TOM CRUISE STARS IN A THRILLING RENDITION OF THE CLASSIC H.G. WELLS TALE DIRECTED BY STEVEN SPIELBERG, ARRIVING ON BLU-RAY FOR THE FIRST TIME
 

Visually-Stunning and Action-Packed Sci-Fi Thriller Debuts on Blu-ray June 1, 2010 Featuring Over Two Hours of Special Features
 
HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. – When the Earth is suddenly invaded by menacing aliens in giant fighting machines, one family struggles for survival in the
eye-popping adventure WAR OF THE WORLDS, directed by Steven Spielberg and landing on Blu-ray for the first time ever June 1, 2010 from Paramount Home Entertainment. A DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures co-production,
WAR OF THE WORLDS stars Tom Cruise as Ray Ferrier, a father who is desperately trying to protect his teenage son (Justin Chatwin) and 10-year-old daughter
(Dakota Fanning) from the relentless alien onslaught that is destroying everything in its path.  Fueled by the desire to reunite the children with their mother, Ray battles to shepherd his family from New Jersey to Boston, all the while fending off the mysterious and deadly aliens.  

Filled with stunning visual effects and non-stop action, the
WAR OF THE WORLDS Blu-ray features the finest picture and sound quality to further enhance this sci-fi classic.  The Blu-ray also features over two hours of bonus material including in-depth production diaries following the crew from the east coast to the west coast, featurettes on H. G. Wells’ legacy, scoring the film, the characters and previsualization, multiple photo galleries and more.


WAR OF THE WORLDS Blu-ray

The WAR OF THE WORLDS Blu-ray is presented in 1080p High Definition with English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital along with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. Special features are presented in standard definition except where noted HD:
·      Revisiting the Invasion
·      The H.G. Wells Legacy
·      Steven Spielberg and the Original War of the Worlds
·      Characters: The Family Unit
·      Previsualization
·      Production Diaries
o   East Coast—Beginning
o   East Coast—Exile
o   West Coast—Destruction
o   West Coast—War
·      Designing the Enemy: Tripods and Aliens
·      Scoring War Of The Worlds
·      We Are Not Alone
·      Galleries
o   Sketches by Costume Designer Joanna Johnston
o   Production Stills
o   Behind the Scenes
o   Production Sketches
·      Theatrical Teaser Trailer (HD)

Street Date: 12/8/09

Order Date: 11/11/09

DVD SRP: $27.98

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

• Audio Commentary with director Louie Psihoyos and producer Fisher Stevens
• “The Cove: Mercury Rising” – a mini documentary on the hazards of mercury in fish
• Behind-the-Scenes footage of the covert gear used to capture the activities in The Cove featuring the:

• Nest Cam
• Thermal Cam
• Rock Cams
• Helicopter Cam
• Blood Cam

• Deleted and Extended Scenes

               

Cited As One of the Top Ten Movies of the Year on Over 200 Critics’ Lists,
Captivating and Entertaining Film Takes Off on DVD and Blu-ray March 9, 2010
        
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Academy Award® winner George Clooney “gives the performance of his career” (Lou Lumenick, New York Post) in the smart, funny and thought-provoking film UP IN THE AIR coming in for a landing on DVD and Blu-ray March 9, 2010 from Paramount Home Entertainment.  Called “the movie of the year, the movie of the moment” (Tom Carson, GQ) and named by over 200 critics as one of the top 10 films of 2009, UP IN THE AIR tells the story of a man discovering that life is not simply about the journey alone, but about the personal connections made along the way. 

Co-written and directed by Oscar® nominee Jason Reitman (Juno), UP IN THE AIR received six Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, Best Actor (Clooney), Best Supporting Actress (Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick), Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.  The film has already won a Golden Globe® Award for Best Screenplay and dozens of critics’ association awards including being named Best Film by the National Board of Review, the Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association, the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association, the Florida Film Critics Circle and the Kansas City Film Critics Circle.   

The UP IN THE AIR DVD and Blu-ray presentations include commentary by writer/director Jason Reitman, director of photography Eric Steelberg and first assistant director Jason Blumenfeld, deleted scenes with optional commentary and the featurette “Shadowplay: Before The Story”.  The Blu-ray also includes additional deleted scenes, storyboards, an American Airlines prank and the “Help Yourself” music video by Sad Brad.

UP IN THE AIR DVD & Blu-ray

The UP IN THE AIR DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TVs with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles.  The Blu-ray disc is presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and Brazilian Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese subtitles.  The DVD includes the following special features:

Commentary by writer/director Jason Reitman, director of photography Eric Steelberg and first assistant director
Jason Blumenfeld
Shadowplay: Before The Story
Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Jason Reitman

To Know Me Is To Fly With Me
Real People Firing and Irate Employee
Thumper and Extended Boat Scene
Omaha Montage
Spacesuit

Trailers


The Blu-ray includes all of the above in high definition, plus:

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Jason Reitman (HD)

Do You Live At The Hilton?
Nosey Neighbor
Natalie In Restroom
Natalie Vid-Chats
Angry Ryan Checks In
Goalquest Invite
Maynard Finch Commercial/Kara Calls Ryan
Barely Squeaking By/Natalie Calls

“Help Yourself” music video by Sad Brad (HD)
Storyboards (HD)
American Airlines Prank (HD)

The critically acclaimed soundtrack to UP IN THE AIR is available now from Rhino and includes the riveting “Help Yourself” from Sad Brad Smith as well as tracks from Elliot Smith, Dan Auerbach, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Links: www.bitchslapmovie.com

Video: You can watch a clip from the show HERE

Synopsis: From Troy Duffy, writer and director of The Boondock Saints, comes the much anticipated sequel to the tough, stylized cutting edge saga of the MacManus brothers (Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery). The two have been in deep hiding with their father, Il Duce (Billy Connolly), in the quiet valleys of Ireland, far removed from their former vigilante lives. When word comes that a beloved priest has been killed by sinister forces from deep within the mob, the brothers return to Boston to mount a violent and bloody crusade to bring justice to those responsible. With a new partner in crime (Clifton Collins Jr., Star Trek) and a sexy FBI operative (Julie Benz, TV's Dexter) hot on their trail…the Saints are back!

Review: The Boondock Saints went way under the radar when it was released.  I remember watching it with a good friend of mine and my wife and we all enjoyed it, but it was an indie flick at the time.  Then, something very strange happened...it exploded seemingly overnight.  It kinda replaced 'Fight Club' as the movie that every idiot loved.  There were shirts at Hot Topic.  'Nuff said.  I read a lot about creator Troy Duffy.  Fans have been clammoring that he waited too long to make a sequel, blah blah...well it wasn't really up to Duffy.  See, he burned SO many bridges in Hollywood that he was blacklisted for quite some time.

Enough about the surrounding drama...how is the movie?!  Often times sequels will disappoint.  They just don't live up to the original.  In the case of Boondock Saints II: All Saint's Day this just isn't the case.  If anything, this film might be better.  Almost like Batman Begins vs. The Dark Knight.  Begins really sets up the next film with the base of character understanding.  This film is actually more entertaining to me, because the brothers are hooked up with their father, the legendary Il Duce!  The boys come back to America to avenge the death of a priest/friend and gunplay, religious zealotry and insanity ensue! 

When the first film came out high definition wasn't an option.  Now, its the only option.  If you enjoyed the first film, and you're not completely uptight, you'll enjoy the second!  Go pick up the blu-ray today!

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: Before history and beyond imagination! The machinations of gods above and the fates of man and monsters here below play out in a Clash of the Titans. Decades prior to the sensational 2010 version of the tale, Harry Hamlin took up sword and shield to play valorous Perseus, mortal son of Zeus (Laurence Olivier) who sets out to fulfill his destiny by rescuing beloved Andromeda from the wrath of goddess Thetis (Maggie Smith). Perils await Perseus time and again. And eye-filling thrills await viewers as stop-motion effects legend Ray Harryhausen (Jason and the Argonauts) unleashes snake-haired Medusa, fearsome Kraken, winged Pegasus, two-headed dog Dioskilos, giant scorpions and more. Rejoice, fantasy fans: the movie gods gift us with adventure that’s innovative, heroic, titanic.

Debuting as a Blu-ray Book, Clash of the Titansis an exciting, epic fantasy, filled with drama, passion and colorful stop motion animated creatures that will look more eye-popping than ever in spectacular Blu-ray. The last feature film from creative genius and special effects wizard, Ray Harryhausen, Clash of the Titansis the original motion picture adaptation of the myth of Perseus and his struggles to save the Princess Andromeda.  WHV is releasing this edition just before the new Clash of the Titans due in theaters March 2010, which stars Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Sam Worthington (Avatar and Terminator Salvation), to be directed by Incredible Hulk’s Louis Leterrier.  This fan boy favorite, dazzling in premium Blu-ray packaging, contains photos from the set, production notes and more.  Movie cash to see the new theatrical film is also included. 

Review: The new Clash of the Titans film looks epic, we're very excited here at the Legion to check that one out.  In honor of this remake, the original 1981 film is being released on Blu-Ray in a special collectible book format.  The presentation of the packaging is beautiful.  If you had the chance to check out the 1989 Batman 20th anniversary release or the North by Northwest release, they're very similar.  The blu-ray also comes with movie cash to see the new version, so that makes it all the more affordable.

This is maybe the finest work from animator Ray Harryhausen.  It was also his last feature film.  He creates fantastical beasts and mythical creatures for this epic tale, which is a mish-mash of all types of mythology, from Greek to Nordic.  If you saw the original film, then you know what to expect, and to have this great collectible version of it is wonderful.

Clash of the Titans has suffered over the years from DVD transfers not being really up to snuff.  The transfer to blu-ray is difficult in some areas, too.  The Neverending Story blu-ray (which we just reviewed) is really crisp, while this one really shows a lot of grain.   Its still a great film and this collectible packaging is the best way to own it.  Its not perfect, but its hard to upconvert and transfer old film!  We do recommend this one to all!


Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Links: www.warnerblu.com

Synopsis: The world’s most beloved and inquisitive monkey is back in Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey, the fun-filled sequel to the hit animated movie. Join Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat as they set out on a madcap cross-country adventure to reunite Kayla, a homesick elephant, with her family. This unlikely trio faces all types of comic calamities and colorful characters and in the end learn that with family, friends and determination you can achieve anything. Featuring the voices of Tim Curry, Matt Lauer, Jamie Kennedy and Jerry Lewis, Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey, “proves that family, friends—and curiosity—are number one.” (Francine Brokaw, Los Angeles Family Magazine)


Review: After the extreme success of the first Curious George movie, they were bound to make a sequel, right?  This time the Man with the Yellow hat is focused on his career far too much and he's ignoring not only his monkey George, but Maggie, as well.  The picadilly circus is in town and George really wants to go.  The Picadilly features the voice of the legendary Tim Curry, one of the highlights of this direct to DVD film.  Jeff Bennett takes over as the Man in the Yellow Hat and the great Frank Welker continues his run as George.

My daughter is such a fan of the first movie and the subsequent PBS television show that we couldn't wait to get our hands on Curious George 2!  We sat her down with a few of her friends and the five to six year olds went crazy!  They loved the story and the fun.  George always brings a smile to any child's face!

We typically don't enjoy direct to DVD features, especially sequels, but Follow That Monkey was a real treat.  I enjoyed the books as a child and to see the characters come to life in such a dynamic way is fantastic.  This film is tops in our book, we highly recommend it.


Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: Welcome to a world where anything is possible! Academy Award® winning director Hayao Miyazaki (2002, Best Animated Feature, Spirited Away) and legendary filmmaker John Lasseter together with Disney bring to life a heartwarming and imaginative telling of Hans Christian Andersen s classic fairy tale The Little Mermaid. A young boy named Sosuke rescues a goldfish named Ponyo, and they embark on a fantastic journey of friendship and discovery before Ponyo s father, a powerful sorcerer, forces her to return to her home in the sea. But Ponyo s desire to be human upsets the delicate balance of nature and triggers a gigantic storm. Only Ponyo s mother, a beautiful sea goddess, can restore nature s balance and make Ponyo s dreams come true. Ponyo will delight your family with its magnificent animation and timeless story.


Review: What I heard about Ponyo is that this film is basically the Little Mermaid tale done by the great Hayao Miyazaki.   Miyazaki is responsible for such ground-breaking classics as Kiki's Delivery Service and Castle in the Sky.  Ponyo, rather than be an anime version of what we've already seen, has its own flavor and dynamic with the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale.


Ponyo hosts a huge amount of star power in the voice acting cast.  The story is fun and vibrant...full of color and life.  The characters are so lovable and the story is different enough from the classic Disney version that its well worth the watch.


Disney has released the Studio Ghibli Blu-Ray / DVD combo-pack!  The high-definition picture looks amazing on animation. You get a ton of Studio Ghibli related extras, like looks into the characters and behind the studios peeks.  The combo pack is the way to go, you get a DVD for the kids to well, lets be honest, destroy, and the blu-ray to keep nice.  We highly recommend this one, its charming and a lot of fun.


Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: Discover Kiki’s Delivery Service, a fantastic coming-of-age tale full of magic, adventure, and self-discovery from the sensational imagination of Academy Award–winning director Hayao Miyazaki (2002, Best Animated Feature, Spirited Away). And now you can explore even more of Kiki’s amazing world through never-before-seen bonus features—exclusively in this special edition DVD! Kiki is an enterprising young girl who must follow tradition to become a full-fledged witch. Venturing out with only her chatty black cat, Jiji, Kiki flies off for the adventure of a lifetime. Landing in a far-off city, she sets up a high-flying delivery service and begins a wonderful experience of independence and responsibility as she finds her place in the world. Bring home Kiki’s Delivery Service from Studio Ghibli and Disney for your family’s DVD library and share Kiki’s high-flying adventure again and again.


Review: I saw KiKi's Delivery Service many years ago, shortly after my daughter was born.  I remember sitting there one morning while the kids were sleeping with my wife and I tuned into it on digital cable.  I'm not much on anime, per say, but this one seemed really well done.  It turns out..that it was!

The synopsis pretty much says it all, but the voice acting from Kirstin Dunst was phenominal as Kiki.   I had heard about the film since the early 1990s, but I'd never had the chance to see it.  The film was really cute and a lot of fun.  Its accessible for adults, but very appropriate for kids.

This film has been out on VHS and DVD for many years, but now this cool 2-disc DVD gives us a Studio Ghibli film / Disney release!   This includes an introduction by the great John Lasseter.  Its clear that we can thank him for these cool new anime releases, including Ponyo, 2-Discs of Kiki, My Neighbor Totoro and Castle in the Sky, which we will all be reviewing later this week. 

This is a great option for any adult or child animation fan!


Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: Relive the flight of pure fantasy that’s The NeverEnding Story now in spectacular Blu-ray. Based on the best-selling novel by Michael Ende and directed by Wolfgang Peterson (Troy, The Perfect Storm), The NeverEnding Story is as enjoyable for adults as it is for children with its tale of a young daydreamer who, drawn into a timeless and wondrous world of fantastic beings through the pages of a mysterious book, discovers how his imagination and belief can save it from destruction. The film’s Blu-ray debut will further intensify the visually stunning inventive special effects and the colorful characters of Fantasia like never before. Director Wolfgang Peterson’s first English language film, Roger Ebert called The NeverEnding Story “a real delight!”

Review: The Neverending Story freaked me out as a kid.  I'm not gonna lie, it really did.  I don't even know why when I watch it now.  Maybe it was the idea of being locked in the basement of my school during a thunderstorm.  Maybe it was the weird flying dog-creature or the sneezing turtle.  I know the wolf-creatures with the red glowing eyes weirded me out.  I saw this movie when I was pretty little..about five I believe.  I decided it was time to brave the waters again, since I'm 30. 

What happened?  This movie wasn't hardly freaky at all.  Certainly not worse than Labyrinth or Dark Crystal, and I loved both of those fantasy flicks.  The story is solid and the acting isn't too awfully bad.  I really enjoyed the puppeteering, and I wish we saw more of that in modern day film.

How does the blu-ray transfer look?  Its fantastic.  I was pretty skeptical that it would look decent, especially after seeing more recent vintage releases like Ghostbusters or Clash of the Titans, but the transfer to high-definition came out very well.  I mean the colors don't exactly pop off the screen, but the palet for this film was pretty dim to begin with.  Overall, this is a great release and definately one we'll keep in our library.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Links: www.warnerblu.com

My Fuhrer DVD Review

You can own this DVD today

Synopsis: The bastard love child of Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator and Mel Brooks' The Producers, My Fuhrer is a wildly provocative and laugh-outloud satire about Adolph Hitler and the Third Reich.

December 1944: Berlin lies in ruins and the war is as good as lost. Goebbels is convinced all the country needs is a re-energizing speech from the Fuhrer. Adolf, however, is only a shadow of his former self; demoralized and depressed, he hides in his office. The only man who can help is Germany's finest acting teacher, Adolf Grunbaum - a Jew.

Review: The ground covered by this film was laid originally by Mel Brooks and Charlie Chaplin....even Bugs Bunny!  To mock one of the most brutal and interesting characters in 20th century history is a line that many comedians will not cross.  To make a mockery of the millions dead..the countries destroyed..the lives shattered....I think that many times people are scared to take on this battle.  Where, I ask you, then is the healing?  How do we understand and move on?  You cannot ignore what happened, and to be clear no one is mocking any of the victims here, only the predator.

Its refreshing to see a German company actually tackling this subject, its so tabboo in Germany still, for obvious reasons, far more than it is here in the United States.  Heck, we call someone a 'nazi' if they're overbearing half of the time.  This film isn't a laugh out loud slapstick comedy.  Don't be fooled into thinking that, because you'll be sorely disappointed.  It is a deadpan mockery of the Fuhrer like no other!  If you enjoy british humor..perhaps the Office, then you'll 'get' this film.

The film portrays Hitler as an absolute baffoon.  He's an overgrown child with a complex about his father, who just never gave him any attention.  Hitler was, of course, far more calculated than this, though its certain that his childhood did affect him.  The film is a blend of fiction and reality, as a concentration camp jew comes to help hitler with his acting skills. 

This one is worth a watch.  Its a lot of fun and rather odd.


Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Red Cartoons: Animated Films from East Germany DVD Review

You can own this DVD today


Review: The DEFA animation studio controlled most animation in East Germany for more than 35 years.  Once the Berlin wall came down the production winded down on these often politically charged cartoons.   This is something that would otherwise be lost, since it came from a very enclosed part of the world during a turbulant time.  Fortunately, we get this single disc DVD release, which features a sampling of 16 cartoons.  Its an amazing piece of history.

The cartoons are deceptive in their simplicity.  There is no overly involved plot or complex animation here.  Its a lot of political satire and ironic situations.  The non-sequitur shorts almost seem like political comics from the newspaper brought to life through animation.

The DVD does include the extra of giving brief bios for the animators.  We'd love to see more of these releases in the future.  This would be an amazing DVD to bring into the classroom to illustrate the tone of Eastern Germany throughout the 1970s and 1980s.   Its also just a great piece of animation and world history to add to your collection!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

THE NEW HERO OF THE DIGITAL AGE

IRON MAN: ARMORED ADVENTURES - THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

Entire First Season Of Fan-Favorite Series Debuts On DVD May 4
From Marvel Animation, Method Films, Genius Products And Vivendi Entertainment

Arriving Just In Time For The Theatrical Debut Of Iron Man 2

Program Description: Embark on the high-octane adventures of boy-genius Tony Stark and his friends as they combine the latest technology and a little teamwork to save the world from evil when "Iron Man: Armored Adventures" The Complete First Season soars onto DVD May 4 from Marvel Animation, Method Films, Genius Products and Vivendi Entertainment.  Based on the hugely popular and successful Iron Man franchise from Marvel Entertainment, the four-disc set features all 26 episodes from the action-packed first season. With pulse-pounding showdowns, secrets and larger-than-life challenges, Iron Man and his ever-evolving, adaptable armor are always ready for high-speed flight and whatever high-tech battles ensue. Possessing "smart writing and stellar CG butt-kickery" (Entertainment Weekly), the 3D CGI animated hit television series launched in 2009 and holds the record for the highest-rated original series premiere on Nicktoons Network.  The perfect adrenaline-rush for fans before the theatrical release of Iron Man 2, the "Iron Man: Armored Adventures" The Complete First Season four-disc set will be available for the suggested retail price of $29.93.

Show Synopsis: Tony Stark is not the typical teenager... he's a billionaire, brilliant inventor... and Iron Man!  "Iron Man: Armored Adventures" follows Tony Stark, 16-year-old genius and heir to the billion-dollar corporation Stark International, as he battles the enemies of world peace with his revolutionary power armor technology.  Growing up, Tony had always lived a life of luxury, but everything went horribly wrong when a tragic plane accident robbed him of his father and nearly cost him his own life.  Eager to honor the memory of his dad, Tony now uses his suit of invincible armor and technical know-how to protect those who would also fall prey to tragedy, corruption and conspiracy.  With help from his friends Jim Rhodes and Pepper Potts, Tony's activities as Iron Man usually result in high-speed flight, high-tech battles and high-octane quests for justice.

"Iron Man: Armored Adventures" The Complete First Season
Join the adventures of teenage prodigy Tony Stark and his alter ego, Iron Man as he uses his technological inventions to battle villains and save the world!  Includes all 26 episodes from Season 1.

Special Features:
Storyboards
Original Sketches of Characters, Vehicles and More!

BASICS
Price:                    $29.93
Street Date:          May 4, 2010
Prebook Date:      March 30, 2010
Catalog Number:  GN01369
Rating:                  NR
Run time:              572 minutes 
Format:                 Wide Screen
Language:             English
Closed Captioned

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Night Court: The Complete Third Season DVD Review


You can own this DVD today

Synopsis: This season, life in Judge Harry Stone’s court starts with a tear (as the gang says farewell to Selma) and a horselaugh (as they welcome wiseacre Flo to the municipal menagerie). And it’s all fun from there in 22 absurdly hilarious episodes as Harry and his staff (including another newcomer, Legal Aid attorney Christine Sullivan) contend with New York’s zaniest nuts and dolts: the usual winos, weirdos, hookers and con artists, plus an orangutan, a rock star, a man from Saturn and a gorgeous witch who has Harry under her spell. The 3-Disc Set of Season 3 ends on a dark and stormy night, when four expectant moms fulfill their expectations with the panic-stricken assistance of the whole Night Court crew. Lullaby and good Night Court!

Review: This is the season where Night Court as I remember it really began.  You remember Night Court, right?  It was a great show.  There was Harry the wisecracking, magic-doing judge...Dan Fielding the slimey district attorney..and who could forget Christine..the public defender with a heart of gold.  Don't forget the lovable court baliff, Bull!

This season is when Christine joined the show, and therefore set off the character dynamics that would carry Night Court through to its end in 1992

The show was a bit more like Barney Miller in the early days, but it progressed to a slapstick style that would do anything for a joke.  The humor got zanier and zanier just to keep things interesting.  It turned more into a situation comedy than a deadpan drama.

The love triangle between Harry, Dan and Christine begins this year.  It really drives the rest of the show's six seasons thereafter, too.  I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this show, and I'm so glad they're finally getting it out on DVD!  I highly recommend picking it up.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Links:  www.nightcourtdvd.com

Video: You can watch a clip HERE

Synopsis: Adapted from internationally acclaimed author Zulfu Livaneli's novel, BLISS is an unconventional road movie in which the executioner of an honor killing and his victim go on a journey of self-discovery.

When 17-year-old Meryem (Ozgu Namal) is found disheveled and unconscious by the side of a lake, her family believes the worst - that her chastity has been lost and that she has been a willing accomplice in its disposal. They turn to the ancient principle of "tore," a strict moral code governing the rules of sexual practice, which condemns Meryem to death. The duty of defending the family's honor is given to distant cousin Cemal (Murat Han), who must take Meryem to Istanbul and kill her along the way.

The two begin to fall for each other and their journey takes an unexpected turn when they meet Irfan (Talat Bulut), an academic escaping his big city angst, who is also looking for a second chance in life. Set against the impressive backdrop of Turkey's natural wonders, BLISS pits tradition against modernity, urban against rural and East against West, all the while refusing to settle for easy answers.


Review: Bliss is the most emotional movie I've seen in years.  I cannot stress enough that you need to be ready to be impacted in very profound way when you put this movie in.  I don't recommend this for children under the age of 13, either.  The subject matter is very intense.

Bliss takes us on the emotional ride of immersing us into other cultures to experience things, such as honor killings, and really puts us outside of our box in a most painful way.  The clash of cultures and paths that the characters' lives take is a ride that you cannot miss.

This is a DVD you need.  You think 'Precious' is emotional?  It looks like Sesame Street next to Bliss!


Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

The Box Blu-Ray Review

You can own this blu-ray today

Synopsis: Push a red button on a little black box, get a million bucks cash. Just like that, all of Norma (Diaz) and Arthur Lewis's (Marsden) financial problems will be over. But there's a catch, according to the strange visitor (Lagella) who placed the box on the couple’s doorstep. Someone, somewhere – someone they don’t know – will die. Cameron Diaz and James Marsden play a couple confronted by agonizing temptation yet unaware they're already part of an orchestrated an – for them and us – mind-blowing chain of events.

The Special Features Include: Commentary by director Richard Kelly, The Box: Grounded in Reality: How family experiences helped director Kelly expand the short story for the screen, Music video prequels, Visual effects revealed, Richard Matheson: In His Own Words: An intimate interview with a sci-fi legend

Review: The box has recieved mixed reviews out there.  It had a very interesting trailer on television when it hit theaters.  The basic premise is that this disfigured man delivers a box to a family that is struggling financially.  He tells them that if they push the button they get one million dollars.  If they do this, however, someone they do not know will die.  They struggle with the question for a short time and then push the button.

This movie does a fantastic job in showing the action-reaction reality of life.  You don't always see the reaction to your action, but its out there.  It sets various events into motion...events you can often not control.  The lesser reviews for this film may have come from the fact that its a very dialogue-driven feature, and many Americans have very short attention spans.

The Box is based on a 1970 short story "Button, Button" by Richard Matheson.  Matheson you may remember as the author of 'I am Legend'.  Its a great tale of morality and fun to watch.  We enjoyed it and found it to be a very solid realease.  It looks great on blu-ray, thats really the only way to go.  Don't bother buying DVD!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Links: www.thebox-movie.com