September 14, 2011

More Brains! A Return To The Living Dead coming to DVD October 18th



CAV Distributing will be releasing a definitive 4-hour DVD of More Brains! A Return To The Living Dead on October 18, 2011. The main feature will be presented in 1.85:1 and a Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track will provide the audio. Below is the official press synopsis and planned bonus features:

"It worked in the movie!" When an army drum is breached and a mysterious chemical gas is released into a nearby cemetery, the dead return to life with only one thing on their minds...brains! The zombie menace quickly descends upon a group of misfits who must fight for survival as they are picked off one at a time by a horde of the undead. "Do you ever wonder about all the different ways of dying?" Dan O'Bannon's outrageous splatter classic "The Return of the Living Dead" has continued to terrify and entertain horror fans for over twenty-five years with its delicious mix of blood, guts, sex and punk. Boasting off-beat humor, plenty of attitude and one of the most famous zombies ever committed to celluloid, it's easy to see why the film's legacy continues to grow. "It makes the pain go away..." MORE BRAINS! A RETURN TO THE LIVING DEAD is the ultimate account of the tongue-in-cheek, stylish and apocalyptic zombie movie. It features -- for the first time ever! -- contributions from all the main cast as well as clips, photographs, storyboards, conceptual art, publicity materials, archival documents and behind-the-scenes footage. "They're back from the grave and ready to party!" Through this definitive retrospective fans are finally able to explore the film's journey from the world of "Night of the Living Dead" to the mind of acclaimed writer/director Dan O'Bannon. Narrator Brian Peck ("Scuz") guides you through the blood, sweat and tears as cast and crew look back on their experience in the graveyard creating the film that's been called "a beauty of a cult classic!"

**SPECIAL FEATURES**

* Never-before-seen deleted, behind-the-scenes, blooper and special effects test footage that brought the Dead to life
*"A Conversation of the Living Dead with Dan O' Bannon"
* They Won't Stay Dead: A Look at Return of the Living Dead Part 2
* Love Beyond the Grave: A Look at Return of the Living Dead
* Stacey Q Live
* Exclusive "Tonight" Music Video
* Even More Brains: Deleted Documentary Interviews
* Return of the Living Dead in 3 Minutes, and more.
* Limited edition premium collectible O-sleeve packaging featuring artwork created by original "Return of the Living Dead" poster artist Carl Ramsey

Frankenhooker coming to Blu-ray November 8th

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Synapse Films along with CAV Distributing will release the cult comedy-horror film Frankenhooker on Blu-ray November 8, 2011. The film has been given a 2k remastering and will be presented with full 1080p in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. Screams will be heard from a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Below is the official press release synopsis followed by the planned special features:

"From Frank Henenlotter, the creator of the BASKET CASE trilogy and BRAIN DAMAGE, comes FRANKENHOOKER, a gory horror-comedy twist on the Frankenstein legend. When Jeffrey Franken's fiancee is chopped to pieces by the blades of a remote-controlled lawnmower, he uses his dubious medical knowledge to try to bring her back to life. He reassembles his beloved Elizabeth using the body parts of New York City's finest prostitutes, and resurrects her during a heavy lightning storm. Unfortunately for Jeffrey, his dear Elizabeth's brain is scrambled and she runs amok on 42nd Street, turning tricks and bringing high-voltage death to her customers! Synapse Films is proud to present the uncut version of FRANKENHOOKER in an all-new 2K high-definition transfer created from original vault materials and digitally re-mastered 5.1 surround sound!"

*SPECIAL FEATURES*

* Audio Commentary with Director Frank Henenlotter and Make-Up Effects Designer Gabe Bartalos
* "A Salad That Was Once Named Elizabeth" - Patty Mullen Featurette
* "A Stitch in Time: The Make-Up Effects of FRANKENHOOKER"
* "Turning Tricks: Jennifer Delora Remembers FRANKENHOOKER"
* Jennifer Delora's FRANKENHOOKER PHOTO SCRAPBOOK
* Theatrical Trailer

Max Payne 3 First Official Trailer

Rockstar Games have released the highly anticipated first trailer for Max Payne 3. I have watched it a couple times already and it looks to be a game of the year contender for 2012. I plan to take a closer look at this title when I visit the Rockstar booth at New York Comic-con in October. Below is the official press announcement:

"Still haunted by the memories of his traumatic past, Max begins a new life working private security protecting a wealthy industrialist and his family in São Paulo, Brazil. When gangs target the family under his protection, Max is forced to fight to save his clients and clear his name, in a bid to, once and for all, rid himself of the demons that have tortured him for far too long.


Max Payne 3 is coming March 2012 to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC."







Transformers: Dark of the Moon coming to Blu-ray September 30th



Paramount Home Entertainment has announced their plans to release the Michael Bay action film Transformers: Dark of the Moon as a Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy Combo Pack September 30, 2011. The film will be presented in full 1080p HD and audio provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track.

Please keep in mind that this will be a bare bones release but the studio and the Director himself promised that the 3D Deluxe Edition Blu-ray release later this year will be filled to the brim with special features. You can pre-order by clicking on the link below:

September 13, 2011

Highlights of the 2011 Masters - DVD Review



***SYNOPSIS***


When Charl Schwartzel birdied the 18th hole of his final round during the 2011 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, he provided a fitting finish to one of the most thrilling closing days in recent major history. While the first three rounds of the Tournament had already provided some magical moments, it was the final day when the fireworks really started, as a host of players were poised to seize the opportunity to wear the most coveted prize in the sport, the Green Jacket.

The South African got off to the perfect start, chipping in for birdie at the first before holing his approach at the third for eagle. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods, aiming to win his fifth Masters, took just 31 shots to complete his first nine and looked as though he could win his first major since the 2008 U.S. Open. Eight players had at least a share of the lead over the closing holes including Adam Scott and Jason Day, two Australians who timed their ascent up the leader board to perfection, each producing some of the best golf of their careers when it mattered most.

There was also Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, who held a four-shot lead heading into the final round. However, the 21-year-old saw his chances fade after a devastating triple-bogey on the 10th. In the end, no one could match Schwartzel and his red-hot putter. He birdied the last four holes to claim his first major in spectacular style on the 50th anniversary of fellow countryman and golfing legend Gary Player’s first victory at Augusta.




***MOVIE REVIEW***


I'm the first to tell you that I'm not a great fan of golf by any means but when the Masters roll around I find myself spending my Sunday afternoon watching the dramatic turns and the 2011 version sure didn't disappoint. The main feature is well made highlights package that thankfully isn't chopped up with ADD editing and flashy sounds as is the norm nowadays. For anyone that wants to relive the thrilling conclusion and heartbreak that we all witnessed in the 10th round take a shot with this DVD. 8.5/10




***VIDEO QUALITY***


2011 Masters arrives on DVD with a 480i transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The footage was originally filmed in HD and the transfer to DVD is consistently good. The bold primary colors of the gofers wardrobe to the lush greens of Augusta provided a pleasing image. Detail was about average. Contrast was a solid performer. 8/10



***AUDIO QUALITY***


Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 track. Commentary and music was crisp and clean. Sounds from the green and the Augusta crowd came across well. A good track. 8/10



***SPECIAL FEATURES***


* Honorary Starters Ceremony
* Green Jacket Presentation and Press Conferences by Charl Schwartzel, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus.

September 11, 2011

WWE SummerSlam 2011 - DVD Review



***SYNOPSIS***


The 2011 edition of SummerSlam was one of the most talked about events of the year. CM Punk's battle with John Cena, Albert Del Rio cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase for a shot at the title, Sheamus taking on Mark Henry, and more. Own this unbelievable night on DVD

*Six-Man Tag Team Match*
Kofi Kingston, Rey Mysterio & John Morrison Vs. The Miz, Alberto Del Rio & R-Truth

Sheamus Vs. Mark Henry

*WWE Divas Championship Match*
Kelly Kelly(Champion) Vs. Beth Phoenix

Wade Barrett Vs. Daniel Bryan

*No Holds Barred Match for the World Heavyweight Championship*
Christian(Champion) Vs. Randy Orton

*WWE Undisputed Championship Match* with HHH as Special Guest Referee
CM Punk(Champion) Vs. John Cena(Paper Champion)

*WWE Championship Match* (Money In The Bank Cash In)
CM Punk(Champion) Vs. Alberto Del Rio



***VIDEO QUALITY***


SummerSlam 2011 arrives on DVD with a 480p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The PPV was shot in HD and the standard definition downconversion displayed a pleasing image. Black levels were consistent with solid contrast. Colors benefit from good saturation and some bold primaries. Fine detail was also clearly seen in the t-shirt designs and different people in the crowd. There were of course a few minor compression artifacts during ring entrances but nothing obtrusive. A strong performer overall. 8/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***


Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. The commentary (when there was any actual play-by-play) was crisp and clean throughout the show. Entrance music was a standout with good dynamics and some mid bass notes coming across tight and accurate. Surround channels are there for atmospheric crowd din and some light bleeding of sounds from the ring. 8/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES***


* WWE Home Video Exclusive: Matt Striker interviews New WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio - This is okay for what it is but a shame they don't have more behind-the-scenes content like following the wrestlers like UFC DVD releases would have leading up to the fight.