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Synopsis: Out of the vaults and into the light: a fascinating 4-Disc Set showcasing 8 genre gems rich with the intensity and diversity of noir! Disc 1 wreaks revenge, with Dick Powell on the hunt in Cornered and Steve Brodie on the lam in Desperate. Caught-in-the-act immediacy highlights Disc 2’s corruption exposé The Phenix City Story and the hostage drama Dial 1119. Disc 3 turns procedural with noir ace Charles McGraw bulldogging the perps of an Armored Car Robbery then turns to social-conscience filmmaking with Crime in the Streets (John Cassavetes and Sal Mineo star). An unfatale femme is rare in noir but invaluable when strong dames help their men out of jams, as do Disc 4’s Susan Hayward in Deadline at Dawn and Virginia Mayo in Backfire. Step into the shadows and suspense.

Review: We're talking guns, dancers, crime, women and an old world sensibility that you just don't see in film today.  This fifth collection in the Film Noir series by Warner Bros. has another great collection of retro film.  We get a lot of these types of collections at the Legion, but none like this one.  I started to watch these old films and I was drawn right into the world of yesterday.  It was so much fun to see these black and whites from the 1940s and 1950s. 

The collection is eight films on four discs and it doesn't disappoint.  If you enjoy retro film at all, then this set is for you!  Its definately a peek back into culture and the way movies were made during the WWII and post WWII era.

Cornered (1945):
From England to continental Europe to Buenos Aires, ex-RCAF pilot Dick Powell stalks the Nazi collaborator who murdered his bride. But one fact constantly surfaces during his quest: no one can describe the mysterious man. Joining Powell in the film shadows are the director and other key talent behind Murder, My Sweet of the year before.

Special Features:
Cornered trailer.

Runtime:           102 minutes
Rating: NR
Film Specs:       B&W 4x3 1.37 standard aspect ratio
Language:         English Mono
Subtitles:           English

Desperate (1947):
Desperate is the first of seven atmospheric noirs directed by Anthony Mann. Steve Brodie is a postwar every man who accepts what he thinks is an honest trucking job, only to find he’s the driver in a botched heist that puts Brodie and his bride (Audrey Long) on the run from the cops and the cons who planned the job (including chief thug Raymond Burr).

Runtime:              73 minutes
Rating:                 NR
Film Specs:          B&W 4x3 1.37 standard aspect ratio
Language:            English Mono
Subtitles:              English

The Phenix City Story (1955):
Corruption, brutality and vice plagued Phenix City, Alabama, for 100 years, so who would dare to change it? Based on real-life events and filmed on location in what was called Sin City USA, director Phil Karlson’s semi-documentary tells the jolting tale of those who risked their lives to bring the burg’s syndicate of thugs and murderers to justice.

RT:                      100 minutes
Rating:                 NR
Film Specs:          B&W 16x9 Widescreen 1.77
Language:            English Mono
Subtitles:              English


Dial 1119 (1950):
An asylum inmate escapes to the city, where he takes hostages at a local dive, guns down a bar employee and warns authorities his captives will be next if the doctor whose testimony first put him away doesn’t arrive within the hour. A bit of casting irony goes with the movie’s then-novel use of TV news coverage: actors Marshall Thompson, William Conrad, Keefe Brasselle and Leon Ames would have significant career ventures in television.

Special Features:
Includes Dial 1119 theatrical trailer.

RT:                      75 minutes
Rating:                 NR
Film Specs:          B&W 4x3 1.37 standard aspect ratio
Language:            English Mono
Subtitles:              English

Armored Car Robbery (1950):
Richard Fleischer directs this brute-force milestone about a deadly heist and the battle of wits and firepower between a fugitive gangster (William Talman) and his stripper moll (Adele Jergens) and a bulldog cop (Charles McGraw), out to avenge his partner’s death, who uses hidden microphones, lab work and his own well-honed instincts to close the net.

RT:                      68 minutes
Rating:                 NR
Film Specs:          B&W 4x3 1.37 standard aspect ratio
Language:            English Mono
Subtitles:              English

Crime in the Streets (1956):
Following a turf rumble with a rival group, a street gang leader (John Cassavetes) tells his gang to do what they’ve never done before: kill a snitch. Reginald Rose wrote and Don Siegel directs a jazz-riffing screen version of a tale first seen on TV and co-starring James Whitmore and Sal Mineo.

RT:                      91 minutes
Rating:                 NR
Film Specs:          B&W 16x9 Widescreen 1.77
Language:            English Mono
Subtitles:              English

Deadline At Dawn (1946):
A gangster’s sister lies dead. All clues point to sailor Bill Williams as the murderer. Slated to depart for duty at dawn, the swabbie, aided by good-hearted dime-a-dancer Susan Hayward and affable cabbie Paul Lukas, has mere hours to prove his innocence. The tangy Clifford Odets script is based on a novel by William Irish (pseudonym of Cornell Woolrich).

RT:                      83 minutes
Rating:                 NR
Film Specs:                   B&W 4x3 1.37 standard aspect ratio
Language:            English Mono
Subtitles:              English

Backfire (1950):
Vincent Sherman directs this gripping yarn about recovering war veteran Gordon MacRae’s quest to prove pal Edmond O’Brien innocent of murder. Aiding him is his resourceful nurse Virginia Mayo. And a secretive doctor, a lively undertaker, a desperate gambler, a dying witness and a haunting Viennese melody all lead them to a shocking climax.

RT:                      91 minutes
Rating:                 NR
Film Specs:          B&W 4x3 1.37 standard aspect ratio
Language:            English Mono
Subtitles:              English

Links: www.warnerbros.com

Interest Range: Vintage Film, Noir Film

Synopsis: Batman faces his ultimate challenge as the mysterious Red Hood takes Gotham City by firestorm. One part vigilante, one part criminal kingpin, Red Hood begins cleaning up Gotham with the efficiency of Batman, but without following the same ethical code. Killing is an option. And when the Joker falls in the balance between the two, hard truths are revealed and old wounds are reopened.

Review: This review is courtesy of our network site Legions of Gotham.

I've had mixed reactions to the DC Universe movies thus far.  I was pleased with Superman: Doomsday, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman, but the Bat-related films have been lacking in my opinion.  None of them have really felt like they belong until Under the Red Hood.

I popped in the blu-ray a few weeks back and it is just phenominal.  Firstly, this release has a TON of extras!  We're talking documentaries about Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, classic B:TAS episodes and a cool Jonah Hex animated short.

The voice actors chosen for the film were all fantastic.  Especially the Joker.  I'm going to tell you right now, the Joker steals the show.  John DiMaggio is on my top list of favorite Joker voice actors...he's absolutely fantastic and I hope that we see him in the role again.  He does a great job of balancing the menacing tone of the Joker with a slight dash of insanity.

Under the Red Hood is well animated, well acted and well scripted.  They finally 'get' the Bat-Universe with this one.  I hope that we see more like this one.   I think the great quality is due to the director Brandon Vietti.  Brandon is a friend of Legions of Gotham and we've gotten to know him over the years, and he really 'gets' Batman.  He's a huge bat-fan and that really shows through in this feature film.    We highly recommend picking up this blu-ray!

Interest Range: Dc Universe, Batman, Dc Comics, Animated Film

Synopsis: Playing cat and mouse for years, an unlikely partnership is formed between a con artist and an FBI agent in USA’s hit original series, “White Collar." Matt Bomer plays Neal Caffrey, a charming criminal mastermind, who is finally caught by his nemesis, FBI Agent Peter Burke played by Tim DeKay. When Neal escapes from a maximum-security prison to find his long-lost love, Peter nabs him once again. Rather than returning to jail, Neal suggests an alternate plan: he’ll provide his criminal expertise to assist the Federal Agents in catching other elusive criminals. Initially wary, Peter quickly finds that Neal provides insight and intuition that can’t be found on the right side of the law. “White Collar” also stars Tiffani Thiessen (“Saved By The Bell”) and Willie Garson (Sex and the City) and Natalie Morales.

Review: There is a lot of crime drama on television.  In fact, I'd dare say that there is too much crime drama on television.  Its a flooded market.  In this marketplace, you want to see something different.  We don't need more CSI or Law and Order.  Then, someone gets the brilliant plan of focusing on conmen and we get shows like TNT's Leverage and USA's White Collar.

White Collar is one of those great cat and mouse type crime shows.  It has plenty of drama, but its mixed with humor.  Not ha ha funny humor, but hey we just saw this anti-hero screw the badguy with his elaborate scheme humor.  Its a light-hearted show that has a serious side.  White Collar is without a doubt one of the best new shows on television.  It follows in the veign of movies like Oceans 11-13, where we get some fantastic cat and mouse action.

The blu-ray of the first season is now available.  The show looks fantastic in high-definition.  This is one of those that you can watch more than once, because more than likely you missed something the first go-around anyway, and its definately entertaining enough to become a favorite.  I look forward to seeing season two!

Interest Range: Crime Drama, USA Network

Synopsis: A village in Protestant northern Germany. 1913-1914. On the eve of World War I. The story of the children and teenagers of a choir run by the village schoolteacher, and their families: the baron, the steward, the pastor, the doctor, the midwife, the tenant farmers. Strange accidents occur and gradually take on the character of a punishment ritual. Who is behind it all?

Review: The White Ribbon took me by surprise.  It looked rather boring to be honest, but once it got going, it was anything but.  It was rather dark and twisted to be honest.  I mean that in the best of ways.  Its definately not for the squeamish.

This black and white film is set in a World War One era Germany.  The black and white coloring is a great little trick to give it that vintage and authentic feel.  This film goes into some very disturbing and graphic punishment rituals that may shock some and intrigue others.  It was a great watch, full of drama and a bit of mystery.  In the end, I'd say its one of the most outstaning films I've seen this year.

The special features on the blu-ray release include:

Interest Range: WWI era, Dark Drama, Adults only

Synopsis: Experience this captivating special that marked the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking children’s series that taught us our ABCs, 123s, and so much more! Hosted by Bill Cosby, SESAME STREET: 20 YEARS...AND STILL COUNTING! includes appearances by favorite “Sesame Street” residents like Big Bird, Grover, Bob and Maria. It also features timeless clips from past episodes; performances by Ray Charles and famed tenor Plácido Domingo (with his operatic Muppet™ counterpart, Plácido Flamingo); and in-depth interviews with the series’ creators. Sweep the clouds away and rediscover the carefree days of childhood with this delightful special! “Sesame Street” is produced by the nonprofit educational organization, Sesame Workshop.

Review: I can't believe that Sesame Street has been around for 40 years now!  This DVD collects a special documentary on the show that features clips and interviews from 20 years ago on the 20th anniversary of the show!  Its great that they're releasing all of this Sesame Street stuff this year.  I have found more and more that I appreciate Sesame Street, not just for my own memories, but for the news ones that the show continues to give my own children.  In a world of constant change, this is one show that has always been there for us!

The special is great.  Its from 1990, so it feels a little dated, which just adds to the fun.  I learned quite a bit about the production of the show and we get to see a ton of great clips of the characters and guest stars of the show up to that date.  This DVD is an absolute must for any fan of the show, serious or casual.  Its also something you can watch with the kids, which lets be honest isn't that easy to find these days!

Interest Range: Sesame Street, Jim Henson, Children's Programming

 You can purchase this DVD exclusively from the Warner Archive today!

Synopsis: Brewster McCloud (Bud Cort) lives deep within the cavernous underground of the Houston Astrodome, but his dreams rise much higher. He aims to fly. Not in a plane. But with strapped-on wings he’s designing – encouraged by a mysterious woman (Sally Kellerman) who may be his guardian angel. But Brewster McCloud, Robert Altman’s wild, anarchic cult fave, isn’t about dreams as much as it is about the highs and lows of humanity. It’s a serial-killer mystery. A frenetic car-chase flick. A crazy circus-finale comedy. Shelley Duvall debuts as the tour guide whose seduction of Brewster may lead to his undoing. Ah, love. The thing that at once shapes and unravels us. The thing that may or may not give us wings.

Review: I had never seen or heard of Brewster McCloud prior to getting this DVD in the mail.  I popped it in expecting some typical 1970s flick and what I got was one of the craziest and most entertaining films that I've seen in some time.  The best way that I can describe this movie is gonzo filmmaking.

Robert Altman, the director of the original MASH film, helms this piece that really can't be described.  I can't even go into giving you more detail than the synopsis, because I just want you to see this one for yourself.  I promise that you're in for a treat.  You can get this one exclusively through the Warner Archive.

Interest Range: Vintage film, Bizarre film

Synopsis: The most successful children’s entertainment group in the world has finally released a collection of their most loved songs, Hot Potatoes! The Best of The Wiggles. The Wiggles’ songs have drawn millions of people over the years to see their live concerts. The New York Times called The Wiggles, “the band that rocks the cradle” and this is certainly true. They have set records for their sold out performances everywhere from Madison Square Garden in New York to the Hammersmith Apollo in London to their home town of Sydney, Australia. Their songs are instantly memorable and get you wiggling in seconds! Those same songs have seen music royalty line up to record music with the fab four of fun! We’ve picked the best for you to listen to, but snap it up as this DVD will go like....hot potatoes!

Review: I'm a parent to three wonderful kids and I love the Wiggles.  If I weren't a parent, I'd probably make fun of them and really not 'get it', but being a parent I've had the chance to not only struggle to find decent programming for my little ones, but to appreciate what good children's programming can bring.  Everything Sesame Street does is gold and the Wiggles are also on that level.

This DVD is a 'greatest hits' of sorts, giving some of the best clips from the various Wiggles specials/movies.  Its a great watch and definately fun for everyone.

The DVD extras include Interviews with the Wiggles' mums, Original film clips from 1991: Rock-A-Bye Your Bear and Here Comes a Bear, The Woman Who Signed the Wiggles!, International film clips: Can You (Point Your Fingers and Do the Twist) (Latin America) and The Monkey Dance (Taiwan), Growing Up with the Wiggles (Fairy Clare and Fairy Larissa), Competition winners' drawings, Wiggletime.com info clip and a Photo gallery

Interest Range: The Wiggles, Kids programming, Pre-K Programming, Singing

Synopsis: At first glance, Ray Drecker seems like an ordinary divorced dad who’s facing tough times and trying to make ends meet. But Ray’s got one extraordinary, God-given gift – call it his “winning tool” – that sets him apart from other underpaid high-school teachers. With a little help from an unlikely business ally named Tanya, Ray is about to hatch an inspired plan to ride his winning tool all the way to a moreproductive, debt-free life.

Review: HBO often has great programming, but HUNG is the best show I've seen in years.  Its literally hilarious and dramatic all at once.  If you enjoy WEEDS, HUNG is kinda like its male counterpart.  I mean that in the most flattering of ways.

Ray, played by Punisher star Thomas Jane, is a screw-up.  He's a divorced gym teacher and father who can't afford his life and lives in a busted old house by the lake.  He has failure after failure in his life, until he goes to these motivational seminars about finding your 'winning tool'.  He quickly decides that his winning tool is...well...his tool.  He subsequently decides to become a male escort and bumbles his way into the world with the help of Tanya as a shy, but odd pimp.  

The show is hands-down original and hilarious.  It only has 12 episodes, but each is more enjoyable than the last.  I can't wait for season 2.  This one is best seen in blu-ray, as is everything these days!  I highly recommend.

Interest Range: TV Shows, Drama, Sensual, Dark Comedy

Synopsis: 2010 Oscar Nominee for Best Documentary Co-winner of 2009 Freedom of Expression Award from the National Board of Review (and one of their Five Best Documentaries of the Year), Winner of the Special Jury Award at IDFA, and now nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary, The Most Dangerous Man in America tells the story of Daniel Ellsberg, a high-level Pentagon official and Vietnam War strategist, who in 1971 concluded that the war is based on decades of lies and leaks 7,000 pages of top secret documents to The New York Times, making headlines around the world. A riveting story of how this one man's profound change of heart created a landmark struggle involving America's newspapers, its president and Supreme Court. With Daniel Ellsberg, Patricia Ellsberg, Tony Russo, Howard Zinn, Hedrick Smith, John Dean, and, from the secret White House tapes, Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger, who called Ellsberg "the most dangerous man in America."

Review: We love documentary films here at the Legion.  We watch them often and most definately enjoy just about every one that we see.  This one on Daniel Ellsberg really stands out as a high-quality production that is well researched and full of great info and insights.  Obviously the Academy feels the same, since this was nominated for an Oscar!  Wow!  Thats quite a coup for production company First Run Features!

For those that may not be familiar with Ellsberg, he is the man that single-handedly blew Watergate wide open and helped to finally end the Vietnam war!  Sounds like a hero, right?  Except when you factor in that he helped to plan the war in the first place!  This is a great documentary that is a must-see for any American.

Interest Range: Documentary Film, Vietnam, Nixon

Synopsis: In the near future as fear of terrorism escalates, privacy is a luxury of the past. Now, in people's homes, on the streets, in the workplace, everyone is constantly being watched by mobile robotic cameras known as "Eyeborgs." But are the cameras just watching...or are they up to something else? As an increasing number of people die in bizarre ways, federal agent Gunner Reynolds (Adrian Paul, TV's Highlander) is determined to find out after he realizes that a camera has recorded an event much differently than he recalls.

Review: Ok, you can approach a movie like this in two ways.  I think if you're a fan of campy sci-fi you'll look at the cover of this film and be interested.  If you're into just normal films, you may be turned off by how it looks.  I want to say, don't be fooled!  This is not a crappy movie!  Thats right, its actually really, really enjoyable!  The film falls somewhere in-between V for Vendetta and Terminator.  Its an action film to be sure, but the dialogue is really high-quality.  I was impressed.

Adrian Paul (of TV's Highlander fame) pulled out a really great performance.  He hasn't done much to speak of since Highlander, but I loved that show.  He really put in the effort here and exceeded by expectations.  The film has a great political message about our privacy as a backdrop, but its not too preachy.  Its fun and definately worth owning.

Due to the surprisingly great special effects for a lower budget film, you'll want this one on blu-ray.  The high-definition picture is fantastic!

Interest Range: Sci-Fi, Action/Adventure

 You can own this DVD today

Synopsis: ER continues to find ways to captivate its audience, as more than 11 million viewers turned in for Season 13. This season, Dr. Tony Gates (John Stamos) returns to the ER, now as an intern, with a straightforward attitude and a complicated personal life. He is Dr. Gallant?s opposite: brash, cocksure, with a bad-boy past, and maybe the right prescription for Neela?s (Parminder Nagra) broken heart. Further shaking up the ER, Weaver (Laura Innes) decides to leave County General for a career move you wouldn?t expect. And the profound dramas of the outside world continue to make their way to the ER, including a hostile patient whose real condition is a secret even to himself, homeless children who escape to a magic world of their own making, and a Christmas miracle. Then again, miracles happen every day at County General.

Review: Another fantastic season of ER!  My wife made me watch ER every Thursday on NBC.   When I say that she made me I mean to say that...well, she made me.  I've never been much on the medical drama, but this one really started to grow on me.  This was my issue with the show..shell out some money and keep a cast member for more than three seasons.  After awhile it just got crazy, because to watch a show I have to be invested in the characters..its not the ER itself that I care about, so why keep switching it up on me?!  That being said, ER was a phenominal show.

Season 13 of ER was no exception to the tone of absolute drama!  The show cast has now been changed-up quite a bit and season 13 sees the pernament addition of John Stamos to the cast as Tony Gates.   Weaver has fallen from grace and we see the aftermath of the kidnapping of nurse Sam's kid Alex.  Unfortunately, this season gives us a new actor for Alex, which is kinda distracting, but nevertheless.   Its another great season, full of wonderful situations, like the one where Forest Whitaker plays a patient suing Luka for malpractice!  

This show is a must-own and a great addition to your DVD library!

Links: www.ertv.com

Interest Range: TV Shows, Drama, Medical Drama

Synopsis: Fantastic special effects by Ray Harryhausen and exciting mythological adventure make this a film that is fun for everyone. It's the story of Jason (Todd Armstrong), a fearless sailor and explorer, who returns to the kingdom of Thessaly after a 20-year voyage to make his rightful claim to the throne. But to do so, Jason must first find the magical Golden Fleece. He selects a crew and with the help of Hera, Queen of the Gods, sets sail in search of the Fleece. Jason and his crew must overcome incredible obstacles including a 100-foot bronze giant, the venomous Hydraa huge creature with the heads of seven snakes, and a spectacular battle with an army of skeletons.

Review: Jason and the Argonauts is a classic 1960s fantasy epic that featured the stop-motion animation of the great and legendary Ray Harryhausen.   This film is not only fantastic, but its a great piece of cinematic history.  It pre-dates other popular Harryhausen fantasy epics, like Clash of the Titans.

The film itself is a classic and has been widely seen, so lets focus on the blu-ray release!  The transfer is into 1080p and you can imagine what that looks like on a film that is over 40 years old, right?   Wrong.  It actually looks pretty dynamic. Here are the facts, there is grain.  A lot of grain, but the rest of the picture is pretty well cleaned-up.  The colors are rather dynamic, but the stop motion animation definately suffers in high-definition.  Overall, its a great release and a nice way to update your library with a classic.

You can fend off the skeleton warriors and pick-up your copy today!

Interest Range: Classic Film, Sci-Fi Classic, Fantasy Classic

Synopsis: A missed flight...a lack of intimacy...guarded secrets... To Catherine (Julianne Moore), every detail suggests that her husband David (Liam Neeson) has been unfaithful. But there's only one way to know for sure. Catherine pays the mysterious Chloe (Amanda Seyfriend), an escort, to seduce her husband. She wants to know exactly how far she can trust him. But soon Catherine finds herself pushed beyond all limits as passions burn and obsessions build. From Academy Award®-nominated director Atom Egoyan (The Sweet Hereafter, 1997).

Review: Chloe is one of those films that only comes around so often.  Its a sensual thriller that has some rather twisted dimensions.  Julianne Moore plays the wife suspecting her husband (Liam Neeson) of infidelity.  She hires a prostitute (Amanda Seyfried) to seduce him and ends up pretty much directing their encounters and gets lost in the sensual world she has created.  

Firstly, if hookers looked like Amanda Seyfried I think that industry would be a bit more popular.  Thats Hollywood for you though!   This film is fantastic.  I kind thought it'd be a snoozer going into it, but I found myself really involved with Moore's performance and definately interested in everything Seyfried was doing on screen!  Neeson bores me a bit, but he plays a good slimeball husband.

Overall, fantastic watch.  I definately recommend getting it in blu-ray..you need to see every steamy moment in blu-ray high-definition!

Interest Range: Drama, Sensual Thriller

You can own this DVD today

Synopsis: A SINGLE MAN is based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Isherwood. Set in Los Angeles in 1962, at the height of the Cuban missile crisis, it is the story of a British college professor (Colin Firth) who is struggling to find meaning to his life after the death of his long time partner. The story is a romantic tale of love interrupted, the isolation that is an inherent part of the human condition, and, ultimately, the importance of the seemingly smaller moments in life. 2009 Critics’ Choice Awards nominations include Colin Firth (Best Actor), Julianne Moore (Best Actress), Best Screenplay and Best Art Direction. 2010 Golden Globe nominations include Colin Firth (Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama), Julianne Moore (Best Performance by an Actress In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture) and Best Original Score - Motion Picture.

Review: I generally go into Colin Firth movies looking for something light and romantic.  My wife loves his acting, so we catch most of his films.  He is usually this upstanding gent that plays the hero.  In A Single Man Firth really strays from his typical roles to delve into the emotional depths of a widower and what it takes to move on with your life.

This film was absolutely an emotional rollercoaster ride.  Firth does an amazing job of conveying the isolation and desolate feelings that go along with losing that one person that is truly your match in life. 

This one is definately a tear jerker, so be warned.  Its best on blu-ray, but then what isn't these days?  I highly recommend this one to anyone that enjoys drama.  When its all over, you may have a renewed outlook on what is really important in life.

Interest Range: Drama

Synopsis: LAPD Lt. Carter Shaw (Dylan McDermott) and his special undercover task force understand that to collar criminals, one must first get on their level. They also know that going undercover may require cutting ties with those who mean the most. Adrift, isolated and frequently faced with situations that strain the line between right and wrong, these officers know that all that matters is loyalty to each other and to the task at hand: bringing down the bad guys. 

From Jerry Bruckheimer Television (the CSI Trilogy, Without a Trace, Cold Case) comes another edgy and atmospheric series about dedicated law enforcers operating in the shadows and leading double lives. Omari Hardwick, Logan Marshall-Green and Nicki Aycox also star. This 4-Disc, 10-Episode Season One Collection of their edge-of-your-seat investigations will take you to the edge of darkness -- and beyond.

Review: When Dark Blue debuted on TNT I tuned right in, because honestly anything that Jerry Bruckheimer does ends up turning to gold.  Dark Blue is no exception.  Dylan McDermott makes a splash back into television as he heads up this great new cop drama.

Dark Blue is a lot edgier than some of the other cop shows on tv.  It reminds of of when NYPD Blue first premiered years ago, and it really had a great edge.  The show is very character driven, as we see the cops all struggle with their two lives.  They're undercover and sometimes it seems a little bit too much so.

This DVD set represents the complete season one of the show, which is 10 episodes on 4-discs.  Its only available online at the WBShop, so be sure to jump on this one!

Interest Range: Action/Adventure, Police Drama, Tv Shows

Synopsis: A top-notch forceful investigator whose wild personal life translates into a no-holds barred approach to her work, the fiery Oklahoma City police detective is back to tackle her biggest investigation yet… her own emotional crisis. With the guidance of an unconventional “last chance” angel, the cynical and fast-living Grace works to save herself from her wild ways and finally find peace and redemption.

Review: It surprises me that Saving Grace only ended up going four seasons.  This show was very popular and had a great following.  Holly Hunter really put out a great performance in this project and elevated herself into a renewed level of stardom.

Its hard to talk about the final season with any details.  Of course, I won't discuss the finale with you except to say that it really does pay off and keep your tissues near.  Its hard not to get invested in these characters and along the way you really tie yourself into their personal drama.  Thats one of the reasons that this show worked.

We highly recommend picking up the final season of Saving Grace.  If you haven't bought the other seasons, definately go back and do that, as well.  Its a fantastic show.

Interest Range: Police Drama, TV Shows

Synopsis: Something of a genre homecoming, Antoine Fuqua's latest film once again finds him delving into the gritty, brutal realm of cops and crooks—as he did in Training Day. Tango is an undercover officer on a narcotics detail that forces him to choose between duty and friendship. Having been to hell and back, he wants out, but the powers that be won't let him quit. Family-man Sal is a detective tempted by greed and corruption. He can barely make ends meet, and now his wife has an illness that threatens the life of their unborn twins. Eddie is nearing retirement age and has long since lost his dedication to his job as a cop. He wakes up every morning trying to come up with a reason to go on living...and he can't think of one. Fate brings the three men to the same Brooklyn housing project as each takes the law into his own hands. Crosscutting between multiple subplots, Brooklyn's Finest unfolds violently and passionately as coiled, constantly roving cinematography contributes a measure of unease to the underworld action.

Review: If there is one thing that director Antoine Fuqua knows its how to make a great police drama.  His previous effort, Training Day, was a huge success.  Now, with Brooklyn's Finest, he is venturing again into the gritty, unsettling and often morally compromised world of being a police officer.   This time the backdrop is, you guessed it, Brooklyn.

We follow the lives of three very different cops in Brooklyn's Finest.  You have Don Cheadle, who is an undercover cop, Richard Gere, who is an aging cop that is near retirement and Ethan Hawke, a corrupt cop.  The drama ensues as we see each of their lives unravel towards an apex that gives us an edge of your seat ending.

Brooklyn's Finest is a great film.  Its suspenseful and you really get invested in the characters, which is the most important part of any film.  The blu-ray looks fantastic.  The only way to watch stuff anymore is high-definition! 

Interest Range: Action/Adventure, Cop Drama

Synopsis: Long before YouTube, there were the brilliantly insane, no-budget movies of underground, filmmaking twins George and Mike Kuchar. Ceating stars out of their friends and family with just consumer-grade cameras, the teenage Kuchar brothers went from the 1960's New York City underground film scene of Andy Warhol and Kenneth Anger to become the twin maestros of B-movie glamour and sleaze. In a mesmerizing stream-of-consciousness style, IT CAME FROM KUCHAR effortlessly interweaves nostalgic footage of 1950's New York, a "greatest hits" collection of Kuchar clips and present day interviews of an all-star lineup of fans including John Waters, Buck Henry, Atom Egoyan, Wayne Wang, Bill Griffith, Gerard Malanga, B. Ruby Rich and Guy Maddin. Both outrageous and lovable, George and Mike will inspire you to pick up a camera and start making movies. IT CAME FROM KUCHAR is a must see for lovers of film everywhere. This exclusive DVD contains over 45 minutes of Behind-the-Scenes footage packed with interviews, video clips and secrets of the fascinating and bizarre world of the Kuchar Brothers!

Review: I never thought we'd see a release like this.  The Kuchar Brothers have been infamous on the underground scene for decades.  The grass-roots art films that they made were campy, over the top and crazy.  They inspired such greats as John Waters, who makes an appearance on this film, and many others.   This is a great documentary on a very obscure and relatively unknown gem within the 'filmmaking as an art' industry!   I would almost call it Gonzo filmmaking.  

This is a great documentary.  I would recommend it to absolutely any and everyone.  Go pick it up today!

Interest Range: Indie Films, Grass Roots Filmmaking, Documentaries

Synopsis: Spectacular on-location shooting, evidence from geologists in the field, and clear, dramatic graphics combine in SEASON TWO of this stunning series from HISTORY to show how immensely powerful, and at times violent, forces of geology have formed our planet.

This season, HOW THE EARTH WAS MADE goes back in history from 4.5 billion years ago to today peeling back layers of rock, filling up river canyons, parting the oceans, and leveling mountains and volcanoes to investigate the origins of some of the most well-known locations and geological phenomena in the world. With rocks as their clues and volcanoes, ice sheets and colliding continents as their suspects, scientists launch a forensic investigation that will help viewers visualize how the Earth has evolved and formed over millions of years.

Experience all 13 episodes of this landmark series on 4 DVDs.

Volume 1: Grand Canyon / Vesuvius / Birth of the Earth / Sahara
Volume 2: Yosemite / The Rockies / Ring of Fire
Volume 3: Everest / Death Valley / Mt. St. Helens
Volume 4: Earth s Deadliest Eruption / America's Ice Age / America's Gold

Review: This release represents the complete season two of the History Channel show How the Earth Was Made.  This series shows us the sheer power and force that is our planet.  It gives you an in-depth behind the scenes look at the history of earth.  It goes into how the continents used to be connected and how so many of the natural attractions were created.   Everything from

The History Channel never disappoints with their television series.   This documentary series is great for anyone interested in the earth's history.  It also works great for your kids, as it will actually keep them interested in the topics.  If you homeschool, this DVD is definately for you!

Interest Range: History Channel, Documentary

Synopsis: PARANORMAL COPS follows a group of larger-than-life cops who walk one beat during the day as real-life Chicago-area police officers and another at night when they apply their forensic and investigative expertise to paranormal casework.

Responding to the pleas of people who are victimized by distressing and inexplicable activities in their homes and workplaces, these cops bring their no-nonsense approach to hunting ghosts, and their real-life police skills to separating fact from fiction and often happen upon results much scarier than the paranormal.

BONUS FEATURES: Additional Footage

DISC 1: Casa Madrid (one-hour) / Victim's Revenge / Stirring Up The Dead

DISC 2: Dead Man Walking / Meagan's Ghost / Messages from Beyond / Bonus

Review: Here at the Legion we watch a lot of these ghost hunting reality shows.  Our favorite is Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel.  Not because of the great investigation, but for what idiots the guys on the show are.  When I saw the ads for Paranormal Cops I was skeptical, but after seeing the first episode, I was sold!

Rather than relying on sensationalism, these real-life Chicago cops go hunting for ghosts like professionals.  They treat it like a crime sting and pull off a huge investigation.  Its a great gimmick and it really does pay off and give the team a more credible position within the paranormal investigative community.  The show yields some great results.  

If you're into any paranormal shows, this one is definately worth checking-out.  Its very entertaining and comes off a lot more serious than some of the other shows, like Ghost Hunters.

Interest Range: The Paranormal, Ghost Hunting, Ghosts, Hauntings

Synopsis: In this terrifying glimpse into the “American Dream” gone wrong, an unexplainable phenomenon has taken over the citizens of Ogden Marsh. One by one the townsfolk are falling victim to an unknown toxin and are turning sadistically violent.  People who days ago lived quiet, unremarkable lives are now depraved, blood-thirsty killers. While Sheriff Dutton (Timothy Olyphant) and his pregnant wife, Judy (Radha Mitchell), try to make sense of the escalating violence, the government uses deadly force to close off all access and won’t let anyone in or out – even those uninfected.  In this film that Pat Jankiewicz of Fangoria calls “disturbing,” an ordinary night becomes a horrifying struggle for the few remaining survivors as they do their best to get out of town alive.

Review: The Crazies is a re-make of an old George Romero flick from the 1970s.   The plot is rather simple, it follows a town of people whose bodies, and thus their reasoning are essentially being invaded and they're turning mad.   It follows the idea of a zombie movie meets invasion of the body snatchers.  

This re-make has all the trappings of a big budget horror flick.  It involves very realistic gore, some very respectable acting and great suspense.  The only thing is misses is the raw feel of an indie movie, as the Crazies originally was.  Its a little more two-dimensional, in that it loses the meaning and message behind the original, but the essential action, chase and conflict is all very strong and makes for a fun popcorn flick!

We recommend this one on blu-ray.  All of the blood and death is better in high-definition!  Its a great watch for any horror fan.

Interest Range: Horror, George Romero

Synopsis: Modern and mythical worlds collide in this thunderous fantasy-adventure starring Pierce Brosnan, Kevin McKidd and Uma Thurman as you’ve never seen them before! Percy Jackson is no ordinary teenager...he’s just learned he’s the son of Poseidon and is accused of stealing Zeus’ ­lightning bolt – the most powerful weapon ever created! With storm clouds brewing, Percy embarks on an incredible cross-country journey to prove his innocence, recover the bolt and prevent a war amongst the gods that could destroy our world!

Review: The Percy Jackson book series is amongst the most popular with kids.  There are five main novels and four companion books.  Now, the first film, the Lightning Thief, has been turned into a feature film.  We're taking a look at the Blu-Ray + DVD combo pack today.

This film is a mesh of ancient mythology with the modern day world.  Its a great quality film with some wonderful acting, great storyline and inspiring lessons.  Its a great film for kids 10 or older.  This movie is one of those fantasy epics that you saw a lot back in the 1980s.  I wish there were more of these out there.  What sets this apart from other similar films, like Harry Potter, is the creatures within.  Percy Jackson is a bit creepier for little ones, so parents beware. 

The film looks amazing on blu-ray.  Its rich with special effects that really pop on the screen.  The combo pack is perfect, because you can give the kids the DVD and keep the blu-ray in nice condition. 

Disc 1: Theatrical Feature

• 10 Deleted Scenes
• Secrets of the Gods
• Discover Your Powers Quiz
• The Book Comes to Life
• Inside Camp Half-Blood
• On Set with Brandon T. Jackson
• Meet the Demigods
• Composing for the Gods: A Conversation with Christophe Beck

Disc 2: DVD

Disc 3: Digital Copy

Interest Range: Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Children's Books

Synopsis: In "ABCs with Elmo," Grover acts as the preschool teacher, Professor Grover, and Elmo is his helper for today’s alphabet lesson! But Before Professor Grover begins class, he instructs his students, with his classic Grover charm, to find one thing that begins with each letter of the alphabet. Featuring alphabet themed stories and songs, early literacy skills are reinforced while kids become familiar with letter-sound relationships. Kids and caregivers will find it as easy as ABC to join in the fun with their favorite furry friends in a real preschool.

Review: ABCs with Elmo is another great educational DVD from Sesame Street!  They never fail to please with their timeless stories and fun muppet interaction.  This time we get a great lesson on the alphabet through story and song with your favorite Sesame Street characters!   This is a fantastic DVD and I highly recommend it.  Its a great chance to not only help your kids to learn, but also to give you a few moments to breathe while they watch Elmo!

Interest Range: Sesame Street, Elmo, Learning, Educational TV

Synopsis: Three friends with less-than-fulfilling lives get the chance to go back and do it all again in the uproarious comedy Hot Tub Time Machine, heating up as an UNRATED, two-disc Blu-ray with Digital Copy and DVD June 29 from MGM Home Entertainment. Delivering “non-stop political incorrectness” and “about a billion laughs” (Los Angeles Times), the film stars John Cusack (High Fidelity), Craig Robinson (“The Office”) and Rob Corddry (“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”) as buddies looking to recapture a little of their youthful glory by returning to the ski resort where they used to party. After a crazy night of drinking in the hot tub, they realize that they’ve been transported back to the 80s and into the bodies of their younger selves. Now they have to decide whether they should change their futures while wading through a sea of spandex, blue eye shadow and heavy metal hair bands. Hot Tub Time Machine also features a hilarious supporting cast including comedy legend Chevy Chase (Caddyshack), Crispin Glover (Back To The Future) and Clark Duke (Kick-Ass).

Review: Hot Tub Time Machine is one of those soon to be classic comedy films.  I love John Cusack and Craig Robinson, so I was pretty psyched to see this one.  It was as silly as promised.  The first thing to note about this film is how much cursing there is.  Parents, you may not want to let your kids see this one if cursing bothers you, the F word is thrown around every two seconds.  Thats not to say that they don't rely on grander comedic elements than vulgarity.

The running gag through the movie is a mixture of the time period and Back to the Future.  The BTTF references go as deep as casting Crispin Glover (George McFly in the original films) as a bellboy.   Also look for hilarious appearances from Chevy Chase.  The movie does a great job of spoofing old 80s skiing flicks, of which there are too many.  The laughs come on strong and the rewards are high.  Hot Tub Time Machine is hilarious.

The blu-ray is the way to go, because it comes in a blu-ray + digital copy combo pack!  The film looks great in high-def! 

Interest Range: Comedy, John Cusack, Craig Robinson

Synopsis: Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger; The Terminator) wages an all-out war against an unseen enemy, a force more powerful and deadly than any on Earth-because the Predator is not of this Earth. As he leads an elite group of commandos on a rescue mission deep into the jungle, Dutch and his team quickly learn that their foe kills for pleasure and hunts for sport. However, this time….it picked the wrong man to hunt.

Review: I am a huge Predator fan.  I mean I read the comics, the books, I have the old Kenner toys.  I'm hardcore.   They previously released a 2-disc DVD set for the first film and that had a great load of extras.  Then, the blu-ray came and it was sad.  I mean SAD.  The transfer was grainy and it had literally no special features.  Pathetic.  Now, with the new movie 'Predators' coming to theaters Fox is re-releasing Predator the right way!  I was skeptical when I saw the bit about an all-new digital restoration of the film.  I've heard this talk before and its disappointed.  So, does the Ultimate Hunter Edition live up to it's name?

YES!  I put in my first release blu-ray to compare and when the Ultimate Hunter Edition went in, I was blow away.  Its absolutely perfect.  I'm talking vibrant color, no grain and high-definition picture.  It looks like a brand-new movie!  I am absolutely impressed and pleased.  I think that any fan of the film will agree and this release is aboslutely essential.  The new extras are great and it recaps all of the old extras from the 2-disc DVD, so you can completely upgrade your library with this release!  I cannot recommend it enough.

 
•ALL-NEW Digital Restoration of Predator
•ALL-NEW Sneak Peak at Predators
•ALL-NEW “Evolution of the Species: Hunters of Extreme Perfection” Featurette
• Feature-Length Audio Commentary by John McTiernan
•Text Commentary by Historian Eric Lichtensfeld
•“If It Bleeds, We Can Kill It” Making-Of Documentary
•“Inside The Predator” Documentary
•Special Effects Featurettes
•Deleted Scenes and Outtakes
•Short Takes
•Theatrical Trailers
•Photo Galleries
•Predator Profile

Interest Range: Predator, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Action/Adventure, Suspense