Rocky Heavyweight Collection Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


Go the distance with this Rocky Heavyweight collection, featuring all six knockout Rocky films including the first film with a stunning new master. Sylvester Stallone stars in the greatest boxing saga of all time and triumphs as one of the most inspirational characters in cinematic history. Witness every epic, action-packed fight and unforgettable moment as Rocky strives for greatness through sheer determination against impossible odds. This collection contains over three hours of bonus features including a new featurette “8mm Home Movies of Rocky” narrated by Director John Avildsen.





**MOVIE REVIEW**


When Sylvester Stallone worked on the classic film Rocky I doubt he or anyone else thought it would ever become one of the most beloved film franchises in history. The series varies in quality bit even the lesser films are still more entertaining and have heart than most of the rehashed junk that comes out in theaters currently. The original Rocky is an all time great with brilliant and natural performances by the entire cast and a star making role for Stallone. Rocky II picks up after the end of the first films brutal title fight and explores what happens after your fifteen minutes of fame passes and you need to earn a living still. It ties in wonderfully with the first film and the last 25 minutes are a rush of adrenaline with the training sequences and title fight rematch.

Rocky III is a fun if a little more glossy sequel with the big personalities of Mr. T as Clubber Lang and Hulk Hogan as Thunderlips being Rocky's two main threats to his championship and life in general. Rocky IV is a blast that looks at the politics of the Cold War between the U.S.S.R. and the United States. Dolph Lungdren is intimidating as the freakishly strong Ivan Drago. The showdown in Russia between Rocky and Drago is thrilling. Rocky V is my least favorite of the series but has grown on me over the last 20 odd years and it is a solid film that sees Rocky losing his wealthy lifestyle due to a bad deal by Pauly and Rocky no longer being able to box due to possible severe brain damage. The late Tommy Morrison comes in as a enthusiastic young fighter whom Rocky takes under his wings and then has to batlle in a street fight once the protege no longer is the good person he once was.

Rocky Balboa ends the collection with a quieter and more introspective film that is a nice send off to the beloved character if no more are to be filmed in the future. The boxing match at the end is well done but you never feel a threat from his competitor in this one. 9/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**


Rocky Heavyweight Collection arrives on Blu-ray with 1080p transfers in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1 for all 6 films. - For those wondering I'll start by saying the only new remaster is the 4k work done for the orginal film. Rest of the presentations are the same discs that were released in 2009. Rocky has been given a newly minted transfer that gets rid of all the specks and extra dirt in the previous master. Fine grain is still present but has been reduced a bit from DNR that is used well. Fine detail looks great in close ups and really shows off the Philly Spectrum and the combatants outfits. Colors have good saturation and flesh tones remained natural. Black levels were deep with good shadow delineation.
8.5/10

Rest of the films in the series go up in quality with each one. Rocky II and III do have some specks here and there but nothing overly obtrusive. Rocky Balboa being the latest in the series looks excellent with striking detail and natural color reproduction. 8.5/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for Rocky - Rocky V and a PCM 5.1 track for Rocky Balboa. - The original film has crisp dialogue set in the center channel. Bass is used lightly for some heft in the epic title bout. Bill Conti's brilliant score sounds good and gets some nice bleeding through to the rears. Surrounds also help to create bit of atmosphere with crowd din in the Spectrum. 8/10

The other discs contain the same tracks from the previous releases and they are solid performers with good dynamics. Clarity on the last three are excellent. Rocky Balboa is engaging during the thrilling ending with a great mix that places you right in the ring.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


**Rocky Special Features**

* Audio Commentaries
* 8mm Home Movies of Rocky (HD, 8min13sec)
* In the Ring: Three-Part Making-of Documentary (SD, 1hr15min)
* Boxing Featurettes:
- Three Rounds with Legendary Trainer Lou Duva (SD, 5min)
- The Opponents (SD, 16min)
- The Ring of Truth (SD, 9min)
* Interview with a Legend: Bert Sugar (SD, 7min)
* Steadicam: Then and Now (SD, 17mi)
* Makeup: The Art and Form (SD, 15min)
* Staccato: Composers Notebook with Bill Conti (SD, 12min)
* Behind the Scenes with John Avildsen (SD, 13min)
* Tribute to Burgess Meredith (SD, 8min)
* Tribute to James Crabe (SD, 4min)
* Video Commentary with Sylvester Stallone (SD, 29min)
* Stallone on Dinah! (SD, 17min)
* Theatrical Trailers (SD)
* TV Spots (SD)

**Rocky Balboa Disc Special Features**

* Audio Commentary
* Deleted Scenes (HD, 23min)
* Bloopers (HD 1min30sec)
* Skill Vs. Will: The Making of Rocky Balboa (HD, 17min47sec)
* Reality in the Ring: Filming Rocky’s Final Fight (HD, 15min38sec)
* Virtual Champion (HD, 5min)

Beware the Batman: Shadows of Gotham Season 1 Part 1 DVD Review

**SYNOPSIS**


Batman swings into an exhilarating new age, teaming with a powerful allies old and new for a thrilling new take on the classic Dark Knight franchise in Beware the Batman: Shadows of Gotham, Season 1 Part 1. The new action-packed detective thriller incorporates Batman’s core characters with a rogue’s gallery of criminals as the Caped Crusader faces some of Gotham City’s most despicable villains. Through the show’s first 13 animated adventures of this two-disc collection, ex-secret agent Alfred and lethal swordstress Katana join Batman to takes on an array of evildoers including the likes of Anarky, Professor Pyg, Mister Toad and Magpie. This thrilling series redefines what we have come to know as the “Batman show” and is sure to excite fans with cutting-edge CGI visuals.





**SERIES REVIEW**


Originally aired on Cartoon Network I didn't take the time to watch this series when broadcasted but was pleasantly surprised by this fresh and exciting take on the Batman story. I personally am glad that they have brought in new characters that are engaging while replacing a classic one that I won't spoil for those who haven't watches the series yet. The CG animation style is not one I'm usually a fan of but it is utilized well here. Any fan of Batman or a solid comic book series in general would be wise to check this one out. 9/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**


Beware the Batman: Shadows of Gotham arrives on DVD with a 480i transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.78:1. - Colors were rendered well with some steely blues and grays. Black levels were rich and inky. The overall image is sharp throughout showing off costume details and gadgets crystal clear. Some banding was noticed in a few scenes. 8.5/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. - The solid voice acting work is represented with crisp and clean dialogue. Surrounds are engaged for some well placed effects that bring you into the Dark Knight's world. Bass response was tight and rumbles the listening room when the action ramps up. 9/10

Killing Kennedy Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


The event that shocked the world and changed the course of American history is now revealed in a new light. From Producer Ridley Scott, and based on the bestseller by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, comes this illuminating thriller presented here as a never-before-seen extended cut.

Rob Lowe and Ginnifer Goodwin give galvanizing performances as President John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy in the story about the president’s assassination, and its dramatic aftermath. As global Cold War tensions mount and organized crime escalates in the U.S., a young, ambitious man from a wealthy family rises to become the leader of the free world. At the same time, a former dedicated Marine grows disillusioned with America. When their paths ultimately cross, the course of U.S. history will forever change, as chronicled in this mesmerizing film that also stars Michelle Trachtenberg.





**VIDEO QUALITY**


Killing Kennedy arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.78:1. - A mix of different sources leads to a good if inconsistent image. For the majority of the run time colors exhibit a nice natural tone with some bursts of deeper saturation with Jackie's wardrobe. Black levels were fine but not overly inky. Fine detail is a strong performer. Where the image wavers is in the desaturated color grading done for certain flashback sequences. Grainy archival footage is on display an looks every bit it's vintage while being strewtched to fit the 1.78:1 frame. 7.5/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - The audio presentation has no flaws but is a bit underwhelming. Front heavy with crisp and clear dialogue placed dead center. LFE adds some solid bass for a few tense scenes but stays out of commission rest of the time. Surrounds are used for subtle environmental effects and some bleeding of the score. 7.5/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Camelot's End: The Making of Killing Kennedy (HD, 19min) - Interviews with principal cast and crew is interspersed with some scenes from the film.

* Killing Kennedy: An Interview with Author Bill O’Reilly (HD, 6min6sec) - O'Reilly discusses the production based on his novel.

* The Kennedy Mystique (HD, 6min38sec) - Cast and crew share their thoughts on the Kennedy legacy.

* Virginia is for Lovers Promo (HD, 16sec)

Black Nativity on Blu-ray and DVD April 15

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing to home video Black Nativity to Blu-ray and DVD on April 15, 2014. The film stars Forest Whitaker, Mary J. Blige, Angela Bassett, Tyrese Gibson, Jacob Latimore and Jennifer Hudson. 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***


Struggling to pay the bills, single mom Naima (Jennifer Hudson) sends her teenage son Langston (Jacob Latimore) to live with his estranged grandparents, Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs (Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett) in New York City. At first Langston resents their strict household, but with the help of new friends — and a little divine intervention — he embarks on an inspirational journey of self-discovery that brings the whole family together.


**Special Features**

* Deleted Scenes (Blu-ray exclusive)
* Promotional Featurettes

Grudge Match on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on April 8

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing home the fun boxing comedy Grudge Match to Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on April 8, 2014. The stars Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro , Kevin Hart, Alan Arkin, Jon Bernthal and Kim Bassinger. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Below are the official details:





Burbank, CA, February 19, 2014 – Past-their-prime boxers pack a comic punch in “Grudge Match,” arriving onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on April 8 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. “Grudge Match” stars Oscar® winner Robert De Niro (“Raging Bull,” “Silver Linings Playbook”) and Oscar® nominee Sylvester Stallone (the “Rocky” films, “The Expendables”) as old boxing rivals who come out of retirement for one final match.

Peter Segal (“Get Smart”) directs the comedy, which also stars Kevin Hart (“Think Like a Man”) as Dante Slate, Jr.; Oscar® winner Alan Arkin as Razor’s former trainer, Louis “Lightning” Conlon, who gets to put Razor through his paces again; and Oscar® winner Kim Basinger (“L.A. Confidential”) as Sally Rose, who was once the love of Razor’s life.

“Grudge Match” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and on DVD for $28.98. The Blu-ray Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in hi-definition on Blu-ray, and the DVD features the theatrical version in standard definition. Both include a digital version of the movie on Digital HD with UltraViolet.* Fans can also own “Grudge Match” in Digital HD on April 8 via purchase from digital retailers.


**SYNOPSIS**


In “Grudge Match,” Billy “The Kid” McDonnen (De Niro) and Henry “Razor” Sharp (Stallone) are two local Pittsburgh fighters whose fierce rivalry put them in the national spotlight. Each had scored a victory against the other during their heyday, but in 1983, on the eve of their decisive third match, Razor suddenly announced his retirement, refusing to explain why but effectively delivering a knock-out punch to both their careers. Thirty years later, boxing promoter Dante Slate, Jr., seeing big dollar signs, makes them an offer they can’t refuse: to re-enter the ring and settle the score once and for all.

But they may not have to wait that long: on their first encounter in decades, their long-festering feud erupts into an unintentionally hilarious melee that instantly goes viral. The sudden social media frenzy transforms their local grudge match into a must-see HBO event. Now, if they can just survive the training, they may actually live to fight again.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**

* The Bull & The Stallion
* In the Ring with Kevin Hart
* Ringside with Tyson & Holyfield
* Blow for Blow with Larry Holmes
* Kevin Hart Unedited
* Alternate Opening
* Alternate Endings with an Introduction by Peter Segal
* Deleted Scenes

47 Ronin Arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD April 1

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing home the Keanu Reeves starring adventure film 47 Ronin to Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on April 1, 2014. The film was directed by Carl Rinsch. 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, February 4, 2014 — Keanu Reeves (The Matrix trilogy, The Day The Earth Stood Still) stars in a reimagining of one of Japan’s timeless tales, 47 Ronin, available on Blu-ray™ 3D and Blu-ray™ Combo Packs, DVD, DIGITAL HD including UltraViolet™ and On Demand on April 1, 2014, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.­­­

Based on an epic story, this extraordinary tale of inspiring courage has its origins in the early 18th century. After a treacherous warlord kills their master and banishes their kind, 47 leaderless samurai vow to seek vengeance and reclaim their honor. Transformed into a thrilling, visually stunning 3D film by director Carl Rinsch, 47 Ronin tells the story of a small group of warriors, or ronin, on a quest to avenge the death of their master. Battling across a savage world of mythical beasts, shape-shifting witches and wondrous terrors, the ronin must seek help from kai (Reeves), an enslaved half-breed they once rejected – in their ultimate fight for redemption.

Keanu Reeves leads an international cast that includes Hiroyuki Sanada (Sunshine, The Last Samurai) as Oishi, the leader of the ronin; Tadanobu Asano (The Wolverine, Thor: The Dark World) as Lord Kira, the treacherous villain who will stop at nothing to destroy his enemies; Academy Award®-nominated actress Rinko Kikuchi (Babel, Pacific Rim) as the Witch, a siren who executes Kira’s deadly plans; and Ko Shibasaki (The Lady Shogun and Her Men, One Missed Call) as Mika, the forbidden love of Kai’s life.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**

* KEANU & KAI (Blu-ray Exclusive) — Keanu Reeves embodies one of cinema’s most richly imagined heroes as Kai, the outcast who leads a small band of rebels against an army and supernatural enemies. Along with Reeves, director Carl Rinsch and other key voices from the filmmaking team reveal how this adventure would not be possible without Reeves’ mastery of martial arts and total immersion in the role.

* STEEL FURY: THE FIGHTS OF 47 RONIN (Blu-ray Exclusive) — This featurette explores the intense research, choreography and rehearsals that went into creating the film’s unique action sequences, including Kai’s epic battle against the silver Samurai and the heart-stopping Kirin hunt sequence.

* MYTHS, MAGIC & MONSTERS: THE FX OF 47 RONIN (Blu-ray Exclusive) — 47 Ronin’s world-class creative team reveals the technological magic it used to bring to life the creatures of ancient Japanese folklore, including The Kirin (a giant hybrid beast with the head of a dragon and the body of a deer), the Kitsune witch, the Oni troll and the demonic Tengu Monks.

* Re-Forging The Legend — The story of 47 Ronin is one of Japan’s most time-honored legends. The filmmakers talk about how they brought this “dream world” to the big screen, from script to costumes, visual design, and culture.

* Deleted Scenes

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray Combo pack and DVD 2-Disc Special Edition on April 8

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing home the global blockbuster film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug to Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack , Blu-ray 3D Combo pack, Blu-ray Combo pack, 2-disc DVD special edition, and Digital HD on April 8, 2014. The second film in a trilogy was directed by Peter Jackson and stars Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Ian McKellen, Evangeline Lily, Orlando Bloom and Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of Smaug. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and at the very least a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. I will update technical specs as they are released. Below are the official details:

Burbank, CA, February 18, 2014 – Adventures abound as Bilbo, Gandalf and the Company of Dwarves continue their Quest through Middle-earth in “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), arriving onto Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on April 8 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” the second in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, is directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson, who also produces together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” was the number one 2013 home entertainment title across physical and digital accounts in the U.S.

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. The international ensemble cast is led by Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Ken Stott, James Nesbitt and Orlando Bloom as Legolas. The film also stars Mikael Persbrandt, Sylvester McCoy, Aidan Turner, Dean O’Gorman, Graham McTavish, Adam Brown, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Jed Brophy, William Kircher, Stephen Hunter, Ryan Gage, John Bell, Manu Bennett and Lawrence Makoare.

“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” will be available on Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack for $105.43, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack for $44.95, Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and 2-disc DVD Special Edition for $28.98. The Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack includes two Gates of Erebor replica bookends from the Noble Collection and features the theatrical version of the film in 3D hi-definition, hi-definition and standard definition; only 25,000 will be available in the U.S. The Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in 3D hi-definition, hi-definition and standard definition; the Blu-ray Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in hi-definition on Blu-ray; and the DVD features the theatrical version in standard definition. All versions include a digital version of the movie on Digital HD with UltraViolet.* Fans can also own “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” in Digital HD on April 8 via purchase from digital retailers.


**SYNOPSIS**


“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” continues the adventure of the title character Bilbo Baggins as he journeys with the Wizard Gandalf and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on an epic quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.

Having survived the beginning of their unexpected journey, the Company travels East, encountering along the way skin-changer Beorn and a swarm of giant Spiders in the treacherous forest of Mirkwood. After escaping capture by the dangerous Wood-elves, the Dwarves journey to Lake-town, and finally to the Lonely Mountain itself, where they must face the greatest danger of all–a creature more terrifying than any other; one which will test not only the depth of their courage but the limits of their friendship and the wisdom of the journey itself–The Dragon Smaug.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Peter Jackson Invites You to the Set: In the Company of the Hobbit and Peter Jackson Invites You to the Set: All in a Day’s Work – Experience the film’s challenges and demands, and journey alongside the director into Mirkwood, Lake-town and Dale as the movie’s most intense, pivotal scenes are created.

* Production Videos – Watch production come to life as Peter Jackson gives you an inside look at the making of the film.

* New Zealand: Home of Middle-earth, Part 2 – Travel with Peter Jackson and his team across the stunning locations of New Zealand transformed by the filmmakers into Middle-earth.

* “I See Fire” Music Video – Ed Sheeran’s beautiful theme song from the film is illuminated with this intimate music video.

The Counselor Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


An all-star cast, featuring Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, and Penélope Cruz, sizzles in this adrenaline-fueled thriller from visionary director Ridley Scott and Academy Award-winning novelist Cormac McCarthy. A talented lawyer (Fassbender) known for doing the right thing for the wrong people decides to put his connections to the test by diving into a treacherous drug deal for some quick cash. But The Counselor soon learns that having it all could mean losing everything.





**MOVIE REVIEW**


Ridley Scott is one of my favorite director's of all time and thought his last film Prometheus was a brilliant work of sci-fi that will over time grow a base of more fans. With The Counselor I was excited after seeing the trailers but circumstances and mixed reviews kept me from seeing the film in the theater. I'm pleased to say after watching it at home this is one of the most underrated films of 2013. The film based on a screenplay by Cormac McCarthy has some of the best and longest dialogue focused scenes in years. The cast is equally brilliant with the standout for me being Brad Pitt who is a sly fox criminal. Ridley Scott once again creates a visually sumptuous feast compliments of cinematographer Dariusz Wolsky.

The Blu-ray comes with both theatrical and extended cuts. While the theatrical cut is more tightly paced the extra 20 minutes of dialogue and some more gruesome violence are a welcome bonus. I recommend adding this one to your collection. 9/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**


The Counselor arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1. - As I mentioned in my review this is a visual feast and the digitally shot movie looks superb on Blu-ray. Colors are lush with crisp whites, deep orange hues, greens, and a purple accent wall that pops off the screen. Black levels were well rendered with a few moments of a gray not deep rich look. The overall look is razor sharp and fine detail was spectacular with the outlandish wardrobe of Cameron Diaz and Javier Bardem showing every stitch and pattern. 9/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - Corman McCarthy's words come off the page and into your ears with crisp and clear dialogue throughout. LFE response was very deep and aggressive when thing she heat up in the desert. Surrounds create a nice sense of environment with smooth pans and smartly placed effects. No pops, cracks or anomalies were heard. 9/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Unrated Extended Cut (HD, 2hr17min56sec)

* Theatrical Version (HD, 1hr57min14sec)

* Truth of the Situation (HD) - This feature plays along during the Extended Cut that has a total of 13 behind-the-scenes featurettes that look at various aspects of the production. Ridley Scott gives some great insight as he always does.

* Virals (HD, 7min30sec) - A collection of three shorts introducing some characters from the film. Keep your eye for some fun cameos.

* Trailers (HD)

* TV Spots (HD)