The Genius of Charles Darwin Documentary DVD Review


The Genius of Charles Darwin Documentary DVD Review

You can purchase this DVD set online today

Synopsis: "Dynamic look at the life, work, and legacy of Charles Darwin" --The Sunday Times (U.K.)Published 150 years ago, Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species changed everything--science, religion, and even humanity’s image of itself. Join Professor Richard Dawkins as he explains exactly how Darwin developed his revolutionary theory of evolution and why it’s still relevant today.

How do species evolve? What does "natural selection" mean in biology, politics, sociology, and philosophy? With passionate certainty, Dawkins provides answers, positing evolution as a matter of fact, not faith. In addition to interviewing scientific experts such as geneticist Craig Venter and paleoanthropologist Richard Leakey, Dawkins speaks with Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, and other religious leaders about the existence of a Creator. Provocative, informative, and irresistibly watchable, this award-winning documentary offers lively new insights on an idea that still meets stubborn resistance.

Evolutionary biologist and fellow of the Royal Society, Richard Dawkins has served as professor of public understanding of science at Oxford University. He has written dozens of scholarly and popular works, including the controversial best seller The God Delusion.

Winner, Best Documentary Series (British Broadcast Awards, 2009)

Review: I grow tired of documentaries on Darwin.  They are generally so politically correct..and by that I mean to say religiously correct.  They tend to be very timid when addressing the amazing scientist that implored reason into our very existance.   This is no ordinary Darwin documentary.  This set manages to mesh historical fact with a real-world modern day education about fossils and evolution.  It addresses the controversy that Darwin encountered in his day and continues to face today.

The narrator and host of this series is Richard Dawkins.  Dawkins is the author of one of my personal favorite books: The God Delusion.  Dawkins is so fascinatingly bold that in the very first of three episodes he addresses a class of high school students and debates the idea of religion vs. science.  Its just not what you get to see in these documentaries.  The variety in the episodes keeps you interested, as Dawkins breaks up the historical lessons with interactions and live interviews with scientists and teachers.

The importance of understanding the genius of Darwin and to put aside blind faith and examine scientific fact is paramount in modern society.  The very idea that we allow religion to cloud science is a sad fact.  If only this documentary could be seen in every classroom around the world, I think we would be closer to having some logic on this subject.  This is a documentary set that every person should see.  We highly recommend it.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Yayoi Kusama: I Love ME · New People Artist Series Volume 2 DVD Review


Yayoi Kusama: I Love ME · New People Artist Series Volume 2 DVD Review

You can purchase this DVD online today

Synopsis: Artist Yayoi Kusama is an avant-garde sculptor, painter, and novelist and her visual style is often characterized by a liberal use of polka dots and nets to achieve a so-called “infinity effect.” The film documents Kusama’s creative process over the course of a year-and-a-half as she completes a series of 50 large monochrome drawings. As her work comes to life, one witnesses the essence of her artistic voice as builds on themes about the conflicts between life, death, and love – sometimes quietly and sometimes not. Her self-confidence and dignified spirit is evident throughout the insightful film. (live action Feature Film)

Review: This DVD is the second volume in a new documentary series called the 'New People Artist Series', put out by Viz.  This volume focuses on eccentric artist Yayoi Kusama.  I hadn't heard of her prior to watching this documentary, but I must say that this woman is fascinating.  Her struggle as an aging person that deals with mental illness is a thing to behold. 

This woman left Japan back in the 1950s when she was in her 20s to become an artist in New York City.  She strugged for years and years without any financial success or notoriety.  Finally, in the last few years she has come into sales in the millions and some well-deserved and long overdue attention.  Her artistic vision has centered around the use of poka dots.  She is avant-garde to say the least.

This is great if you love art..or heck just documentaries.  I didn't think I was going to enjoy this one, but behold...I did.  I definately recommend it.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl Battle Dimension Box Set 3 DVD Review


Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl Battle Dimension Box Set 3 DVD Review

You can purchase this DVD online today

Synopsis: Villainy is afoot as Ash and friends continue their journey through the Sinnoh region – but first, they’ll have to graduate from the Pokémon Summer Academy! Will they learn to handle Team Rocket’s newfound moxie, or Pokémon Hunter J’s latest poaching scheme? Ash gets to take on the Hearthome City Gym Leader, but first he’s going to have to deal with a new rival, Barry! And if Dawn thought the Celestic Town Pokémon Contest was a challenge, things really heat up when Team Galactic rolls into town! 

Review: This box set consists of two single disc releases from the Pokemon Diamond and Pearl Battle Dimension series.  It includes DVD volumes #5 and #6.  I'd love to collect all of the Pokemon series, but they just seem to keep making more and more!  And thats definately not a bad thing.


I got into Pokemon back in the late 1990s when it first hit America.  I loved the original adventures and I watched some of the subsequent series as they aired back when Saturday morning cartoons still existed.  I've followed Ash, Misty and Brock through a lot of adventures, and I still want more!


Pokemon is hands down the best anime series I've ever seen.  In Diamond and Pearl Battle Dimension we get to experience new rivals, exciting new friends and Pokemon..not to mention the expansion of children's imaginations.  Not often is there a show that I can let my children watch with no worry...but Pokemon never disappoints. 



Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Naruto Shippuden Volume 2 DVD Review


Naruto Shippuden Volume 2 DVD Review

You can purchase this DVD online today

Synopsis: Naruto and Sakura have succeeded in bringing down Kakashi in the survival challenge using an unconventional technique! Tsunade then assigns them to a three-man squad led by Kakashi, who tells them that they are now his equals. Meanwhile, Gaara is facing his greatest challenge as Kazekage--to save the Sand Village from Deidara of the Akatsuki. Gaara has the power to protect his village, but will he have enough left over to save himself? With the Kazekage in danger, the Sand call upon their allies from the Leaf, and the reunited Team Kakashi get ready to spring into action!

Review: Naruto Shippuden is a continuation of the original Naruto series.  It delves deeper into the world created by the anime and expands it for the fans.  It quickly generated buzz amongst the fanbase as a godsend of sorts.

A focus is placed now on Gaara and the Sand Village.  Gaara gets captured by the Akatsuki.  Fortunately Kankuro and the Leaf Ninja come to a swift rescue.  I don't want to delve too far into the storyline for those that may not have had the pleasure of seeing it for themselves, but if you have seen any Naruto and enjoyed it..heck if you've seen any action-based anime and enjoyed it you MUST see Naruto Shippuden.

I would have rated this release a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, but unfortunately the release of single disc DVDs as opposed to box sets with a series is something that urks me a little.  I really feel like they should give Shippuden the same treatment as Naruto Uncut.  It is, however, a great show and a fine DVD release. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

DEATH NOTE: RE-LIGHT 2: L’s Successors DVD Review


DEATH NOTE: RE-LIGHT 2: L’s Successors DVD Review

You can purchase this DVD online today!

Synopsis: Four years have passed since Light claimed his victory at L’s grave. Light has joined the National Police Agency and taken on the identity of the “new L.” Kira’s judgments of the citizens of the world have intensified, and many nations have come to accept Kira, either from fear or adulation. Near, L’s successor, must ponder the question of how L was defeated if he is to succeed where his famed predecessor failed. At the headquarters of the anti-Kira organization the SPK, he proclaims that the new L is none other than Kira and calls upon the Japanese task force to declare war on Light. 

Review: Death Note has become a very popular animated series in the United States.  They even released the live action Death Note movie into theaters last year!   Death Note has been a force in Japan for some time and now its leaked its way into the US.

This Death Note Re-Light 2 series is all 37 episodes of the anime series condensed into two DVD sets.  This one is only 90 minutes long.  This is really a recipe for disaster for serious fans of the show.  Its not as bad as a lot of reviews have stated.  Basically it opens with new footage of L explaining some of the story.  A lot of characters and situations are cut out completely for time and there is a new ending put on it, as well.

Honestly, this is a good release for fans to check out.  Its a nice overview, especially if you already know the series very well and don’t need to go over every single detail, but want to watch the series again.   Its a great DVD release.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Bleach Volume 21 DVD Review!


Bleach Volume 21 DVD Review!

You can purchase this DVD online today
Synopsis: Rukia becomes possessed by a doll placed in her chest by one of the Bounts and attacks her friends! Orihime desperately tries to protect herself and the others without harming her dear friend. But when Rukia’s full Soul Reaper powers are drawn out in the battle, Orihime must make a painful choice

Review: Bleach Volume 21 is jam-packed with action.  Bleach is one of those shows that started off very simple and has become very complex.  This volume is probably 90-95% action and very little plot development.  Which honestly, is fine by me.  I enjoy seeing things progress, but having so many intricate and well-developed animated fight sequences is impressive.

The video transfer and audio are both clean and clear.  The discs don’t really include extras, but its a solid 100 minutes of episodes to add to your collection.  If you’re into anime at all, you are probably into Bleach.  Its become one of the modern staples.  If you collect/watch anime, we definately recommend picking this one up.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Naruto Uncut Box Set: Season One, Volume 1 DVD Review


Naruto Uncut Box Set: Season One, Volume 1 DVD Review


You can purchase this DVD set online today

Synopsis: Deep within the Hidden Leaf Village, young ninja Naruto Uzumaki carries sealed within him the spirit of the Nine-Tailed Fox, which once almost destroyed the village. Always an outcast because of his secret, now Naruto battles alongside his teammates Sasuke and Sakura to prove to himself and everyone else that he’s the greatest ninja ever. But he’s got a long list of challenges to face before he gets there!

Review: Naruto is one of the few good anime series out there.  I know that anime is trendy and all right now, but I’ve been watching it since the mid 1990s.  I had a good friend in high school that was into it.  You think its expensive now..man, you should’ve seen the price tag back then!  But, I digress…

This box set collects the first six volumes of Naruto Season One, Uncut.  Its housed in a double-wide DVD case with six discs inside.  There are no inserts or other collectibles.  I would’ve definately scored it a perfect 5 out of 5 if they’d included anything for collectors in it.  This really feels like more of a bare-bones release just to collect the DVDs, which is fine.  It does keep the price lower, so thats definately a positive.

Naruto uncut is fantastic, full of action and if you dig Naruto at all you need to pick it up.  If you’ve never seen Naruto, check it out.  It has action and comedy blended into a very entertaining show.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Nana Uncut DVD Box Set Volume One Review!


Nana Uncut DVD Box Set Volume One Review!

You can purchase this DVD online today

Synopsis: The NANA anime is based on the popular manga by Ai Yazawa, which has sold over 43 million copies in Japan and is published in North America by VIZ Media under its SHOJO BEAT imprint.  NANA follows the adventures of two girls both named Nana. While they share the same name, they couldn’t be more different. Nana “Hachi” Komatsu follows her boyfriend to Tokyo in the hopes of finding a fresh start, while Nana Osaki, who arrives in the city at the same time, is a punk rock beauty with the ambition for making it big in the world of rock and roll. Although these two young women come from opposite backgrounds, they quickly become best friends while chasing their happiness and dreams.

Ai Yazawa is the creator of many popular manga titles, including Tenshi Nanka Janai (I’m No Angel) and Gokinjo Monogatari (Neighborhood Story). Another series, Kagen no Tsuk (Last Quarter), was made into a live-action movie and released in late 2004. American readers were introduced to Yazawa’s stylish and sexy storytelling in 2002 when her title Paradise Kiss was translated into English.

The NANA manga series has over 43 million copies printed to date in Japan.  It is considered an all-time best selling shojo title from Japanese publishing giant, Shueisha and was the recipient of the Shogakukan Manga Award in the Girls’ category. Its tremendous success further inspired two live-action feature films which are available on DVD in North America from VIZ Pictures

“NANA has already captivated millions with its best-selling manga and live action films, and we are very excited to release the animated series as a special Uncut DVD Box Set,” says Brian Ige, Director, Home Entertainment Sales, VIZ Media. “The compelling, deeply-layered connections between the two Nanas and those around them are brought to life through the richness of the characters and all the great elements of the shojo genre that are combined to make NANA one of the most vibrant and stylish series to hit North America. This is definitely a series to watch!”

For more information on NANA please visit the dedicated website at nana.viz.com

Review: This DVD set includes the first 11 episodes of Nana and what a treat they are!  The story follows these crazy girls and their romantic journies and self discovery.  Its really a great anime tale that stays very faithful to its manga source material.

All too often anime gets a bad name being focused on just violence and action, when there is a largely female audience that wants drama, humor and romance, as well.   If that describes you, then this set is really the thing for you.

The video on this release is presented in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio.  The DVD also comes packed with a great collectible guitar pick.  I recommend watching it in Japanese language with English subtitles for the best effect and fullest story.

We highly recommend this release for anyone seeking something unique, but well made in the realm of anime.  The voice acting and animation are fantastic and well worth your time.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Naruto Uncut Box Set, Vol. 15 DVD Review


Naruto Uncut Box Set, Vol. 15 DVD Review

Studio: Viz

You can purchase this anime DVD online today

Synopsis: Ino faces an unusual exercise in royal etiquette when she is asked by an overweight princess to take her place and attend the first meeting with the young prince she adores. Then the Hidden Leaf Village comes under serious threat when important blueprints of the village are stolen! Naruto, Shikamaru and the others have their hands full finding and removing the massive numbers of paper bombs placed throughout the village. Can they save the Hidden Leaf Village from utter demolition?

Review:  Naruto is one of those shows that is well-known, thanks to some limited domestic airtime, but is really still under appreciated as a whole.  Viz is doing a superb job of releasing the episodes in a high-quality and collectible format.

Volume 15 contains 14 episodes and continues the fan favorite Leaf Village Saga.  This is great news, because a lot of the previous sets feature one-shot and filler episodes that don’t progress the overall story arcs.   While this may be necessary in the minds of some, its more beneficial to see the major storylines, as this is what keeps serious anime fans interested.  And lets face it, a release like this is geared towards serious anime fans.

The packaging for Volume 15 features Orochimaru.  You’re only going to see him in this one 200th episode special, which features re-caps of old battles from past episodes.  Its high-quality packaging with attractive colors and it definately syncs with previous releases.  You’re treated to some more great collectible playing cards with the set, as we’ve seen with previous releases.  Extras like this are almost essential to any legitimate anime release these days.

The video transfer is fairly flawless.  The colors pop and the action looks superb on a high-def television.  The sound is 2.0 stereo.  Its not the best quality it could be, but its about what is to be expected.    We definately recommend watching the show in Japanese language.  The English dubbing is rather painful, which is fairly typical to any anime.

We look forward now to Naruto: Shippuden.  There is only one more volume of Naruto to come before we get there, so I’d add this one to your collection now.


Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Pokemon All-Stars Collection 2 DVD Review


Pokemon All-Stars Collection 2 DVD Review

You can purchae this DVD today online

Synopsis: Following the Pokemon 10th Anniversary celebration set, the Pokemon All Stars will have the next ten DVD releases commemorating top Pokemon characters. Each disc showcases a single character with three classic episodes featuring their adventures.

Contains Pokemon All-Stars volumes 11-20:
Meowth
Treecko
Psyduck
Wobbuffet
Lapras
Totodile
Skitty
Chikorita
Torchic
Jigglypuff
Onix

Review: Here at DVD Legion..we love Pokemon.  We’ve been watching Pokemon faithfully since it premiered in the United States back in 1998.    The show has constantly evolved and continued its storyline, even while following a very similar formula.

I’ve tried to keep up with the many, many DVD releases of the many, many incarnations of the show over the years.  Its been difficult.   Not only to keep track of what is out there, but to financially keep up with it all.  My kids now love Pokemon too, and I wanted something great for them to watch.   These All-Star collections are perfect.  They give about three episodes spotlighting a specific Pokemon.  This set has ten discs in all, thats 30 episodes!  Viz really did a great job of compiling all of these volumes into one affordable set.

This release is fantastic for kids looking to have a nice variety of Pokemon to experience.  The adult fans can really enjoy this set also, especially if you have a hard time keeping up with all the various releases out there.  This is a ton of episodes in one place that are fun to watch and span a good variety of characters.  This one is a must-have.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Max Fleischer's Superman: 1941-1942 (2009) DVD Review

Max Fleischer's Superman: 1941-1942 DVD Review

Max Fleischer's Superman: 1941-1942 (2009)
Own it today on DVD!
Click HERE to purchase it today.

Synopsis: The Superman animated cartoons, commonly known as the "Fleischer Superman Cartoons" were a series of seventeen animated Technicolor short films, which were based upon the comic book character Superman. These groundbreaking theatrical shorts are the very first animated DC Comics Superman cartoons and the first cartoon entitled ?Superman? to be nominated for an Academy Award® (Short Film - Animated). Each cartoon is brimming with action and special effects, beautifully drawn and colored, braced with fabulous background paintings and brought to life with realistic movement. These animated shorts are seen as some of the finest, and certainly the most lavishly budgeted, cartoons produced during the Golden Age of animation.

Review: What do you say about the Fleischer Studios Superman cartoon? It has been a major influence on every animator since, most notably it highly influenced the cult favorite Batman: The Animated Series in both tone and design. A total of 17 cartoons were produced between 1941-1943 and released in theaters. The animation was ahead of its time, largely in part thanks to the huge budget at the time ($50,000 per short) and the technique of Rotoscoping.

This 2-disc collection has the complete collection of shorts. If you haven't seen these, you're in for a real treat. They honestly don't feel like something that could emerge from the early 1940s. They're still visionary and entertaining. The WWII progaghanda interlaced in the shorts help to date them, and also provide a great historical relic. This set is absolutely essential for any comic book fan, historian and animation collector! This set includes the new "The Man, The Myth, Superman" featurette, which has a great look at the concept of the superman.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Star Wars: Clone Wars "A Galaxy Divided" DVD Review

Star Wars: Clone Wars "A Galaxy Divided" DVD Review


Star Wars: Clone Wars "A Galaxy Divided" DVD Review
Own it on DVD Tuesday, March 24, 2009
click HERE to own it today >>

Product Description:
The "Clone Wars" goes back to the original Star Wars film when Obi-Wan Kenobi tells Luke Skywalker that he was once a Jedi knight the same as your father and that they fought together in the Clone Wars. Since that moment fans have been obsessed with what the clone wars were. This new TV series takes place immediately after the events of Star Wars-Episode II: Attack of the Clones. The series follows Obi-Wan Kenobi and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker and introduces us to some new characters such as Ahsoka Tano a girl Jedi knight as well as characters we already know.

Review: This show, it goes without saying, has upped the bar for Cartoon Network programming. Preceeded by a ground-breaking series of online animated shorts and, of course, the feature film, Clone Wars is epic. This release collects the first four episodes of the series.

I know what you're thinking...a single disc release?! What the?! This format is a tired way for studios to make a quick buck, right? Perhaps. Its also a way to gradually release a complete series. The issue that they have, and I can kinda see it, is that most parents (the vast majority of the purchasing audience, regardless of what us fanboys & girls would like to believe) is very much less likely to drop $30-$40 for a complete season set.

They are, however, likely to drop $10-$15 on this. Now..you may be saying "well, I'll wait for a complete season set". We aren't necessarily gonna get one. Look at X-Men Evolution. That was a GREAT show..and the first two seasons you can still only get by collecting all of the single disc releases.

My recommendation? Go out and buy this one. Oh, and FYI, The Walmart edition has a fifth episode on it..so if you're in a rush to get more episodes for your buck, you can purchase it there. 
 
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

A Pup Named Scooby Doo - The Complete 2nd, 3rd and 4th Seasons DVD Review

A Pup Named Scooby Doo - The Complete 2nd, 3rd and 4th Seasons DVD Review


A Pup Named Scooby Doo - The Complete 2nd, 3rd and 4th Seasons DVD Review.

Available to own on DVD Tuesday, March 17, 2009!

Own it on DVD today, click here to purchase it today!

Synopsis: What could be better than having your own special puppy named Scooby-Doo? How about 3 Entire Seasons full of 17 Great Episodes! This 2-Disc Collection has everything you love about the younger Scooby-Doo and his grade-school pals Velma, Freddy, Daphne and Shaggy...from cursed dog collars to haunted hairpieces and alarming amusement parks. In addtion to roller coasters, you'll take the ride of your life aboard a spooky space shuttle and buddying up a bad boogey biker. Catch monsters aplenty like the dreaded Chickenstein, the clownish Zombo and the Doo Family Were-Doo. Renew your membership to the Scooby-Doo Detective Agency now and you'll also receive some deliciouis extra-program Scooby snacks!

Update!
You can now see a clip from this DVD release on our message boards:

http://legionsofgotham.proboards70.com/index.cgi?board=generaltalk&action=display&thread=6095&page=1

Review: This is a show that has a special place with me. There was this era of kids shows, such as this and the Flintstone Kids, that were truly fun to watch. Of course everyone is familiar with the Scooby-Doo legacy, spanning over the past many decades, but this show has really gone under the radar...until now!
 
Considering that this show aired back in 1989, the transfer and the sound are actually pretty good. The show itself had a good chance of not holding up, but it honestly does. Its still so much fun to watch, and now I can share this great gem with my own kids (who loved it, incidentally!) 
 
Whether you're an animation collector or just a parent that wants to share a part of their own childhood with their kids, this very affordable DVD set is a must have! You can go back and purchase season one for a very reasonable price on Amazon.com right now, as well, so that you can complete your set!
 
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
 
This release collects the remaining episodes of the show onto one DVD! The set contains the following 17 episodes:

14 Curse of the Collar 15 The Return of Commander Cool 16 The Spirit of Rock'n Roll 17 Chickenstein Lives! 18 Night of the Living Burger 19 The Computer Walks Among Us 20 Dog Gone Scooby 21 Terror, thy Name is Zombo (aka Roller Ghoster Ride!) 22 Night of the Boogey Biker 23 Dawn of the Spooky Shuttle Scare 24 Wrestle Maniacs 25 Horror of the Haunted Hairpiece 26 The Mayhem of the Moving Mollusk 27 The Ghost of Mrs Shusham 28 Cather on the Sly 29 The Wrath of Wait-Ro 30 The Weredog of Doo Manor

The Zeta Project: The Complete First Season DVD review


The Zeta Project: The Complete First Season DVD review

Available to own on DVD Tuesday, March 17, 2009!

Legions of Gotham has teamed up with Warner Bros. Animation to give away 3 copies of the Zeta Project: The Complete First Season on DVD! Click below to visit our message board and enter today!

Synopsis:
Zeta, a robot programmed by the U.S. government to fight the countrys enemies using weaponry and a holographic self-projector, evolves to the point where he acquires both emotion and a conscience. As the value of human life became evident, he flees the government, who believes he has been reprogrammed by a foreign power. On the run, Zeta encounters Rosalie Ro Rowan, a street orphan who is wanted by the law herself. Join Zeta and Ro in The Zeta Project: The Complete First Season as they set out across America to find both Ros parents, and Zeta's creator who can prove the robot is acting of his own free will.

Review:
The Zeta project was one of those really cool shows that aired in the late 1990s on Kids WB!. The show was spun-off of episodes on Batman Beyond, and subsequently, Batman Beyond does guest star in one episode this season! For that reason alone this set is a MUST have for any Batman fan. The extras include the Zeta Batman Beyond episodes, so its really quite a nice little set. The show holds up pretty well and definately looks good on a high-def tv.
 
Overall its 4 out of 5 stars on this one. Very collectible for animation and Batman fans...

Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology Blu-Ray Review

Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology Blu-Ray Review

Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology Blu-Ray Review
Available to own on Blu-Ray Tuesday, March 10, 2009!


Synopsis:
This year the BAT goes BLU! BATMAN - Batman (Michael Keaton) vs. The Joker (Jack Nicholson) in the amazing first extravaganza! With Kim Basinger. BATMAN RETURNS - The Bat (Michael Keaton), the Cat (Michelle Pfeiffer), the Penguin (Danny DeVito). And Christopher Walken, too! BATMAN FOREVER - Riddle me this: The Dark Knight (Val Kilmer) bat-battles Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and the Riddler (Jim Carrey). With Nicole Kidman, Chris O'Donnell. BATMAN & ROBIN - Will Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) put the world on ice? George Clooney wears the hero's cape. Also with Chris O'Donnell, Uma Thurman, Alicia Silverstone. All four box office hits on Blu-Ray for the very first time!


Review:I won't lie..I haven't watched these films since Batman Begins came out. I just needed some space and time from the 1990s-era movies. Why, you may ask? Simple... I've never liked them. I know..blasphemy!



When the Batman Anthology came out on DVD, I decided that I would pick it up, because its something to have for my collection and I figured eventually I'd want to watch them again. Well, I never did pick it up. And then comes the Blu-Ray set.



I popped these films in and I gave them another try. I sat with my two kids and watched the four films in order. The Burton films are, of course, legendary amongst fans and the public alike. They re-vitalized Bat-Mania and helped to shape amazing things like Batman: The Animated Series. For that, I will always be thankful, but the Batman in these films is not the Batman that I know and love. Its Tim Burton's vision of Batman, which is fine, but thats all it is. The Schumacher films are....well...yeah. But the kids..they LOVED them. ALL of them. I couldn't believe it. I think the new Nolan series has really made these films nostalgia, though. They're so far removed from what we get now, its kinda fun to watch. Its like viewing the old '66 Adam West show..its just a whole other world!


Now..onto the quality...A LOT of older films have not been transfered well to Blu-Ray in both audio and video. These films, however, are the exception. They're so crisp and full of sound that even the toughest of critic can't be disappointed! They are definately worth getting on Blu-Ray.


5 out of 5 Stars!

Dc Universe Wonder Woman Animated Movie Blu-Ray Review

Dc Universe Wonder Woman Animated Movie Blu-Ray Review

Available to own Tuesday, March 3, 2009!Click Here to Buy it today:
http://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Woman-2009-Blu-ray-Russell/dp/B001LK8TEM


Official Summary:Wonder Woman begins on the mystical island of Themyscira, where a proud and fierce warrior race of Amazons resides. They have raised Princess Diana, a daughter of stunning beauty, extraordinary strength and incredible fighting prowess. Diana possesses a host of super human powers granted to her by the gods and goddesses of Olympus and her strength and stamina are unparalleled. When Air Force fighter pilot Steve Trevor crash lands on the island, the rebellious and headstrong Diana defies Amazonian law by accompanying Trevor back to civilization. Meanwhile, Ares (the God of War) has escaped his imprisonment at the hands of the Amazons and has decided to exact his revenge by starting a world war that will destroy them all. It is up to Princess Diana to save her people and the world by using her gifts to become the ultimate Wonder Woman.

Review:The quality of the Blu-Ray disc is outstanding. Its the first full-length animated film that I've viewed in this format..and I must say that I'm VERY pleased. I watched it on my 42" LCD LG tv for those into tech that want to know and it was breathtaking.

The action in this film is what hits you first. It runs right into a major battle between Diana's mother and Ares, the god of war (voiced by the great Alfred Molina!). Its hard-hitting and intense. Let me warn you up-front..this film is NOT for children. Adult fans only.
In the first ten minutes there is a handful of death, decapitation and talk of sex. The sexual themes flow throughout the entire movie, which I think is just fantastic. That is one of the real-world themes that comic book animation tends to lack, even though the books themselves seem to be seeped in it.

There is also a high entertainment value involved in this film. There is a moment when Diana reaches the USA and a drunk bum mumbles at her..its very ‘Back to the Future’. There is also a firm amount, as you might expect, of pro-female themes in the film. Writer Michael Jelenic did a fine job of writing from and for the female perspective. The extras on this disc don't disappoint either! I've listed them below..each one is worth the watch.

-Commentary by the Film's Creative Team
-Exclusive First Look at Dc Universe's Upcoming Green Lantern Animated Movie and More
-Wonder Woman: A Subversive Dream
-Wonder Woman: Daughter of Myth Historical Amazon Lore and Its Evolution into the Modern-Day Wonder Woman Character
-Bruce Timm presents Bonus Cartoons (JL episodes)
I went into this film vaguely familiar with Wonder Woman as a character. I saw the TV show as a kid...I experienced her in Super Friends and later in life in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. I've never before, however, seen a good and true representation of this fine character.
The Dc Universe Wonder Woman animated film has provided the world with this long overdue representation. What Batman Begins and The Dark Knight have done to show a more legitimate version of Batman to the mainstream, this movie can likewise show why Wonder Woman deserves her cult following. You can now add this fan to the list!

I cannot recommend this movie enough. Five out of five Bats!

Visit the official Wonder Woman animated website:
http://www.warnervideo.com/wonderwomanmovie

Visit the official Sweepstakes site:
http://www.wonderwomansweeps.com/

Tom and Jerry Tales Volume 6 DVD

Tom and Jerry Tales Volume 6 DVD
Available to own on DVD Tuesday, February 3, 2009!

Synopsis: In this volume of Tom and Jerry Tales, Tom and Jerry’s unending pursuit takes them around the world from Africa to Australia and on. The duo also learns some valuable lessons about history, including an episode where Tom inadvertently turns the Declaration of Independence into a paper airplane and an episode where Jerry has a role in the Wright Brothers first flight at Kitty Hawk. Tom and Jerry are also involved in a number of musical adventures that are anything but harmonious -- Jerry sabotages Tom’s efforts to win a Flamenco dance contest and Tom tries to avert his girlfriend’s attention from Jerry by singing the blues. Three very cool episodes on this DVD are entirely devoted to the theme of snow and ice. The duo confronts each other on a frozen pond where Jerry wants to skate but Tom plans to play hockey. Tom and Jerry also engage in an all-out snowball battle and later on, find themselves face-to-face with the giant abominable snowmouse.


About the DVD: Tom and Jerry Tales: Volume 6 offers 15 animated shorts including Declaration of Independunce, Kitty Kawked, 24 Karat Kat, When the Snowing Gets Tough, The Abominable Snowmouse, Hockey Schtick, Kitty Cat Blues, Flamenco Fiasco, DJ Jerry, You’re Lion, Kangadoofus, Monkey Chow, Babysitting Blues, Catfish Folly, and Game of Mouse and Cat. Tom and Jerry Tales originally premiered on Kids’ WB in September 2006 and features characters from the classic Tom and Jerry cartoons in newly created shorts, which audiences have not seen done in 30 years.


Review: What does one say about Tom and Jerry? Its amazing to see timeless characters like these brought back again for young audiences. In a time where shows like Sponge Bob rule the playgrounds, its nice to see the classics making comeback.


This DVD includes 15 different new animated shorts. I found them to be enjoyable and full of life, just like the classic epsiodes. My children have fallen head over heels for Tom & Jerry now, and they're ages 6 and 4. Not only have they had hours of fun watching the DVD, but they haven't re-enacted even one of the physical bits that Tom and Jerry get involved in. Who says that TV controls children's behavior? This is good, clean fun for kids of all ages!


Visit the official website:
http://www.kidswb.com/


CLICK HERE to purchase this DVD online today!

The All New Superfriends Hour Season 1, Volume 2 DVD

The All New Superfriends Hour Season 1, Volume 2 DVD

Available to own on DVD Tuesday, January 27, 2009!

Synopsis: The DC Comic book legends Superman, Batman, Robin, Wonder Woman and Aquaman return to fight for justice and protect the good people of planet Earth. Besides fighting evil, our super heroes rescue citizens who find themselves in harm?s way, providing some lessons for all of us. This incarnation of the Super Friends also includes the shape shifting Wonder Twins, Zan and Jayna, and their space monkey, Gleek. The Super Friends feature guest stars Black Vulcan, Apache Chief, Hawkman and Hawkgirl and new villains such as the Hydronoids and Dr. Cranum
Review: Warner Home Video has been great about releasing the old Super Friends shows to DVD over the past few years. This volume is no exception. Following re-runs of the original Super Friends show from Saturday, February 7, 1976 to Saturday, September 3, 1977, the All New SuperFriends Hour premiered on Saturday, September 10, 1977. The series, which featured four animated shorts per episode, was shown until Saturday, September 2, 1978. This series introduced the superheroes in training: the Wonder Twins! The Wonder Twins consisted of Zan and Jayna, along with their pet space monkey Gleek. Cameos in this series included the Flash (Barry Allen), Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Hawkman, Black Vulcan (a take-off of Black Lightning) , Apache Chief and Samurai


The DVD set is great. It has a nice feature on the Wonder Twins and why exactly they were so popular (I'm still not sure! lol), however, that is all for extra features. The menus are nice (see images) and the transfer on the episodes is as good as can be expected. I highly recommend this DVD set to any Batman/Dc Comics fan!

Visit our Super Friends fansite:
www.legionsofgotham.org/TOONSsf.html


Visit the Official website:
http://www.superheroesdvd.com/


CLICK HERE to purchase this DVD online today!

Silverhawks Volume One DVD Review!

Silverhawks Volume One DVD Review!


Buy the 4-disc set on October 14, 2008
Click HERE to purchase this DVD!

Review: The Silverhawks, produced back in 1986. This series was produced during what we children of the 80s call the heyday of animation. The studio pitched Thundercats and was immediately given a green light for Silverhawks as well. The show was so much fun, and the toys were the best. Kenner had produced some amazing product that kept many of us kids entertained for hours on end.

This DVD set is one of two releases. The next has not yet been announced. The DVD packaging is fantastic. It includes a nice, metallic slipcase, perfect for the subject matter.

The extras are fun. The Remembering the Silverhawks documentary is informative and full of behind the scenes tidbits about the show, its inception and intense relationship with Kenner toys.

I recommend this DVD set for anyone that watched this show. If you didn't get to see it then, watch it now! The amazing power of DVD, lol!

This 4-disc DVD set includes 32 of the 65 produced Silverhawks episodes. The Episodes on this volume include:

1. The Origin Story
2. Journey To Limbo
3. The Planet Eater
4. Save the Sun
5. Stop Timestopper
6. Darkbird
7. The Backroom
8. The Threat of Dritt
9. Sky-Shadow
10. Magnetic Attraction
11. Gold Shield
12. Zero the Memory Thief
13. The Milk Run
14. The Hardware Trap, Part 1
15. The Hardware Trap, Part 2
16. Race Against Time
17. Operation Big Freeze
18. The Ghost Ship
19. The Great Galaxy Race
20. Fantascreen
21. Hotwing Hits Limbo
22. The Bounty Hunter
23. Zeek's Fumble
24. The Fighting Hawks
25. The Rengade Hero
26. One on One
27. No More Mr. Nice Guy
28. Music of the Spheres
29. Limbo Gold Rush
30. Countdown to Zero
31. The Amber Amplifier
32. The Saviour Stone

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Legion of Super Heroes, Volume 3 DVD Review



Legion of Super Heroes, Volume 3 DVD Review
Available to own on DVD Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Review: This release marks the third compilation of episodes from the Saturday morning cartoon, Legion of Super Heroes, which aired on the now defunct Kids WB!, on the CW Network.

The first thing to note on this is that there have been no full season releases from this show. This is currently the only way to purchase them. This DVD gives us no extras, no backstory and no fun look into the production of the show.

The packaging is clean and eye-catching. The episode transfer quality is perfect. There are no complaints with the quality of this show or the DVD itself.

Bottom line, this is a great release for younger viewers or those just looking to watch the show time and again. If you want something collectible, then our advice is to hold off for now.

The Episodes:
The Substitutes
Child’s Play
Chain of Command
Sundown Parts 1 & 2

LOG Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars!

Visit the official DVD website, click here.

Click HERE to purchase this DVD today!

Smallville: The Complete Seventh Season DVD Review


Smallville - The Complete Seventh Season Blu-Ray Review
Available to own on Blu-Ray Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Review: This Blu-Ray represents the second Smallville season to be released in the format. You can own seasons 6 and 7 on Blu-Ray. Season 5 was released on HD DVD and seasons 1-7 are available on DVD.

This latest season of the show is the best yet, with the appearance of Bizarro and Supergirl, Clark's life has gotten way out of hand.

The show looks absolutely phenominal on Blu-Ray. It brings out the cinematic quality that the show's production already possesses in spades. The characters are so well-defined and comfortable at this point that the stories just fall right into place, almost as a natural progression.

This Blu-Ray makes a great gift and is definately something that should be at the top of your purchase list as a Smallville, DC or just plain comic book fan!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars!

Visit the official website, click here.

Click HERE to purchase this Blu-Ray today!

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles - The Complete First Season DVD Review


Terminator:The Sarah Connor Chronicles - The Complete First Season DVD Review
Available to own August 19, 2008

Series Description: The mother of all destiny. Her son, the future leader of mankind. Their protector, a terminator from the future. Together they must take back the future as Sarah Connor (300's Lena Headey) prepares her son to fight the war against machines determined to annihilate the human race. The clock is ticking. Can they stop Judgment Day? The man-vs.-machine tale that's thrilled millions gets a reboot in this series set after the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Now the battlefield has shifted to the present. Will John Connor (Heroes's Thomas Dekker) seize his destiny? Will a cell phone salesman's chess program evolve into Skynet? Can the sweet but deadly cyborg (Summer Glau of Firefly) be trusted? Answers – and the fight for the future – are here and now.

Review: I have been a fan of the Terminator films since I was a boy, like many people. I enjoyed T2 and continue to enjoy it whenever I catch it on tv. When I heard about this show, my first thought was too little, too late. I would've LOVED this show back in high school. I felt much the same way about the Alien vs. Predator films. This show, however, not only met my expectations, it blew them away.

I waited awhile before viewing this one, because I dreaded watching some cheesey sci-fi show, but that isn't what I got. Instead, I got a well-scripted, well-acted thriller. I got a high quality tv show that has since become my favorite show on television. Thats right. It is my favorite. The season two debut is on Monday, September 9, so now is the time to pick this 9 episode DVD up!! You will not be disappointed.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars!

Visit the official DVD website today, click here.

Click HERE to purchase this DVD today!

Justice League: Season One on Blu-Ray Review



Justice League: Season One on Blu-Ray Review
Available to own on Blu-Ray Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Product Description: Superman Batman Wonder Woman The Flash Green Lantern Martian Manhunter and Hawkgirl they have all used their unique powers to fight evil across the galaxy. These 7 super heroes unite to become the Justice League. These 26 adventures feature battles with favorite villains like Lex Luthor Vandal Savage and sorceress Morgan Le Fey. Acts of justice include saving Aquaman from a coup and clearing Green Lantern's name in a charge of genocide. From the smash hit TV series these triumphant tales of teamwork will enthrall and inspire!

Review: I want to begin by stating I am a huge fan of this show. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I am a 'Timmverse' junkie through and through. I had been anticipating seeing this amazing series on Blu-ray ever since I learned of the technology.

The season comes in a three-disc set that offers the same box art as the previous DVD release. The set offers the exact same special features as the DVD set, as well. If you already own this on DVD, it may not be worth your time to spring for the pricey Blu-ray set.

The picture and sound are amazing, though. If you enjoy Batman animation and you enjoy Blu-ray, this is the perfect marriage for you. I highly recommend this set for fans of ALL ages.

LOG Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars!

Click HERE to purchase this Blu-Ray today!

DC Super Heroes: The Filmation Adventures DVD Review


DC Super Heroes: The Filmation Adventures DVD Review 
Available to own on DVD Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Review: This DVD set consists of Filmation produced Saturday morning cartoons from the late 1960s, featuring various Dc Super Heroes. Here is a listing of what is on the set:

Justice LeagueBetween Two Armies
Target Earth
Bad Day of Black Moutain

Teen Titans
The Monster Machine
Monster Roundup
Operation Rescue

The Flash
The Chemo Creature
Take A Giant Step
To Catch a Blue Bolt

Green Lantern
Evil is as Evil Does
The Vanishing World
Sirena, The Empress of Evil

Hawkman
Peril from Pluto
A Visit to Venus
the 23th Dimension

The Atom
Invasion of the Beetle People
The Planet Master
House of Doom

I won't lie to you, this is an oddball DVD. Its an odd set of cartoons that really appeal to a very specific audience. If you're an animation fan or a Filmation fan, you may want to get this for the completist in you. If you watched these as a youth, you'll probably want to pick it up as well. As for younger fans, if your kids are into Super Friends or the old Filmation Adventures of Batman show, these just might appeal to them! Its most definately appropriate for all ages. I recommend this set for the extreme collector.

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars!

Visit the official DVD site today, click HERE.

Click HERE to purchase this DVD today!

 

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