Synopsis: The most savage animal in a garden of beasts, animal-worship cultist and private zoo owner Michael Conrad (Michael Gough) has trained his lions well, siccing the big cats on any fool who dares get in his way. First it was a snoopy secretary, then a scheming realtor (Jerome Cowan). But only when his unhappy wife (Jeanne Cooper) runs off with his beloved chimps does Conrad unleash his inner beast, and the fur really flies. Shot by Academy Award®-winning* cinematographer Floyd Crosby on a soundstage stocked by famed animal behaviorist and Marine World creator Ralph Helfer, Black Zoo is the third and final collaboration of Gough (who later played Alfred the butler in four Batman movies) and producer Herman Cohen (Horrors of the Black Museum and Konga), a furocious last trip to the maul.

Review: Black Zoo is a vintage 1963 horror film about a cult-involved zoo keeper that uses the zoo animals to commit violent murders.  This gore-fest was only previously released once on VHS and is rather hard to find.  The Warner Archive has released this on DVD, just in time for Halloween!  The season of horror is upon us and nothing is funner than looking back to the history of the horror movie.  This one is a little campy at points, but is generally very well-made.  The film stars Michael Gough as Conrad, the menacing cult leader.  Gough turns in a fantastic performance early in his career.  He would later go on to play Alfred in the 1990s Batman films.  Black Zoo is a great watch and a treasure for any horror fan.

Interest Range: Vintage

Synopsis: Witness the birth of evil. This "stomach-tightening" (The Washington Post ) thriller from writer/director Michael Mann ("Heat", "The Insider") first introduced the world to the cunning, unforgettable serial killer named Hannibal. Joan Allen and Stephen Lang costar in this "eerie, very intense" (New York ), "dark locomotive of a film" (Los Angeles Times ) that promises to "keep viewers riveted" (Time )! Former FBI profiler Will Graham (William Petersen, "CSI") reluctantly returns to his old job to track a horrific serial killer known as the "Tooth Fairy." But in order to get into the mind of this maniac, Graham must face another: Hannibal, the imprisoned psychiatrist whose own insanity almost cost Graham his life...and whose insights into the "Tooth Fairy" could prove as dangerous as the killer himself.

Review: Manhunter is the original film in the Hannibal Lecter saga.  The film was the world's first introduction to the character..and in a different light.  Manhunter isn't the over the top and showy horror-thriller that Silence of the Lambs was.  The film was more of a dark crime-drama.  Crime-drama great Michael Mann directed this one and it shows through the great soundtrack and attitude.  This one is fantastic for any fan of Hannibal Lecter and it looks fantastic for the first time on blu-ray high-definition.

Synopsis: In this thrilling follow-up to the smash hit "Poltergeist", the Freeling family (JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Heather O'Rourke) settles into a new home following the annihilation of their former residence by terrifying visitors from the netherworld. But the spirits of the dead are still hell-bent on luring the family's clairvoyant daughter Carol Anne to "the other side".

Review: Poltergeist was a terrifying movie.  All too often in the 1980s we got tons of horror sequels that didn't follow the characters.  What makes Poltergeist II so unique and really quite fantastic is that we get to see the aftermath of the first film.  What happens next to the family.  This one is on blu-ray for the first time and it looks fantastic.  Definately a must own.

THE LEGEN…WAIT FOR IT…DARY SERIES! 

Synopsis: Forget everything you've ever seen in a serial killer movie and get ready for the chiller that stunned festival audiences around the world: Notorious murderer Garrick Turrell (AJ Bowen of HOUSE OF THE DEVIL and HATCHET II) has escaped from police custody and resumed his killing spree. His former girlfriend Sarah (Amy Seimetz of ALEXANDER THE LAST) is a recovering alcoholic trying to put her life back together in a new town with a new man (Joe Swanberg of NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS). Her past continues to haunt her. And now her ex-boyfriend is leaving a trail of slaughter in his hunt to find her. From Adam Wingard, the director of the award-winning film POP SKULL and screenwriter Simon Barrett (DEAD BIRDS) comes the movie experience that is emotionally raw, disturbingly graphic and brutally real. Prepare yourself for A HORRIBLE WAY TO DIE.

Review: A Horrible Way To Die is a murder-mystery thriller that takes the viewer on quite the ride.  The general theme is a string of murders and as the story and characters unfold, we get to find out the odd truth behind why they're happening.  This one doesn't have a super shocking ending, but it has a few turns that will make you sit up and take notice.  This one is definately worth the watch.

Interest Range: Thriller, Mystery

Synopsis: This season, Charlie has a thorny problem: Rose. Before, she was on the make for Charlie. Now she’s married and supposedly off-limits – and that’s irresistible for lust-struck Charlie. He pursues her. That and other situations are all part of the hilarious antics of Charlie, his sad-sack bro Alan and his underachieving nephew Jake as they return to make Two and a Half Men #1 among TV comedies. Don’t miss Charlie keeping his mojo in motion with Michelle (elegant, older), Courtney (cheap, sexy) and, of course, Rose (crazy, crazy). Alan burning down his girlfriend’s house and hatching a chiropractic Ponzi scheme. And Jake risking his body and (few) brain cells to film a Jackass ripoff. Bad boys. Funny Men.

Review: This DVD represents the final season of "winning"!  This is Charlie Sheen's last season on Two And A Half Men.  Its almost something you need to buy as a pop culture momento!  This show has stayed consistantly funny through all eight seasons and this past one was no exception.  They managed to keep the same magic going and the formula really didn't get tired.  Thats why its such a shame that Charlie went looney.  Ah, well...what could have been!  Jake is getting older and the comedy is adjusting to that.  Things are even crazier and the laughs are definately there.  There isn't much for special features, just a gag reel, but the content is solid.

Interest Range: Comedy, TV Shows

Synopsis: Based on the best-selling novel by Thomas Harris, "Hannibal" continues the story begun in "The Silence Of The Lambs." Seven years have passed since Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) escaped from custody, seven years since FBI Agent Clarice Starling (Julianne Moore) interviewed him in a maximum-security hospital for the criminally insane. The doctor is now at large in Europe, pursuing his own interests, savoring the scents, the essences of an unguarded world. But Starling has never forgotten her encounters with Dr. Lecter - his seldom-used voice still haunts her dreams. Mason Verger remembers Dr. Lecter, too, and is obsessed with revenge. Verger was Dr. Lecter's sixth victim, and, though hideously disfigured, has survived. Verger soon realizes that in order to draw the doctor out into the open, he must use someone Lecter cannot resist as bait: Clarice Starling.

Review: Hannibal!  What do you say about Hannibal?  This legendary sequel continues the life of the greatest cinematic serial killer of all time...Hannibal Lecter.  This isn't the first time that the film has been available on blu-ray, but this is the first individual release!  This film is absolutely fantastic and a great follow-up to the original Silence of the Lambs.

Synopsis: Robocop 2: When Detroit's descent into chaos is further compounded by a police department strike and a new designer drug called Nuke, only Robocop can stop the mayhem. But in his way are an evil corporation that profits from Motor City crime and a bigger and tougher cyborg with a deadly directive: Take out Robocop. Containing the latest in gadgetry and weaponry as well as the brain of the madman who designed Nuke, this new cyborg isn't just more sophisticated than his predecessor...he's psychotic and out of control! And it's going to take everything Robocop has- maybe even his life-to save Detroit from complete and utter anarchy.

Review: The success of Robocop was quite the surprise to the industry.  The sequels came a flyin' and a subsequent tv show, comic book and some Canadian made for TV movies.  Don't forget the toys!  Oh, the toys!  This installment of Robocop is on blu-ray high-definition and looks fantastic.  While its not as good as the first, its much better than the third and still worth adding to your collection.  The action and violence are there, and its still a fun watch.

Synopsis: Immersive. Compelling. Hypnotic. Brilliantly imaginative. Endlessly thrilling. Pick your term. The mystery of the universes deepens in the critically acclaimed 22-episode third season of television’s most exciting sci-fi. The Fringe team escapes from the parallel universe – except for Olivia, trapped in the other world and replaced in ours by her double, who turns Peter and Olivia’s tentative relationship into a love affair. Then Olivia returns, bonds of trust fray, ever more bizarre and terrifying phenomena occur and secrets that stretch back to 1985 threaten to destroy our universe. Or theirs

Review: Fringe is without a doubt one of our favorite shows on television.  Its a fantastic sci-fi drama that really surpasses all others, because of its accessibility and basis in a lot of real-world scientific theory, wacky though some of it may seem. 

The third season of Fringe finally took us out of the 'monster of the week' format and really delved into the backstory of the two alternate universes and the conflict over Peter Bishop.  The drama and realtionships were really put to the limit and the finale ends with one of the most shocking revelations possible.   This season 3 blu-ray set is a MUST own for any fan of the show.

The special features include: The Mythology of Fringe, Fringe: Analyzing the Scene Sidebars on 6 Key Episodes, In the Lab with John Noble and Prop Master Rob Smith, Commentary on 4 Episodes by Series Stars and Creative Team, Unusual Side Effects: Gag Reel, Dissected Files: Unaired Scenes and Also includes The Unearthed Episode starring Kirk Acevedo as Charlie.

Interest Range: Sci-Fi, Drama, Action

Synopsis: Behind closed doors of a seemingly normal college, the ultimate showdown in underground MMA fighting is being planned. Ex-MMA rising star Case Walker (Michael Jai White) trains four college-age fighters, each with their own individual obstacles. Case will instruct them to master the most mind-blowing fighting techniques and go head to head in the most punishing competition ever devised - The Beatdown. Featuring UFC Champion Lyoto Machida, MMA fighter Scottie Epstein and UFC fighter Todd Duffee.

Review: This movie is cool. Why do I say that?  It harkens back to the older days of martial arts action films.  I'm not a fan of this MMA fad, but I was definately into the martial arts films of the 1980s and early to mid-90s..we're talking Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Best of the Best etc.  After the late 1990s the martial arts film really went to the wayside.  We got a lot of Jet Li and Jackie Chan and some import films like Hero and House of Flying Daggers.  This sequel to Never Back Down is actually a fantastic harkening back to the films of yesterday.   Its basically centered around underground fighting in a college..its such an absurd idea, but so very entertaining!  This one is a total win.

JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS: THE TRULY OUTRAGEOUS COMPLETE SERIES on DVD October 11th from Shout! Factory!  Check out these video clips for a fun flashback!

Don’t forget you get a free pair of limited edition Simba-sized 3D glasses only at Real D theaters when you watch the Lion King 3D this Friday, September 16th!

Synopsis:  From acclaimed director Jessica Hausner ("Lovely Rita", "Hotel"), "Lourdes" centers on Christine (Sylvie Testud, "La Vie En Rose"), a young woman who has been confined to a wheelchair for most of her life. In order to escape her isolation, she joins a party to Lourdes - the iconic site of pilgrimage in the Pyrenees Mountains, where they undertake a journey in hope of finding spiritual comfort or bodily cure.

Review:  Lourdes is a quiet and thoughtful drama about faith.  The film is well-made and has an amazing cast with great backround scenery!  It really brings the experience of being in Lourdes to life.  The movie really centers on the importance of faith without having any specific religious agenda.  Its a great watch.

The special features on this blu-ray include: Interview with Sylvie Testud, Trailers.

Interest Range: Drama

Synopsis: Bold, powerful and starkly realistic, this chilling cinematic debut of horror master Wes Craven ("Scream") is a shocking journey into the heart of evil. Written and directed with almost unbearable dramatic tension (Chicago Sun-Times), "The Last House On The Left" will make you deadbolt your doors and frantically mutter: "It's only a movie it's only a movie it's only a movie!" Easy-going Mari Collingwood and her fun-loving friend Phyllis are on their way to a Bloodlust concert to celebrate Mari's 17th birthday when three escaped convicts kidnap and torture them. But Mari and Phyllis are fighters, and although they are drugged and beaten into unconsciousness, stuffed into a car trunk and driven into the woods for even more brutality, they are still alive...but for how long.

Review:  The Last House on the Left is for the adult thriller fan only!  This remake of the Wes Craven classic entails the downfall of two teen girls that are attacked by a group of cons and the revenge that follows.  The original was during the era of A Clockwork Orange where they were really trying to shock audiences and play to moral limits.  This new film kinda loses that spunk, and its just a hyper-violent action thriller.  The film is available now on blu-ray in this great collector's edition.

The special features on this blu-ray include: "Still Standing: The Legacy of 'The Last House on the Left' with Wes Craven"; "Celluloid Crime Of The Century"; "Scoring 'Last House'"; "Tales That Will Tear Your Heart Out"; "Wes Craven's Annotated Shooting Scripts".

Synopsis: Nick Kroll blows the doors off of the conventional stand-up special weaving in hilarious short films as well as appearances from his infamous characters Fabrice Fabrice, Bobby Bottleservice, El Chupacabra and Oh, Hello. Filmed live at Brooklyn's Music Hall of Williamsburg, this extended and uncensored special is a must own for all comedy fans.

Review: We love stand-up comedy here at the Legion.  Nick Kroll is one of the funniest new comedians out there.  He can be seen on the series "The League" and he's great on there.  This special has him doing his various characters and impressions that have made him famous.  This DVD from Comedy Central is uncensored and thats the only way to see stand-up in our minds.  This one is definately worth checking out and is a great buy for the money.

Synopsis: An infectious comedy about two sisters (newcomers Shannon Lea Smith and Laurel Vail), their gay best friend (So You Think You Can Dance Season 2 winner Benji Schwimmer), and their overzealous stage mom (Melanie LaPatin, Choreographer, So You Think You Can Dance, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Last Days of Disco)! The Campari family s life revolves entirely around ballroom dancing, so when one sister gets pregnant and the other plans to waltz out of the closet, their mom s (vicarious) pursuit of the Midwest Regional Ballroom Competition is in severe jeopardy. Find out what happens, however, as they learn to Let Love Lead.

Review:To start off you need to love dancing to be into this film.  If you love dancing..I mean LOVE dancing, then you're going to love Leading Ladies!  The film has a great soundtrack and some amazing choreography.  This film has a backround of family drama and there is plenty of that, but this one is really a great and active dance feature.

Interest Range: Comedy

Synopsis: A provocative film that explores the difficult choices between revenge and forgiveness, In a Better World follows two Danish families and the unusual and dangerous friendship that develops between them. Bullied at school, Elias is defended by Christian, a boy greatly troubled over his mother’s death. So when the two become involved in an act of revenge with potentially tragic consequences, it’s their parents who are left to help them come to terms with the complexity of human emotions, pain and empathy in this 2010 Academy Award® and Golden Globe® winner for Best Foreign Film.

Review: In A Better World is the type of intense and deep dramatic film that you typically see at the Oscars.  This foreign film deals with topics like death and revenge, all the while making you question and search yourself for answers.  This is a great film, but be prepared for something heavy.  There are moments of heart-wrenching pain coupled with anger and a variety of other emotions that are sure to hold your interest.

Interest Range: Drama

Synopsis: Warwick Wilson is the consummate host. He carefully prepares for a dinner party, the table impeccably set and the duck perfectly timed for 8:30 p.m. John Taylor is a career criminal. He's just robbed a bank and needs to get off the streets. He finds himself on Warwick's doorstep posing as a friend of a friend, new to Los Angeles, who's been mugged and lost his luggage. As the wine flows and the evening progresses, we become deeply intertwined in the lives of these two men and discover just how deceiving appearances can be. With outstanding performances by David Hyde Pierce and Clayne Crawford, cowriter/director Nick Tomnay takes us on a suspense-filled ride where nothing is as it seems. THE PERFECT HOST is a slippery psychological thriller that exposes true human nature and reveals just how far we're willing to go to satisfy our needs.

Review: I was a big fan of the show Frazier, so I decided to give this thriller a chance.  David Hyde Pierce stars as Warwick Wilson in a cat and mouse style murder thriller.  In the tradition of unconventional and complex filmmaking, this movie really entertained me.  There are SO many twists and turns in this film that it may confuse the average viewer, but if you're looking for something interesting and that will keep your attention with some originality then this film is definately for you.  I highly recommend it.

Interest Range: Drama, Thriller

 You can own this blu-ray today

Synopsis: Panna Rittikrai is a legend in Thai action cinema. With credits as director of Born to Fight and stunt coordinator for such classics as Ong-Bak and Chocolate, he was also the star of many action films in the 70s and 80s. Rittikrai is well known for being a famous mentor to some of the top action superstars working today, including Tony Jaa (Ong-Bak), Dan Chupong (Dynamite Warrior) and Jija Yanin (Chocolate). BKO features a range of martial art disciplines at its best when a group of "fight club" friends, whose styles vary from Muay Thai, Capoeira to Kung Fu and Tai Chi, must join forces and fight for their lives in a daring rescue of a kidnapped friend

Review: Bangkok Knockout is a Thai cinema martial arts film that is chock-full of action.  The film isn't big on plot, as most martial arts genre films are not, but the action is solid and the choreography is fantastic.  Rittikrai knows what he's doing when it comes to the genre and this film is definately no disappointment to any martial arts fan looking for a nice popcorn flick. 

Interest Range: Action

Synopsis: A handful of teenagers find the life they've known is slipping away from them in this independent coming-of-age drama. Nineteen-year-old Ritchie Wheeler (Shiloh Fernandez) is the manager of a roller rink in a small town in East Texas. Ritchie's job gives him a chance to hang out with his friends and get paid for it, but fewer kids are interested in roller skating, and Ritchie's life increasingly feels like an extension of high school as he parties his evenings away without moving forward. Ritchie's kid sister, Mary (Haley Ramm), and his girlfriend, Michelle (Ashley Greene), both think its time he tried to make something of himself, but Ritchie isn't sure which way to go, even as he sees a disturbing reflection of himself in Brent (Heath Freeman), Michelle's older brother. Brent left town for a promising career in motorcycle racing until an accident ended his career and now he's back, drinking beer with his sister's friends and picking up high school girls. As the roller rink is poised to close and divorce tears apart both Ritchie's and Michelle's families, they find themselves leaving childhood behind while uncertain about what adulthood holds. The first feature film from director Anthony Burns, SKATELAND was an official selection at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

Review: Skateland is a fantastic coming of age drama set in the early 1980s.  I didn't expect a lot from this film at first, although I knew I'd enjoy the clothes and the settings from my youth.  The young actors in the film did a fantastic job, especially Ashley Greene, who plays Michelle.  This film can easily be considered an iconic example of the transition from youth to adulthood, painful though it can be.

Interest Range: Drama

Synopsis: The sins of the father come crashing down on the son in the stunning, suspense-filled Season Three of Sons of Anarchy! Chaos and confusion reign after Jax’s infant son has been kidnapped and Gemma (Golden Globe winner Katey Sagal) has been framed for murder. When Abel’s trail leads SAMCRO to Belfast, Ireland, secrets are revealed and the bonds of brotherhood are shattered. Jax is left reeling with more questions than answers as he struggles with the legacy of his father, the future of the club, and the fate of his family.

Review: The Sons of Anarchy has really turned out to be one of the best dramas on television.  The show is a great mix of drama and action that fictionalizes and sensationalizes modern life in a criminally active biker gang.  Season 3 really turned-up the heat with kidnapping, murder and of course the power struggle in the gang.  The Sons is a must-see and must-own show!  The show looks best in high-definition, so the blu-ray is definately the way to go.

The special features on this blu-ray set include: Disc 1: Commentary on 'So' featuring Kurt Sutter, Dave Erickson, Chris Collins, Regina Corrado, Liz Sagal and Marco Ramirez, Deleted Scenes and "So" Extended Scenes.  Disc 2: Deleted Scenes.  Disc 3: "Bainne" Extended Scenes, "June Wedding" Extended Scenes, Season 3 Bridge Pieces, Writers Roundtable, Bike Customizer, Kurt Sutter - Director, "NS" Table read with Cast, Gag-Reel, Deleted Scenes, Commentary on 'Firinne' featuring Kurt Sutter, Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal and Maggie Siff, Commentary on 'NS' featuring Kurt Sutter, Charlie Hunnam, Ron Pearlman, Mark Boone Jr., Kim Coates, Tommy Flanagn, Theo Rossi and Dayton Callie and Fox Movie Channel Presents World Premier - Sons of Anarchy Season 3.

Synopsis: Death is tricky when a Texas bar owner pays a private eye to kill his wife and her lover. Made by Joel and Ethan Coen. Stars John Getz, Frances McDormand, M. Walsh

BLOOD SIMPLE is a bizarre crime story about a seedy Texas bar owner who devises a plot to have his own wife and her lover murdered. What results is a chaotic chain of misunderstandings, lies, and mischief. The first feature film from the Coen brothers, who went on to direct the explosive hits RAISING ARIZONA, FARGO, and THE BIG LEBOWSKI, this movie is a must-see for film noir buffs and Coen brothers fans alike.

Review: Blood Simple is a fantastic crime noir tale that was filmed back in the 1980s by the now famous Cohen Brothers.  In what would become their great tradition, this film is a strewn together mass of bizarre events that turn dark and twisty.  The film is on blu-ray for the first time and looks fantastic in high-definition.  This is a great chance to own this classic for a great price.

Interest Range: Drama, Cohen Brothers

Synopsis: At "Prom", every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it's a classic tale of opposites attracting when she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her perfect prom. Share the laughter and the drama as secrets are brought to light, seemingly steady relationships unravel and new romance catches fire. Get ready for this hilariously heartfelt date with destiny featuring a hot ensemble cast of rising young stars and cool bonus features. There are hundreds of nights in high school, but there's only one Prom.

Review: Prom...its that fateful dance that signifies the end of one era of your life and your entrance into another.  Disney's Prom is a slightly idealized version of high school reality that focuses on the various archetypes in school.  They do a great job of mixing drama and humor with a high production value, and it all equals a great film.  Surprisingly great, to be honest.  I didn't expect to enjoy this one, but we really did!  It stands out as a thoughtful, fun and deliberate commentary on the end of high school and the beginning of adulthood.  We definately recommend.

Interest Range: Disney, Tween

Synopsis: KATIE DREAMS OF BEING A RECORDING ARTIST BUT IS CONTINUALLY THWARTED BY HER CRUEL STEPMOTHER AND STEPSISTER. WHEN KATIE FALLS HARD FOR LUKE , THE NEW BOY AT HER PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL, SHE TRIES TO GET HIS ATTENTION WITH HER SINGING.

Review: This musical re-telling of the Cinderella fairy tale is done fantastically.  The talent of Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars) really lights up the screen.  She sings a handful of original songs for the movie and she has an amazing voice.  My daughter really enjoyed watching this one with us.  Its a great, fun and age safe film that will entertain all ages.

·         A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song contains the following special features:

Spotlighting Lucy Hale: Our New Cinderella:  From Pretty Little Liarsto vocal princess, Lucy Hale lights up the stage as the new singing Cinderella! Get an inside look at Lucy Hale's talents that lead to casting her for the lead role, along with spotlighting her signing – from rehearsals and practices as she trains, learns her vocals, and performs, So You Wanna Be a Dancer?  From hip-hop to Bollywood, learn new cool steps from Cinderella and her BFF, Angela and be the belle of your next school ball! Follow the actresses as they learn the choreography and endure hours of training and rehearsals as they swing their hips into hip-hop and master the moves for their big scenes, Meet Prince Charming:  School heartthrob Luke Morgan makes fans scream as the charming prince! The newest Cinderella, Lucy Hale interviews Freddie Stroma, as he gives her the “inside scoop” on taking on this new character, Flip Cam Diaries:  Armed with a Flip our cast takes us behind the production to show never before seen footage, “Bless Myself” Official Music Video, Gag reel and Deleted Scenes.

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Interest Range: Musical, Drama