The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition Blu-ray Review

**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.





**MOVIE REVIEW**


A 10 year gap between the closing film of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition seems a lot smaller than I thought at first. When I saw The Hobbit in theaters I was a fan but felt in some way you can go back again but now that I've taken the time to watch it three times at home and with this new edition a fourth I can happily say this is an enchanting return to Middle Earth. The dwarves once you remember all their names and personalities are a hoot. Martin Freeman as a younger and less adventurous Bilbo at the start is excellent throughout. Sir Ian McKellen is masterful as Gandalf the Grey.

Now as far as the new scenes go they are integrated seamlessly back into the movie. The best moments are for certain the extended beats we get of Bilbo discovering the breathtaking Rivendell. You might also go blind from Dwarves nude bathing in a fountain. I also enjoyed the new scene of Bilbo shopping for his supper at the local outdoor market.

The Hobbit is a great adventure with Director Peter Jackson picking right back up where he left off almost a decade ago. 9/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**


The Hobbit: Extended Edition arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1. - Shot with 3D HD 4K high frame rate cameras the transfer to home video is stunning. Colors are gorgeously saturated with deep and rich golds, ultra lush greens of Bag End, earthy tones of fields and stony grey's of mountains. Skintones had a very natural appearance. Black levels are deep and inky with great shadow delineation in darker moments such as when Bilbo comes upon Gollum in the caves. Fine detail brings every single piece of hard labor that went into the production to your screen in superb clarity. I enjoyed just taking certain moments to look at the stitching and detail in the clothing,textures in stones or trees in the forest. No signs of edge enhancement were noticed. 10/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. - From the opening notes of Howard Shore's thrilling score the room was filled with a wall of sound. Dialogue was crisp and clear even when things get chaotic on screen. Surrounds were almost constantly engaged whether it's the aformentioned score bleeding to the back, trees rustling around, a dragon crashing and burning the dwarves home or more quiet moments with very subtle environmental effects. LFE is thunderous while staying precise and never muddled. In comparison to The Hobbit theatrical version Blu-ray release the Extended Edition has some deeper bass response. There were no pops, cracks or hisses heard throughout. Demo worthy material abounds on this dynamic track. 10/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


**DISC ONE**


New Zealand: Home of Middle-Earth (HD, 6min53sec)

* The Filmmakers' Commentary - Director/writer/producer Peter Jackson and writer/co-producer Philippa Boyens go into great detail in the struggles and several years journey to get The Hobbit to the screen. PH is a fun talker and you can hear the enthusiasm in his voice still.


* The Appendices Part 7: A Long-Expected Journey - For anyone who owns the LOTR Trilogy Blu-ray set you know how extensive those features are and here we get the same treatment for the first chapter in The Hobbit Trilogy. Exhausting basically every single detail you would ever want to know about a production and then some. There are hours of revealing behind-the-scenes video as well as interviews with cast and crew interspersed. We also see wonderful close up detail of props and concept sketches. The Appendices are without a doubt the best supplemental material offered this year.

Introduction by Peter Jackson
The Journey Back to Middle-Earth (HD, 48min19sec)
Riddles in the Dark: Gollum's Cave (HD, 17min)
An Unexpected Party: Bag End (HD, 25min28sec)
Roast Mutton: Trollshaws Forest (HD, 17min12sec)
Bastion of the Greenwood (HD, 10min14sec)
A Short Rest: Rivendell and London (HD, 29min12sec)
Over Hill: The Misty Mountains (HD, 13min40sec)
Under Hill: Goblin Town (HD, 19min15sec)
Out of the Frying Pan: The Forest Ledge (HD, 16min7sec)
Return to Hobbiton: The Shire (HD, 18min35sec)
The Epic of Scene 88: Strath Taieri (HD, 8min28sec)
The Battle of Moria: Azanulbizar (HD, 10min57sec)
Edge of the Wilderland: Pick-ups and the Carrock (HD, 22min37sec)
Home Is Behind, the World Is Ahead (HD, 11min40sec)
Credits (HD, 3min3sec)


**DISC TWO**


* The Appendices Part 8: Return to Middle-Earth

* The Company of Thorin (HD, 1hr2min41sec)

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

* Mr. Baggins: The 14th Member (HD, 16min10sec)

* Durin's Folk: Creating the Dwarves (HD, 57min25sec)

* The Peoples and Denizens of Middle-Earth (HD, 58min9sec)

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

* Realms of the Third Age: From Bag End to Goblin Town (HD, 58min59sec)

- Hobbiton
- Rhosgobel
- The Misty Mountains
- Goblin Town

* The Songs of The Hobbit (HD, 32min)

Vin Diesel as RIDDICK on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD January 14

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be releasing the third installment of the Riddick series with RIDDICK coming to Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on January 14, 2014. The film was directed by David Twohy and stars Vin Diesel, Katee Sackhoff, Karl Urban and former WWE Superstar Dave Bautista. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Audio will be provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Below are the official details:


>


Universal City, California, November 12, 2013 — Vin Diesel returns to the larger-than-life role that made him a global superstar as Riddick blasts its way onto Blu-ray™ Combo Pack including Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD with UltraViolet™ on January 14, 2014, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The film will also be available on Digital HD December 17, 2013. The third feature film installment of the blockbuster series returns to its hardcore action roots with an all-new, no-holds-barred adventure from writer and director David Twohy, creator of the hit franchise.

Debuting an Unrated Director’s Cut with even more intense, heart-pounding sequences not shown in theaters and an alternate ending, the Blu-ray Combo Pack includes bonus features that reveal the behind-the-scenes secrets of the heart-stopping thriller’s incredible cast, uniquely talented crew and cutthroat characters. In addition, Riddick will be available in a new collection that includes all three movies in the groundbreaking franchise: Pitch Black, The Chronicles of Riddick and Riddick plus The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury from Emmy Award-Winning animator, Peter Chung (“Æon Flux”).

In an electrifying return to his signature role, Diesel heads up an internationally acclaimed cast that includes Karl Urban (Star Trek franchise), Katee Sackhoff (“Battlestar Galactica”), Jordi Mollà (Columbiana), WWE superstar Dave Bautista (upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy), Noah Danby (“Defiance”), Danny Blanco Hall (Immortals), Bokeem Woodbine (Total Recall), Matt Nable (Killer Elite), Raoul Trujillo (Apocalypto), Conrad Pla (Immortals), Neil Napier (White House Down), Nolan Gerard Funk (“Aliens in America”) and two-time Grammy Award nominee Keri Lynn Hilson.

The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD with UltraViolet.


**SYNOPSIS**


Global action-superstar Vin Diesel reprises his breakthrough role in Riddick, the much-anticipated new chapter in the epic adventures of the most wanted man in the universe. The all-new thriller finds the title character trapped on a sun-scorched planet and pursued by ruthless bounty hunters eager to collect the reward for Riddick’s capture—dead or alive. Savage alien creatures, expansive desert landscapes, monster storms, jet hogs and an arsenal of futuristic weaponry make this the most exhilarating episode to date in writer and director David Twohy’s breathtaking series of futuristic blockbusters.


**BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL FEATURES**


* The Twohy Touch —In this short film, writer and director David Twohy explains the development of Riddick, the third feature film in his high-concept sci-fi series. Interviews and on-set footage detail Twohy’s vision and inspiration, as well as the creative collaboration between the filmmaker and star Vin Diesel that takes the cult franchise to a new level.

* Riddickian Tech —The filmmakers, including Riddick’s amazing effects team, talk about the extraordinary technologies used to create Riddick’s eye-popping sci-fi elements, from the practical effects to the green screen wonders that made it possible to bring this high-intensity, futuristic thriller to the big screen.

* The World Of Riddick —Key members of the filmmaking team, including director David Twohy, production designer Joseph C. Nemec III and director of photography David Eggby talk about the inspiration and influences behind the film’s vivid and unique visuals and savage predators.


**BLU-RAY and DVD SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Vin’s Riddick —Vin Diesel, his co-stars and the entire filmmaking team provide an inside look at the superstar’s passion for everything from the film’s production and development to his intensive physical training, as well as just what makes Diesel ideal for the role of the indestructible Richard B. Riddick.

* Meet The Mercs —From Karl Urban and Katee Sackhoff to Jordi Mollà, Dave Bautista, Bokeem Woodbine, and Nolan Gerard Funk, this featurette spotlights the dynamic supporting cast of Riddick and the characters they portray, exploring what the actors bring to their roles, as well as the weapons and clothing styles that define them to enhance this heart-stopping thriller.

* Riddick: Blindsided —A motion comic prequel to Riddick that fills in the gap since 2004’s The Chronicles of Riddick.

James Gandolfini's last film Enough Said on Blu-ray and DVD January 14

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing the last film of the late great James Gandolfini home with Enough Said to Blu-ray and DVD on January 14, 2014. The film also stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Audio will be provided by a DTS-HD Master 5.1 track. Below are the official details:





***SYNOPSIS***


James Gandolfini, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Catherine Keener shine in this heartwarming comedy that A.O. Scott of The New York Times calls “a small miracle of a movie.”

Divorced mom Eva (Louis-Dreyfus) may be falling for Albert (Gandolfini), a sweet, funny, like-minded divorcé. But as their relationship blossoms, Eva befriends Marianne (Keener), who’s always complaining about her ex-husband. When Eva realizes that Albert is the target of Marianne’s rants, she begins to question her own perceptions about first impressions and second chances.


**Blu-ray Special Features**


* Second Takes – Blu-ray exclusive
* Promotional Featurettes
* Theatrical Trailer

Nicholas Sparks Limited Edition Collection Arrives on DVD January 28

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing home in time for next Valentine's Day the Nicholas Sparks Limited Edition Collection to DVD on January 28, 2014. The set will include Safe Haven, The Lucky One, Dear John, Nights in Rodanthe, The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and Message in a Bottle. Below are the official details:





BURBANK, Calif., November 11, 2013 – On January 28, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will release the Nicholas Sparks Limited Edition DVD Collection. Available for the first time in one collection, the giftset features seven films based on the best-selling author’s novels, including Safe Haven, The Lucky One, Dear John, Nights in Rodanthe, A Walk to Remember, Message in a Bottle and The Notebook. Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most renowned storytellers as well as a social media phenomenon whose books, movies and personal pages combine to make him one of the most popular people on all of Facebook. All 17 of his novels have been New York Times bestsellers, published in more than 50 languages, with more than 90 million copies in print worldwide, including more than 60 million copies in the United States alone.

The Nicholas Sparks Limited Edition DVD Collection, which includes a special postcard set with images from each film and a letter from Nicholas Sparks, will sell for $69.97 SRP.


Safe Haven (2013)

This deeply moving romantic thriller tells the story of a young woman's struggle to find love again after she arrives in a small North Carolina town.

When a mysterious young woman (Julianne Hough, Rock of Ages) arrives in Southport, her reluctance to join the tight-knit community raises questions about her past. Slowly, she begins putting down roots and gains the courage to start a relationship with Alex (Josh Duhamel, Transformers franchise), a widowed store owner with two young children. But dark secrets intrude on her new life with such terror that she is forced to rediscover the meaning of sacrifice and finds she must rely on the power of love.

The film is directed by Oscar®-nominated Lasse Hallström[1] (The Cider House Rules), based on the novel by Sparks from a screenplay by Dana Stevens and Gage Lansky. Cobie Smulders (The Avengers) and David Lyons (TV’s “Revolution”) also star.

Special Features:

* Deleted scenes
* Alternate ending


The Lucky One (2012)

Zac Efron (17 Again) stars with Taylor Schilling (TV's "Orange is the New Black") and Blythe Danner (Meet the Parents franchise) in this romantic drama directed by Academy Award®-nominated writer/director Scott Hicks (Shine, 1996). U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq with the one thing he credits for keeping him alive -- a photograph he found of a woman he doesn't even know. Learning her name is Beth (Schilling) and where she lives, he shows up at her door, and ends up taking a job at her family-run local kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.

Special Features:

* Zac Efron Becomes a Marine
* Watch the Sparks Fly -- The Romantic World of ‘The Lucky One’
* Zac and Taylor’s Amazing Chemistry
* Zac and Zeus


Dear John (2010)

Directed by Lasse Halström, Dear John tells the story of John Tyree (Channing Tatum, Magic Mike), a young soldier home on leave, and Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried, Les Miserables), the idealistic college student he falls in love with during her spring vacation. Over the next seven tumultuous years, the couple is separated by John’s increasingly dangerous deployments. While meeting only sporadically, they stay in touch by sending a stream of love letters which eventually triggers fateful consequences.

Special Features:

* Deleted & Alternate scenes
* Alternate ending
* Outtakes
* A Conversation with Channing, Amanda and Lasse Hallstrom
* Transforming Charleston featurette
* Military in Movies: ‘Dear John's’ Military Advisors featurette
* Mr. Tyree, The Mule and Benny Dietz featurette
* The Story of Braeden Reed


Nights in Rodanthe (2008)

This rich tale of hearts awakening stars Richard Gere (Arbitrage) and Diane Lane (Secretariat). Gere is Paul, a surgeon who long ago unwittingly traded family for career. Lane is Adrienne, a devoted mother trying to move on after her husband's infidelity and struggling with his desire to return to their marriage. At a remote inn on the Outer Banks, both separately expect to do some serious soul-searching. But an approaching storm forces each to turn to the other for strength, setting the stage for a life-resonating romance.

Special Features:

* Alternate scenes with director commentary
* The Nature of Love: Richard Gere; Diane Lane and director George C. Wolfe Recall
* A Time for Love: Keeping Up with Nicholas Sparks
* An Intimate Look at ‘Nights In Rodanthe’ with singer/songwriter Emmylou Harris
* Love Remains the Same -- Gavin Rossdale’s music video


The Notebook (2004)

The Notebook is a story of lost chances, growing up, and the power of enduring love. Spanning six decades, the romantic story focuses on two teenagers from opposite sides of the tracks (Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams) who fall in love during one summer but are tragically forced apart. When they reunite seven years later, their passionate romance is rekindled, forcing one of them to choose between true love and class order.

Directed by Nick Cassavetes, the film stars Rachel McAdams (Midnight in Paris) and Academy Award® nominees Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson, 2006), James Garner (TV’s “The Rockford Files”), Gena Rowlands (Taking Lives), Sam Shepard (The Right Stuff) and Joan Allen (The Bourne Legacy). James Marsden (X-Men series) and Kevin Connolly (TV’s “Entourage”) also star.

Special Features:

* Audio commentary by director Nick Cassavetes
* Audio commentary by The Notebook novelist Nicholas Sparks
* All in the Family: Nick Cassavetes featurette
* Nicholas Sparks: A Simple Story, Well Told featurette
* Southern Exposure: Locating 'The Notebook' featurette
* Casting Ryan and Rachel featurette
* Rachel McAdams Screen Test featurette
* Deleted scenes with optional audio commentary by editor Alan Heim


A Walk to Remember (2002)

The inspiring coming-of-age story about first love, A Walk to Remember is about two very different North Carolina teenagers: Landon Carter (Shane West, TV’s “ER”), a troubled, unmotivated but very popular student, and Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore, Tangled), the serious and conservative daughter of a preacher. As love pulls them closer, peer pressure and lifestyles seek to break them apart. Directed by Adam Shankman (Rock of Ages), A Walk to Remember co-stars Peter Coyote (Erin Brockovich) and Daryl Hannah (Kill Bill Vols. 1 + 2).

Special Features:

* Audio commentary by director Adam Shankman, Mandy Moore and Shane West
* Audio commentary by author Nicholas Sparks and screenwriter Karen Janszen
* "Cry" Mandy Moore music video


Message in a Bottle (1999)

In this tale of love lost and found, grieving widower Garret Blake (Kevin Costner, Dances with Wolves) may know how to build boats, but cannot rebuild his life. Theresa (Robin Wright, TV’s “House of Cards”), a lonely divorcee and researcher for the Chicago Tribune, comes to his North Carolina village to find him, knowing that Garret is the author of the message she found inside a bottle on a Cape Cod beach. And she knows the message spoke to her in a way that profoundly touched her heart. Directed by Luis Mandoki (When a Man Loves a Woman), the film co-stars Paul Newman as Garret’s father.

Special Features:

* Audio commentary by director Luis Mandoki and producer Denise Di Novi
* Deleted scenes with optional commentary
* Five hidden special effects scenes

The Best Years of Our Lives Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


This Academy Award winning masterpiece recounts the problems faced by three returning veterans after WWII as they attempt to pick up the threads of their lives. Fredric March, Harold Russell and Dana Andrews are superb as the servicemen who Year: 1946 Director: William Wyler Starring: Fredric March, Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews. Own it on Blu-ray today.





**VIDEO QUALITY**


The Best Years of Our Lives arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.37:1. - A quality restoration of a classic film. Contrast is well balanced. Black levels were excellent throughout with solid delineation of the grays in between. Fine detail was very sharp for most of the running time highlighting the clothes of that period, tufting on furniture and close ups looked good. There were some certain scenes though that appeared soft. There was a fine layer of film grain that was wholly natural and never obtrusive. No signs of edge enhancement were noticed. 8/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 mono track. - A consistently clean track with no pops, cracks or hisses. Dialogue was crisp and intelligible throughout. The score by Hugo Friedhofer is represented well and played very clear. 8/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Introduction by Virginia Mayo (SD, 1min10sec)

* Interviews with Virgina Mayo and Teresa Wright (SD, 7min22sec) - Both actresses give some really nice insight and it is a pleasure to hear their thoughts on the film.

* Theatrical Trailer (SD, 1min48sec)