Couples Retreat - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS*** - Vince Vaughn leads an all-star cast in the laugh-out-loud comedy about eight friends whose vacation in paradise is one they’ll never forget. Their group-rate vacation comes at a price when they discover that participation in the resort's unconventional couples therapy activities is anything but optional. Co-starring Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Faizon Love, Kristin Davis, Kristen Bell and Malin Akerman, Couples Retreat is a hilarious party in paradise, loaded with laughter and fun!


***VIDEO QUALITY*** - 'Couples Retreat' is presented in full 1080p using the AVC MPEG-4 codec in the 1:85:1 aspect ratio. As one of the character's of the film states the island looks like a screensaver, it sums up this transfer perfectly. Breathtaking detail gives you a sense of being there. The film’s color palette exhibited a broad spectrum of beautiful blues, oranges, and whites with every other color of the rainbow having a moment to shine. Black levels were nice and shadow detail solid.I would like to note there are a couple instances when there is detail loss for a moment or two. There were no signs of grain, edge enhancement , or any digital nose reduction. 10/10.


***AUDIO QUALITY*** - Audio is presented with a DTS-HD MA 5.1 track. Dialogue was well represented and always crisp and clean. Bass was used sparingly usually only adding effect to music. Rear channel activity is used to add atmosphere and does highlight a few discrete effects as well.This is for the most part though a front heavy mix , but considering this is a comedy this earns a solid 8/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES*** -

**Disc One**
* U-Control
* Alternate Ending (HD,3min)
* Extended Scenes (HD,4.5min)
* Deleted Scenes (HD,10min)
* Gag Reel (HD,3min)
* Therapy’s Greatest Hits (HD,5min)
* Paradise Found (HD,6min)
* Behind the Yoga (HD,4min)
* Pocket BLU

**Disc Two** - A Digital Copy of the film is included. This is compatible with your PC, Mac, or iPod and Windows Mobile devices.

The House Of The Devil - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS*** - The Horror Film of the Year available on Blu-ray.

Sam (Donahue) is a pretty college sophomore, so desperate to earn some cash for a deposit on an apartment that she accepts a babysitting job even after she finds out there is no baby. Mr. and Mrs. Ulman (cult actors Noonan and Woronov) are the older couple who lure Sam out to their creaky Victorian mansion deep in the woods, just in time for a total lunar eclipse. Megan (Gerwig) is Sam's best friend, who gives her a ride out to the house, and reluctantly leaves her there despite suspecting that something is amiss. Victor (Bowen) at first seems like just a creepy guy lurking around the house, but quickly makes it clear that Sam will end this night in a bloody fight for her life...

2009 Top 10 List Selections:
TimeOut New York
The Onion
AMCtv
Sound on Sight


***VIDEO QUALITY*** - 'The House Of The Devil' is presented in full 1080p utilizing the AVC MPEG-4 codec in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Being shot with old-school 16mm film lends to the extremely vintage feel this film has. There is nice grain of layer that adds to the retro feel. Surprisingly being from a 16mm source this transfer contains a fairly great amount of detail, the highlight being the wood paneling at the pizza place and close-ups.Colors were subdued but had a natural look to them and flesh tones were spot on. Black levels were solid.I am serious when I state that if you didn't know this was a new film that you were watching a vintage horror film from the late 70's or early 80's. 8/10


***AUDIO QUALITY*** - Audio on this release is presented in both DTS-HD MA 5.1 and Uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 Stereo tracks. I enjoyed the no nonsense design to the mix and felt it complemented the setting really well.If you wanna take your mind back to a simpler time and fun late night horror films, play the Linear PCM track and watch it around 1 in the morning by yourself. The film’s startling original score by Jeff Grace is spread across all 5 channels with a nice presence of LFE as well. Dialogue came through crisp and clean. It does a great job with this horror film's style and retro 80's feel, earning a solid 9/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES*** -
* Audio Commentary with Director & Cast
* Audio Commentary with Director, Producers & Designers
* Theatrical Trailer (SD,2min)
* Deleted Scenes (SD,7min) - The scenes presented here were cut for a reason.Nothing that adds anything more to the film.
* In The House of the Devil (SD,13min) - Includes interviews with the cast and crew and behind-the-scenes footage.
* Behind The House of the Devil (HD,5min) - Brief interviews with writer/director Ti West as well as cast members Jocelin Donahue, AJ Bowen, Greta Gerwig and Mary Woronov.

Walk The Line - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS*** - Reese Witherspoon, in her Academy Award winning** performance and Joaquin Phoenix, in his Oscar nominated*** role star in the critically acclaimed Johnny Cash chronicle, Walk The Line. With his driving freight-train chords, steel-eyed intensity and a voice as dark as the night, the legendary “Man in Black” revolutionized music - and forged his legacy as a genuine American icon. Golden Globe winners**** Phoenix (Gladiator, Hotel Rwanda) and Witherspoon (Election, Vanity Fair) star (and sing) as Johnny Cash and June Carter in this inspiring true story of one man’s unwavering devotion to his sound, his message and the greatest love of his life.


***VIDEO QUALITY*** - 'Walk The Line' debuts on Blu-ray in full 1080p using the AVC MPEG-4 codec in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio.What stands out first is the amazing amount of detail over the DVD version which was no slouch.All the attention to Johnny Cash and June Carter's attire to the style of that era is brought to the screen perfectly.Colors are vivid with my favorite scenes taking place at a Las Vegas show with neon signs glowing in the background of a performance.Black levels were flawless and shadow delineation was spot on,I could see the different layers of black of "The Man In Black's" suits.The gorgeous cinematography by Phedon Papamichael is done justice with this beautiful, filmic transfer.No signs of digital enhancement or noise reduction were noticed.FOX knocks this catalog release out of the park. 10/10


***AUDIO QUALITY*** - This demo worthy DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is remarkably involving throughout the films 135 minute running time.Surrounds are almost constantly engaged with crowd noise, light breezes blowing by, Folsom Prison, etc.As expected every scene featuring either band rehearsal or actual performances with Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon (who do an admirable job singing with their real vocals) are richly detailed with full, hearty bass that encompasses the room.Dialogue was always crisp and clean.This wonderful presentation earns a perfect 10/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES*** - * Audio Commentary by Screenplay Co-Writer / Director James Mangold
* More Man In Black: Deleted Scenes (HD,23min) - There are some really nice scenes here that would have added a little more insight into Johnny's life on the road an d with his first wife.Well worth taking your time to watch.
* Extended Musical Sequences (HD,6min) - Includes Dolby Digital 5.1

"Rock and Roll Ruby“
“Jackson“
“Cocaine Blues“
* Featurettes - Included are:

“Folsom, Cash & The Comeback” (SD,12min)
“Celebrating The Man In Black: The Making of Walk The Line” (SD,21min)
“Ring of Fire: The Passion of Johnny & June” (SD,11min)
* Theatrical Trailer (HD,2min) - Includes Dolby Digital 5.1

Zombieland - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS*** - Nerdy college student Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) has survived the plague that has turned mankind into flesh-devouring zombies because he’s scared of just about everything. Gun-toting, Twinkie-loving Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) has no fears. Together, they are about to stare down their most horrifying challenge yet: each other’s company. Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin co-star in this double-hitting, head-smashing comedy.


***VIDEO QUALITY*** - A demo quality transfer utilizing the AVC MPEG-4 Codec in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio.Strikingly bold colors spray the screen with blood and skin tones are spot on with only a couple scenes showing a hint of orange in flesh tones.Flawless fine object detail highlights every broken down road ,car, cracked glass, and most importantly every drop of blood.No grain was visible but fortunately there were no signs of Digital Noise Reduction.Blacks are inky black with excellent shadow delineation.Horror Comedy fans have found their new demo disc. 10/10.


***AUDIO QUALITY*** - A solid DTS-HD MA 5.1 track.Bass is the key here and right from the opening titles it is rich and deep while never becoming bloated or overblown.I enjoyed the few panning effects in the mix and the surrounds are utilized to their potential with any scenes where a zombie is even potentially nearby.You can hear moaning and rustling from the rears that are subtle which adds to the effect.Dialogue was always natural and crisply rendered.This an immersive track that adds to the fun of the film. 9/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES*** -


**Disc One** -
* Audio Commentary - With Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Ruben Fleischer, Rhett Reese, and Paul Wernick.
* In Search of Zombieland - (HD,16 min) A basic EPK featurette with cast and crew interviews that add up to nothing substantial.
* Zombieland is Your Land - (HD,12 min) A short but fun behind the scenes feature with interviews from cast and crew.The sets and construction of the are the best part of this featurette.
* Deleted Scenes - (HD,5 min) This set of deleted scenes are quick and worth watching, but the film isn't left wanting for them.
* Visual Effects Progression Scenes - (HD,2 min) A look at the extensive work that was done in creating green screen backdrops and the various other effects from the film.
* Theatrical Trailers (HD,6 min) - Promotional trailers for the film featuring Eisenberg and Harrelson answering some hilarious fake zombie questions.
* Preview Theatrical Trailers - (HD) Included are trailers for 'Black Dynamite,' 'The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day,' 'Universal Soldier: Regeneration,' 'Breaking Bad: The Complete Second Season,' 'Ghostbusters,' 'Michael Jackson's This Is It,' 'Snatch,' and 'Night of the Creeps,'.
* Playstation 3 Theme - When you your 'Zombieland' disc in a Playstation 3 system , under the game tab there is an option to download a 'Zombieland' theme, which makes icons red, and includes a rotating background of some of the pieces of promotional art for the film.A nice addition for fans of the film
* Beyond the Graveyard:Picture-in-Picture Track - A picture in picture track that includes pop ups containing shots from the Visual Effects Progression Scenes extra, cast and crew interviews, animatics, behind the scenes footage, and storyboards.A fun and welcomed track.
* BD-Live - Access online features.Unfortunately there are no specific 'Zombieland' related extras.
* MovieIQ - A BD-Live enhanced trivia track that while viewing 'Zombieland' with MovieIQ enabled allows you to check out updated filmographies of cast and crew.

**Disc Two** - A Digital Copy of the full length feature film is included for use on your PC, Mac, or iPod.There is also a separate download code for use with your PSP.

Amelia - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS*** - Two-time Academy Award Winner Hilary Swank delivers an unforgettable performance as Amelia Earhart, the legendary American aviatrix who boldly flew into the annals of history. Richard Gere co-stars as her charismatic business partner and adoring husband George Putnam. Bound by ambition and love, their enduring marriage could not be broken by Amelia's determination to fly -- nor her passionate affair with Gene Vidal (Ewan McGregor). Equal parts gripping drama, stirring romance and epic adventure, Amelia will take your breath away and send your spirit soaring!


***VIDEO QUALITY*** - 'Amelia' comes to Blu-ray in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio utilizing the MPEG-4 AVC Codec.This is a strikingly beautiful transfer bolstered by the gorgeous cinematography from Stuart Dryburgh.Colors are warm with a rich saturation .Thankfully there was never any signs of bleeding.Skin tones were perfectly natural throughout.Inky blacks were accompanied by superb shadow delineation.I noticed a fine layer of grain , which as you know is a plus to me.Detail was striking with textures of the aviator jackets and rivets on the planes showing great clarity.There were no signs of artificial enhancement to the image.A wonderful job by FOX, kudos. 10/10


***AUDIO QUALITY*** - A solid effort using a DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, 'Amelia' sounds very good but not as aggressive as one would think due to the scenes featuring stalling, whooshing, and rumbling planes.First thing I noticed was the rear channels being used sparingly.There are moments of well done surround effects such as planes panning left to right, crowd din, and weather though.Dialogue was crisp and intelligible for the duration of the film.Gabriel Yared's score highlights some great high- end details and mid-range.Bass is perfectly adequate but never really gives that boom that you are expecting.Technically speaking the track is flawless, it just feels a little underwhelming while at the same time it fit's the period the film takes place in perfectly. 9/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES*** -

**Disc One** -

* Making Amelia - (HD,23min) A well done documentary that explores the personal life of the iconic Amelia Earhart , Hilary Swank's determination in presenting her on the screen, the locations that were scouted for use of the planes.Interviews are inlcuded with the director, principle cast and crew.
* Theatrical Trailers - (HD) Included are Whip It, and the excellent AFI PSA
* 10 Deleted Scenes - (HD,13min) Included are "A Social Worker in Boston", "Amelia's Fiance Before the Friendship Flight", "The Queen of Diamonds", "Mabel Boll", "Arrival in Wales", "Dorothy Putnam"
* The Power of Amelia Earhart - (HD,11min) Another look at the iconic Amelia Earhart's legacy.
* The Plane Behind the Legend - (HD,4min) A brief look at the use of an authentic Lockheed Electra that was used for filming instead fully relying on CG effects.
* Re-constructing the Planes of Amelia - (HD,7min) A fun tour of the warehouse that was used in creating four different full size built mockups.
* 7 MovieTone News Reels - (SD,7min) A great addition are these original Fox Movietone news reels that kept film audiences entanced with updates of Amelia Earhart's historic flights.

**Disc Two** - A Digital Copy is included with a full length version of the movie that can be played on your PC, Mac , or iPod devices.