Wild Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


Reese Witherspoon stars in this inspirational true story from the director of Dallas Buyers Club and based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed. After years of reckless behavior and being haunted by memories of her mother Bobbi (Laura Dern), Cheryl (Witherspoon) makes a rash decision to embark on a challenging trek across the Pacific Crest Trail. With absolutely no experience, she sets out to hike more than a thousand miles all on her own — in what becomes a remarkable journey of self-discovery and redemption that strengthens and ultimately heals her.





**MOVIE REVIEW**


I will start by stating that I had never heard of Cheryl Strayed and her story until this film and it was advantageous to go in with not knowing what to expect. The end result is a beautifully shot film with a pair of strong performances by Witherspoon and Dern but one that left me a bit cold in the end due to the circumstances of the true story it's based on. Cheryl goes into a downward spiral after the unfortunate death of her mother and it is a chaotic mix of drugs, random sex and destructive life choices that lead to her stepping away from all that and taking a journey on the Pacific Coast Trail while being ill prepared for such a strenuous trek. Being an avid hiker who plans trips out and makes sure to respect nature and the wildlife areas this story rewards a person who makes a lot of bad choices and somehow is rewarded for it in the end.

The film follows Strayed on the trail and uses flashbacks to tell how she ended up there. Laura Dern's portrayal of Chery's Mother is quiet and powerful. Witherspoon is all raw emotion and gives one of her finest performances. Despite my feelings of the true story the film is worth viewing. 7.5/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**


Wild arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1 - Colors vary from muted blues to the lush greens, icy whites and golden hues on the Pacific Coast Trail. The cinematography is stunning with the on location scenery of the trail. These gorgeous vistas ares shown in all their glory with razor sharp clarity. Fine detail in close ups and gear is excellent as well. Black levels were solid but shadow delineation is inconsistent. Overall this is a visually pleasing transfer. 9/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - Dialogue and the voice-overs from the main character were crisp and clear. Surrounds help in creating a sense of being on the trail with enveloping environmental effects. There are some fun music tracks placed into the mix and they are well represented with good fidelity. No problems to speak of. 8/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Audio Commentary by Jean-Marc Vallée, Bruna Papandrea and David Greenbaum

* The Real Cheryl Strayed (HD, 8min37sec)

* The Real Location Is The Best Location (HD, 8min45sec)

* How Much Does A Monster Weigh? (HD, 3min46sec)

* The Pacific Crest Trail Interactive Map

* Deleted Scenes – with Optional Commentary by Jean-Marc Vallée (HD, 7min49sec)

* Promotional Featurettes

- Bringing the Book Into The Wild (HD, 3min35sec)
- Reese Witherspoon in the Wild (HD, 3min55sec)
- Wild: 94 Days, 1100 miles (HD, 3min18sec)
- Directing Wild (HD, 3min56sec)
- Making Wild (HD, 5min21sec)
- Pacific Crest Trail (HD, 4min4sec)
- Real Locations (HD, 3min21sec)

* Experiencing the PCT: A Special Message From Cheryl Strayed (HD, 1min47sec)

* Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2min2sec)

* Gallery (HD, 2min)

Lost In Space debuts on Blu-ray September 15th

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be bringing home Irwin Allen's classic sci-fi series Lost In Space to Blu-ray on September 15, 2015. Technical specs for the series HD debut will feature 1080p video in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio and a DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 Master Audio track. Below are official details:


**SYNOPSIS**


Danger, Will Robinson! Danger! Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment pays tribute to one of the most iconic television series of all-time as “Lost in Space” – The Complete Series arrives on Blu-ray for the first time ever on September 15. Running from 1965-1968, this collection allows fans to bring home Irwin Allen’s intergalactic family saga that earned an enormous following of devoted fans over the years. Set in the space age future of 1997, follow the heart-racing, cliff-hanging adventures of John Robinson and his family aboard the Jupiter 2™, along with Robot B-9 and the delightfully devious Dr. Zachary Smith

Produced with Space Productions, Inc. and Synthesis Entertainment, this massive 18-disc set contains all 83 episodes remastered in high definition, and over seven hours of exciting extras with recently discovered content you won’t find anywhere else in the galaxy. It’s out-of-this-world fun for everyone! Highlights include new commentaries on classic episodes with the original cast, 50th anniversary interviews with the original series cast and hours of archive footage offering incredible and unprecedented access into Irwin Allen’s personal archives. In addition, the Blu-ray includes an exclusive cast performance of Bill Mumy’s unproduced 1980 epilogue script, featuring Mumy, Angela Cartwright, Marta Kristen, Mark Goddard and more!


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


All-New Extras – Produced with Will Robinson Himself, Bill Mumy!
● New On-Camera Original Cast Interviews Featuring Bill Mumy, Mark Goddard, Angela Cartwright, Marta Kristen, Guy Williams Jr. & Toni Williams
● Original Cast Audio Commentaries
○ "No Place to Hide" (Un-Aired Pilot/Long Version) w/ Bill Mumy, Mark Goddard, Angela Cartwright, Marta Kristen and Mike Clark
○ "My Friend, Mr. Nobody" w/ Bill Mumy, Mark Goddard, Angela Cartwright, Marta Kristen and Mike Clark
○ "Attack of the Monster Plants" w/ Bill Mumy, Mark Goddard, Angela Cartwright, Marta Kristen and Mike Clark
○ "Return From Outer Space" w/ Bill Mumy, Mark Goddard, Angela Cartwright, Marta Kristen, Kevin Burns and Mike Clark
○ "The Phantom Family" w/ Bill Mumy, Mark Goddard, Angela Cartwright, Marta Kristen and Mike Clark
○ "The Anti-Matter Man" w/ Bill Mumy, Mark Goddard, Angela Cartwright, Marta Kristen and Mike Clark
○ "The Promised Planet" w/ Bill Mumy, Mark Goddard, Angela Cartwright, Marta Kristen and Mike Clark
○ "The Great Vegetable Rebellion" w/ Bill Mumy, Mark Goddard, Angela Cartwright, Marta Kristen and Mike Clark
● "Lost in Space: The Epilogue" - Special Cast Reunion Performance of Bill Mumy's 1980 Un-Produced Script w/ Bill Mumy, Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Angela Cartwright, Veronica Cartwright, Guy Williams Jr., Toni Williams, Kevin Burns and Robot B9)

Archive Material
● "No Place to Hide" - Original Un-Aired Pilot (Version #1/Long Version)
● "No Place to Hide" - Original Un-Aired Pilot (Version #2/Short Version)
● Guy Williams Screen Test for "Lost in Space" (1964)
● Bob May's Home Movies (1965)
● "Lost in Space" 1965 CBS Advertisers and Affiliates Presentation
● "Seven Wonderful Nights" Lost In Space Excerpt (1965/66 CBS Promo w/ Dick Van Dyke)
● CBS Network Season One Television Spots (1965)
● CBS Network Season Two Television Spots (1966)
● CBS Network Preemption Bumpers w/ Jonathan Harris and the Robot (Season Two)
● "Lost in Space" Season Two / Main Title (with alternate/unused theme music by Warren Barker)
● "Lost in Space" Special FX Outtakes (1965-68) (w/ "Lost in Space" Rare Music Outtakes)
● Original Dick Strout Fox Promotional Interview with June Lockhart and Guy Williams (1966)
● Original Dick Strout Fox Promotional Interview with Jonathan Harris (1966)
● "Lost in Space" Animated Special (1973)
● Syndication TV Spots (1970s)
● Syndication TV Spots (1983)
● "Studs in Space" Promo #1 (Radio Promo for STUDS) ("Classic TV")(1992)
● "Studs in Space" Promo #2 (Radio Promo for STUDS) ("I'm Thinking")(1992)
● Never-before-released 20th Anniversary Interview with Irwin Allen (1985)
● "The Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen" (1996)
● "Lost in Space Memories" (Program Interstitials for "The Fantasy Worlds of Irwin Allen") (1996)
● "Lost in Space Forever" (Segment with Dr. Smith, Robot and Will Robinson Only) (1998)
● "Never Fear, Smith is Here" (Jonathan Harris A&E Biography) (2002)
● "Lost in Space" Animated Series Pitch (2005) (by Scott O'Brien)
● "The Ballad of William Robinson" (Music Video by Bill Mumy)
● Jonathan Harris and Al Lewis on MANCOW (Chicago Radio Show)

Original CBS Network Versions of Original Episodes:
● "The Reluctant Stowaway"
● "The Derelict"
● "The Magic Mirror"
● "Follow the Leader"
● "Blast off into Space"
● "Target Earth"

Photo Galleries
● Publicity Stills
● Episode Stills
● Behind-the-Scenes Stills
● Vintage Merchandise
● Props
● Artwork

Jupiter Ascending on Blu-ray and DVD June 2nd

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be releasing the latest film from Lana and Andy Wachowski, the sci-fi action hit Jupiter Ascening to Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack,Blu-ray Combo pack, DVD and Digital HD on June 2, 2015. The film stars Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio and a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track and also Dolby Atmos. Below are the official details:





From the creators of “The Matrix” Trilogy comes “Jupiter Ascending,” an original science fiction action adventure from filmmakers Lana and Andy Wachowski, arriving onto Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on June 2 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

Channing Tatum (“Magic Mike,” “Foxcatcher”) and Mila Kunis (“Oz the Great and Powerful”) lead a cast that includes Sean Bean (“The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy), Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”), Douglas Booth (“Noah”), Tuppence Middleton (“The Imitation Game”), Doona Bae (“Cloud Atlas”), James D’Arcy (“Hitchcock”) and Tim Pigott-Smith (“Alice in Wonderland”).

From the streets of Chicago to far flung galaxies whirling through space, “Jupiter Ascending” is written and directed by the Wachowskis. Award-winning producer Grant Hill, with whom they have collaborated since “The Matrix” Trilogy, produced the film, together with Lana and Andy Wachowski. Roberto Malerba and Bruce Berman serve as executive producers.


**SYNOPSIS**


Jupiter Jones (Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning other people’s houses and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when Caine (Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down does Jupiter begin to glimpse the fate that has been waiting for her all along—her genetic signature marks her as next in line for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Jupiter Jones: Destiny Is Within Us
* Jupiter Ascending: Genetically Spliced Caine Wise: Interplanetary Warrior
* The Wachowskis: Minds Over Matter
* Worlds Within Worlds Within Worlds
* Bullet Time Evolved
* From Earth to Jupiter (And Everywhere in Between)

Empire Records Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


Allan Moyle (Pump up the Volume) cranks it up another notch with his direction of this comedy about an eventful day in the lives of the young slackers, doers and dreamers who all work at the bustling Empire Records store. “This music is the glue of the world,” one of Empire's clerks says. “It holds it all together.” With one of the most dynamic song scores ever, tunes by Gin Blossoms, the Cranberries, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Cracker, Evan Dando, Better Than Ezra and more set off virtually every scene. The cast includes Liv Tyler (The Lord of the Rings films), Renée Zellweger (Bridget Jones Diary), Anthony LaPaglia (TV’s “Without a Trace”), among others.





**MOVIE REVIEW**


Empire Records was a film I watched constantly back in the mid to late 90's. I loved the soundtrack and the characters while a little odd felt real and like they had a family bond. I haven't seen it in a few years at least and that was the Remix:Special Fan Edition. While I enjoyed that version of the film this new Blu-ray only contains the Theatrical Edition. Some times when you go back and watch a beloved film from your teenage years they don't resonate as much but I am happy to say I was instantly engaged and enjoying the funny and dramatic day at an independent record store. The cast includes a young Renee Zellweger and the luminous Liv Tyler before she became Arwen in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Rest of the actor's and actresses exhibit a natural chemistry and charisma. 20 years later Empire Records is still a fun and rockin' time. 8.5/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**


Empire Records arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1 - Making it's Blu-ray debut Empire Records is overall a pleasing visual experience for a cult film from two decades ago. Colors feature bold primaries and good saturation. Black levels were solid but could have been deeper. Fine details in close ups and clothing patterns and fabric are quite good. There are a few soft shots but nothing to cause any concern. Fine grain is left in and thankfully no signs of artificial sharpening. 8/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - Dialogue was crisp and clear except for a scene where Tyler and Zellweger are yelling are shouting at one another and there is some noticeable distortion. The track is front heavy and some of the hit songs from the soundtrack are kept at a low level in the mix. When a music track is featured more prominently such as "Sugar High" fidelity was good. 7/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Deleted Scenes (SD, 7min39sec) - Four scenes in total. A "play all" option is included.

* Music Videos
- Rex Manning "Say No More" (SD, 3min15sec)
- Gwar "Saddam A Go-Go" (SD, 2min35sec)
- Gwar "Vlad the Impaler" Live (SD, 3min15sec)

* Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2mi25sec)

Singles Blu-ray Review

**SYNOPSIS**


An early film from writer/director Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous), the film asks the question, “What do you do to make romance happen in today’s hilariously mixed-up singles world?” A stellar cast joins Crowe (whose new untitled film starring Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone premieres in May) in this sweet, funny tale of Seattle twenty-somethings searching for, and running from, love. The great “Seattle Sound” grunge/alternative music of the ‘90s provides the soundtrack, featuring musicians such as Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and two performances by Alice in Chains.

The ensemble includes: Matt Dillon (Crash) as a romantically aloof rocker, Bridget Fonda (A Simple Plan) as his love struck neighbor, Kyra Sedgwick (TV’s “The Closer”), Campbell Scott (TV’s “Royal Pains”), Sheila Kelley (TV’s “The Gossip Girl”) and Bill Pullman (TV’s 1600 Penn”). Applauded by critics and audiences of all ages, Singles is for anyone who’s walked delicately through that minefield called dating.





**MOVIE REVIEW**


Cameron Crowe's 1992 film Singles is a time capsule of the grunge era as well as a fine film examining life and relationships. The fresh faced cast is excellent. The music takes me back to when I was finishing middle school and just started to get into Pearl Jam and the new sound from Seattle. I recommend picking this one up. 9/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**


Singles arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.78:1 - Making it's HD debut Singles looks good for it's age and a marked improvement over the DVD but there are a few instances of softness and fine detail is kind of in the middle. Colors are mix between the early 90's grunge style and bold primaries. The overall image is clean with no tears or debris. Black levels remained deep throughout the film's 99 minute running time. There is a light layer of grain that is kept intact. 7.5/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**


Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. - Music fidelity for the classic tunes that vary from Pearl Jam to Soundgarden was quite pleasing to the ear. All the music cues are presented crisp and clear. Dialogue reproduction was also consistently clean and mixed at the proper level for any club or concert scenes as the characters have to shout over the loud music. 8/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**


* Deleted Scenes (SD, 51min) – This is a massive collection of 25 deleted or extended scenes. There is some quality stuff included and a treat for fans of the film. Unfortunately there is no "play all" feature.

* Gag Reel (SD, 3min17sec)

Live Performances

- Soundgarden "Birth Ritual" (SD, 5min26sec)
- Alice in Chains "It Ain't Like That Anymore" (SD, 4min45sec)
- Alice in Chains "Would?" (SD, 4min)

* Theatrical Trailer (SD,2min)