BIG: 25th Anniversary Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


Two-time Oscar Winner Tom Hanks received his first Best Actor Nomination for his disarming turn as a 12-year-old man-child in Penny Marshall’s timeless delight. Tired of being a kid, Josh Baskin wishes he was big. When he wakes up the next day, he’s an adult! Now, Josh must hold down a job – and please a new boss (Robert Loggia). Tougher still, he must convince his best friend that he’s still himself, and explain to a beautiful woman (Elizabeth Perkins) who falls for him, that he’s not. Soon, Josh just wants to be a kid again, but can he?





**VIDEO QUALITY**


BIG arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1. - For anyone who owns the previous BIG Blu-ray this is the same transfer. For new buyers thought that isn't bad news as this is a fine presentation. Colors were solid with some splashes of bold primaries. Skintones were a little rosy looking in certain close ups. Fine detail was okay with nice clarity on clothing and faces. There are instances of softness that should be noted and I feel it is more due to the source and not the transfer. A fine layer of grain is noticed and welcomed. 8/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - Dialogue was front and center with crisp and clear voices. Surrounds come alive during a few key sequences of the film. The score from the great Howard Shore gets some nice placement in the mix with good bass. 8/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Big Extended Cut (HD, 2hr10min25sec) - The extended cut of the film is included and while still a great film with more fleshed out moments I still prefer the pace of the theatrical version overall.

* Big Brainstorming Audio Documentary by Writers/Co-Producers Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg

* Deleted Scenes, Including 5 with Intros by Director Penny Marshall (SD) - Penny Marshall is always delightful to hear from and the scenes included were interesting. Eight total scenes are included

* Big Beginnings (SD, 16min29sec) - Writers Gary Ross and Annie Spielberg talk about the genesis of the project and what went into to creating the classic comedy.

* Chemistry of a Classic (SD, 23min47sec)

* The Work of Play (SD, 9min54sec) - Quite a fun look at how toys are tested and marketed to children and the parent's that have to buy them. Includes interviews with higher ups from some big toy manufacturers.

* Hollywood Backstory: Big (SD, 21min16sec) - This AMC special looks at the work that went into bringing the hit comedy to screen and also it's continued popularity so many years after the 1988 release. Cast and crew provide their thoughts including Tom Hanks.

* Carnival Party Newswrap (SD, 1min33sec)

* Trailers & TV Spots (SD)

Romeo and Juliet on Blu-ray & DVD February 4 2014

Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing home the modern take on Shakespeare's classic with Romeo and Juliet to Blu-ray and DVD on February 4, 2014. The film stars Hailee Steinfeld and Douglas Booth. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Audio will be provided by a DTS-HD Master 5.1 track. Below are the official details:


***SYNOPSIS***


William Shakespeare’s epic and searing love story has been revitalized for a whole new generation by Academy Award winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes and acclaimed director Carlo Carlei. Douglas Booth and Academy Award Nominee Hailee Steinfeld lead an extraordinary ensemble cast as Romeo and Juliet, the star-crossed youths who fall for each other in spite of their feuding families. Filled with lush, enchanting imagery amid its original setting in Verona, Italy, this legendary tale of romance remains timeless and transcendent...and as powerful as ever.


**Blu-ray Special Features**


* Romeo & Juliet: Cast and Crew
* Romeo & Juliet: The Filmmaker’s Version
* Romeo & Juliet: Creating the Look
* Romeo & Juliet: Hair and Make-Up
* Theatrical Trailer

Futurama Volume 8 Blu-ray Review

***SYNOPSIS***


Attention, easily brainwashed citizens of Earth! You are now under the control of “Futurama” Volume Eight — the highly animated sci-fi comedy from “The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening. Packed with mind-altering, brain-exploding extras not shown on TV, this outrageous collection includes 13 mesmerizing episodes featuring maniac street racers, robot grave robbers, and nerve-wracking nose transplants. You’ll watch…you’ll laugh… you’ll obey. The Hypnotoad commands it! The episodes are as follows:


**DISC ONE**

Forty Percent Leadbelly
The Inhuman Torch
Saturday Morning Fun Pit
Calculon 2.0

**DISC TWO**

Assie Come Home
Leela and the Genestalk
Game of Tones
Murder on the Planet Express
Stench and Stenchibility
Meanwhile


***SERIES REVIEW***


The final season of the brought back from the dead animated comedy closes out with a strong set of episodes that had me laughing along with characters that will be missed. It is a shame the show never connected with a wider audience like Matt Groening's other animated sitcom The Simpson's. I highly recommend adding the last 13 episodes to your collection to cherish this gem of a series. 9/10

***VIDEO QUALITY***


Futurama Volume 8 comes to Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. A fantastic visual presentation that is bursting with beautiful and eye popping colors. The animation is remarkably crisp with strong and well defined crisp lines. Black levels were deep and inky. There were no major signs of compression artifacts. A visually pleasing presentation. 9/10


***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. A solid presentation with consistently crisp and clean dialogue. Surround effects are used effectively with laser guns or various vehicles passing by. The LFE channel added some nice heft to some of the more thrilling moments as well as the score for the show. 9/10


***SPECIAL FEATURES***


* Audio Commentary on Every Episode
* Precious Trimmings: A Compendium of Deleted Scenes (HD,16min6sec)
* Futurama University (HD, 24min27sec) - Here you get a collection of interesting featurettes that give a look behind-the-scenes.
* Inside Futurama: The Writers’ Room of Tomorrow (HD, 13min25sec) - Writer and producer gives the viewer a glimpse into the writing room and how an episode is broke.