DREAMWORKS ANIMATION’S EPIC COMEDY-ADVENTURE, THE CROODS, ARRIVES ON BLU-RAY DELUXE EDITION OCTOBER 1ST

Dreamworks Animation and Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing the worldwide family smash animated film The Croods to Blu-ray on October 1, 2013. There will be 3 different options when it comes to the Blu-ray release including a Blu-ray Combo Pack a Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack and an adorable Blu-ray Combo Pack plus Plush Belt Toy. Below are official details from the press release:


**SYNOPSIS**


LOS ANGELES, CA – Dun Dun Dahhh! Lauded by critics as “the first great animated film of 2013” (Pete Hammond, Movieline), Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announces the blockbuster hit, DreamWorks Animation’s THE CROODS, will debut on Digital HD™ on September 15 and Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on October 1. “An instant animated classic,” (Jake Hamilton, FOX-TV), THE CROODS promises to bring the whole family together “from 4 to 104” (Sam Rubin, KTLA), to delight in “stunning visuals, humor and heart,” (Jim Hill, Huffington Post) as the world’s first family embark on an unforgettable adventure. The Blu-ray™ and DVD are chock full of fun bonus material that will bring the vibrant, amazing world of THE CROODS home for the whole family to enjoy. The perfect treat for kids of all ages, THE CROODS Blu-ray™ and DVD comes with a lovable Belt plush toy for a limited time only.

Join the Croods on the journey of a lifetime in the epic comedy-adventure that "has the magical wonder of How To Train Your Dragon" - Jake Hamilton (Fox-TV). When their cave is destroyed, the Croods set out to explore a spectacular landscape filled with fantastic creatures, strange surprises…and a whole new world of adventure!

Written and directed by Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch) and Kirk DeMicco (Space Chimps), THE CROODS is “an Animated Avatar,” hails Bill Bregoli of CBS News and is the must-see animated film of the year! Fans of all ages will be cracking up for the adventure everyone loves. Led by an outstanding voice cast featuring Oscar®-winner* Nicholas Cage, Golden Globe®-nominee** Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds and Oscar®-nominee*** Catherine Keener, the Croods invite your whole family to travel back in time and discover their world.

The purchase of the Blu-ray™ or DVD unlocks additional content on THE CROODS Coloring App, which allows children to color their favorite characters and scenes from the film, add text and voice to the story, and then share their storybook on their TVs at home. Also on the Blu-ray™, families can join Guy, Eep and Belt as they introduce the crazy “Croodaceous Creatures” – the striking and unique animals from the film – and much more. And for a limited time only, any purchase of the Blu-ray™ or DVD comes with a lovable Belt toy! Dun Dun Dahhh! Pre-order today!





**SPECIAL FEATURES**


DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods Blu-ray™ Deluxe Edition
The Croods Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy Deluxe Edition include a Belt plush toy for a limited time and more than an hour of bonus features:

Feature film in high definition

* Blu-ray Exclusive Bonus Features:
- The Croodaceous Creatures of Croods! – Find out more about your favorite Croods creatures!
- Be An Artist! – Now you can draw Belt, Macawnivore and Mousephant
- The Croods Coloring & Storybook Builder App

* Additional Bonus Features:
- Belt’s Cave Journal – Take a journey with Belt and Guy as they rescue a Jackrobat
- World of DreamWorks Animation – Music videos from your favorite DreamWorks Animation feature films

DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods Blu-ray™ 3D Deluxe Edition
The Croods Blu-ray™ 3D + Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital Copy Deluxe Edition includes the following:

Feature film in high definition and 3D

All the Blu-ray™ and DVD content listed above

DreamWorks The Croods Blu-ray™ 3D Deluxe Edition
Street Date: October 1, 2013
Screen Format: Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English 7.1 DTS-HD-MA
Subtitles: English/French/Spanish
Total Run Time: 100 minutes
U.S. Rating: PG
Closed Captioned: Yes

Trance Blu-ray Review

***SYNOPSIS***


From ACADEMY AWARDr-Winning director Danny Boyle* (Slumdog Millionaire) comes an 'exhilarating brain-twister' (New York Post)! After a blow to the head during his attempted robbery of a $27 million Goya painting, Simon (James McAvoy, X-Men: First Class), a fine-art auctioneer, awakens to find that the painting - and his memory - are missing. Forced by his ruthless crime partner Franck (Vincent Cassel, Black Swan) to undergo hypnosis, Simon enters into a deadly love triangle with his seductive hypnotist (Rosario Dawson, Sin City). As the plot twists, the line between reality and dream becomes blurred in this fast-paced, unpredictable, 'sexy and suspenseful' (Empire) thriller.





***MOVIE REVIEW***


Director Danny Boyle has quite an impressive list of films and his latest is a hypnotic, visually stunning and sometimes frustrating mind bender. James McAvoy does solid work portraying a man who has his memory erased. Fans of Rosario Dawson will be pleasantly surprised during a few scenes with her co-stars. The plot is ambitious which requires your full attention and does lead to some frustration in some moments but thankfully Boyle is able to tie it all together in the end and make you want to do a repeat viewing 8.5/10


***VIDEO QUALITY***


Trance arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1. - As I said this is a visually stunning film but there are stylistic choices which lead to some inconsistency in the transfer. Black levels are good but changes in contrast can sometimes wash out the image slightly. Fine detail can vary from razor sharpness and clarity to instances of softness to portray the action on screen. Colors were well balanced with natural skin tones and some eye-popping bursts in the dream visuals. No signs of banding or edge enhancement. 8.5/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***


Audio is provided by a DTS -HD Master Audio 7.1 track. - Quite an intense listen. Dialogue was crisp and clear throughout. Surrounds are engaged for pretty much the entire run time of the film. Ambient effects and smooth pans created a 360 degree soundfield that brought me into the characters world. LFE is constantly at work with the chest thumping and brilliant score from Rick Smith. This track will give your subs a workout. 9.5/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES***


* Deleted Scenes (1080p, 16min33sec) - Worth a look but most are extended versions of what you see in the main film. There are seven scenes in total.

* The Power of Suggestion - Making Trance (1080p, 33min59sec) - A well put together look at all aspects of the production and interesting insight from cast and crew alike.

* Danny Boyle Retrospective (1080p, 14min56sec) - Director Boyle reminisces on his past films but skips over a couple notable ones including Trainspotting and Shallow Grave

* Eugene (1080p, 13min7sec) - A short film directed by Spencer Susser.

* Theatrical Trailer (1080p, 1min22sec)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition on Blu-ray Nov. 5

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing the 182 minute cut of the worldwide blockbuster The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition to Blu-ray in the choice of either a 5-Disc Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack or 3-Disc Blu-ray 2D Combo Pack on November 5, 2013. The film stars Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, and Richard Armitage. Below are official details from the press release:


Burbank, Calif., July 31, 2013 – Fans of Middle-earth will have the opportunity to gain a broader experience of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, from Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson, when the epic fantasy adventure is released as an Extended Edition on Digital Download October 22nd and on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD on November 5th from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE). A production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, this new cut includes 13 minutes of extra film footage that extends individual scenes, making this the must-see, definitive version for fans. All disc versions of the Extended Edition include nearly nine hours of new bonus features and will be available just ahead of the December 13 theatrical release of the second film of the trilogy, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

“I’m thrilled that the Extended Edition will give fans the opportunity to experience certain key scenes in the film as they were originally shot, as well as an abundance of special features,” said Jackson. “It’s exciting to present this expanded and enriched version of 'An Unexpected Journey' to allow fans to fully immerse themselves in the movie, before seeing the second part of the trilogy.”

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition will be available as a 5-disc Blu-ray 3D set ($54.98 SRP) that features the Blu-ray 3D and Blu-ray versions of the Extended Edition; a 3-disc Blu-ray ($35.99) and a 5-disc DVD ($34.99) The Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD all include UltraVioletTM which allows consumers to download and instantly stream the Extended Edition in high definition to a wide range of devices including computers and compatible tablets, smartphones, game consoles, Internet-connected TVs and Blu-ray players.

The nearly nine hours of new special features boasts audio commentary with Peter Jackson, director/producer/screenwriter, and Philippa Boyens, co-producer/screenwriter, and “The Appendices,” a multi-part documentary focusing on various aspects of the film and the Trilogy.

The first of a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” was nominated for three Academy Awards





**SYNOPSIS**


The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the first in Peter Jackson's highly anticipated trilogy adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.

The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome Dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the Wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of 13 Dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild, through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins, Orcs and deadly Wargs, as well as a mysterious and sinister figure known only as the Necromancer.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the Goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever...Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him; he also gains possession of Gollum's “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities...A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

The screenplay for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Jackson also produced the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* The Filmmakers' Commentary - Director/writer/producer Peter Jackson and writer/co-producer Philippa Boyens provide their perspective and stories on creating the first film.

* The Appendices Part 7: A Long-Expected Journey - A 14-part chronological history of the filming of An Unexpected Journey, covering pre-production in the various departments of the film in the months leading up to the start of principal photography, the boot camp training for the main cast, and the work done on set chronologically through the three shooting blocks and in the world of its digital effects.

- The Journey Back to Middle-Earth
- Riddles in the Dark: Gollum's Cave
- An Unexpected Party: Bag End
- Roast Mutton: Trollshaws Forest
- Bastion of the Greenwood: Rhosgobel
- A Short Rest: Rivendell and London
- Over Hill: The Misty Mountains
- Under Hill: Goblin Town
- Out of the Frying Pan: The Forest Ledge
- Return to Hobbiton: The Shire
- The Epic of Scene 88: Strath Taieri
- The Battle of Moria: Azanulbizar
- Edge of the Wilderland: Pick-ups and the Carrock
- Home Is Behind, the World Is Ahead

* The Appendices Part 8: Return to Middle-Earth - Another selection of documentaries and featurettes await, further detailing the development, design and production of An Unexpected Journey

* The Company of Thorin - Explores the characters and backgrounds of the five families of dwarves and the company of actors chosen to play Thorin's company on the Quest of the Lonely Mountain.

- Assembling the Dwarves
- Thorin, Fili & Kili
- Balin & Dwalin
- Oin & Gloin
- Dori, Nori & Ori
- Bifur, Bofur & Bombur

* Mr. Baggins: The 14th Member - A revealing look at the film's charismatic and talented lead actor, Martin Freeman.

* Durin's Folk: Creating the Dwarves - Reveals the journey and process of designing, conceptualizing and physically realizing the dwarves in The Hobbit.

* The Peoples and Denizens of Middle-Earth - Focuses on the realization of new characters and creatures encountered in the first film, from casting to characterization to physical and digital design.

- The Stone Trolls
- Radagast the Brown
- Goblins
- Azog the Defiler

* Realms of the Third Age: From Bag End to Goblin Town - Follows the creation of the Middle-Earth locations from conceptual design to set and prop building to fully digital realities.

- Hobbiton
- Rhosgobel
- The Misty Mountains
- Goblin Town

New Zealand: Home of Middle-Earth - From Matamata to Queenstown, travel with Peter Jackson and his team across the stunning locations of New Zealand, transformed by the filmmakers into Middle-Earth.

* The Songs of The Hobbit - A look at the realization of Tolkien's songs in An Unexpected Journey.

House Party: Tonight's the Night DVD Review

***SYNOPSIS***


Chris has it all worked out: he’s ready to leave high school behind and head to college in his sweet new ride. The problem is, he’ll be leaving behind his best friend and partner in rhyme, Dylan. And he still has to get with Autumn, the girl he’s had a crush on since second grade. The solution? Throw one last party where Chris and Dylan can show off their skills with words and women. But a little get-together becomes a hilariously epic disaster where anything can happen and anyone might turn up… including the original house partyers, Kid ‘n Play





***MOVIE REVIEW***


It must be stated that I'm a bug fan of the first House Party that was released over 20 years ago. It was in fact the first R rated film I ever saw due tot he fact that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at the Howell,NJ cinema was sold out and being only a two room theater the other option was House Party. My Mother and I were dropped off at the movies by my Father so we couldn't leave and she decided to take me into see House Party. For the films 90 something minute running time I think I had my ears covered about 100 times but I was fascinated by the characters on screen and the amazing selections of music used in the film. Over the years I have watched that original film and it's fun sequel about 50 times so seeing there was a new movie in the series was coming to home video I was excited.

Unfortunately that enthusiasm was tempered about 15 minutes into the watching of Tonight's the Night. There isn't anything inherently terrible about the film but it's two leads just aren't as likeable as Kid n' Play (who only show up at the very end) and the soundtrack was somewhat grating to me. The plot is paper thin and never really cared about the characters and the crazy situations they get themselves into. Hopefully in the not too distant future we'll get a Blu-ray release of the original House Party looking and sounding better than ever and can forget about this dud in the series. 5/10


***VIDEO QUALITY***


Tonight's the Night arrives on DVD with a 480p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1. - A colorful and eye pleasing presentation. Bold primary colors looked great with balanced saturation and no bleeding. Black levels are consistently inky throughout. Detail was strong with easily noticeable clothing textures and wrinkles in faces. Did notice any banding or edge enhancement. 8.5/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***


Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. - Bass was booming with all the hip-hop and dance music selections. Surrounds are alive and engaged when the music is blaring but quieter moments are front heavy. Dialogue was crisp and clear. 8/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES***


* House Party 5: Keepin' It Old School - Kid n'Play are joined by cast and crew discussing how rap culture and the world has changed since the original film.

* Deleted Scenes