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Synopsis: The historical "We Are One" 2-disc collector's DVD set is the only inaugural release to be endorsed by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. It features the opening ceremony for the 56th Presidential Inaugural-- a celebration to America in song and spoken word which was held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday, January 18th 2009 as broadcasted on HBO. In addition, the set includes the Invocation given by Pastor Rick Warren before the concert; Obama’s Inauguration Address and The Neighborhood Ball– which took place on the night of the inauguration. This event marks President Barack Obama’s first public celebration in Washington, D.C. and features some of the biggest acts in the world of entertainment to celebrate our common heritage and our new direction. Features musical performances by Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Jon Bon Jovi, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, Bettye LaVette, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Pete Seeger, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, U2, Usher Raymond IV, will.i.am and Stevie Wonder. Readers of historical passages include: Jack Black, Steve Carell, Rosario Dawson, Jamie Foxx, Tom Hanks, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah, Laura Linney, and Denzel Washington.

Review: The historic election of President Obama was bound to bring out the celebrities to the Inauguration.   Regardless of your personal politics, you have to be able to appreciate how amazing this past election was for our country.  There have been a ton of DVDs released to commemorate this event, but the only one approved and recommend by the Presidential Inaugural Committee is this one!

Disc 1:
Invocation by the Rt. Reverend V. Gene Robinson
We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial
Disc 2:
President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address
The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration

This DVD set is a fantastic commemoration of this historic event.   It features legendary musical acts, comedians and actors.  This is the absolute best way to archive and re-experience this landmark event.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: Director Shimako Sato assembled a strong cast and used cutting edge special effects to bring K-20 to life. The movie is set in the fictional city of Teito in the late 1940s, in a world where World War II never happened and the nobility system established during the Meiji Era still exists. An extreme divide exists between the upper and lower classes, with 90 percent of the country’s wealth being held by the upper class. The capital of Teito is in crisis with the emergence of a menacing phantom thief known as "The Fiend (Kaijin) With Twenty Faces" or simply "K-20."  The film is based on The Story of Nijyumenso, a novel written by Soh Kitamura, and also features the mesmerizing theme song, Shock of the Lightning, by the British band OASIS. 

Actor Takeshi Kaneshiro is internationally renowned and made his screen debut in the film Executioners (1993) followed by the critically acclaimed Wong Kar-Wai film Chungking Express (1994). More recently he has starred in films including House of Flying Daggers (2004) and The Battle of Red Cliff (2008).

Review: I have seen some very odd Japanese movies, but K-20 is definately on the top of the list.  It takes place in this alternate reality where WWII never occured.  Takeshi Keneshiro stars in this trippy film about a man named Endo that is framed as the masked thief K-20.

This film was really interesting.  Its nice, because its such a departure from the usual cinema we see here in America.  Its fun to see the way they do things different over there.  Actor Kaneshiro is really dynamic and definately has a great screen presence.  The film is full of suspense and action and was most certainly entertaining.

We recommend this film to anyone interested in Japanese or foreign cinema.  Its a great watch.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

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Synopsis: Steven Seagal's movies have grossed more than $2 billion worldwide. An expert martial artist with a 7th-degree black belt in aikido, he ranks among the film industry s greatest action stars. But Seagal isn t just an action hero in the movies. For almost 20 years, he has been working as a fully commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana where, in addition to going out on patrol, the expert marksman works with the SWAT team and instructs Jefferson Parish officers in firearms and hand-to-hand combat. Get in on the action as Steven Seagal Lawman chronicles Seagals extraordinary life in law enforcement, riding shotgun as he and his hand-selected team of deputies respond to crimes-in-progress. Then, follow Seagal off-duty as he pursues his many ventures including musical performances and philanthropic efforts in Jefferson Parish and New Orleans.

Review: I grew up watching Steven Seagal movies.  For the life of me now, I have no idea why.  I also watched every Jean-Claude Van Damme film.  Again, no idea why now, but I really enjoyed these cheesy martial arts flicks.  Seagal always stood apart due to his calm demeanor and unique martial arts style.  When I heard that they were doing a reality show following him around as an office of the law, I just couldn't miss that!

We tuned in the first night and I watched through the entire first season.  I thought it'd be good to spotlight the first season DVD release for you all, because this show is not only hilarious, but its fantastic entertainment.   I had no idea that he was a deputized sheriff in Louisiana.  He basically rides around in the passenger seat of an SUV, rambling about various philosopies and sociological theories he has, all the while using what can only be described as 'Spidey-Sense' to locate criminals on the street.  Once they're in pursuit, an overweight Seagal bark orders to to the other cops as they chase after criminals.  Then, once thats over the perps all crowd around Seagal and want his autograph.  Its really insane.

I love this show.  Its one of the best on television right now.  Its so hilarious and fun to watch.  Its a complete train wreck and thats what makes reality tv great, isn't it? 

Synopsis: History is filled with stories of the unexplained, from vanishings in the Bermuda Triangle to the lost city of Atlantis.

While they have spawned endless speculation, these mysteries seldom come with clear answers. But can advances in science and technology bring new evidence to light? Each episode of MYSTERYQUEST features a journey to find clues about one of mankind s most enduring mysteries. Through expeditions around the world, experts combine their knowledge of science and technology to look at each mystery in innovative ways. On-site investigation, high-tech gadgetry, video and audio analysis unite with modern-day forensics in an attempt to bring us one step closer to the truth behind history s biggest questions.

MYSTERYQUEST: THE COMPLETE SEASON ONE includes all 10 episodes of the debut season on 3 DVDs:

Hitler s Escape
Devil s Triangle
San Francisco Slaughter
Lost City of Atlantis
Alien Cover-Up
Rise of the Fourth Reich
Devil s Island
Jack the Ripper
Stonehenge
Return of the Amityville Horror

Review: Oh History Channel, you alluring mistress of the unknown.  I get so excited whenever there isn't a special on tanks on-air!  There is are too many shows I don't care for on television right now, so when a great one like MysteryQuest airs, I have to rush out and pick-up the season on DVD!   Not only do I want to encourage the History Channel to keep producing content like this, but I want to have it to own and watch at my own leisure.

What is great about MysteryQuest is that they aren't just re-hashing date information or investigating the subjects, but rather utilizing new technology to try and shed light on these mysteries.  Everything from new DNA evidence techniquest to voice recognition, the investigators and scientists try to unlock secrets from Stone Henge to the Zodiac Killer.  Its quite possibly the most entertaining show of last year.

This DVD represents the complete first season of 10 episodes.  I really recommend picking it up, I feel that this History Channel special can appeal to a vast audience and can entertain just about anyone!

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Synopsis: Actress, comedienne, author and co-host of ABC's THE VIEW; Sherri Shepherd stars as Sherri Robinson, a single mother who juggles caring for her six-year-old son, Bo (Brandon Khalil), and working part-time as a paralegal, while still following her dream to become a full-time comedienne/actress. Recently separated from her cheating husband, Kevin (Malcolm-Jamal Warner), Sherri finds solace and support from her girlfriends at the office: Celia (Tammy Townsend), Angie (Elizabeth Regen), and even her overbearing supervisor, Summer (Kali Rocha). Sherri s life becomes even more complicated when Kevin reveals that Paula (Kate Reinders), the 20-year-old he had an affair with, is pregnant.

SHERRI: THE COMPLETE SEASON 1 features all 13 hilarious episodes of the inaugural season plus extras on 2 discs!

Review: We just reviewed the Lifetime show Rita Rocks.  That show is kinda cute and charming.  Sherri, on the other hand, is not.  Lets start with Sherri Shepherd herself...she is a regular on 'The View' and she is so overtly obnoxious that its hard to watch her.  She had an arguement once on that show where she insisted that perhap the earth wasn't round.  She's insane.  That said, we wanted to give her show a fair shake, so I put aside her off-screen personality to see if this series could work.

This series doesn't work.  Its basically a bitter, man-hating sit-com.  Yes, men cheat on their wives..so do women on their husbands.  Its horrible, but hardly an interesting basis for a weekly show.  There isn't anything interesting that happens from episode to episode and Sherri's "acting" is dry and forced. 

Unfortunately, this show doesn't rate well with us.  Lifetime generally has a high-level of programming.  This show is just the exception.   Baba Booey.

Synopsis: Nicole Sullivan ( MADtv ) stars as Rita Clemens, an overworked wife, mother, and former lead singer of a Bangles cover band who has traded in a life of jam sessions and rock clubs for carpools and PTA meetings. On the verge of a full-blown identity crisis, Rita struggles to maintain romance with her husband, Jay (Richard Ruccolo, Two Guys and a Girl ), juggle the demands of her 9-year-old daughter, Shannon (Kelly Gould, Lucky Louie ), and discipline her defiant teenage daughter, Hallie (Natalie Dreyfuss, He s Just Not That Into You ) and her ever-present boyfriend, Kip (Raviv Ullman, Phil of the Future ). In an attempt to reconnect with her youth and with the hopes of putting some spark back in her life, Rita dusts off her guitar and forms a garage band with Kip, her nosy postal carrier Patty (Tisha Campbell-Martin, My Wife and Kids, Martin ) and her unemployed neighbor Owen (Ian Gomez).
 

RITA ROCKS: THE COMPLETE SEASON 1 features all 20 episodes plus extras jam-packed onto 3 discs!

Review: Nicole Sullivan stars in this Lifetime Network show, Rita Rocks.  She was always pretty funny as a cast member on MADtv.   The basic premise of this situation comedy is that Rita is a former rocker that has settled down and she is attempting to adjust to 'normal life'.  

Firstly, Rita was in a Bangles cover band, so she wasn't exactly a rock star, but she was definately a party girl.  The show basically covers her hijinks trying to fit in and make her own way as a wife and mother.  The show is pretty cute overall, albeit highly predictable, as all sit-coms are.   You know what you're asking for when you go into a show like this one.  Its a half hour of mindless, cute entertainment.

Overall, not a bad show.  Its a nice family show too, so you can all gather together to enjoy this one.  You get a great DVD release here packed with extras.

Synopsis: In the Season 3 DVD of TLC’s hit television series 18 Kids & Counting, viewers follow the daily lives of the Duggars, a 20-member family from a small town in Arkansas who have become a pop culture sensation and have all of America talking. As former high school sweethearts, Jim Bob and Michelle firmly believe each child is a gift that should be cherished. With only two sets of twins among the 18 children, each with a name starting with the letter “J”, Michelle has been pregnant 12 years of her life.

Review: The Duggars have managed to become a huge cultural phenomenon in their brief time on television.  Their show, whose name has been evolving as more and more children are born, is now titled 19 Kids and Counting.  TLC has released season 3 on DVD for those that just can't get enough of the family trying to re-populate the earth.  The interesting thing about the Duggars..thats exactly what they're trying to do.  This isn't a simple Christian family, as they portray on television.  The Duggars are, in fact, part of the Quiverfull movement.  

I honestly watch most reality television with disgust.  Its there to make us all feel better about our own lives with train wreck after train wreck.  While the Duggars aren't as up front of a train wreck, if you spend time watching them you see right through the cracks.  The show sends the family on all types of adventures to keep their lives seemingly interesting, but what you have is a house of 18 children.  Lets face it, I have three children and I struggle to keep them all feeling valued and accepted.  When you have 18 children, not because you love your kids SO much, but because you have a whacked-out religious agenda to destroy abortion, you tend to create kids for the sake of creating kids, rather than raising any of them.  The older kids are raising the younger ones and there is a complete disconnect between the parents and their many children.

In this day and age I guess I expect to see parents actually engage and raise their children in a hands-on manner.  This isn't yesteryear, regardless of how some would like to pretend that it is.  We have a responsibilty to society and our own offspring to love and nurture them each as individuals, rather than a herd.  The hefty irony is that during the current season of the show (not featured on this DVD) the Duggars had their 19th child and there were complications.  It turns out that technology that was developed through extensive stem cell research saved their baby's life.  They were just fine with that, of course, since it suited them at the moment.  Hypocritical?  To the worst degree.

If you can't tell, I don't enjoy the Duggars.  I think they're insufficient parents and this show should serve as evidence for social services to remove those children from their home and be placed in a decent environment.  If you enjoy train wrecks, and honestly I do, watch 18 Kids and Counting.  You won't even believe your eyes.

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Synopsis: In a landmark performance, Oscar nominee John Malkovich (In the Line of Fire, 1993) stars as Professor David Lurie, whose world is shattered when he is fired for seducing a college student. He finds peace at his estranged daughter's modest farm in South Africa until a horrific incident of terror and violence forces Lurie to confront his beliefs and the disturbing racial complexities of the new South Africa. Based on the Booker Prize-winning novel, DISGRACE stands out as a gritty, gripping drama of brutality, survival and hope.

Review: John Malkovich is one of our favorite actors.  We don't see all of his films, because he's not always the best at picking a script, but when he is matched-up well he can do amazing things.  Anything from Con Air to the Man in the Iron Mask, he comes off intense and rather creepy, while also educated and distinguished.  It gives him a sense of credibility.

Disgrace is based on a novel by J. M. Coetzee.   Its not your typical hollywood film.  Malkovich is outcast for seducing a female student at the university where he works and retreats to a farm in South Africa, only to become witness to the horrors of culture there, particularly the sexual ones.   The film is moving and throught provoking.  Its everything that an indie film should be.

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, this film is for you.  Be warned, the content is very heavy and we don't recommend this one for children.  Disgrace is definately one we'll be adding to our library, we recommend this DVD.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: Team Kakashi is joined by Team Guy in their pursuit of Gaara's kidnappers, Deidara and Sasori, but their way to the Akatsuki hideout is fraught with familiar enemies and deadly traps. Once inside, Sakura and Granny Chiyo must take on Chiyo's own grandson, the puppet master Sasori, whose complex tricks and genius puppetry demand every last ounce of Chiyo's and Sakura's strength and skill to counter. Meanwhile, Naruto and Kakashi take off after Deidara, who is once again on the run with Gaara in tow...

Review: The Naruto Shippuden series is acclaimed and well-known amongst anime fans.  Now, Viz is collecting some of it in this cool new box set.  Its not easy to find good quality anime these days, but Viz does a great job of releasing some of the best shows, like Naruto and Bleach.

In these collected episodes (14-26), Naruto and Kakashi are off seeking revenge, while we see that Granny Chiyo's grandson, Sasori, is a skilled puppetmaster whose skills can only be rivaled by Chiyo herself.  The action sequences and battles are really the stand-out part of the Shippuden series and these episodes are no stranger to these breathtaking scenes.  The story starts to really pick-up and proves why Naruto is one of the best anime franchises out there.

The box set features a great full-color image and three slim DVD cases inside.  Its a great looking set and is most definately worth the money.  We highly recommend this DVD set for any anime fan and most certainly for the fans of Naruto Shippuden!  

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: Life is a whirlwind--will the Nanas make it through the storm without each other?

As if Blast's debut wasn't causing enough stress, Takumi and Nana K.'s announcement sends everyone reeling, but none more than Nana O. and Reira. While Reira turns to Shin for comfort, Nana O. is drawn to Yasu and his calm understanding, leaving her questioning her relationship with Ren. Nana K. meanwhile is happily nesting in her new home, but her continued estrangement from Nana O. weighs heavily on her heart.

Review: Nana is one of those shows that is rare in the anime world.  We typically get lots of action or blatant sexuality, but we rarely get really great drama.  We have done our best to cover all of the box sets of Nana, because its just a fantastic series.

The series follows the two Nanas, Nana O. and Nana K. as they find their way in the world as adult women.  They struggle through life and love in this great animated series.  If I had to categorize the show for you it'd fall somewhere in-between Desperate Housewives and Sex and the City.

This box set includes episodes 35-47 (+ Episode 36.5). 


The DVD set includes the following special features:
- "LUCY" Animated Video
- Clean Opening/Clean Ending
- Japanese and English Audio
- Line Art Gallery


We highly recommend this DVD set for anyone that is a fan of anime, animation or just great dramatic television.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: When a genetically engineered virus kills 95 percent of the world's population, a group of survivors in England must rebuild humanity in the face of overwhelming odds. Written by Terry Nation, creator of the Daleks for Doctor Who as well as Blake's 7, Survivors pits humans against nature-and against themselves-in an attempt to reclaim a desolate, unrelenting world.

Review: The BBC is infamous for some of the best and most innovative shows on television.  Survivors is no exception.    It was far ahead of it's time, airing back in 1975-77, the show produced a total of 38 episodes that ran 50 minutes long.  Terry Nation, who was then popular for his work on Doctor Who, created the concept.

The first season focuses on the accidental outbreak that levels the world population.  This group of survivors gather and attempt to isolate themselves and re-start society.  Within seasons 2 and 3 we learn of other survivors and see our characters travel around Europe and confront the various types of groups that have survived.  Its a great post-apocalyptic epic in the vein of movies like the Omega Man.

I wasn't aware of this vintage series from the BBC until we got this DVD set.  Anytime I can get the complete series of a show I give it a watch through and I'm so glad that I did with this one.  Its definately worth trying out if you haven't seen it.  If you are a fan of the show, this set is for you!

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: When things get tough for Carys Reitman (Bijou Phillips) she goes to strangers' funerals to unwind. But after a funeral service mix-up, Carys unexpectedly finds herself in possession of a dead woman’s engagement ring and in love with the grieving fiancé (Ian Somerholder). Also starring Jane Seymour and Danny Masterson.

Review: We enjoy indie film here at the Legion and Wake is defintely in that genre.  The difference being that Independant films often have darker or more twisted storylines, rather than the cliche and predictable situations presented in blockbuster films. 

In Wake we see Bijou Phillips fall in love with a man grieving the loss of his fiance.   This film most definately puts the fun back in funeral.  Its absolutely entertaining, dark and twisty.  I recommend it highly to anyone that is interested in seeing a unique film.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: Native Americans have experienced a history full of oppression and racism. Since the period when Native tribes were found on this continent at the time of its 'discovery', the British and American governments disregarded Native Americans as the owners of the territory they occupied and used aggressive force to take their lands and destroy their people. This harrowing and compelling compilation of 4 award-winning documentary programs chronicles the struggles of the Native American culture from the forced relocation known as the Trail of Tears to the current issues faced by America's aboriginal people.

Review: History often forgets the lengths of which the Native Americans have suffered.  Fortunately, not all have forgotten and we have a great collection here of four documentaries that chronicle the struggle of the Native American people over the years....

Trail of Tears: Cherokee Legacy - 105 min
Black Indians: An American Story - 52 mins
Native American Healing in the 21st Century - 52 min
Our Spirits Don't Speak English: Indian Boarding School - 53 mins

Mill Creek has released these all in a huge compilation titled 'Trail of Tears' and has made these wonderful and enlightening documentaries affordable to us all.  Thanks to Mill Creek we can enjoy these interesting looks at another culture embedded deep within America with roots and ties to the very fiber of our land.

I recommend that everyone watch these documentaries.  Its great for homechooling, classrooms or just to share with your family to better understand a culture that is all too often overlooked and misjudged.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

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Synopsis: Imagine being the only survivor of a mystery virus that kills every member of your family, friends and nearly everyone you've ever met. All traditional 21st-century comforts- electricity, clean running water, advanced technology-have disappeared. You are among the lonely few left to start again in a bleak new world where the once safe and familiar is now strange and dangerous. These are the challenges faced by the bewildered but resilient group of survivors in this gripping adventure.

Review: This show was released initially back in the 1970s on the BBC.  This DVD set is for the re-make of the now cult-classic series.  Its difficult to pull-off a remake that is as good as the original.  In this instance I feel that they managed to hit on something here that is actually better than the original!

The first season starts out with the disease running through England and everyone dying.  That takes a few episodes to get through until you see the cast really form.  You can see right away that they know they are all that is left of society and they have to form this uneasy sort of family.  To watch the adversity that they struggle with we see a lot of the issues we have in real life reflected still even during this harsh time.

This modernization of the classic show is fantastic and long overdue.  The acting and film quality are better, along with the overall quality of the show.  This DVD set represents the entire series, so its a perfect buy.  I highly recommend checking it out.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Bleach 27 DVD Review

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Synopsis: Rangiku Matsumoto and several other Soul Reapers arrive to help in the battle against the evil Bounts. Entering the cave hideout, they soon discover they've stumbled into a trap! Just in time to back up their comrades, Ichigo faces the Bount leader Kariya and must summon his bankai if he is to survive, while Uryû must rediscover his lost powers as well.

Review: The Bleach saga continues with Volume 27, released on April 20th, 2010, from Viz and Shonen Jump!  Bleach remains one of the most popular ongoing anime and manga series out there, and this volume is another reminder of why that is!

The evil Bounts are finally on the run and it looks as though Matsumoto has the jump on them, but of course its too good to be true!  Uryu struggles with regaining his lost powers and we get to see his struggle really unfold.  The action is fantastic and the story is moving quickly to darkness and strife in this latest Bleach DVD.  

We recommend for any anime or Bleach fan.  This is a must-own!

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

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Synopsis: Hong Kong 'villain' actor Yasuaki Kurata stars in this exciting Japanese superhero television program. Unlike other shows of the era, this is a more 'traditional' superhero program...minus the special effects and rubber monster suits! What sets Fight! Dragon apart from other Japanese TV shows of the era is the absence of the fantasy and monster elements and the emphasis on martial arts fighting. Filled with exciting karate fights, outrageous stunts and non-stop action, Fight! Dragon is the type of 'they just don t make 'em like that anymore' television show fans have been anxiously awaiting to appear on DVD.

Review: This show stars rather infamous actor Yasuaki Kurata.  This isn't his typical role, though.  His grough appearance has had him cast as a heel in past features.  In Fight! Dragon he plays the hero, fighting his way through the day.

Whats great about this classic 1970s series is that its classic campy-martial arts action.  You can see in each fight scene, which all feature the same theme song, that the punches aren't connecting and the action is very, very clearly choreographed.   The story is pretty much the same for each episode, but the action is where its at.  The show is a ton of fun for anyone that enjoys vintage-era martial arts film.

This DVD set is set in the original Japanese language with English subtitles.  I was very pleased to find this, because I feel that Engligh dubs usually disturb the quality of the script and take away from the authentic feel of the show.  This represents the complete series of the show.  Anytime I see Complete Series on a DVD I get all excited!  I can own it all in one shot!  I definately recommend for any martial arts fan.

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Synopsis: The incorrigible cast of the most offensive animated reality show ever to air is back, and they’re starring in their very own feature-length movie! When the mystery-solving musician Foxxy Love notices she and her fellow housemates can curse without being bleeped—something they’ve never been able to do before—she realizes their show has been canceled. Determined to get back on the air, the gang travels to Make-A-Point-Land in order to get a point (and get back on the air). With more depravity than could have ever been shown on TV, this is the definitive Drawn Together experience.

Review: We enjoy subversive and inappropriate programming here at the Legion.  Comedy Central does a great job of airing this type of content between South Park and Drawn Together.    While South Park is still airing, Drawn Together unfortunately stopped airing back in 2007.   Now, new for 2010 we get a Drawn Together Movie!

The movie is hilarious.  Its basically a follow-up to the end of the Drawn Together show.  It does a great job of wrapping things up for hardcore fans.  The movie comes off like a really long episode of the show more than a film, but its still great to see and much appreciated by this fan.

Parental Warning: NOT for kids!  I can't stress that enough.  In this day and age cartoons are not necessarily for children.

I hope that sales for this film show a renewed interest in the series and they bring it back to television, ala Family Guy.  We definately recommend checking this DVD out!  Its hilarious. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: Stoked over the smokin’ Romanian hottie he’s met online, an über-randy college student talks his dimwitted friends into joining him for a semester of beer, babes and bongs at what they think is a prestigious Transylvanian university. What they discover instead is a creepy castle populated by a torture-loving mad scientist, an overcybersexed humpback, the nubile spirit of a decomposed sorceress and a bevy of horny vampire chicks that have finally found a student body they can really sink their fangs into.

Review: These spoof movies come out a few a year and are very hit or miss.  You either love them or you don't.  Even within spoof movie franchises some are great, while some miss the mark.  The Scary Movie franchise is that way, where some of them, like Scary Movie 4, really do well, while number 2 was physically painful.  Transylmania is the latest in this genre of horror movie spoof.  How does it stack-up?

I'm not going to lie to you..this movie isn't the Hangover.  We're not talking high-quality comedy here folks, this is a fun movie.  Its for sitting around with your friends or loved ones, drinking a beer or two and being silly.  Its a fantastic watch though and can definately generate some laughs.

The Unrated edition of the DVD is released on Tuesday, April 27th.  I definately recommend adding it to your collection, especially if you're as sick of this Twilight crap as I am. 

Synopsis: Action. Intrigue. Celebrity stars. Adorable critters. Dude, Saturday mornings were awesome! Be a couch potato and relive the trippendicular 'toons of the way cool '80s! Go mental with Martin Short's immortal Ed Grimley, kick butt with Chuck Norris and save the day with Mister T. Take it medieval with Dragon's Lair and Galtar and the Golden Lance, then travel to an Earth reborn from cosmic destruction in Thundarr the Barbarian. For laughs, Tex Avery lends his genius to The Kwicky Koala Show (Avery's final work), and The Flintstones Kids will crack you up. Need to chill? Cuddle up to The Biskitts and Monchhichis for mega-cute action. No kidding: this wicked 2-Disc Collection is totally boss.

Review: This collection IS totally boss, as the above synopsis states.  We've reviewed the 1960s and 1970s Saturday Morning Cartoons DVD collections in the past, but now we're getting into more familiar territory.  These are the cartoons that I watched as a kid.  Well, they're the obscure ones, at least.   The 1980s were rife with amazing animation from Thundercats and Ghostbusters to He-Man, GI Joe and Silverhawks.  This set collects a lot of the b-class cartoons, the ones that never get DVD releases!  

We're looking at a DVD collection here that features (wait for it) Mr. T!   Thats right, the Mr. T. Cartoon.  Not only that but Chuck Norris?!  There is nothing more wicked than a DVD set that has Mr. T. AND Chuck Norris.  You just can't beat that with a stick.  There are also a few good quality cartoons that made it on here like the often overlooked Flintstone Kids.  The disc has something for everyone and most importantly as a parent, my kids can watch all of these!  

I highly recommend this to any animation fan and most certainly to anyone that grew up during the 1980s.  Its a great flashback and a fun piece of history to own.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Links: www.kidswb.com

Video: Check out a clip from the DVD HERE

Synopsis: Shane Black (Lethal Weapon), John Carpenter (Halloween), Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption), William Goldman (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid), Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver), and dozens of other Hollywood screenwriters share penetrating insights and hilarious anecdotes in Peter Hanson's TALES FROM THE SCRIPT, the most comprehensive documentary ever made about screenwriting. By analyzing their triumphs and recalling their failures, the participants explain how successful writers develop the skills necessary for toughing out careers in one of the world's most competitive industries. They also reveal the untold stories behind some of the greatest screenplays ever written, describing their adventures with luminaries including Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Stanley Kubrick, Joel Silver, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg.

Review:  We love documentary filmmaking around the Legion offices and let me tell you right off the cuff, this was a great documentary film.   Its not often that you get to hear from the screenwriters out there, they tend to be the unsung heroes of the movie industry.  In Tales from the Script we get writer after writer talking about their adventures in getting a script written and even more difficultly, noticed!

You get to see everyone from Tim Burton (w00t!) to Spielberg in this candid look behind the scenes of Hollywood.  Its a great watch.

 You can own this DVD today 

Synopsis: As seen on Animal Planet.

Experts estimate there are more tigers living in captivity in the United States than are roaming wild in the world.

Dennis Hill has been breeding and selling tigers from his backyard in Flat Rock, Indiana for over fifteen years. When the documentary begins, Hill has 24 tigers, 3 bears, 6 leopards and one cougar. He claims to know exactly what his animals are thinking by the look in their eyes. But now, after a surprise government inspection, he's lost the license that allowed him to keep exotic animals, and the state of Indiana is threatening to shut him down. He has just five days to find alternate homes for all but three of his brood and to bring his facilities up to code -- or else lose what he considers to be his life's work.

As Hill fights to hold on to his tigers over the days and months that follow, The Tiger Next Door follows him -- exploring his motives, his past, and the curious, ethically-murky world he's created in his backyard. At the same time, the documentary ranges far beyond Dennis' animal compound, illuminating the intricate web of commerce laxity that keep breeders in business. What finally becomes exposed is the widespread attitude that humans are indeed lords of the animal kingdom

Review: This documentary was initially shown on Animal Planet.  I have a great respect for their programming, so I was all for checking it out.  The quality of the documentary is great.  Its high-quality production value and very informative.   I have to comment on the subject here..Dennis.  I'm an animal rights advocate.  I'm one of those vegetarian Peta types, I'll admit that up front.  I feel that animals are really mistreated and this Dennis character is a prime example.

There are more big cats in private captivity than roaming in the wild.  Take a moment to process that fact.  Its disgusting.  This guy breeds big cats for a living in his back yard.  He's a felon with a shady past and now he's gotten into the business of breeding exotic pets.  Its any wonder his license has been revoked by the USDA.  What a scumbag. 

The point of this film wasn't to show Dennis as a d-bag, but it inadvertantly does just that by showing us reality.  This is a great documentary to watch, everyone should see the way these tigers are being treated!  I highly recommend it.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: Embark on a dangerous and deadly journey with these twelve exploitative films from the drive-in era of the 60s and 70s. These adrenaline-pumping action flicks feature the most brutal bikers, the most wretched rebels and the hardest-hitting action scenes! It's the craziest collection of cult cinema classics ever!

Twelve adrenaline-pumping action flicks featuring the most brutal bikers, the most wretched rebels and the hardest-hitting action scenes from the drive-in era of the 60s and 70s.

Review: We reviewed the Bombshells collection yesterday and now we get the other side of cult cinema..the badass chicks.  We're talking absolute rebel D-class film here!   This is the kind of stuff that Rob Zombie songs are written about and Robert Rodriguez options for big-screen cinema, lol. 

The 12-movie collection features the following titles:

Hell on Wheels – (1967)
Little Laura & Big John – (1973)
The Wild Rebels – (1967)
Wild Riders – (1971)
Pink Angels – (1971)
Burnout – (1979)
Death Riders – (1976)
The Sidehackers – (1969)
Dangerous Charter – (1962)
Hellcats – (1967)
Death Machines – (1976)
Best Friends – (1975)

These are very enjoyable films that are a great piece of history that would be lost without this cool collection from Mill Creek!  I highly recommend!

 You can own this DVD today

Synopsis: His first wrong move will be his last - 67 Episode Set - Including 3 Unaired, Never Released Episodes! Long before Donnie Brasco brought similar drama to the big screen, Golden Globe winner Ken Wahl brought charisma, credibility and chutzpah to his small-screen role as Vincent Terranova, a handsome 30-year-old agent with the FBI's Organized Crime Bureau. The special Collector's Set presents 67 episodes that span the series' highly successful 4 season run on 13 DVDs! Also included are 3 unaired, never before seen episodes from the show's final season. 

How does a deep-cover operative keep his sanity and morality intact when the criminal lifestyle he's sworn to bring down from within is more compelling than his own? Federal Agent Vincent Terranova (Ken Wahl) is plagued by the question in this innovative take on 80s cop dramas. Created by veteran hit producer Stephen J. Cannell, Wiseguy veers from traditional 'bad guy of the week' police procedural by breaking the drama into multi-episode story arcs that followed an Organized Crimes Bureau case - and its charismatic criminal suspects - to its logical conclusion. No matter the cost to criminal, victim, or cop.

Review: Mill Creek had previously released the complete first season of this 1980s cop thriller to DVD.  Now, they jump right ahead by giving us a full collector's edition release.  This represents all four seasons of the show..a complete series DVD release!  Now, this is what I'm talkin' about!  

Wiseguy was classic mobster drama on television.  It entertained far before the Sopranos broke their ground on HBO.  This was the first great gangster-era show.  The complete series collection doesn't include any extras to speak of, but none are needed.  This set you can find for around $35 online, which is a steal!  We highly recommend!

 You can own this DVD Tuesday, April 27th!

Synopsis: On the heels of the best-selling Ralph S. Mouse and The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Scholastic brings award-winning author Beverly Cleary's best-selling story Runaway Ralph to life in this exciting live-action DVD, featuring the new read-along function and discussion questions to help develop early literacy skills.

Review: Runaway Ralph and the Mouse and the Motorcycle were two of my absolute favorite books as a youth.  Scholastic really hit it out of the park with those titles and when I saw that they were making a great new DVD based on the Runaway Ralph book, I had to check it out for my own kids.

I wasn't sure how this DVD would come out, but its every bit as enjoyable and magical as the original book.  It also has a great read-along feature that my first-grader enjoyed.  The film was great quality and showed our mousey friend Ralph in a great light.  It was so much fun to share this with my own kids.  They hadn't read the books prior to this, and now they're on their shelves as instant favorites.

Its rare to find a kid DVD release that isn't full of mindless 'Sponge Bob' humor.  Pick up this rare gem for your family or classroom today!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

 You can own this DVD today

Synopsis: Reacquaint yourself with myths so powerful that they remain woven into the fabric of the present world, resonating with real-life relevance.

Thousands of years ago, they were used to help frame the world of the ancients, and dictate the guidelines of their societies. Today, they are often the first stories we learn as children, iconic tales in which good and evil clash, and humanity and fantasy collide. But what is the reality behind these stories? From the epic tragedy of Medusa, Greek mythology s most infamous female fiend, to Hercules, its greatest action hero, and Hades, master of the land of the dead and a god so feared no one would speak his name, explore these myths and the legendary figures who inspired them in CLASH OF THE GODS. Each episode connects ancient myths to actual historical events, as well as to events in the Bible and other cultures mythologies, gaining important historical insight from renowned scholars in search of the truth behind the legends.

This 10-part series on two discs travels back in time to reveal the stories behind some of history s most infamous mythological figures and legends including:

Zeus
Hercules
Hades
The Minotaur
Medusa
Odysseus: Curse of the Sea
Beowulf
Tolkien's Monsters
Thor
And more

Review: The History Channel is famous for their documentary specials, but in recent years the shift has moved to serialized television shows.   A lot of focus gets put on war subject matter, but last August the channel debuted a fantastic show called Clash of the Gods.  Clash of the Gods delves into 10 different mythical characters and gives us an hour-long in-depth look at their history.   Everything from greek and norse gods to the creatures of Tolkien and how his time in the great war inspired his epic Lord of the Rings series.

This series gives us great dramatizations and cgi graphics of various creatures, along with a high-energy commentary by narrator Stan Bernard.  The series also features comments from various scholars and experts that shed some fantastic light on each god or creature. 

We highly recommend this series for anyone interested in mythology.  Its a lot of fun and does a fantastic job of keeping you interested the entire time. 

 You can own this DVD today 

Synopsis: This collection of 12 larger-than-life cult classic favorites boasts some of the biggest and baddest babes of the big screen!  From the ruthless to the dangerously sexy, these leading ladies dominate in these classic drive-in flicks.
 

Chain Gang Women – (1972)
Policewomen – (1974)
Superchick – (1973)
Las Vegas Lady – (1976)
Single Room Furnished – (1968)
Lena’s Holiday – (1991)
Cindy and Donna – (1971)
Hustler Squad – (1976)
Pick-Up – (1975)
Galaxina – (1980)
The Sister-In-Law – (1974)
The Stepmother – (1972)

Review: I'm a big fan of cult cinema.  We love a great pulp film around the Legion offices.  Everything from Ed Wood to blacksploitation to the crazy classic drive-in flicks of the 1960s and 1970s!

This new collection from Mill Creek features 12 drive-in flicks that star bombshells from the infamous Marilyn Monroe wannabe Jayne Mansfield to Barbara Mills.  Jayne has a great real-life story, having been decapitated while driving her car.  A perfect ending to a cult movie goddess.  A few stand-outs from this great collection are Policewomen and Galaxina.  These are fantastic, little-known films that are lost to so many generations.  We're so happy that Mill Creek is preserving them by releasing collections like this.  

We highly recommend this release.  Its a lot of fun and a great piece of history.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Ray Liotta and Kelsey Grammer lead an all-star cast in this outrageously funny comedy! When Tommy (Tim Allen) gets released from the big house, he discovers life on the outside is even crazier than it was behind bars. Tommy's eccentric sister won't get off his back, his sexy ex-girlfriend won't leave him alone, and his former partner in crime won't take no for an answer. Through it all, Tommy just might find the girl of his dreams and get convicted of love in the first degree.

- Inside Crazy on the Outside

- Gag reel

- Digital Copy for portable media players

Review: I haven't seen anything with Tim Allen since Home Improvement went off the air.  I've enjoyed his dirty comedy specials in the past, and this looked like a slightly darker angle than he had as Tim the Toolman Taylor, so I was hopeful that we'd get an interesting movie.  I had a bit of a mixed reaction to the film, but overall it was a winner.

We sat down to watch this one and right off the bat its ackward and unconventional.  I mean that in the best of ways.  It starts out kind of strange and visual driven to eventually give way to a large amount of dialogue.  The premise is cute and in the end a little cliche.  The idea that his parole officer would fall in love with him is a bit of a stretch, but this was a cute romantic film with enough indie cred to make it interesting and worth the watch.

The blu-ray high-definition picture looks great on this film.  Its honestly something that aging actors have to dislike, because it really doesn't allow them to hide a thing.  This one can be found exclusively at Target and Super Target stores nationwide, so get out there to pick one up.  Its a fun film.

Synopsis: Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures contains a compilation of 11 exciting adventures in 50 minutes of fun for preschool children.  Join Bert and Ernie as they search for buried treasure as ‘Pirates,’ ride horses in the ‘Wild West’ and swim with the fishes in the ‘Deep Sea.’  The adventures continue as they help out an Arctic friend in ‘Penguins,’ run from dinosaurs in ‘Cavemen’ and cook up a mess in ‘Bakers.’  Children will delight in the characters’ cool Claymation look and the fun and creative stories.

“Bert and Ernie have been one of the centerpieces of Sesame Street since the beginning and WHV is proud to bring these characters to life on DVD for the first time in an all new original form,” said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President, of Family, Animation & Partner Brands Marketing.  “In Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures DVD the lovable pair will be portrayed in clay character form that children will easily identify to and enjoy while learning along the way.”

Celebrating its impressive 40th anniversary this season, Sesame Street is the longest-running program in children’s television. The series has received more Emmy awards than any other show in television history, including a Lifetime Achievement Award honoring the 40th year.

Review: We love Sesame Street here at the Legion!   For our dollar there is nothing better for kids out there.  The latest DVD release from the Sesame gang is a claymation version of Bert and Ernie!  This is a little out of the typical muppet mold, but we decided to give it a whirl. 

We weren't sure how we'd feel about this change in format for these muppet characters, but the claymation thing really worked.  It allowed us to see these beloved characters in such varied situations that it made for a great watch.  This preschool geared collection of 11 tales is perfect for any little one.

We highly recommend this DVD release.  Pick it up today!

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

 You can own this DVD today

Synopsis: How far would you go to avenge betrayal? Colin Diamond (Ray Winstone, Sexy Beast) is about to find out in this gritty, provocative thriller. After he breaks down over the dissolution of his marriage, he kidnaps his wife's lover, and his rage pushes him to the brink of murder as his motley crew of buddies urges him to exact brutal revenge. Ian McShane (HBO's Deadwood), John Hurt (V for Vendetta), Tom Wilkinson (RocknRolla) and Stephen Dillane (Spy Game) unforgettably co-star in this compelling story that contemplates the nature of love and asks what it takes to be a man.

Review: We love british gangster films.  Anything that Guy Ritchie touches we watch.  Snatch was a fantastic film and in that vein we wanted to see 44 Inch Chest.  This film is gritty, dark and wet.  It has everything you could want..loyalty, the inevitable betrayl and revenge.

Basically, this woman leaves her husband for a waiter and the husbands friends kidnap the guy for revenge.  Firstly, how can this woman not see that her gangster husband wouldn't allow for her to leave him for some scumbag waiter?  Seriously?!  Of COURSE they kidnapped him for revenge.  These are protective gangster friends.  His honor was seriously injured.  She's lucky its not her thats on the chopping block!

This film was violent, dark and twisted.  I greatly enjoyed it and I have to recommend it to everyone!  Pick it up today!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars