Author Archives: Tyler Schirado

Netflix Streaming Report: Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp and More

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Welcome to your Netflix Streaming Report for August 6, 2015. After the long week you deserve a relaxing staycation with a bowl of popcorn, a bucket of ice cream, and only your Netflix queue to judge you. This past week, Netflix Watch Instant has been kind enough to supply us with Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, Welcome to Me, The Skeleton Twins, and more. Also see what’s new to Netflix Streaming this August.

paul rudd wet hot american summer first day of camp netflix

Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (Michael Showalter and David Wain) Rated TV-MA [30 min] – Follow the counselors and campers on their first day at Camp Firewood in the summer of 1981. Starring: Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Showalter, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, Marguerite Moreau, Lake Bell, Janeane Garofalo, Jason Schwartzman, H. Jon Benjamin, Christopher Meloni, David Bloom, and Hailey Sole

To be honest, I don’t remember much about Wet Hot American Summer from when I first saw it a few years back. It didn’t leave any kind of impression on me and it has never been one that I’d say I would revisit. But after seeing First Day of Camp, I am inherently intrigued to rewatch the film, which is also available to stream on Netflix. This new series – or miniseries if they choose not to make another season – is absolutely fantastic. I dislike David Wain’s They Came Together, but the satire and overall goofiness of this world works within the confines of the story. All of the actors are incredible, and maybe it’s the 14-year gap that has made Wet Hot even better with age.

(Watch it now)

the skeleton twins

The Skeleton Twins (Craig Johnson) Rated R  [93 min] – Having both coincidentally cheated death on the same day, estranged twins reunite with the possibility of mending their relationship. Starring Kristen Wiig, Ty Burrell, Bill Hader, and Luke Wilson

One of my favorite movies of 2014, The Skeleton Twins is a real honest character study of a brother-sister duo that have found each other on hard times. Together, their story is both loving and poignant. Hader and Wiig rock the socks off this film.

(Watch it now)

welcome to me kristen wiig

Welcome to Me (Shira Piven) Rated R [105 min] – When Alice Klieg wins the Mega-Millions lottery, she immediately quits her psychiatric meds and buys her own talk show. Starring Kristen Wiig, James Marsden, Linda Cardellini, and Wes Bentley

And if you want a Wiig double feature night you can watch Welcome to Me. It’s not as well structured as The Skeleton Twins, but if you feel as though there isn’t enough sad characters in your life definitely fire this one up and let the emotions take flight. Wiig puts on another impactful performance, but the story and character could have been a little stronger.

(Watch it now)

the hurt locker jeremy renner

The Hurt Locker (Kathryn Bigelow) Rated R [131 min] – During the Iraq War, a Sergeant recently assigned to an army bomb squad is put at odds with his squad mates due to his maverick way of handling his work. Starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, and Brian Geraghty

Relive the reason why James Cameron’s Avatar lost the Academy Award for Best Picture. And rightfully so.

(Watch it now)

three kings movie george clooney

Three Kings (David O. Russell) Rated R [114 min] – In the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War, 4 soldiers set out to steal gold that was stolen from Kuwait, but they discover people who desperately need their help. Starring George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, and Ice Cube

I’ve never seen Three Kings, but have liked David O. Russell’s recent works: The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Hustle. So now’s your chance to go back and check out one of his earlier works.

(Watch it now)

Also newly available on Netflix streaming this week:

  • Kill Me Three Times
  • The Book of Love (2013)
  • Windtalkers
  • All Dogs Go to Heaven 2
  • Asylum (2005)
  • Sorority Row (2009)
  • Benny and Joon
  • Blue Crush
  • Can’t Buy Me love
  • Starship Troopers
  • Daylight (1996)
  • Batman and Robin
  • Dear Frankie
  • The Doors (1991)
  • Electric Slide (2014)
  • Enemy at the Gates
  • Good Morning Killer
  • Katy Perry: Part of Me
  • Lassie (2005)
  • The Man from Nowhere
  • Marvin’s Room
  • My Best Friend’s Wedding
  • Outcast (2014)
  • Quills (2000)
  • Reading Rainbow: Volume 1
  • The Royals (Season 1)
  • Russell Brand: End the Drugs War
  • Russell Brand: From Addiction to Recovery
  • Taking Lives
  • The Substitute
  • Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns
  • Undisputed
  • War (2007)
  • The Way (2010)
  • Windwalker
  • Wing Commander

What will you be watching this weekend?

Look forward to more new titles from the Netflix Streaming Report every Thursday on TTRC.

All plot synopses courtesy of IMDb.com

Netflix Streaming Report Turn The Right Corner

The First DEADPOOL Trailer Will Make You Touch Yourself Tonight (132 Screenshots)

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[If you’re a big baby and don’t want to watch the red band trailer above, you can check out the green band trailer that tones down the adult content and naughty words of curse]

As promised, the first official Deadpool trailer debuted this evening. The red band trailer premiered during Conan on TBS with an extra special TV-MA rating due to its mature content – the show is typically rated TV-14. And with all that it beholds, I can’t say it really warrants the rating to an extreme degree. The language is a tad more adult, but a few sword stabs here and there and gun shot wounds to the head with blood splatters and brains are all that separates the red from the green.

The Deadpool trailer sells the movie fairly well for a less mainstream character than The Avengers or the X-Men. Deadpool definitely feels more fresh than other superhero movies as of late though. He isn’t tied down to a team nor is he obligated to any kind of big cinematic universe; although rumblings of an X-Men crossover is clear with the appearance of Colossus. I’m sure he won’t have a big part, but they’ve left that door wide open for many more possibilities from the X-Men universe – Cable anyone?

It’s a risky movie, and I think that this first Deadpool trailer plays it very safe. I expected a little more breaking of the fourth wall like they did in the teaser for this trailer, but they kept the shenanigans of the character to a minimum. Honestly, I think T.J. Miller had some of the best lines within the whole thing.

What I’ve noticed most about the Deadpool trailer is that it gives off this Kick-Ass vibe. It’s a pretty adult superhero film, with swords, meta commentary, and goofy comedy. Kick-Ass didn’t do as well at the box office, but hopefully moviegoers will give Deadpool a shot. Ryan Reynolds is a funny guy and more recognizable than Aaron Taylor-Johnson. He’s Van Wilder for Pete’s sake.

(Click on any thumbnail below to begin the image gallery)

Here’s the official plot synopsis for Deadpool, courtesy of the Official movie website:

Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, Deadpool tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

Directed by Tim Miller, Deadpool stars Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson aka Deadpool, Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, T.J. Miller as Weasel, Gina Carano as Angel Dust, Ed Skrein as Ajax, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Stefan Kapicic as Colossus, and Leslie Uggams as Blind Al. The film is set to be released in theaters on February 12, 2016.

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Source: 20th Century Fox

Now Available to Own: The Affair, Insurgent, Orphan Black, and More

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Brace your bank accounts, it’s time to see what’s Now Available to Own for the week of August 4, 2015. Every Tuesday we run down new movie, television, and video game releases that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, as well as some slick deals that can save you some coin. New on shelves this week are Insurgent, Orphan Black (Season 3), Far from the Madding Crowd, and more.

Innerspace Martin Short

Movies on Blu-ray

The Divergent Series: Insurgent (Robert Schwentke) Rated PG-13 [119 min] – Beatrice Prior must confront her inner demons and continue her fight against a powerful alliance which threatens to tear her society apart with the help from others on her side. Starring Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Jai Courtney, Mekhi Phifer, Miles Teller, Octavia Spencer, Zoë Kravitz, and Ashley Judd

Insurgent only made the series more convoluted. With nearly its entire cast completely unbearable, making idiotic character decisions at every turn, Insurgent makes Beautiful Creatures look like an Oscar contender.

Special features include:

  • Audio Commentary with Producers Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher
  • “Insurgent Unlocked: The Ultimate Behind-the-Scenes Access” (Feature-Length Documentary)
  • Special Featurettes
  • Marketing Gallery

Far from the Madding Crowd (Thomas Vinterberg) Rated PG-13 [119 min] – In Victorian England, the independent and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak, a sheep farmer; Frank Troy, a reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood, a prosperous and mature bachelor. Starring Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen, and Tom Sturridge

I have not seen this movie yet, but I’ve heard it’s an early awards season candidate. I like Carey Mulligan, so I’m down to check it out sometime.

Special features include:

  • Deleted Scenes + Extended Ending
  • Bathsheba Everdene
  • The Suitors
  • Adapting Far From the Madding Crowd
  • The Look of Far From the Madding Crowd
  • Gabriel Oak
  • William Boldwood
  • Sergeant Troy
  • The Locations of Far From the Madding Crowd
  • Thomas Vinterberg
  • Theatrical Trailer

A Little Chaos (Alan Rickman) Rated R [117 min] – Two talented landscape artists become romantically entangled while building a garden in King Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles. Starring Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Stanley Tucci, and Matthias Schoenaerts

Did not see this movie, but it looked pretty boring. Sorry Professor Snape.

  • No special features listed

True Story (Rupert Goold) Rated R [99 min] – When disgraced New York Times reporter Michael Finkel meets accused killer Christian Longo – who has taken on Finkel’s identity – his investigation morphs into a game of cat-and-mouse. Starring James Franco, Jonah Hill, Felicity Jones, and Ethan Suplee

What starts off as one of the more disturbing visual cold openings for a film I have seen in a while, True Story is a fascinating watch. Sadly, with how intriguing the relationship forged between Franco’s Longo and Hill’s Finkel is, the movie fizzles out after the halfway point. I like Felicity Jones, but her part felt completely wasted. Goold tries really hard to create parallels between the two leads, but there is not enough to back up his intentions. And the ending is very anti-climactic.

Special features include:

  • Alternate Ending
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Mike Finkel Featurette
  • Who is Christian Longo?
  • The Truth Behind True Story
  • The Making of True Story
  • Audio Commentary by Director Rupert Goold
  • Gallery

Innerspace (Joe Dante) Rated PG [120 min] – A hapless store clerk must foil criminals to save the life of the man who, miniaturized in a secret experiment, was accidentally injected into him. Starring Dennis Quaid, Martin Short, Meg Ryan

I had never seen or even heard of Innerspace until I learned of its Blu-ray release. And when I sat down to watch this film I had no real idea what to expect. Innerspace is definitely a very original story that’s kinda fun, but way too long. There’s a lot of pop culture references taken from the movie that we see today; there’s even a recent episode of Archer very similar to the premise of this film. It’s a silly watch for sci-fi comedy fans, but I don’t think it would hold up to modern audiences today; there’s just not a lot there to keep someone’s attention.

Special features include:

  • Commentary with Director Joe Dante, Producer Michael Finnell, Costars Kevin Mccarthy and Robert Picardo and Visual Effects Supervisor Dennis Muren
  • Theatrical Trailer

Blast from the Past (Hugh Wilson) Rated PG-13 [112 min] – A romantic comedy about a naive man who comes out into the world after being in a nuclear fallout shelter for 35 years. Starring Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverstone, and Christopher Walken

The title speaks for itself with this latest Blu-ray transfer. I wasn’t a big fan of Blast from the Past when it first released, but thought I would give it another go. It’s barely passable. The characters are too uninteresting to care about their dilemmas. However, it’s a good concept that worked very well in Netflix’s The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Special features include:

  • Theatrical trailer

Barely Lethal (Kyle Newman) Rated PG-13 [96 min] – A teenage special ops agent coveting a “normal” adolescence fakes her own death and enrolls in a suburban high school. She quickly learns that surviving the treacherous waters of high school is more challenging than international espionage. Starring Hailee Steinfeld, Sophie Turner, and Jessica Alba

What would happen if Hit-Girl from Kick-Ass grew up to be a rebellious teenager? Oh wait, they already touched on it in Kick-Ass 2. And as terrible as that movie was, Barely Lethal does slightly better. There’s more focus on Hailee Steinfeld’s young assassin character as she transitions into high school. There’s also an oddball sensibility that provides a few chuckles. Barely Lethal wants to be edgy, but can’t quite reach the high bar it sets for itself. Perhaps if they went for an R rating they would have had a little more freedom to obtain that edge.

Special features include:

  • Deleted Scenes
  • Audio Commentary with Director Kyle Newman and Actors Dove Cameron and Thomas Mann
  • “Back to School: On the Set of Barely Lethal” Featurette

Child 44 (Daniel Espinosa) Rated R [137 min] – A disgraced member of the military police investigates a series of nasty child murders during the Stalin-era Soviet Union. Starring Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace, and Joel Kinnaman

Period pieces are not my bag, and Child 44 did not change my opinion of the genre. All the big stars involved are a wasted talent. The movie drags on far too long with a throughline mystery itching to be solved in a more dynamic and colorful way. The climax is unearned and the thrilling case behind the murders is not captivating at all.

Special features include:

  • Reflections of History” featurette

The Last Survivors (Thomas S. Hammock) Unrated [95 min] – A teenage girl fights to protect the last working well in a drought-stricken valley from a greedy water baron. Starring Haley Lu Richardson, Booboo Stewart, Max Charles, and Nicole Arianna Fox

Not all post-apocalyptic movies have to revolve around zombies or segregated districts. The Last Survivors is a really intimate and well-intentioned dystopia flick that takes chances. Unfortunately there isn’t much depth or story to create an interesting world in its short run time, which makes the film feel overly long. Haley Lu Richardson is a strong lead for this B-movie flick at least, but that doesn’t make up for the lack of everything else that could help support her.

  • No special features listed

A la mala (Pedro Pablo Ibarra) Rated PG-13 [99 min] – When aspiring actress Maria Laura’s best friend begs her to flirt with her boyfriend to test his fidelity, Maria finds a lucrative new career. After being hired by women across the city, Maria is given a gig that should be business as usual until she ends up falling head over heels for her latest mark. Starring Aislinn Derbez, Mauricio Ochmann, and Papile Aurora

This movie is also sitting on my shelf. I’ve liked Pantelion Films’ previous releases (Spare Parts; Instructions Not Included), and A la mala looks like it was made in the same vein; kind of goofy, but with a good heart.

  • No special features included

Adult Beginners (Ross Katz) Rated R [90 min] – A young, narcissistic entrepreneur crashes and burns on the eve of his company’s big launch. With his entire life in total disarray, he leaves Manhattan to move in with his estranged pregnant sister, brother-in-law and 3-year-old nephew in the suburbs – only to become their nanny. Starring Nick Kroll, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, Joel McHale, and Jane Krakowski

I have not seen this movie nor have I had the opportunity presented to me.

Special features include:

  • The Making of Adult Beginners featurette

the affair tv showtime

Television Series

The Affair (Hagai Levi and Sarah Treem) [DVD Only] Rated TV-MA [60 min] – The psychological effects of an affair between a married waitress at a Hamptons diner and a teacher who spends his summer at his in-laws’ estate on the island. Starring Dominic West, Ruth Wilson, Maura Tierney, and Joshua Jackson

I wasn’t going to check this series out until I remembered that The Affair earned an OK amount of awards season buzz last year. Although I’ve only gotten through the first couple episodes, The Affair has tickled my interest and I’m curious to see how the plot pans out through the rest of the season. I really like the his/her storytelling device they use to tell the perspectives of Dominic West and Ruth Wilson’s characters. It’s a unique way to unveil character details as well as build a mystery.

Special features include:

  • Character Profiles: Montauk, Noah, Helen, Alison, and Cole
  • Tale of Two Costumes
  • Happyish: Episode 1 and 2
  • Ray Donovan – Season One: Episode 1
  • Madam Secretary – Season One: Episode

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.: The Complete First Season (Sam Rolfe) [DVD Only] Unrated [50 min] – The two top agents of the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement fight the enemies of peace, particularly the forces of THRUSH.Stars: Robert Vaughn, David McCallum, Leo G. Carroll

I wanted to check out The Man from U.N.C.L.E. original series before the movie adaptation hit theaters this month. I watched the first few episodes and enjoyed it for the most part. The time when this series was made had its limitations, but overall the show doesn’t take itself as seriously as Bond. The episodes could be a little tighter, but I like Napoleon Solo as a semi-charming agent for U.N.C.L.E.. He’s not someone I would want to continually watch because he doesn’t seem to be the most skilled agent, but he comes from a good place. The Russian comes off as a robotic side-kick who slowly learns humanity; a little cliché for these times, but fresh for its original run.

  • No special features included

Orphan Black: The Complete Third Season (John Fawcett and Graeme Manson)  Sarah is in a desperate race to find her missing daughter, but her scorched earth tactics spark a war with Rachel, dividing and imperiling all the clones. As Sarah discovers more about her past, mysterious newcomers appear, but can they be trusted? Starring Tatiana Maslany, Dylan Bruce, and Jordan Gavaris

This is still on my shame list that is begging me to take it off. I’ll watch this series some day…

Special features include:

  • Creating the Castor Clones
  • The Rendition Camp: Behind the Walls
  • Dissecting the Scenes
  • The Look of Orphan Black
  • Team Hendrix: Rockin’ the Suburbs
  • A blooper reel featuring hilarious outtakes from the season

Blu-Ray Deals and Steals

  • Chappie – $11.99
  • Nightcrawler – $8.99
  • The Boxtrolls – $8.99
  • The Guest – $8.99
  • Paddingonton – $14.99
  • Fifty Shades of Grey – $14.99
  • End of Watch – $4.99
  • Lucy – $8.99
  • How to Train Your Dragon – $10
  • Ghostbusters 1 & 2 – $9.99
  • The Spectacular Now – $5
  • The LEGO Movie – $13
  • Under the Skin – $9.99
  • Cloverfield – $4.99
  • Fury – $13
  • Sin City – $5
  • Gone Girl – $13
  • Mud – $5

All prices from Amazon.com. Best Buy, Frys, and Target all price match online prices.

What will you be taking home this week? Tell us in the comments section below!

All plot synopses come courtesy of IMDb.com

new movie tv video game releases on dvd and-blu-ray

DEADPOOL Teaser for the Teaser Trailer is Breaking Down Walls

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In the movie Just Friends, a romantic comedy starring Ryan Reynold and Amy Smart, there’s a song performed by Anna Faris claiming, “Forgiveness is more than saying sorry.” With the release of the Deadpool teaser trailer for the first trailer, 20th Century Fox is doing just that. This whole project feels more like an apology than anything else. We’ll see when the full-length trailer hits tomorrow.

This is a great approach to teasers for trailers though. More often than not, marketing teams will present 15 seconds of clips with the trailer voice over guy saying “tomorrow.” By embracing the kooky nature red-and-black suited vigilante and breaking the fourth wall, the 20th Century Fox has single-handedly produced an actual teaser that doesn’t suck. Lionsgate did a pretty good job with their teasers for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1. Other marketing teams should follow suit.

Bringing in the self-awareness of Deadpool, all the while making fun of the last iteration of the character created by the same studio, it conveys a very fun and ballsy attempt to show fanboys and girls that they’re really going for it. I like the character, and this definitely gives me hope that the movie could present a lot of joyous moments that will represent the character well. On the other hand, I can see how this weirdness could scare off potential moviegoers. It’s a bonkers character, and once released, Deadpool will most likely be compared to Kick-Ass due to its violent nature and meta elements. I’m excited. Good ruck everybody else.

(Click on any thumbnail below to begin the image gallery)

UPDATE: 20th Century Fox has uploaded an additional, shorter teaser to incentivize folks to go see Fantastic Four in theaters this weekend. A bold move considering the lack of hype and enthusiasm surrounding the superhero reboot. The new teaser promises that you’ll see the full Deadpool trailer on the big screen if you go. Chimichanga!

Here’s the official plot synopsis for Deadpool, courtesy of the Official movie website:

Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, Deadpool tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

Directed by Tim Miller, Deadpool stars Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson aka Deadpool, Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, T.J. Miller as Weasel, Gina Carano as Angel Dust, Ed Skrein as Ajax, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Stefan Kapicic as Colossus, and Leslie Uggams as Blind Al. The film is set to be released in theaters on February 12, 2016.

Coming Soon to Blu-Ray and DVD: The Collected Works of Hayao Miyazaki and More

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While we provide you with a list of available new releases Now Available to Own every Tuesday, Coming Soon to Blu-ray and DVD looks at all of the recent home video announcements. For the week of August 1, 2015 we have The Collected Works of Hayao Miyazaki, Results, Little House on the Prairier, and more. Find out when they’ll be out and what special features movie fans can expect below.

Studio Ghibli The Collected Works of Hayao Miyazaki Blu-Ray Set

Available on Blu-ray November 17

Disney presents for the first time The Collected Works Of Hayao Miyazaki, including all 11 of Miyazaki’s feature-length masterpieces in one spectacular 12-disc collection available on Blu-ray Exclusively via Amazon.com. Experience the majestic works of one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animated cinema. Hayao Miyazaki weaves his unique style of artistry and epic adventure into astonishing tales of triumph, bursting with imagination and wonder.

Content and special features include:

  • Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)
  • Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
  • Castle in the Sky (1986)
  • My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
  • Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
  • Porco Rosso (1992)
  • Princess Mononoke (1997)
  • Spirited Away (2001)
  • Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
  • Ponyo (2008/2009)
  • The Wind Rises (2013)
  • Yuki no Taiyo ( Yuki’s Sun) – A 1972 TV pilot based on an original manga by Tetsuya Chiba, directed by Hayao Miyazaki who was also in charge of storyboards and key animation.
  • Akado Suzunosuke ( Little Samurai) – Three episodes (Episode 26, 27 & 41) of the hit 1972 anime series with storyboarding and more by Hayao Miyazaki.
  • Director Hayao Miyazaki Retirement Press Conference, Uncut Version

Results Movie 2015 Title Logo

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September 22

Results (Andrew Bujalski) Rated R [105 min] – Two mismatched personal trainers’ lives are upended by the actions of a new, wealthy client. Starring Guy Pearce, Cobie Smulders, Kevin Corrigan, and Giovanni Ribisi

No special features listed at this time

Little House on the Prairie Complete Series House DVD Box Cover Art

Available on DVD October 6

Little House on the Prairie: The Complete Series (Blanche Hanalis) Rated TV-PG [60 min] – The life and adventures of the Ingalls family in the 19th century American West. Starring Melissa Gilbert, Michael Landon, Lindsay Greenbush, Sidney Greebush, Karen Grassle, and Melissa Sue Anderson

Special features include:

  • Pilot Movie
  • Original Screen Test featuring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert
  • Six-Part “The ‘Little House’ Phenomenon” Documentary
  • “The ‘Little House’ Phenomenon: Part One – A Place in Television History”
  • “The ‘Little House’ Phenomenon: Part Two – In the Beginning…”
    • “The ‘Little House’ Phenomenon: Part Three – Casting Walnut Grove”
    • “The ‘Little House’ Phenomenon: Part Four – A Day in the Life of ‘Little House'”
    • “The ‘Little House’ Phenomenon: Part Five – Stories to Remember”
    • “The ‘Little House’ Phenomenon: Part Six – A Lasting Legacy”
  • “Look Back to Yesterday” Movie Special
  • “Bless All the Dear Children” Movie Special
  • “The Last Farewell” Movie Special

American Heist Blu-ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September 8

American Heist (Sarik Andreasyan) Rated R [94 min] – James owes his life to his older brother, Frankie after taking the rap for a crime they committed together. While Frankie served time, James worked to turn his life around, got a steady job and began courting his former girlfriend Emily. Now, Frankie is released and back on the streets with no money and no place to go. Starring Hayden Christensen, Adrien Brody, and Jordana Brewster

Special features include:

  • “Creating a Complex Caper: Pulling off American Heist” featurette

What We Did on Our Holiday DVD Box Cover Art

Available on DVD and Digital HD October 6

What We Did on Our Holiday (Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin) Rated PG-13 [95 min] – Doug and Abi take their kids on a family vacation. Surrounded by relatives, the kids innocently reveal the ins and outs of their family life and many intimate details about their parents. It’s soon clear that when it comes to keeping a big secret under wraps from the rest of the family, their children are their biggest liability. Starring Rosamund Pike, David Tennant, and Billy Connolly

Special features include:

  • Audio Commentary with Directors Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin
  • “Creating Dysfunction: Making What We Did on Our Holiday” featurette
  • Deleted Scenes

Ducky Dynasty Season 8 DVD Box Cover Art

Available on DVD and Digital HD October 6

The Target (Chang) Rated R [98 min] – An ER doctor teams up with an assassination target to rescue his wife, held hostage by corrupt criminals and, in the process, uncovers a conspiracy. Starring Seung-ryong Ryu, Joon-sang Yoo, and Jin-wook Lee

No special features listed at this time

Ducky Dynasty Season 8 DVD Box Cover Art

Available on DVD October 6

Ducky Dynasty: The Complete Eighth Season (Deirdre Gurney) Rated TV-PG [60 min] – Follows a wealthy Louisiana family known for their successful duck-hunting business. Starring Willie Robertson, Jase Robertson, and Si Robertson

Special features include:

  • Never-Before-Seen-on-TV Bonus Features

Blood and Glory The Civil War in Color Blu-ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD October 6

Blood and Glory: The Civil War in Color (History Channel Miniseries) Unrated [84 min] – Blood and Glory commemorates one of the most defining moments in American history, one which tore the nation apart, pitting North against South and brother vs. brother. Over the course of four years, more than 750,000 military and civilian lives were sacrificed to make the United States a more perfect union. Using state-of-the-art technology to colorize 500 rare black-and-white photographs, and unprecedented access to government and private archives, Blood and Glory: The Civil War in Color brings the emotional stories of these brave men vibrantly to life. Narrated by Robert Clotworthy

Special features include:

  • “Davis is Chosen to Lead” featurette
  • “A Call to Arms” featurette
  • “Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation” featurette
  • “The H.L. Hunley Death Trap” featurette
  • “Sherman’s March to Savannah” featurette
  • “Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address” featurette
  • “Lee’s Reluctant Surrender” featurette
  • “African Americans After the War” featurette

And that’s it for this week. What are you looking forward to picking up when they release?

Stay tuned for more Blu-Ray and DVD announcements every Saturday.

All plot synopses courtesy of IMDb.com

Coming Soon to Blu-ray and DVD

Click here for more home video announcements

 

Box Office Battlefield: Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation vs. Vacation

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Every week, movie studios select candidates to enter the glorious battlefield for your hard-earned dollars. The weekend warriors of July 31, 2015 includes Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Vacation, and the limited release of The End of the Tour. Box Office Battlefield is here to help you decide which movie(s) will take priority over the others and determine who will be victorious. Should you see ’em, skip ’em, or rent ’em? Find out below!

Last weekend, thankfully, Ant-Man came out on top for the second weekend in a row, smushing the hopes and dreams of another Adam Sandler bomb to reign supreme. It’s as if the lord has answered the prayers of critics and audiences have finally seen the light. But how will Marvel stack up against the larger than life Tom Cruise? Or will a remake sequel conquer all? Toast. This is the Box Office Battlefield:

Vacation 2015 Movie Title Logo

Vacation (John Francis Daley and Jonathan M. Goldstein) Rated R [99 min] – Rusty Griswold takes his own family on a road trip to “Walley World” in order to spice things up with his wife and reconnect with his sons. Starring Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Skyler Gisondo, and Steele Stebbins

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 23% • Audience – 60%

My review:

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues wound up being terrible and vastly unimpressive compared to the first – a nine year gap. Dumb and Dumber To was leagues behind its predecessor and very mean spirited – a 20 year gap. Could a sequel to Vacation be any good after 32 years? NOPE. The thing about the new Vacation is that it’s lacking any kind of spirit or functionality. There’s more sense of purpose and direction in the original that this version aborts. Every joke and heartfelt moment feels absolutely forced like Chris Farley in a little coat. The only thing that Vacation has going for it are the cameos. If Chris Hemsworth can outshine the entire lead cast then you have issues. I laughed a handful of times, but Vacation is not a competent film not worth its name. WAIT FOR IT ON NETFLIX!

Mission Impossible Rogue Nation Movie Title Logo

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (Christopher McQuarrie) Rated PG-13 [131 min] – Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate – an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF. Starring Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner, and Simon Pegg

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 93% • Audience – 92%

My review:

Full disclosure: I’ve only seen the first Mission: Impossible film and didn’t have time to watch II through Ghost Protocol before I went in to see Rogue Nation. And to be honest, I don’t think it even mattered. I liked Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. There’s a lot of fun to be had despite not fully understanding the relationships between some of the characters. I’m familiar with Ving Rhames and Tom Cruise’s partnership from the first film, and they’ve gone on to do the sequels together, but being thrown into the fifth movie and not knowing who Simon Pegg or Jeremy Renner’s characters are, it was easy to catch up. Other than that, the action is done really well and the story direction is sharp. There are some twists, but McQuarrie never leads you astray. There’s a playfulness and energy in Rogue Nation that makes a big difference between the Mission: Impossible franchise and a James Bond film. Rogue Nation’s quirky personality has definitely piqued my interest to see the other movies and makes for a solid standalone entry if you’re not caught up and want to check it out. SEE IT!

The End of the Tour Movie Title Logo

The End of the Tour (James Ponsoldt) [Limited] Rated R [106 min] – The story of the five-day interview between Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky and acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace, which took place right after the 1996 publication of Wallace’s groundbreaking epic novel, ‘Infinite Jest.’ Starring Jason Segel, Jesse Eisenberg, Anna Chlumsky, and Mamie Gummer

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 89% • Audience – 89%

My review:

I’m not going to pretend I’m a literature geek, because I’m not. Far from it. I’ve never heard of David Foster Wallace until I saw The End of the Tour. Without knowing his works or who he was as a person, there’s a lost perspective that fans of his may gain from seeing this incredible film. Although I was unfamiliar with Foster Wallace going in, The End of the Tour plays out as a rich character study that is both fascinating and mesmerizing. Jason Segel’s performance is on point, creating a flawless and beautiful dynamic against Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of David Lipsky. The two bounce dialogue off each other like clockwork, as if they’ve been old friends conversing naturally for decades. Which is why The End of the Tour is so special. The whole film would have fallen apart if not for these two great actors making words from a page sound brilliantly organic while you watch them perform on screen. SEE IT!

Ant-Man has had it’s fun. It was a good run Marvel had introducing a not so popular character into the mainstream. But now a larger franchise has entered the arena. All the previous entries of the Mission: Impossible series have received a fresh rating aside from the second film. Their box office grosses have all been stellar. And although Tom Cruise’s draw hasn’t been phenomenal lately with Edge of Tomorrow or Oblivion, coming in with a known franchise has its advantages. On the other side of the coin is Vacation, a sequel that’s pretending to be a reboot of a popular and beloved National Lampoon’s movie. No one asked for this to be made, and no one is going to see it. The comedy is so putrid that it’s going to propel audiences away. Far, far away. So as it stands, I believe the victor for this weekend will be:

Winner: Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation

Movie synopses courtesy of IMDb.com and Tomatometer Scores from Rotten Tomatoes

Netflix Streaming Report: The Guest, Hercules, Comet, and More

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Welcome to your Netflix Streaming Report for July 30, 2015. After the long week you deserve a relaxing staycation with a bowl of popcorn, a bucket of ice cream, and only your Netflix queue to judge you. This past week, Netflix Watch Instant has been kind enough to supply us with The Guest, Hercules, Comet, and more. Also see what’s leaving Netflix Streaming this August.

The Guest Dan Stevens

The Guest (Adam Wingard) Rated R [99 min] – A soldier introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence. Starring Dan Stevens, Sheila Kelley, and Maika Monroe

If you love Adam Wingard’s You’re Next or maybe you saw It Follows earlier this year, The Guest is another awesome example of a new wave of modern horror movies utilizing ’80s synth and bringing an immense amount of fun. It’s not as horrifying as the first two, but Wingard’s The Guest is still very sharp and provides a lot of thrilling surprises. If you enjoy classic action movies, invite The Guest into your Netflix queue.

(Watch it now)

The Rock Hercules Dwayne Johnson

Hercules (Brett Ratner) Rated PG-13 [98 min] – Having endured his legendary twelve labors, Hercules, the Greek demigod, has his life as a sword-for-hire tested when the King of Thrace and his daughter seek his aid in defeating a tyrannical warlord. Starring Dwayne Johnson, John Hurt, Ian McShane, and Joseph Fiennes

This looked embarrassing for everyone involved. The GIF above kind of says it all. Good luck if you care to brave this ridiculousness.

(Watch it now)

Comet Movie Jason Long Emmy Rossum

Comet (Sam Esmail) Rated R [91 min] – Set in a parallel universe, Comet bounces back and forth over the course of an unlikely but perfectly paired couple’s six-year relationship. Starring Justin Long, Emmy Rossum, and Kayla Servi

I haven’t seen Comet, but the premise and the trailer appealed to me.

(Watch it now)

agents of smash she-hulk

Marvel’s Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. – The Complete Second Season (Wendy Willming) Rated TV-Y7-FV [23 min] – The Incredible Hulk teams up with Red Hulk, She-Hulk, Skaar, and Rick Jones aka A-Bomb to battle the forces of evil in front of cameras for Rick’s web-based series to show the Hulk is more hero than monster.Creator: Starring Fred Tatasciore, Clancy Brown, and Seth Green

Marvel’s second iteration of The Avengers is not bad, so I would think that this Hulk team up show would be decent background noise. I haven’t seen it yet, but it’s harmless Marvel comics fun until Captain America: Civil War hits theaters next year.

(Watch it now)

Also newly available on Netflix streaming this week:

  • My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic – The Complete Fifth Season
  • Staten Island Summer
  • Out of the Dark (1995)
  • The Road to Fallujah
  • Shaolin Martial Arts
  • Dial a Prayer
  • 52 Tuesdays
  • The Wrecking Crew
  • Still
  • Of Girls and Horses

And here we have all the titles leaving Netflix streaming in August:

Leaving August 1

  • Bad Girl Island (2007)
  • Barbershop (2002)
  • Beauty Shop (2005)
  • Bulletproof (1996)
  • Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
  • Digimon Adventure: Seasons 1-3
  • Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
  • Face/Off (1997)
  • Fools Rush In (1997)
  • Gangsters: Faces of the Underworld: Season 1
  • Hawking (2013)
  • Hot Pursuit (1987)
  • Houseboat (1958)
  • Inside Fendi (2014)
  • Joe Dirt (2001)
  • Kiss the Girls (1997)
  • Pumping Iron (1977)
  • The Pitch: Season 1
  • Shooter (2007)
  • The Fifth Element (1997)
  • The Longest Day (1962)
  • Titanic (1997)
  • Unbreakable (2000)
  • Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1961)
  • We’re No Angels (1989)

Leaving August 6

  • The Raven (2012)

Leaving August 8

  • Albert Nobbs (2011)
  • Explorers: Adventures of the Century: Seasons 1-2

Leaving August 15

  • Family Ties: Seasons 1-7
  • Immortalized: Season 1
  • The Forsyte Saga: Series 1-2

Leaving August 23

  • Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

Leaving August 24

  • My Fair Wedding: Season 5

Leaving August 25

  • Petunia (2012)

Leaving August 27

  • LEGO Atlantis (2010)
  • LEGO: Hero Factory: Breakout (2012)
  • LEGO Ninjago: Masters of the Spinjitzu: King of Shadows (2011)
  • LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu: Way of the Ninja (2011)
  • The Moth Diaries (2011)

Leaving August 31

  • Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends: Seasons 1-3

What will you be watching this weekend?

Look forward to more new titles from the Netflix Streaming Report every Thursday on TTRC.

All plot synopses courtesy of IMDb.com

Netflix Streaming Report Turn The Right Corner

Now Available to Own: Home, The Water Diviner, and White God

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Brace your bank accounts, it’s time to see what’s Now Available to Own for the week of July 28, 2015. Every Tuesday we run down new movie, television, and video game releases that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, as well as some slick deals that can save you some coin. New on shelves this week are Home, The Water Diviner, and White God.

Movies on Blu-ray

White God (Kornél Mundruczó) Rated R [121 min] – Thirteen-year-old Lili fights to protect her dog Hagen. She is devastated when her father eventually sets Hagen free on the streets. Still innocently believing love can conquer any difficulty, Lili sets out to find her dog and save him. Starring Zsófia Psotta, Sándor Zsótér, Lili Horváth, and Szabolcs Thuróczy

From what little the trailer exposes about the story of White God, the visuals more than paint a glorious picture to set expectations high for this foreign feature. The film did not entirely disappoint me, but what unfurled before my eyes was not exactly how I pictured events would take place. I wanted and expected something more fantastical, but what White God is grounded in more realism than I had originally thought. In the overall grand scheme of things, this movie feels more like a short film that’s stretched too thin. It’s overly long, but it is quite masterful to watch all the animals perform. What the filmmakers accomplished for this project is incredible and definitely a really cool concept, but the narrative is hardly interesting.

Special features include:

  • ​Behind The Scenes Of White God
  • ​Interview With Writer/Director Kornél Mundruczó
  • ​Interview With Animal Coordinator/Technical Advisor Teresa Ann Miller​

The Water Diviner (Russell Crowe) Rated R [111 min] – An Australian man travels to Turkey after the Battle of Gallipoli to try and locate his three missing sons. Starring Russell Crowe, Olga Kurylenko, Jai Courtney, and Isabel Lucas

From the title alone, The Water Diviner is just as boring as you’d believe it to be. There is nothing inherently captivating or moving about Russell Crowe’s plight nor is the storytelling strong enough to keep my attention. All of the performances come across dialed-in and nothing seems entirely cohesive. Most importantly, I didn’t feel like I took away anything from watching the film. And if it was trying to say something it definitely spoke too softly for me to care.

Special features include:

  • The Making of The Water Diviner
  • The Battle of Gallipoli

Home (Tim Johnson) Rated PG [94 min] – Oh, an alien on the run from his own people, lands on Earth and makes friends with the adventurous Tip, who is on a quest of her own. Starring Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin, and Jennifer Lopez

I didn’t see Home, but based on the short film with the same character that released in front of Mr. Peabody & Sherman, it was never in my radar to begin with. My dislike for Jim Parsons aside, Home looked meticulously bad. It’s as if it wanted to sabotage from the very beginning. There were more than enough awful jokes in the trailer, I can’t even imagine suffering through an entire movie’s worth. If I had kids, I would only subject them to the movie if they were misbehaving. I would be scratching up the walls if someone made me endure this overly childish looking animated film.

Special features include:

  • Best Party Ever!
  • Party Play All
  • Oh’s Shake Your Boov Thing
  • “Feel the Light” by Jennifer Lopez
  • Oh’s Boovy Jukebox
  • Oh’s Party Planning Tips
  • This is Being Boov
  • Almost Home
  • Testing Lab
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Be an Artist!
  • Stars of Home

Blu-Ray Deals and Steals

All prices from Amazon.com. Best Buy, Frys, and Target all price match online prices.

What will you be taking home this week? Tell us in the comments section below!

All plot synopses come courtesy of IMDb.com

new movie tv video game releases on dvd and-blu-ray

Coming Soon to Blu-Ray and DVD: Avengers: Age of Ultron, Mad Max: Fury Road, and More

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While we provide you with a list of available new releases Now Available to Own every Tuesday, Coming Soon to Blu-ray and DVD looks at all of the recent home video announcements. For the week of July 25, 2015 we have Avengers: Age of Ultron, Mad Max: Fury Road, Pitch Perfect 2, and more. Find out when they’ll be out and what special features movie fans can expect below.

Avengers Age of Ultron Blu-ray Box Art

Available on 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD October 2

Avengers: Age of Ultron (Joss Whedon) Rated PG-13 [141 min] – When Tony Stark and Bruce Banner try to jump-start a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and it’s up to the Avengers to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemswort, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, and James Spader (Watch the trailer)

Special features include:

  • Audio Commentary
  • Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
  • Making-of Featurettes
  • Gag Reel

Mad Max Fury Road Blu-ray Box Art

Available on 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September

Mad Max: Fury Road (George Miller) Rated R [120 min] – In a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, two rebels just might be able to restore order: Max, a man of action and of few words, and Furiosa, a woman of action who is looking to make it back to her childhood homeland. Starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Nicholas Hoult, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Abbey Lee, and Zoë Kravitz [Watch the trailer]

Special features include:

  • Maximum Fury: Filming Fury Road
  • Mad Max: Fury on Four Wheels
  • The Road Warriors: Max and Furiosa
  • The Tools of the Wasteland
  • The Five Wives: So Shiny, So Chrome
  • Fury Road: Crash & Smash
  • Deleted Scenes

Pitch Perfect 2 Blu-ray Box Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September 22

Pitch Perfect 2 (Elizabeth Banks) Rated PG-13 [115 min] – After a humiliating command performance at Lincoln Center, the Barden Bellas enter an international competition that no American group has ever won in order to regain their status and right to perform. Starring Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Adam Devine, Hana Mae Lee, and Ester Dean [Watch the trailer]

Special features include:

  • Never Before Seen Treblemakers Performance (Blu-ray exclusive)
  • The Making of the Riff- Off(Blu-ray exclusive)
  • Das Sound Machine Finale Breakdown(Blu-ray exclusive)
  • Snoop in the House(Blu-ray exclusive)
  • Green Bay Rap(Blu-ray exclusive)
  • Line-Aca-Rama(Blu-ray exclusive)
  • The World Championships of A Cappella(Blu-ray exclusive)
  • An Aca-Love Story: Bumper and Fat Amy(Blu-ray exclusive)
  • Elizabeth Banks’ Directorial Debut(Blu-ray exclusive)
  • Legacy: Hailee Steinfeld(Blu-ray exclusive)
  • Aca-Camp(Blu-ray exclusive)
  • Residual Heat Internship(Blu-ray exclusive)
  • Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes
  • Gag Reel
  • Extended Musical Performances
  • The Bellas Are Back

Entourage Movie Blu-ray Box Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September 29

Entourage (Doug Ellin) Rated R [104 min] – Movie star Vincent Chase, together with his boys Eric, Turtle, and Johnny, are back – and back in business with super agent-turned-studio head Ari Gold on a risky project that will serve as Vince’s directorial debut. Starring Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Dillon, and Jeremy Piven

Special features include:

  • The Gang – Still Rockin’ It
  • Hollywood, Baby!
  • The Making of Hyde
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Gag Reel
  • Meet the Newest Member of Entourage
  • Lucas Ellin is Jonah Gold

Bates Motel Season 3 Blu-ray Box Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD September 29

Bates Motel: The Complete Third Season (Anthony Cipriano) Rated TV-14 [43 min] – A modern re-imagining and prequel to the movie Psycho. This story begins with the earlier years of a teenage Norman Bates and his mother Norma who live in an old house overlooking the adjoining motel which they are renovating. The house and hotel both come with secrets of their own as does the new town which the Bates’ now call home. Starring Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, and Max Thieriot

Special features include:

  • Deleted Scenes
  • A Broken Psyche: Creating Norma-n

Sleepy Hollow Season 3 Blu-ray Box Art

Available on Blu-ray and DVD September 15

Sleepy Hollow: The Complete Second Season (Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci) Rated TV-14 [45 min] Ichabod Crane is resurrected and pulled two and a half centuries through time to unravel a mystery that dates all the way back to the founding fathers. Starring Tom Mison, Nicole Beharie, and Orlando Jones

Special features include:

  • A Salute to Sleepyheads
  • Commentary on “Mama” by Nicole Beharie and Mark Goffman
  • Commentary on “The Akeda” by Tom Mison and Mark Goffman
  • Commentary on “Tempus Fugit” by Tom Mison and Mark Goffman
  • Mysteries & Mythology: The Secrets of Season Two
  • Monsters & Mayhem: The Creatures of Season Two
  • Hollow History
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Gag reel

American Horror Story Freak Show Blu-ray Box Art

Available on Blu-ray and DVD October 6

American Horror: Story: Freak Show (Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk) Rated TV-MA [43 min] – An anthology series that centers on different characters and locations, including a haunted house, an insane asylum, a witch coven and a freak show. Starring Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Michael Chiklis, Frances Conroy, Denis O’Hare, Emma Roberts, Finn Wittrock, Angela Bassett, and Kathy Bates

Special Features:

  • “American Horror Story: Freak Show” Extra-Ordinary Artists
  • Two Heads Are Better Than One
  • The Camp
  • Freaklore: The Spectre of Edward Mordrake
  • The Premiere

Homeland Season 4 Blu-ray Box Art

Available on Blu-ray and DVD September 8

Homeland: The Complete Fourth Season (Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa) Rated TV-MA [55 min] – When Marine Nicolas Brody is hailed as a hero after he returns home from eight years of captivity in Iraq, intelligence officer Carrie Mathison is the only one who suspects that he may have been “turned”. Starring Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin, and Damian Lewis

Special features include:

  • Deleted Scenes
  • Character Profiles
    • Peter Quinn: The Assassin
    • Aasar Khan: Lieutenant- Colonel
    • Fara Sherazi: The Analyst
  • From Script to Screen
  • Caught in the Crosshairs
  • Brody’s Return
  • Storming the Embassy

And that’s it for this week. What are you looking forward to picking up when they release?

Stay tuned for more Blu-Ray and DVD announcements every Saturday.

All plot synopses courtesy of IMDb.com

Coming Soon to Blu-ray and DVD

Click here for more home video announcements

Box Office Battlefield: Pixels, Southpaw, Paper Towns, and The Vatican Tapes

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Every week, movie studios select candidates to enter the glorious battlefield for your hard-earned dollars. The weekend warriors of July 24, 2015 includes Pixels, Southpaw, Paper Towns, and The Vatican Tapes. Box Office Battlefield is here to help you decide which movie(s) will take priority over the others and determine who will be victorious. Should you see ’em, skip ’em, or rent ’em? Find out below!

Last weekend, Marvel’s Ant-Man walked away big with the studio’s second smallest weekend gross in its plethora of superhero flicks. Second only to The Incredible Hulk. Although a respectable haul, it was nowhere near Iron Man or Avengers numbers. This weekend, four contenders are vying for the top spot. Can the incredibly shrinking superhero stop the likes of Adam Sandler, tweens, boxing fans, and horror enthusiasts? Game Over. This is the Box Office Battlefield:

Pixels 2015 Movie Title Logo

Pixels (Chris Columbus) Rated PG-13 [105 min] – When aliens misinterpret video feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war, they attack the Earth in the form of the video games. Starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage, and Brian Cox

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 19% • Audience – 58%

My review:

As far as Adam Sandler movies are concerned, Happy Madison Productions has churned out far worse. But this particular style of comedy is becoming old hat very fast. In fact, this type of childish poop humor needs to be eradicated. It’s as if Sandler and his crew have never evolved past Billy Madison. Don’t get me wrong, I grew up on and enjoy Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore, but Sandler’s brand has not progressed. There’s very little to resonate with and he’s become irrelevant. Granted, director Chris Columbus (Home Alone; Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone) does a fair job at creating fun action in the style of ’80s arcade games, but the characters, the jokes, and the story are very elementary. WAIT FOR IT ON NETFLIX!

Southpaw 2015 Movie Title Logo

Southpaw (Antoine Fuqua) Rated R [123 min] – Boxer Billy Hope turns to trainer Tick Willis to help him get his life back on track after losing his wife in a tragic accident and his daughter to child protection services. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Oona Laurence, Forest Whitaker, Naomi Harris, and 50 Cent

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 57% • Audience – 80%

My review:

If you’ve seen any boxing movie before, you’ve seen Southpaw. Sure Jake Gyllenhaal puts in quite the physical performance, but every beat of this movie is as generic as it gets. The ending left me with the only surprise because you never do know whether or not they’ll come out on top or if they lose and learn something out of their defeat. So, I was enthusiastic to see where director Antoine Fuqua would take the character. It turned out to be lackluster, with mediocre action as well as performances. Even Forest Whitaker dialed in a stereotypical broken-down coach performance. RENT IT!

Paper Towns 2015 Movie Title Logo

Paper Towns (Jake Schreier) Rated PG-13 [109 min] – A young man and his friends embark upon the road trip of their lives to find the missing girl next door. Starring Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne, Austin Abrams, Justice Smith

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 60% • Audience – 71%

Their reviews:

“In its considered, neatly packaged way, the film occupies a safe and solid middle-class middle ground in teen storyland, between crass gross-out comedies and mawkish romance on one side and edgy, exploratory indie fare on the other.” – Todd McCarthy (The Hollywood Reporter)

“Paper Towns is a movie that I really liked, but I probably would have loved if I’d seen it when I was 13.” – Christy Lemire (ChristyLemire.com)

My take:

Have high schoolers become this pretentious? I was a teen once, and I’m sure I would have loved this film at that age, but from my perspective now, Paper Towns is trying to be too intellectual for its own good. And its obvious pandering toward angsty teenagers or hopeless romantics is numbing. Based on the trailer, it tells me everything I need to know about what the main character will learn from his manic pixie dream girl. Paper Towns comes across too vanilla for me to care whether or not it matters. RENT IT!

The Vatican Tapes 2015 Movie Title Logo

The Vatican Tapes (Mark Neveldine) Rated PG-13 [91 min] – A priest and two Vatican exorcists must do battle with an ancient satanic force to save the soul of a young woman. Starring Olivia Taylor Dudley, Michael Peña, Dougray Scott, and Djimon Hounsou

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 18% • Audience – 54%

Their reviews:

“The film from director Mark Neveldine is so over the top that one can’t help but imagine how the Wayans brothers might lampoon it, then embarrassingly recall them doing exactly so in ‘A Haunted House.'” – Martin Tsai (LA Times)

“It’s the rote B-movie that Neveldine up to now has tried so hard not to make.” – Noel Murray (AV Club)

My take:

Was The Vatican Tapes even marketed to the general public? I never saw a trailer in theaters nor have I read any headlines about the film. I, for one, have had enough exorcism movies for the next ten years. They haven’t said or done anything different than the last, and in no way do they provide any kind of entertainment value. The fact that they bring in the Vatican as some kind of religious conspiracy does absolutely nothing for me too. Based on the reviews, I would say this was meant for a direct to home video release. Or maybe someone could have spent their money else where. SKIP IT!

Unexpected 2015 Movie Title Logo

Unexpected (Kris Swanberg) [Limited] Rated R [90 min] – An inner-city high school teacher discovers she is pregnant at the same time as one of her most promising students and the two develop an unlikely friendship while struggling to navigate their unexpected pregnancies. Starring Cobie Smulders, Anders Holm, Gail Bean, and Elizabeth McGovern

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 71% • Audience – 70%

Their reviews:

” It’s a little diagrammatic in its plotting. But there’s an easy fluency in the way Swanberg empathizes with everybody on screen.” – Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune)

“Unexpected is sweet and the portrait of the friendship is lovely, but it also feels too slight.” – Katie Walsh (The Playlist)

My take:

Looking past the believability that Anders Holm from Workaholics could impregnate a woman, Unexpected looks like your run of the mill, uplifting story where a student and a teacher must learn from each other. Only this time they’re both pregnant and must deal with the life choices they inevitably choose. Unexpected doesn’t feel as derivative as it could be, which gives it some heart to work with. I’m not terribly enthusiastic about its premise, but there’s definitely an audience out there for this kind of film. RENT IT!

I hope, and believe, that audiences have wised up to Adam Sandler’s shenanigans, and in doing so stop it from becoming the number one movie of the weekend. Ant-Man is a pretty fun movie, and had good word of mouth and positive reviews, so it should have some decent legs coming into its second weekend. The other releases are fairly steeped in niche markets and only attract its target demos. And The Vatican Tapes released in no more than 427 theaters. So as it stands, I believe the victor for this weekend will be:

Winner: Ant-Man

Movie synopses courtesy of IMDb.com and Tomatometer Scores from Rotten Tomatoes