The Fugitive 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


Chicago surgeon Dr. Richard Kimble, unjustly accused of murdering his wife, must find the real killer, and the reasons for the slaying, after being targeted in a nationwide manhunt led by tenacious United States Deputy Marshal Sam Gerard.





**MOVIE REVIEW**


Director Andrew Davis helms one of the best thrillers of the past two decades. I remember going to see The Fugitive in late August 1993 and after the Summer of Jurassic Park was coming to close I really didn't expect my 14 year old mind to be so viscerally thrilled for quite awhile at the movies. I was so glad I was wrong when I saw this masterwork of tension and thrilling set pieces. Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones give it all they got and more with perfectly balanced performances.

The cast is rounded out by some great character actors. I honestly haven't watched the film for at least 7 years and that was on DVD. Watching it on this 20th Anniversary Blu-ray I was transported back to that first time I saw it and was on the edge of my seat for the 130 minute run time. This needs to be in your collection. 10/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**


The Fugitive arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.78:1. - Once we get past the opening moments that look noisy and not very sharp the viewer is treated a pleasing update from the previous Blu-ray and the older DVD. This is not a stunning spec for spec remaster mind you but the transfer exhibits a very filmic look. Colors have a subdued naturalness to them with some splashes of bolder greens in the St.Patty's Day parade chase and a warmer tone later at the charity event that Richard Kimble attends to get to the bottom of things. Black levels had some good depth without sacrificing shadow detail.

Fine detail is overall very revealing of the textures of clothing, the Chicago skyline, close ups of faces,etc. I did notice a very fine layer of grain in some scenes and doesn't distract in the least. 8.5/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - Having previously owned the DVD with Dolby Digital 5.1 this track was a really nice upgrade in overall dynamics, heft and clarity. Dialogue was consistently crisp and heard even during more intense moments. Surrounds are engaged to great effect for the action set pieces and more subtle moments for directional effects. LFE exhibited deep and tight bass when called for and added significant heft to James Newton Howard's brilliant score. 9/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* NEW FEATURE The Fugitive: Thrill of the Chase (HD,28min21sec) - Cast and crew look back at this beloved thriller 20 years later and give some really great insight into how the production came to be and how they feel about it now. The absolute best has to be Harrison Ford who rarely participates in retrospectives anymore. Ohter talent include Tommy Lee Jones, Joey Pantoliano, Jane Lynch, and Director Andrew Davis.

* NEW FEATURE The Fugitive TV Pilot (HD, 45min28sec) - This pilot rebooting The Fugitive starred Tim Daly and Mykleti Williamson. While the cast is likeable enough I can see why this didn't last long when compared to the original series and the hit film.

* Introduction by Andrew Davis, Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones (SD, 1min52sec)

* Audio Commentary with Director Andrew Davis and Tommy Lee Jones

* On the Run with The Fugitive (SD, 23min6sec)

* Derailed: Anatomy of a Train Wreck (HD, 8min55sec)

* Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2min2sec)

This Halloween Dress like the Robertson Clan from A&E's Smash DUCK DYNASTY with Three All-New Costumes

A&E Consumer Products has announced they will be offering a new product line that focuses on the hit series Duck Dynasty. This Halloween season you can dress just like Willie, Phil, or Uncle Si. Look for them at Wal-Mart, Party City and Buycostumes.com. Below are the official details:


**SYNOPSIS**


This Halloween, A+E Networks Consumer Products and In Character Costumes invite trick or treaters to release the quackin' with three all-new, family certified, redneck approved costumes from A&E's record-busting smash series, "Duck Dynasty"!

The "Willie" and "Phil" adult costumes (one size fits most, ages 14+) includes a special "Duck Dynsty" camouflage vest, a beard and patriotic bandana with an attached wig. The "Uncle Si" (one size fits most, ages 14+) includes a "Duck Dynasty" camouflage vest and cap with an attached wig, beard and glasses.

You may not be able to run a bayou-based duck hunting empire, have southern charm or a sharp sense of humor, but this Halloween, you can join the Robertson clan - in costume only - for some down home hijincks!

SPECS


The costumes are currently available nationally in stores and online at Wal-Mart, Party City and Buycostumes.com. Retail pricing will range from $29.98 to $39.98srp.


ABOUT DUCK DYNASTY


The bearded, bayou-dwelling redneck nation has been established, and after shattering records last season, America's most recognizable family is back for a funny, functional, and family-filled Season 4. The new season premiered on August 14 at 10PM and the one-hour episode became the number one nonfiction series telecast in cable history with 11.8 million viewers tuning in.

The Robertsons have built a multi-million dollar sporting empire manufacturing duck calls in Monroe, Louisiana and have earned a seat in homes across the country with their special brand of down-home practicality, charm and humor. Every day affairs are met by Willie's growing business ideas, Phil's fatherly advice, Mrs. Kay's delicious recipes, Uncle Si's oddball philosophies and Jase's endless need to hunt, fish and rib his brothers. They are the family that works together, plays together and of course, eats together. The whole family joins in for more adventures on the bayou, where day to day life may be mundane for some, but for the Robertsons, is anything but dull.

2 Guns Coming to Blu-ray Combo Pack November 19th

Universal Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing home the action hit 2 Guns to Blu-ray/DVD/UV Digital Copy Combo Pack on November 19, 2013 . The film was directed by Baltasar Kormákur and stars Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Bill Paxton, James Marsden and Edward James Olmos. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1 and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Below are the official details:





Universal City, California, September 24, 2013 — Denzel Washington (Safe House, Flight) and Mark Wahlberg (Contraband, Ted) star in 2 Guns, an adrenaline-fueled picture that tracks two operatives from competing bureaus who must team up for their mutual benefit and survival. 2 Guns will be available on Digital HD starting November 5, 2013, two weeks before it’s available on store shelves. Fans can own the movie on Blu-ray™ and DVD as well as rent it On Demand starting November 19, 2013, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

When an attempt to take down a drug cartel blows up in their faces, two undercover operatives are forced to go on the run together, though neither knows that the other is a federal agent. Suddenly, everyone on both sides of the law wants them dead, and their only hope is to trust each other. Filled with non-stop action and suspense, critics are raving “Washington and Wahlberg are at their very best” (Pete Hammond, Movieline).

Also featuring Paula Patton (Mission Impossible-Ghost Protocol, Baggage Claim), Fred Ward (Sweet Home Alabama, Tremors), James Marsden (X-men series, The Butler), Bill Paxton (Apollo 13, “Big Love”), Andrew Cosby (“Eureka”), and Edward James Olmos (“Battlestar Galactica,” Blade Runner), 2 Guns will take you on one highly charged thrill ride.


**EXCLUSIVE BLU-RAY™COMBO PACK BONUS FEATURES**


* THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE SEXY: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton, Bill Paxton, Edward James Olmos and James Marsden talk about what it was like to play their characters.

* FINDING THE VIBE: This featurette reveals how the rich world of 2 Guns was brought to life.

* LIVING DANGEROUSLY: Crash, smash and detonate alongside Hollywood’s best stuntmen and coordinators, as we watch the filming of 2 Guns’ action.


**BLU-RAY™ AND DVD BONUS FEATURES:


* DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES

* UNDERCOVER AND INTO ACTION: Find out how the writing styles of graphic novelist Steven Grant and screenwriter Blake Masters merged to create one of the year’s most original scripts.

* FEATURE COMMENTARY Director Baltasar Kormákur and Producer Adam Siegel.

Paranoia on Blu-ray Combo Pack November 19

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing the espionage thriller Paranoia to Blu-ray combo pack on November 19, 2013 The film stars Liam Hemsworth, Gary Oldman and Harrison Ford. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Audio will be provided by aDTS-HD Master 5.1 track. Below are the official details:


**SYNOPSIS**


Oscar® nominees Harrison Ford (42) and Gary Oldman* (The Dark Knight) star with Liam Hemsworth (The Hunger Games) in this high-stakes espionage thriller based on Joseph Finder’s New York Times best seller. Fired from his telecom job, Adam Cassidy (Hemsworth) is forced by company CEO Nicolas Wyatt (Oldman) to infiltrate Wyatt’s longtime rival’s (Ford) company to steal trade secrets. Soon, Adam realizes that he’s caught between two ruthless players who will stop at nothing to win. But, desperate to win over an Ivy League beauty (Amber Heard) and help his blue-collar father, Adam risks everything in a dangerous race against time in this electrifying film directed by Robert Luketic.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Deleted Scenes
* Privacy is Dead
* The Paranoia Begins
* The Players
* Theatrical Trailer

Modern Family: The Complete Fourth Season Blu-ray Review

***SYNOPSIS***


The laughs — and the awards — just keep on coming for the #1-rated Modern Family, winner of three consecutive Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series! With Jay and Gloria’s baby on the way and Haley going off to college, the entire Pritchett/Dunphy clan faces some major surprises as they bicker and bond over house-flipping headaches, unwanted play dates, and everything from hot-tempered hormones to in utero karaoke. Featuring a stellar array of guest stars including Matthew Broderick, Shelley Long and Elizabeth Banks, Season Four takes a heartfelt and laugh-out-loud hilarious look at what it means to be a Modern Family.





***SERIES REVIEW***


Modern Family's fourth season experienced somewhat of a decline in consistent quality episodes but there were still some standout moments and episodes overall. The main focus this year is the pregnancy and birth of Jay and Gloria's baby. They get a lot of mileage on making jokes about Sofia Vergara's ample breast and Ty Burrell plays Phil with a creepy sweetness and fascination when he is around Gloria more than any other season to date. Ed O' Neill is the rock of the family once again playing the straight man and makes it look effortless and natural.

The younger stars of the show have some fun growing pains during the season and we get to see Haley leave for college and all the cringe inducing laughs that come from Claire and Phil tagging along with their first born for the move. Things I didn't enjoy as much were the character of Lily and how the writers have made her an insufferable little diva that her two Father's let her get away with 99% of the time without consequence and the continued over dramatic reactions of Cam to the littlest things.

So in conclusion not the show's best season by any means but another one filled with laughs, tears, and drama that is only outdone by Louie in my opinion. 8/10


***VIDEO QUALITY***


Modern Family: Fourth Season arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio 1.78:1 - I was expecting another solid video presentation and that is what we get here. Colors were well balanced with some beautiful primary colors when they pop up. One of the best episodes visually is when Phil and and Claire take the kids on a road trip on the Pacific Coast highway with lush greens in the background over rocks and the beautiful ocean just to the right of the highway. Contrast is quite good with solid black levels. Fine details was strong with textures being well defined. 9/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***


Audio is provided by a DTS -HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - This is a front heavy mix with some bursts of LFE and surround usage. Dialogue is crisp and clean throughout. Surrounds when engaged are used for very subtle environmental effects only. Music cues chosen for the show comes across clean. 8/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES***


* Audio Commentary - Here we get informative and funny insight on four different episodes total. They include "Party Crasher" w/ Danny Zuker and Bill Wrubel, "Fulgencio" w/ Danny Zuker and Bill Wrubel, "Career Day" w/ Steven Levitan, Paul Corrigan and Brad Walsh, "Goodnight, Gracie" w/ Steven Levitan and Jeffrey Richman.

* Deleted and Alternate Scenes (HD, 6min55sec)

* An Addition to the Family (HD, 6min30sec) - We get some insight from Sofia Vergara and how she dealt with being pregnant on television with clips from the show.

* A Day With Eric (HD, 11min58sec) - Eric Stonestreet hosts the viewer to a fun day on the show

* Goodnight, Gracie Director's Cut (HD, 23min52sec)

* A Modern Guide to Parenting (HD 4min40sec) - A funny collection of moments from the show and how they pertain to "parental guidance".

* Modern Family Writers (HD, 13min14sec) - Members of the writing staff are interviewed.

* Gag Reel (HD, 10min26sec)