Jackass 3 - Blu-ray Review

***SYNOPSIS***

Johnny Knoxville and company return for the third installment of their TV show spin-off, where dangerous stunts and explicit public displays rule.

***MOVIE REVIEW***

The insane cast and crew have gone out of their way to entertain their target audience and succeed with flying Steve-O's. The stunt work is some of the best they've done to date with the motivation to utilize the filming of the movie with 3D High Definition cameras. Johnny Knoxville still has that childlike glee when he really gets into the crazier stuff they're attempting. Bam Margera's father Phil steals some scenes with his natural goofy charm. I went to see this film in the theaters upon release and was able to just sit back and laugh at the stupidity of it all. Now watching it at home I was able to pay more attention to the more technical stunts and not just the wild amount of three dimensional sex toys flying out from the screen. If you're not a fan of gross humor or the previous films I would suggest steering clear. Fans will be thoroughly pleased for and appreciate it for what it is and nothing more. 7/10

***VIDEO QUALITY***
Jackass 3 arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. A bright , colorful presentation that varies in quality but manages to provide a pleasing overall effort. Color saturation and the sheer amount of hues that are on display are superb. Contrast was rock solid. Fine detail was quite good with natural outdoor environments and clothing textures being the standouts here. There were instances of banding and noise and some of that could be due to the image source in some scenes. 8/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Surrounds are almost constantly engaged, whether it is the boisterous music selections or well placed directional effects to emphasize the on screen action. Dynamics were surprisingly strong with some nice low end coming from the LFE channel. Dialogue reproduction was crisp and precise even when their yelling over the sound of a jet engine. Fans will be more than happy with a track that is more powerful and engaging than one thought a film of this sort would provide. 8/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES***

* The Making of Jackass 3D (28min39sec, HD) - A well produced and fun look with cast and crew discussing the process of filming the insane stunts. The utilization of 3D is also explored.
* Deleted Scenes (16min5sec, HD) - Included are the following (Blue Room Andy Bell, Snake River Weedemption, The Driving Range, Phantom Dildo, Sweatsuit Cocktail, Preston/Duck Hunting, Jet Ski 1, Pontius the Barbarian, Poocano, The Rocky, 3D Test Day)
* Outtakes (HD)
* Jackass 3D Theatrical Trailer (1min31sec, HD)
* D-Box compatibility
* DVD/Digital Copy Disc - An anaglyph 3D version of the film is included on the DVD. It is a shame that Paramount has decided for the time being not to release the full 3D version in HD. A Digital Copy is included as well for download to your PC, Mac, or portable device.

True Blood Season 3 coming to Blu-ray May 31

HBO has announced their plans to release the 3rd season of the hit vampire show True Blood on Blu-ray May 31, 2011. The show stars Anna Paquin as Sookie Stackhouse. The show will be presented in full 1080p HD with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Below are the special features planned:

* Enhanced Viewing Mode - This is expected to be utilized for each the seasons 12 episodes.
*HBO Store Exclusive - If you order through the official HBO online store you an exclusive bonus disc will be included titled "Trubies vs. Newbies" that will include eight interviews in regards to the cast integrating new blood into the series.

The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS***

After waking from a coma in an abandoned hospital, police officer Rick Grimes finds the world he knew gone - ravaged by a zombie epidemic of apocalyptic proportions. Nearby, on the outskirts of Atlanta, a small encampment struggles to survive as 'the dead' stalk them at every turn. Can Rick and the others hold onto their humanity as they fight to live in this terrifying new world? And, amidst dire conditions and personal rivalries, will they ultimately survive one another? AMC’s The Walking Dead is an epic, survival adventure series from the director of The Shawshank Redemption and the producer of The Terminator and Aliens.



***MOVIE REVIEW***

The Walking Dead debuted on October 31, 2010 and was instantly the best new show of the season. Yes this is a dramatic survival horror show that features zombies but it is so much more than that. The most important aspect of the show is the study of the human condition and how we face tragedy in the form of a devastating plague. There are several touching moments that never feel forced. The horror element of the show surely won't disappoint gore fans with super detailed makeup effects by the great Greg Nicoterro. The show is also perfectly cast with every genre and race covered and each character has their own diverse personality that makes this the best ensemble currently on television after Mad Men. The season is a quick and furious 6 episodes due to the filming schedule. I highly recommend picking up this excellent show before it returns this fall with 13 more episodes. 9/10




***VIDEO QUALITY***
The Walking Dead arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. This is a considerable upgrade over the blocky and noisy AMC broadcast that is provided through Cablevision in my area. The show is shot on 16mm film that lends to the gritty, realistic feel that the show portrays. Colors are decidedly subdued but there are some scenes that are filled with a lush, green forest. The color of the blood varies from dark to corn syrup mixed with red food coloring with a nice deep tone. I noticed a nice upgrade in fine detail such as clothing texture where I was able to make individual stitches, a home with scratched hard wood floors showed its age well. The Zombie makeup really shines here with every gory detail revealed.

Black levels were solid throughout. Due to being shot on 16mmm their is a fine layer of grain that was never obtrusive and adds to the overall feel of the show. Fans of the show and newcomers alike will be very happy with this strong transfer. 8.5/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track. An enthralling track that rarely lets up. Gunshots pound the listening area with crisp details heard in bullets tearing through undead flesh. Surrounds are almost constantly engaged with environmental effects, zombie movement and the music score bleeding to the back. Dialogue was crisp and clear with the southern accents easily intelligible. Dynamics are strong with a one scene in the end of the first episode that will knock you and your listening area for a loop. You'll know the scene when you hear and feel it. LFE is tight and precise, for a television production their were some startlingly deep lows in a few scenes. This is a fantastic listen that matches the events unfolding on screen with scary perfection to bring into the environment of the show. 10/10



***SPECIAL FEATURES***

* The Making of The Walking Dead (29min53sec, HD) - This is a great overall behind-the-scenes look from cast and crew that examines the inspiration for the show, the work leading up to bringing the show to fruition with AMC, and the production itself. Be sure to watch this one.
* Inside The Walking Dead (HD) - This is broken up into six separate featurettes that focus on each of the seasons six episodes.
* A Sneak Peek with Robert Kirkman (4min51sec, HD)
* Behind the Scenes Zombie Make-Up Tips (6min45sec, HD) - A fast lesson from Greg Nicoterro on how you can make yourself a zombie.
* Convention Panel with Producers (11min32sec, HD)
* The Walking Dead Trailer (1min3sec, HD)
* Zombie School (3min, HD) - How the zombie actors were taught how to walk and look like the undead.
* Bicycle Girl (5min6sec, HD) - A nice look at the zombie that Rick shows mercy to.
* On Set with Robert Kirkman (3min8sec, HD) -
* Hanging with Steven Yeun (3min52sec, HD)
* Inside Dale's RV (3min25sec, HD) - A fun look at the set that is used to portray the fatherly characters home and mode of transportation.
* On Set with Andrew Lincoln (3min46sec, HD) - A brief talk with the star of the show.

127 Hours - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS***

From Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) comes the powerfully uplifting true story of one man’s struggle to survive against mountainous odds. Aron Ralston (James Franco) has a passion for all things outdoors. But when a falling boulder traps him in a remote Utah canyon, a thrill-seeker’s adventure becomes the challenge of a lifetime. Over the next five days, Ralston embarks on a remarkable personal journey in which he relies on the memories of family and friends as well as his own courage and ingenuity to turn adversity into triumph.


***VIDEO QUALITY***
127 Hours arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. A faithful recreation of the theatrical presentation I seen earlier this year this is a transfer that stays true to its source. The Utah vistas are breathtaking in their clarity and saturation of desert hues. The hand held work where Aaron films himself with his camcorder look just right with no over sharpening of the image. Black levels were consistently inky. Contrast was solid but there were a few instances where the quality degrades inside the slot canyon. Fine detail was superb with clothing texture, facial hair, rock formations, and everything that helps create the gorgeous scenery in the film all come together to produce a transfer that is a top performer. 9/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 This thrilling track kicks off with a powerful bass line from the music and besides the quieter moments when Aaron is trapped it never slows down. LFE was tight and precise. Dialogue was crisp and clear throughout. Surrounds are used effectively for the score, environmental effects, and a powerful thunderstorm that is a aural highlight. Danny Boyle has always chosen well in regards to his musical taste and the tunes as well as the exciting score from A.R. Rahman come across beautifully here. This is a near perfect presentation. 9.5/10



***SPECIAL FEATURES***

*Feature Commentary by Director/Co-Screenwriter Danny Boyle, Producer Christian Colson and Co-Screenwriter Simon Beaufoy - An informative listen that will be worth the time for fans of the film. Danny Boyle is a very good in describing every detail.
*127 Hours: An Extraordinary View (35min31sec, HD) - A great making of documentary that is a mix of on location footage and interviews that feature James Franco and Danny Boyle and their collaborative process.
*Search & Rescue: (14min51sec, HD) - This is a great opportunity to see the real life people that inspired the film. Aaron Ralston is joined by his family, rescue team members an many more.
*7 Deleted Scenes (34min15sec, HD) - A nice collection of deleted scenes that include a lengthy alternate ending. There is a play all feature.
*Short Film: God of Love by Luke Matheny (18min47sec, HD) - Here we are treated to the short film directed by Luke Matheny that won the Academy Award this past Sunday. A welcome addition.
BD-Live - There is a 4 minute interview between James Franco and Peter Sellars that was shot during the Telluride Film Festival
DISC TWO - A Digital Copy is included to download to your PC,Mac, or potable device.

Fox to release Black Swan Blu-ray March 29

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has announced their plans to release the Darren Aronofsky film Black Swan on a Blu-ray March 29, 2011. The film stars Natalie Portman whom won the Best Actress Academy Award this past Sunday. Technical specs are set to include full 1080p HD video and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. You can click on the link below to pre-order from Amazon.com and help support this blog.


SPECIAL FEATURES

* Metamorphosis – A Three-Part Series: - A behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process from Darren Aronofsky's visionary directing, to the physically-demanding acting, to the stunning special effects.
* Behind the Curtain: - An inside look at the film's costume and production design (Blu-ray Exclusive).
* Ten Years in the Making: - Natalie Portman and Darren Aronofsky discuss their creative journey, from "preparing for the role" to "dancing with the camera" (Blu-ray Exclusive).
* Cast Profiles: Roles of a Lifetime - Presented by Fox Movie Channel, the stars reflect on the their challenging and rewarding characters (Blu-ray Exclusive)

Bambi: Diamond Edition - Blu-ray Disc Review

***SYNOPSIS***

For the first time ever, the wonder, music and majesty of one of Walt Disney's greatest triumphs comes alive in glorious detail through the magic of Blu-ray high definition! Now Bambi, Walt Disney's beloved coming-of-age story, will thrill a new generation of fans with its breathtakingly beautiful animation, soaring music and characters who will touch your heart-Bambi, the wide-eyed fawn, his playful pal Thumper, the loveable skunk Flower and wise Friend Owl. Plus, all-new immersive game and special features that reveal the extraordinary creative process behind the making of this timeless classic take you deeper into Bambi's world than ever before.



***VIDEO QUALITY***
Bambi arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.35:1. WOW, this is a strikingly beautiful presentation of a classic film. Disney has gone above and beyond in making the animation and colors look the best since the day it premiered in theaters during the year of 1942. Primary colors are deep and vibrant. The forest and it's assortment of beautiful creatures pop off the screen. Black levels were solid with line art looking like it was just done yesterday. There were absolutely no signs of compression artifacts or anomalies. This is in my opinion the best work to date Disney has done in bringing a classic film back to life with a near flawless transfer. 10/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD High Resolution 7.1 track. While not as striking as the new video transfer the audio presentation is a wonderful listen that stays true to its source. The musical score gets the most boost from this track with it breezing throughout the soundfield. Surrounds are used for nice subtle expansion of the score and sound effects from the animals and forest itself. Dialogue was clean while a little bright sometimes, which is more due to the audio recording technology of the time. LFE lends a nice heft to the orchestration and really gets a nice workout during the forest fire. 7.5/10



***SPECIAL FEATURES***

* Bambi: Inside Walt's Story Meetings (HD) - An engrossing Picture-In-Picture track that plays like a lost commentary from Walt Disney and the amazing team that worked on Bambi. While we are treated to transcripts of meetings they are accompanied with production footage, sketches, exclusive features, and much more. Don't hesitate taking the time to watch this track.
* The Making of Bambi: A Prince is Born (52min, SD) - A well produced documentary that is broken into 6 segments (Story, Actors, Characters, Art Design, Music, History)
* Interactive Galleries (HD) - As thorough a gallery one could ever want for one film. Includes sketches, background paintings, storyboards, behind-the-scenes pics, etc.
* Deleted Scenes (8min HD/SD) - Presented in High Definiton (Two Leaves and Bambi Stuck on a Reed) Presented in Standard Definition (Winter Grass and Bambi's First Snow).
* Deleted Song (2min) - A title card is accompanied with an audio recording of the lost song "Twitterpated."
* Inside the Disney Archives (9min, SD) - We're brought down to the Disney Vault with an animator as our guide while he looks upon original artwork from Bambi.
* Disney's Big Book of Knowledge (HD) - This is an interactive feature for children to explore the forest and its inhabitants.
* Tricks of the Trade (7min, SD) Our host Walt Disney introduces the innovative multi-plane camera. I love these vintage featurettes with Walt.
* The Old Mill (SD)
* Original Theatrical Trailer (SD)
* Sneak Peeks (HD) Included are trailers for the following: Theatrical trailer for the adorably sweet looking "Winnie the Pooh" Blu-ray editions for (Tangled, The Lion King, Spooky Buddies, Bambi 2, Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure and Tinker Bell and the Mysterious Winter Woods)
* Disney View (HD) - Disney animators provide new artwork that fills the left and right sides of the screen for those who don't prefer the black bars that are presented when the main feature is watched in the original aspect ratio.
* Disney Second Screen (HD) - A new Disney feature where you will be able to sync either your iPad, Macbook, or Laptop to see additional bonus content.

Sony to release Country Strong on Blu-ray April 12

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced their plans to release the Gwyneth Paltrow film Country Strong on Blu-ray April 12, 2011. The following Special Features are planned to include:

* Country Strong Soundtrack
* Original Ending
* "Shake That Thing" (Extended Performance)
* Deleted Scenes
* Friends In High Places: The Cast of Country Strong (Blu-ray Exclusive)
* Putting the Words in Their Mouths: The Songwriters (Blu-ray Exclusive)
* A Little Bit Country: The Costumes (Blu-ray Exclusive)
* Music videos:
- Gwyneth Paltrow "Country Strong"
- Sara Evans "A Little Bit Stronger"
* movieIQ™+sync featuring the Country Strong playlist (Blu-ray Exclusive