May 22, 2015

Glee: The Final Season DVD Review






**SYNOPSIS**



In the exhilarating, heart-rending final season of “Glee,” club favorites reunite and a new group of young performers takes center stage! Following her disastrously short sitcom career, Rachel returns to McKinley High to find Principal Sue Sylvester trampling the arts – including the glee club. Without missing a beat, Rachel and a newly single Kurt set out to revitalize New Directions, hoping for a shot at the national title. It won’t be easy since Will and Blaine now coach rival groups Vocal Adrenaline and The Warblers. With thrilling musical numbers and compelling plot lines featuring much of the beloved original cast, the final season of “Glee” culminates in a celebration of LIFE, MUSIC, FRIENDSHIP and LOVE.


**SERIES REVIEW**



Glee closes out it's run with a mixed bag of a season that sees most of the original cast returning home to McKinley due to their lives not going as they had hoped for once they left high school. There are still quite a few plot holes that the series doesn't care to answer. The cast of new blood was interesting in the first couple episodes and then they just get tossed to the wayside for the veterans. The final episode does tie most things up in a neat little bow and sees the characters enjoying their lives and looking toward a bright future which is fitting for the series as a whole. Glee kind of fizzled out by the time the main cast went off to college but it can;t be denied the impact it had in it's first 3 seasons and for that I would recommend adding this final season to your collection to see where the teachers and kids of McKinley end up. 7.5/10





**VIDEO QUALITY**



Glee: The Final Season arrives on DVD with a 480p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.78:1. - The color palette is bright and cheerful featuring bold primaries. Black levels were solid and contrast was well balanced. Fine detail in the sometimes outrageous outfits and set designs was good all around. There were some light signs of compression artifacts but nothing too obtrusive. 7.5/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**



Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. - Dialogue was crisp and clear. Vocals during the musical performances were perfectly mixed and crystal clear. LFE added a good kick to the more pop and rock heavy songs. Surrounds activity was decent enough but for the most part these tracks remain front heavy. 8/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**



* “Glee” Music Jukebox
* “Glee” The Final Curtain
* Looking Back Video Yearbook

May 21, 2015

The Divergent Series: Insurgent on Blu-ray August 4th






Lionsgate Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be releasing The Divergent Series: Insurgent to 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD on August 4, 2015. The film stars Shailene Woodley and Theo James. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio and a Dolby Atmos7.1 track. Below are the official details:





**SYNOPSIS**



Based on Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times best-selling novel Insurgent, The Divergent Series: Insurgent raises the stakes for Tris (Woodley) as she searches for answers and allies in this star-powered, action-packed second installment of the Divergent series. On the run and targeted by ruthless faction leader Jeanine (Kate Winslet), Tris fights to protect the people she loves, facing one impossible challenge after another as she and Four (James) race to unlock the truth about the past—and ultimately the future—of their world.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**



* Audio Commentary with Producers Doug Wick and Lucy Fisher
* “Insurgent Unlocked: The Ultimate Behind-the-Scenes Access” Feature-Length Documentary
* “Diverging: Adapting Insurgent to the Screen” Featurette
* “From Divergent to Insurgent” Featurette
* “The Others: Cast and Characters” Featurette
* “The Train Fight Unlocked” Featurette
* “The Peter Hayes Story” Featurette
* Marketing Gallery

X-Men: Days of Future Past Rogue Cut on Blu-ray July 14th






Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced they will release X-Men: Days of Future Past Rogue Cut to Blu-ray and DVD on July 14, 2015. The Blu-ray specs are set to be 1080p video in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio and a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track for audio. Below are the official details:





**SYNOPSIS**



Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will take you back in time for an all new experience as the X-Men: Days of Future Past Rogue Cut hits Blu-ray and DVD July 14. Fan-favorite mutant Rogue, played by Anna Paquin, finally joins the all-star cast, including Hugh Jackman, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Halle Berry, Jennifer Lawrence, Ellen Page, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, as they prepare to battle the Sentinels!

With a never-before-seen, alternate cut of the film—plus nearly 90 minutes of all-new, immersive special features, The X-Men: Days of Future Past Rogue Cut takes you deeper into the X-Men universe than ever before. Rogue makes her return as the all-star characters from the original X-Men film trilogy join forces with their younger selves and unite to battle armies of murderous Sentinel robots who are hunting down mutants and humans alike!

Packed with an all new cut of X-Men: Days of Future Past and nearly 90 minutes of new content, the Rogue Cut is the ultimate fan collectible! Go behind-the-battle for Earth with the definitive documentary “Mutant vs Machine” or look into the future with a sneak peek of the new Fantastic Four film.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**



* Rogue Cut
- Audio Commentary by Bryan Singer and John Ottman
* Theatrical Version of the Film
- Audio Commentary by Bryan Singer and Simon Kinberg
* Mutant vs Machine
* X-Men: Unguarded
* Gallery
* Second Screen App
* Fantastic Four Sneak Peek

May 20, 2015

Looney Tunes: Musical Masterpieces DVD Review






**SYNOPSIS**



Prepare for a musical experience as only Looney Tunes can deliver! From the brilliant minds of maestro Carl Stalling and animation legends including Friz Freleng and Chuck Jones, comes 18 musical treasures. Join the likes of Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, and Porky Pig in classics including Corny Concerto, What’s Opera, Doc? and Rabbit of Seville. Dive deeper into the vaults with gems like Three Little Bops, I Love to Singa and Rhapsody in Rivets. Let’s go to the symphony with this must-own collection of Musical Masterpieces!


Shorts

Corny Concerto
Rabbit of Seville
One Froggy Evening
Rhapsody Rabbit
What's Opera, Doc?
Hillbilly Hare
Pizzicato Pussycat
Nelly’s Folly
I Love to Singa
Page Miss Glory
Katnip Kollege
High Note
Pigs in a Polka
Three Little Bops
Rhapsody in Rivets
Back Alley Oproar
Holiday Shoestrings
Lights Fantastic





**MOVIE REVIEW**



This latest collection of classic animation from the Looney Tunes Golden Era warms the heart and tickles the funny bone. If you watch this DVD and don't laugh or crack a smile then you must not have a pulse. The wit and imagination that is displayed in these shorts stand up and put to shame most anything created in the modern era of animation. Do yourself and your family a favor and put this 133 minute long delight on. 9.5/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**



Looney Tunes: Musical Masterpieces arrives on DVD with a 480p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.33:1 - This collection bursts with some beautiful animation work and feature colors that are lush and have perfect saturation. Ink lines look solid. 8.5/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**



Audio is provided by a Dolby Digital 1.0 track. - Dialogue and vocals were remarkably crisp and clear for their vintage. The mono mix exhibited good fidelity and clarity. No cracks or distortion. 8/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**



* Commentaries
* It Hopped One Night: The Story Behind One Froggy Evening
* Wagnerian Wabbit: The Making of What’s Opera, Doc?
* Merrie Melodies: Carl Stalling and Cartoon Music
* Sing-a-Song of Looney Tunes

May 18, 2015

American Sniper Blu-ray Review






**SYNOPSIS**



From director Clint Eastwood comes “American Sniper,” starring Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, whose skills as a sniper made him a hero on the battlefield. But there was much more to him than his skill as a sharpshooter.

Navy SEAL Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield, and as stories of his courageous exploits spread, he earns the nickname “Legend.” However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines, putting a price on his head and making him a prime target of insurgents. He is also facing a different kind of battle on the home front: striving to be a good husband and father from halfway around the world.

Despite the danger, as well as the toll on his family at home, Chris serves through four harrowing tours of duty in Iraq, personifying the spirit of the SEAL creed to “leave no one behind.” But upon returning to his wife, Taya (Sienna Miller), and kids, Chris finds that it is the war he can’t leave behind.





**MOVIE REVIEW**



The true story of Chris Kyle is one of heroism, love and tragedy. Director Clint Eastwood has made one of his finest films here with not a false moment to be found. Bradley Cooper transformed his physique and mannerisms for the role and it is clear why he was nominated for Best Actor. There is a scene where he has to hold back from shooting a young man who has picked up a rocket launcher and the intensity in his face and the relief afterwards is brilliant. The cast is rounded out with terrific and authentic feeling performances. The film really doesn't pick a side on whether war is right or wrong but it does show the terror, destruction and price payed for it while honoring the man who became the deadliest sniper in American history. I would highly recommend adding this one to your collection. 9.5/10


**VIDEO QUALITY**



American Sniper arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1 - The presentation is stunning in it's level of fine detail and clarity. Every little detail in fatigues, weaponry, facial hair and the war torn landscapes are razor sharp. Colors appear to have been toned down stylistically and skintones appear natural. Black levels were deep with solid shadow delineation. There were no nagging anomalies. 9.5/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**



Audio is provided by a Dolby Atmos 7.1 and a default Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track. - With the arrival of this Blu-ray we have one of the most dynamic and immersive tracks ever. LFE performance is off the charts with startlingly deep and powerful rumbles and punch from tanks, explosions and gunfire. The detail in surround activity brings the viewer into the war and feel like your right there on the roof with Chris Kyle. Bullets whip around the listening are with lifelike clarity. Quieter moments at home put environmental effects to good use. Dialogue remained crisp and intelligible throughout. A reference quality presentation. 10/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**



* One Soldier’s Story: The Journey of American Sniper (HD, 31min4sec) - Join director Clint Eastwood and his creative team, along with Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, as they overcome enormous creative and logistic obstacles to make a film that brings the truth of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle's story to the screen.

* The Making of American Sniper (HD, 28min35sec)


The Longest Ride on Blu-ray and DVD July 14th






Fox Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be releasing The Longest Ride to Blu-ray and DVD on July 14, 2015. The film stars Scott Eastwood and Britt Robertson. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio and a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. Below are the official details:





**SYNOPSIS**



Based on the bestselling novel by master storyteller Sparks, THE LONGEST RIDE centers on the star-crossed love affair between Luke, a former champion bull rider looking to make a comeback, and Sophia, a college student who is about to embark upon her dream job in New York City’s art world. As conflicting paths and ideals test their relationship, Sophia and Luke make an unexpected connection with Ira, whose memories of his own decades-long romance with his beloved wife deeply inspire the young couple. Spanning generations and two intertwining love stories, THE LONGEST RIDE explores the challenges and infinite rewards of enduring love.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**



* Deleted and Extended Scenes
* A Writer’s Journey: A Day in the Life of Nicholas Sparks
* Beyond the Ride
* Bringing it to Life
* Meet The Real Bull Riders
* Luke’s Bull Riding School
* Audio Commentary by George Tillman, Jr. and Oona Chaplin
* Gallery

Get Hard on Blu-ray June 30th






Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be releasing Get Hard to Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on June 30, 2015. The film stars Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart and Alison Brie. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Below are the official details:





**SYNOPSIS**



When millionaire hedge fund manager James (Will Ferrell) is nailed for fraud and bound for a stretch in San Quentin, the judge gives him 30 days to get his affairs in order. Desperate, he turns to Darnell (Kevin Hart) to prep him for a life behind bars. But despite James’ one-percenter assumptions, Darnell is a hard-working small business owner who has never received a parking ticket, let alone been to prison.

Together, the two men do whatever it takes for James to “get hard” and, in the process, discover how wrong they were about a lot of things – including each other.


**SPECIAL FEATURES**



* Just Put Your Lips Together and Blow
* GET HARD Line-O-Ramas
* The Kevin Hart Workout
* Face Off with Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart
* Ferrell Fighting
* A Date with John Mayer
* Twerking 101
* Will Ferrell, Gangsta
* Inmates: Out of Control
* Bikers, Babes and Big Bangs
* Gag Reel
* Deleted Scenes

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: The Complete First Season on DVD August 4th






Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has officially announced they will be releasing The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: The Complete First Season to DVD on August 4, 2015 The DVD will feature video in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio and a Dolby Digital track. Below are the official details:





**SYNOPSIS**



The Man From U.N.C.L.E. has captured the hearts of its viewers since its premiere in 1964. This critically-acclaimed spoof television series featuring Leo G. Carrol, William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy was the first successful spy show on American television and one of the first series to become an international phenomenon. Prior to the theatrical release of The Man From U.N.C.L.E. in August 2015, fans can now relive their favorite moments as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment gets set to release The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: The Complete First Season on DVD August 4, 2015. This digitally enhanced series, also nominated for 7 Emmy Awards over its successful 4 season run, includes 29 one-hour long episodes of priceless entertainment and over 100 minutes of enhanced content. Order due date is June 30, 2015.

In this hit spoof of the spy genre, actors Robert Vaughn and David McCallum play the roles of top agents Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin who use their charm, wit, and a never-ending assortment of gadgets to defend the world from evil, chaos and bad taste. The successful series also stars Leo G. Carrol as Alexander Waverly and features guest stars such as William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, of Star Trek, Kurt Russell, Ricardo Montalban and longtime comedy favorite Ken Murray. From trying to save the world from fear gas to trying to save themselves from a pack of bloodthirsty cheetahs, these serious spies bring the suspense and fun to life. You may even forget it's in black and white!

“The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: The Complete First Season is the first successful spy series of its kind and we are proud to bring it back to viewers to experience all the action” said Rosemary Markson, WBHE Senior Vice President, Television Marketing. “The episodes have been digitally remastered and will allow audiences young and old to relive this phenomenon before the theatrical release!”

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: The Complete First Season Enhanced on DVD includes 29 1-Hour Episodes:

DISC ONE

The Vulcan Affair
The Iowa-Scuba Affair
The Quadripartite Affair

DISC TWO

The Shark Affair
The Deadly Games Affair
The Green Opal Affair

DISC THREE

The Giuoco Piano Affair
The Double Affair
The Project Strigas Affair

DISC FOUR

The Finny Foot Affair
The Neptune Affair
The Dove Affair

DISC FIVE

The King of Knaves Affair
The Terbuf Affair
The Deadly Decoy Affair

DISC SIX

The Fiddlesticks Affair
The Yellow Scarf Affair
The Mad, Mad Tea Party Affair

DISC SEVEN

The Secret Sceptre Affair
The Bow-Wow Affair
The Four-Steps Affair

DISC EIGHT

The See-Paris-And-Die Affair
The Brain-Killer Affair
The Hong Kong Shilling Affair

DISC NINE

The Never-Never Affair
The Love Affair
The Gazebo in the Maze Affair

DISC TEN

The Girls of Nazarene Affair
The Odd Man Affair

DISC ELEVEN

Bonus Features

Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts Blu-ray Review






**SYNOPSIS**



Another storm is brewing in Gotham and it’s not only raining cats and dogs but evil Cyber Animals! When the city is plagued by a slew of bizarre crimes committed by the animal-inspired villain squad, known as the Animilitia – made up of Silverback, Cheetah, Killer Croc and Man-Bat – Batman must swing into action to investigate. These animalistic villains bring new and exciting challenges for the hero of Gotham, and Batman must find a way to bring these criminal creatures to a halt! But could the Animilitia be working for powerful businessman Oswald Cobblepot a.k.a. The Penguin? How does The Penguin’s new invention of robotic Cyber Animals fit into the mix? In the end, it’ll take all the combined forces of Batman, Flash, Green Arrow, Nightwing and Red Robin to fight off these Animal Instincts.





**VIDEO QUALITY**



Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.78:1 - The overall image is crisp with well defined lines. Colors include some eye popping primaries and nice saturation. Black levels were consistently deep and inky. I did notice issues with banding that does distract somewhat. 8/10


**AUDIO QUALITY**



Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - Dialogue comes through crisp and crystal clear. LFE performance was exceptionally deep for this animated production and adds great heft to punches and kicks. Surround channels were used effectively when the on screen action heats up. 8.5/10


**SPECIAL FEATURES**



* The Penguin: High Society Criminal (HD, 13min) - A look back at the comic book villain's history.

* DC Nation Shorts (HD, 23min) - Includes ten animated shorts.

* DC Comics Vault (HD, 46min)
- Batman: The Brave and the Bold: Super-Batman of Planet X!
- Batman: The Brave and the Bold: Gorillas In Our Midst

* Trailers (HD) - Includes trailers for Teen Titans Go!, LEGO DC Superheroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League, and Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest