool you.  This period thriller is one of the best films I've seen this year.

Lets start with the story.  A young actress named Anne Keyes stumbles upon a conspiracy regarding the Nazis and the film is an unfolding of efforts to keep England out of a war they cannot possibly win.  The accurate historical backdrop gave it immediate familiarity and credibility.

Lets continue with the cast, because the cast makes this movie.  We have a film with two legends here...Bill Nighy and Christopher Lee.  Thats right THE Christopher Lee.  The man.  Bill Nighy..the OTHER man.  That alone draws me in.  Then, you add some wonderful talent like Jeremy Northam (Emma), David Tennant (Doctor Who) and Juno Temple (Atonement) and you have the makings of a phenominal film.

Glorious 39 is full of intrigue, suspense and for me at least, a lot of fun.  I really enjoyed this film. 

Interest Range: Drama

Synopsis: A new spin on an old fable. In this film, Red, Granny, The Big Bad Wolf and the Woodman, all face Detective Flippers as he attempts to determine the real events of the Little Red Riding Hood story. Original songs and witty humor fill this fun and adventurous film.

Review: Hoodwinked is not a few film.  This one came out many years ago, but its finally finding its way to blu-ray.  Finally!  This film is an often overlooked comedy gem.  The Shrek franchise has gotten a lot of credit for being one of the only non-Disney/Pixar animation films to entertain adults.  Lets think about that for a moment..the best Shrek was undoubtedly Shrek 2..and thats due to a lot of the inappropriate fairy tale related humor, which appealed to the adult audience while flying over the heads of the kids.  It was perfect.  Hoodwinked is an entire film of this type of humor!  It is a fractured fairy tale, at best.  A re-telling and re-working of many stories we know and love.  The film is full of great one-liners and terribly hilarious situations.  Its a great movie for young and old and we highly recommend checking it out in high-definition.  It looks fantastic.  This set includes the blu-ray and the DVD.  Let the kids abscond with that DVD and keep the blu-ray nice for the family collection!

Interest Range: Animation

Synopsis: Elia Kazan's own words begin the saga of young Stavros (Stathis Giallelis), who leaves his war-torn homeland behind to begin a new life. With his family's meager fortune and his father's blessing, Stavros encounters both allies and adversaries on a dramatic trek. He ultimately achieves his dream through sheer determination and will, thereby earning his nickname: America America. Saluting the masses who sailed toward Miss Liberty's shining torch, Kazan (A Streetcar Named Desire) uses little-known talents here rather than stars. The results impress: Academy Award® nominations (1963) for Best Picture, Director and Screenplay, an Oscar® for Gene Callahan's vivid Art Direction, Golden Globes to Kazan (Best Director) and Giallelis (Most Promising Newcomer) and nomination to the National Film Registry for permanent preservation. Both epic and intimate, it's powerful moviemaking.

Review: In this era of post-911 intolerance a film like Elia Kazan's America America is long overdue.  This vintage feature is being pulled out of the archives for a nice DVD release.  Elia Kazan was responsible for other epic film work, such as a Streetcar Named Desire and East of Eden.  America America is decidedly heavier in content and wider in scope with a run time of over three hours.

This film touches on cultural and truly racial boundries and really delves deep into our emotions with fantastic character acting and a great and full story.  I never had the opportunity to see this film in the past, and I've quickly added it to the top list of vintage film.  Its heavy for most of the way through, but definately one of the best world-scope dramas out there.

Video:

Interest Range: Vintage Film

Synopsis: Eddie Griffin proves once more that he’s one of the world’s premiere comedic talents in his brand-new stand-up special You Can Tell ‘Em I Said It. Eddie unapologetically rips into everything from racial stereotypes to Viagra to the First Lady and will leave you gasping for air as he buzzes around the stage and literally climbs the walls. This uncut, uncensored stand-up special live from Oakland, California will keep you laughing long after he exits the stage and coming back to watch it again and again.

Review: Eddie Griffin is a pretty funny guy...generally speaking.  I really enjoyed him in the Deuce Bigelow: Male Gigolo movies.  His stand-up has been hit or miss with me so far and this new special is no exception.  Comedy Central has released a DVD from Eddie's last tour and the jokes are mixed.  There are times when he's right on and he kills and other moments when he just seems to go nowhere.  Overall, its a funny watch and worth checking out, but not quite as consistantly funny as the new release from Patrice O'Neal.

The Complete Series now available for the First Time on DVD: http://bit.ly/WAC_Jabberjaw

Synopsis: Playing in a rock-’n’-roll band and saving the undersea world from diabolical villains? An impossible task for most, but not for Jabberjaw, the 15-foot talking great white shark from the fan-favorite Saturday morning cartoon series. The year is 2076 and Jabberjaw is the star of the Neptunes, a teenage rock group. In his spare time, Jabberjaw, along with teens Biffy, Shelly, Bubbles and Clamhead, fight deep sea crime. But its tough down there for a shark. Jabberjaw must also contend with the robot force of “Shark Ejectors,” guards who prevent sharks from entering into underwater cities. All he wants is a little respect! Catch the tidal wave of adventure, music and laughter in this 4-Disc, 16-Episode Series Collection.

Review: Jabberjaw is a classic Hanna-Barbera produced cartoon that ran from 1976-78.  The show was designed by the legendary duo of Ruby-Spears.  The basic plot took place under the sea in 2076, where a band called the Neptunes traveled around with their shark drummer and stopped villains from trying to take over their underwater world.  Yep...thats right.   The episodes were 30 minutes long and they produced a total of 16 of them during the show's run.  The feel of the show was very similar to Scooby-Doo and the Flintstones.

Now, the Warner Archive has pulled out this classic show to be released as a complete series on DVD!  This is an online exclusive product, so don't look for this one in stores.  The transfer of the episodes looks pretty good for a show from the 1970s.

If you're a fan of this show and classic animation in general, this release is for you.  I also like to recommend these to parents that are frustrated with trying to find appropriate cartoons for their little ones these days.  Don't forget that the old 70s shows were all very safe and parent-friendly.

Interest Range: Classic Animation

Synopsis: Hilary Duff (A Cinderella Story) shines in this sparkling romantic comedy based on the book Diary of a Working Girl by Daniella Brodsky. Lane, a fashion journalist, gets the assignment of a lifetime when Cosmopolitan magazine hires her to write a story about finding love in the workplace. Posing as a corporate assistant, Lane finds herself torn between the office's eligible men in suits and a dashing stranger (Chris Marmack, The O.C.) who sweeps her off her feet. Will she find the "magic man" who fulfills her fantasy checklist, or will her story have an ending as unexpected as love itself? The appealing cast includes Michael McMillan (True Blood) and Matt Dallas (Kyle XY), with Emmy-winner Jaime Pressly (My Name is Earl) and the hilarious Jennifer Coolidge (Legally Blonde).

Review: Hilary Duff has struggled to find her place in the acting world post-Lizzie McGuire.  She has had a few good, serious roles, such as her departure from the norm in the unofficial Grosse Pointe Blank sequel "War, Inc.", but overall she hasn't really busted back onto the scene.  Beauty and the Briefcase is a made for TV type film, but don't let that fool you its worth the watch.

This film is basically about a woman going into a story with assumptions about love and learning what the rest of us already know..the only sure thing about love is that its unpredictable.  One of the highlights of this nice little film is Jaime Pressly.  We always love to see her working, she's hilarious.  Overall, this is a great film and defintely a nice one to cuddle up to with your sweetheart.

Interest Range: Romantic Comedy

Synopsis: Who will be the dominator of worlds? Destiny belongs to those who dare in Dungeons & Dragons, a thunderous fantasy adventure inspired by the popular role-play game. Thora Birch and Marlon Wayans are among the forces of good defending the Empire of Izmer from the diabolical grasp of mage Profion (Jeremy Irons). The past is prologue when the evil returns years later to avenge what transpired in Izmer. Can five young stalwarts thwart the fiendish traps, spectral ghouls and mighty armies of hell? The answer, and the thrilling spectacle, comes in Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God.

Review: Dungeons & Dragons was the first attempt to really make a big budget special effects film based on a fantasy franchise.  This came out just prior to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, so its probably not a fair comparison.  The special effects look dated and the acting was...well, it was ok.  Jeremy Irons was in the film, which was definately one of the highlights.  Overall, it was fast-paced and fun.

The second film in the collection is 2005's straight to DVD Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God.  One of the nice things about the sequel is that the actor that portrays Damodar returned.  All too often sequels completely re-cast and thats always a mistake.  The story is pretty on-par with the first film, although it gets lost a few times, but overall the special effects and tone are the same.

This is a great blu-ray collection for anyone into fantasy and action films.  They're a fun watch and this is a nice, compact way to collect the two films.

Links: www.warnerblu.com

Interest Range: Fantasy, Action/Adventure

Synopsis: Penetrate the moody, sensual world of Last Tango in Paris, and prepare yourself for "the most controversial film of its era" (Leonard Maltin). Nominated for two Academy Awards® Director (Bernardo Bertolucci) and Actor (Marlon Brando) and exuding a sexual energy unlike any film before or after, this is the scintillating classic that shocked a nation... and "altered the face of an art form" (Pauline Kael). He (Brando) is a 45-year old American living in Paris, haunted by his wife's suicide. She (Maria Schneider, Jane Eyre) is a 20-year-old Parisian beauty engaged to a young filmmaker. Though nameless to each other, these tortured souls come together to satisfy their sexual cravings in an apartment as bare as their dark, tragic lives. Caught up in the frenzied beat of a carnal dance they cannot seem to stop, these unlikely lovers take their passion to erotic heights and depths beyond anything they could ever have imagined.

Review: Last Tango in Paris is a 1973 masterpiece, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci.  The film is ripe with metaphor and deeper meaning, but we'll leave all of that to you for your interpretations.  We'll just focus on the sex....oh, and the blu-ray.   But mostly the sex.

This film has been controvertial since its release almost 40 years ago!  The film centers around a widower (Brando) who has gone to Paris to mourn the death of his wife.  Instead of mourning he shuts down all emotion and begins a torrid and graphic affair with a young girl.  The film is raw and engaging.

The transfer into blu-ray high definition looks good.  Its a little soft at times and I did notice some minimal grain, but overall it helps the colors to pop better and restores the film to give it a more modern feel.  This one is a cult classic that everyone should check out.

Interest Range: Drama

Synopsis: Fall under the delightful spell of MOONSTRUCK, with Cher (Burlesque) as an unlucky-in-love Italian widow who finds romance through the intervention of the Manhattan moon. With her wedding to Johnny (Danny Aiello, Once Upon A Time in America), a man she doesn’t love, just weeks away, she meets and falls hopelessly in love with his younger brother (Nicolas Cage, Leaving Las Vegas). Her dilemma—and her equally passionate and hilariously eccentric family—make for an unforgettable film. Nominated for six Academy Awards®, 

MOONSTRUCK was honored with accolades for Best Actress (Cher), Best Supporting Actress (Olympia Dukakis, Look Who’s Talking), and Best Original Screenplay.

Review: Moonstruck is a classic Cher film that really brought Nicholas Cage into the forefront as an actor.  The movie is regarded as one of the best films of the 1980s and one of the best romantic comedies of the era.  Cher plays a lovetorn widow with ease and her crazy family really adds to the mix.  In this film she basically is giving up and marrying this man she doesn't love, when suddenly she falls for his little brother.  Of course, insanity ensues and this charming little film managed to bring in some Academy Awards!

The movie looks great on blu-ray.  I didn't notice any grain or disturbance.  The colors are vivid and the skin tones look fantastic.  I was very pleased with the transfer into high-definition.  This one is a winner!

Interest Range: Classic Film

Synopsis: Dustin Hoffman is a 'triumph (People) in an Oscar®-winning* role, and Tom Cruise is 'terrific (ABC Radio) in a film that's fascinating, touching and full of smart surprises' (Newsweek)! Charlie Babbitt (Cruise) has just discovered he has an autistic brother named Raymond (Hoffman) and is now taking him on the ride of his life. Or is it the other way around? From his refusal to drive on major highways to a four minutes to Wapner meltdown at an Oklahoma farmhouse, Raymond first pushes hot-headed Charlie to the limits of his patience and then pulls him completely out of his self-centered world! But what began as an unsentimental journey for the Babbitt brothers becomes much more than the distance between two places it's a connection between two vastly different people and a poignant, profound and powerful film (Joel Siegel, ABC-TV)!

Review: I think that most of us have seen Rain Man, so I'm not going to comment on the actual film, other than to say this one is a classic and was our first public look into the world of Autism.   Its most certainly a must-own.

Our concern is, of course, how it looks in high-definition.  Does this film really pop?  Well, the answer is that no, it doesn't pop, but it certainly does look good.  Its a definate improvement over the DVD release.  The skin tones are great and the colors are vivid.  I didn't notice any grain (and I'm quite sensitive to that).  I think it could look a little better, but overall I'm pleased with it.

The special features on this release are bountiful!  We're talking audio commentaries, deleted scenes...the works!  This is a great version of the film, easily the best available.

Interest Range: Drama, Classic Film

Synopsis: Take dead aim at action-packed laughs with this killer comedy featuring an all-star cast. Emily Blunt steals the show as Rose, a free-spirited thief who finds herself in the cross hairs of a world-class assassin named Victor (Bill Nighy). But when Victor spares Rose’s life, the lonely hearted hitman sets off an outrageous chain of events that turn both their worlds upside down. Joined by a gun-toting apprentice (Rupert Grint), the unlikely trio teams up to thwart the murderous intentions of Victor’s unhappy client.

Review: Wild Target is one of those movies that flew under the radar.  It got no promotion to speak of, which is unfortunate.  The film is essentially an action comedy.  Its full of murder and mayhem, with a great british flair of humor thrown into the mix!

One of the stand-out things about this film is the cast.  Oh, the cast!  The leads are Bill Nighy and Emily Blunt, along with the back support of the great, and recently elusive, Rupert Everett!  Nighy plays a hitman with his usual flair, while Blunt proves she can take a primary role in a film and run with it.

Our only complaint about this release is the lack of special features.  There is one little interview with Blunt, but lets be honest we want actors to act, not chit chat.  They're boring.   The film looks great in high-def, so definately go with the blu-ray if you can.  This one is fun and enjoyable, so don't miss out!

Interest Range: Action-Comedy

The year: 2020

The place: Empire City

The situation:

Brandon Big Boss Babel, along with his gang of crooks, is holding the entire city under the palm of his iron hand and the Empire City Police Department can do nothing to stop him. As a last resort, Mayor Davis sends in Special Agent Baldwin P. Vess (Codename: Bulletproof) to take him down.

The concept is simple: collect the very best officers that the country had to offer and begin a campaign to eradicate organized crime. The members of C.O.P.S. are all extraordinary crimefighters each one a master of a special skill, each one dedicated to the cause of justice. Though the concept may be simple, the job isn t easy: The Big Boss and his gang are the roughest and most persistent bunch of criminals to challenge law and order in Empire City.

Originally aired in syndication from 1988-89, then was shown on CBS® Saturday Mornings in 1993 under the title CyberCOPS.

The show was based on Hasbro sTM 1988 line of action figures called C.O.P.S N Crooks.

Created by Kevin Alteri best known for his work on BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES.

Review: C.O.P.S. or Central Organization of Police Specialists, was one of those lesser-known gems to come from the glory days of 1980s animation.  The series ran from 1988-89 and was promptly cancelled.  I know that in my region the entire series never did air, so I have to assume that there are others like me that have never been able to enjoy this entire series!

The show has been released in a partial form previously, but never has the complete series been out there.  Mill Creek, who I'm rapidly becoming convinced is my favorite DVD distributor of all-time, has promised to give us the entire series this year, including 22 episodes never before seen on DVD!  Its quite a coup for those of us that have been impatiently waiting for this one to drop!  

This first volume contains 32 episodes.  The quaility of the episodes is on-par with previous releases.  It looks and sounds great and is an absolute joy to watch and enjoy with my own kids.  We HIGHLY recommend this one!

Interest Range: Vintage Animation

Synopsis: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe® is a landmark in children s television history, being the first nationally syndicated television program based on a successful toy line. Originally produced from 1983-1985 by world renowned Filmation studios and syndicated until 1990, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe has experienced consistent popularity over the years, demonstrated by its two subsequent animated series which aired in 1990 1991 and 2002 2004 as well as its multi-year run as an exceptionally successful toy and merchandising line for Mattel® . 

Join forces with He-Man and the powerful Masters of the Universe® and go up against the evil forces of Skeletor to save the planet Eternia and to protect the secrets of Castle Grayskull. To stop Skeletor s evil plot to conquer the universe, He-Man, under the guidance of the mystical Sorceress, must use his superhuman power to wage an epic battle against the evil warlord and his army of henchman. 

Now, you can experience the magic of hearing He-Man proclaim By the power of Grayskull! all over again, thanks to this collection of all 65 episodes from the first season of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Join Prince Adam/He-Man as he mounts the fearless Battlecat and, aided by his loyal cohorts Man at Arms, Teela and Orko, clashes with Skeletor and his crew of devilish villains.

Review: The Masters of the Universe is one of the most iconic cartoons to come out of the 1980s.  The show has a HUGE cult following and still generates a ton of revenue in collectibles.  A few years back BCI released the series on DVD...these sets were not cheap, but they were super cool and full of extras.  Now, Mill Creek has picked-up the license and is re-releasing the series in their style.  What style is that?  Affordable!  The quality of these sets is wonderful...the discs are basically the same and include all the extras and some very attractive packaging.  You can get the entire first season now for only about $20!  You can also buy it in two volumes for about $10 each.  Thank goodness for Mill Creek.  This fan couldn't be happier!  They're releasing other great 80s series, like COPS, right now and I can't wait to see what else they give us in the future.  

The special features on this DVD set include: English & Spanish audio tracks, 5 Complete Episode Scripts, 50 detailed profiles of various characters, creatures and artifacts with video, Documentary - The Secret Origins of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Documentary - The Stories of He-Manand the Masters of the Universe Season 1 Part 1 and Documentary - The Stories of He-man and the Masters of the Universe Season 1 Part 2.

Interest Range: Vintage Animation, He-Man

 

Synopsis: The Ice Road Truckers return to Alaska, hauling their biggest loads ever across the most dangerous terrain they've faced. But this year, trucking critically needed cargo north to the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay is just the beginning.

In season four, the drivers will tackle frozen rivers and swamps out beyond the Dalton Highway, hauling supplies to some of the most remote towns of the great white north. Reigning king, Jack Jesse, looks to defend his title, and Lisa Kelly, one of the only woman truckers on the haul road, fights to prove herself in the male-dominated profession. Rookie Ray Veilleux, who recently lost his business in the lower 48, has come north to run the road and keep his struggling family afloat. And in a decades-long rivalry, veteran drivers Hugh Rowland and Alex Debogorski are back racing neck and neck. The stakes are high as the dash for cash continues.

Experience all 16 episodes of this landmark series on 4 Blu-ray Discs.

Review: This show is crazy.  I have no idea why its still on the air!  I don't mean to say that its a bad show.  It certainly does provide a huge level of drama, but man I can only watch so many truckers drive around in icy conditions!  This show does look really great in high-definition and fans of the show should be very pleased with this release...season four was high octane!

DISC 1: Breaking Through / The Polar Bear Returns / Facing Down The Blow / Monster Storm Over Atigun
DISC 2: Trapped on Thin Ice / Danger at 55 Below / Avalanche! / Lisa s Monster Megahaul
DISC 3: Blood on the Dalton / The Ace vs. The Ice / A Rookie s Nightmare / The Dalton Strikes Back
DISC 4: Convoy to Hell / A Legend Meets His End / Deadly Melt / New King of the Dalton / Bonus
Interest Range: Reality TV, Trucking