Dreamworks / 1999 / 102 mins / Rated PG Blu-ray Release Date: 11-17-09 Reviewed on 11-10-09
By Grabthor’s Hammer, Galaxy Quest is one of my favorite all time comedies... right up there with the original In-laws, Planes Trains & Automobiles and National Lampoon’s Vacation. Released a decade ago (Geeze, has it been that long???), Sony is wisely breathing new life into this cult classic by re-releasing it on Blu-ray with a load of extras.
Featuring an all-star cast lead by Tim Allen, the premise is simple enough: The washed-up cast of a Star Trek wannabe Sci-fi show suddenly finds themselves catapulted into space by an alien race who rest their hopes on this cast of actors... who they believe are their actual characters.
With an outstanding supporting cast including Sigourney Weaver, Sam Rockwell, Tony Shalhoub, Enrico Colantoni, Daryl Mitchell, scene-stealer Alan Rickman as well as a very young Justin Long... Galaxy Quest quickly became an instant classic by smartly pleasing both comedy fans and Sci-fi geeks.
Turn your phasers to stun and run out to your video store to pick up the incredible
Blu-ray Edition of Galaxy Quest, which releases November 17th for the first time!
I remember going to see this movie with low expectations. The trailer was mildly amusing, and Tim Allen... who had skyrocketed to fame with Home Improvement was beginning to wear his welcome a little thin. But almost instantly, Galaxy Quest drew me right in. Allen is perfectly cast as a Shatner-type blow hard whose cast mates absolutely deplore. With their 80’s show long defunct, the best gigs these guys can get are Sci-fi conventions and mall openings... where Shakespeare trained Alan Rickman’s character must utter the famous line he’s grown to despise, “By Grabthor’s hammer…”
Once the plot kicks into gear and the dysfunctional cast is thrown into peril, it’s up to Tim Allen’s Jason Nesmith to finally rise to the occasion and lead his team of idiots to victory. By the end of the movie, even the snobbish Rickman’s Alexander Dane musters a passionate and well-earned reprise of his famous line.
Galaxy Quest is one of the few ‘gimmick’ movies that’s actually rises above its gimmick within the first five minutes. This could have easily become a one-joke premise that would have run out of air by the first act... but instead, under Dean Parisot’s brisk direction and David Howard and Robert Gordon’s witty script, the movie quickly has you rooting for every member of the cast. Even Sam Rockwell’s memorable “character without a last name” -- who’s certain he’ll be the first one killed off because he’s a glorified extra -- ultimately finds his day in the sun.
The only surprise upon watching it again was why the filmmakers have yet to make a sequel. Though it could never touch the original, the characters are so clearly defined and lovable, audiences would flock to revisit the gang ten years later.
At an MSRP of $29.99 (but easily found for under $20) this Blu-ray release needs to be beamed to your video library shelf immediately!
VIDEO
Galaxy Quest has never looked better. The 1080p, 2.39:1 aspect ratio transfer utilizes an MPEG-4 AVC codec. The look of the film was never particularly state-of-the-art, especially in terms of special effects. It seems the intent was to give the film a cheesy early Star Trek look, and on that level, it works. Most scenes, particularly on the ship are over lit and glossy, while the scenes on earth appear very episodic.
AUDIO
The DTS-HD Master 5.1 delivers! Particularly in many of the action scenes, including a war waged upon the battling ship and Jason’s fight on the planet with the rock monster.
EXTRAS
• Historical Documents: The Story of Galaxy Quest – Combining new and vintage interviews with everyone in the cast. Entertaining tidbits like when Allen/Weaver encounter the CHOMPERS, Weaver originally drops an F-bomb, but that never made it to the screen due to the PG rated, so she was dubbed over. Other amusing bits include Alan Rickman’s obvious disdain for Tim Allen’s antics on set—although covered with affection, it’s obvious it only helped for their on screen relationship.
• Never Give Up. Never Surrender: The Intrepid Crew of the NSEA Protector – More great interviews and tidbits like how Shalhoub had to ‘find his character’ on set as well as memorable Sam Rockwell impression by Justin Long (who’s proving to become a bonafide comedy genius.) The affection between the actors and director shines through with each recollection. Again, why haven’t they done a sequel??
• Sigourney Weaver Raps
• By Grabthar’s Hammer, What Amazing Effects
• Alien School: Creating the Thermian Race
• Actors in Space
• Deleted Scenes
• Theatrical Trailer
• Thermian Audio Track
MY SAY
Buy it, own it, watch it, live it!!! Galaxy Quest is a must... whether this is your first time or fiftieth viewing. Never give up! Never Surrender!
Disney / Buena Vista / 1994 / 92 mins / Rated R Blu-ray Release Date: 11-17-09 Reviewed on 11-13-09
Can it be that 15 years have already passed since the debut of Kevin Smith’s cult indie hit Clerks? Or, five years since the dvd release of the 10th Anniversary? The answer to both questions is a resounding, yes… and fortunately, the filmmakers wisely dug up plenty of reasons to revisit this classic, now on Blu-ray. One can only imagine what they have in store for the 25th Anniversary.
Clerks is Kevin Smith’s shoe-string budgeted B&W comedy about one wild day in the life of a pair of overworked convenience store counter jockeys, whose razor sharp wit zingers to customers give a whole new meaning to ‘Have a nice day’.
The comedy was ultimately so successful, it spawned a sequel, a short-lived half-hour comedy series and an animated show based on the same characters. Adding to it’s legacy, Websters added the pup culture term ‘slackers’ to the dictionary. Not bad, for a first time writer-director who has arguably never managed to recapture neither the success or cultural significance since his debut.
At an MSRP of $39.99 (but easily found for under $25), for the hard-core fan, the litany of extras alone may be worth its price... especially for the Gen-X set.
CLERKS releases 11/17/09 on Blu-ray for the first time!
Dante Hicks, a New Jersey convenience store clerk isn’t having a great day. On a Saturday morning, he gets called into work on his day off. When he goes in, the shutters outside won’t open. Next, his ex-girlfriend, who he’s still in love with, is getting married. Meanwhile, his current girlfriend is bugging him about starting college, while yet another ex has died and today is the last day to go to her wake.
Starring Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Jason Mewes (from Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back) this iconoclastic comedy is chock full of fresh characters and unique voices. Tapping into the American Zeitgeist of a generation of post-high school flunkies and perpetual junior college wannabes stuck in crappy jobs with no future plan, writer-director Kevin Smith pulls you right in and forces you to empathize with this lovable cast of losers.
VIDEO
Presented at 1080p and Widescreen (1.85.1). Okay, clearly considering this was a low-budget B&W indie, there’s little to hope for visually in regards to the Blu-ray bump from ordinary DVD. However, after viewing them both back-to-back you can’t help but feel like the picture is slightly crisper and clarity uniformly unsurpassed. Unless Smith decides to colorize the 25th anniversary release, this is as good as it’s gonna get.
AUDIO
English 5.1 DTS-HD MA (48Khz/24-bit) I had to play the dvd and Blu-ray back to back to tell the difference, with a notable improvement mainly in the soundtrack. The obvious upgrade in audio comes with the added extras, including commentary tracks.
EXTRAS
Roll up your sleeves on this one. I’d be hard pressed to think of anything left on either the cutting room floor or un-sought-out commentary on this comedy starting with—
• New original introduction to Clerks by writer-director Kevin Smith
• Theatrical version including original classic commentary circ 1995, featuring Kevin Smith, producer Scott Mosier and cast including Brian O’Halloran.
• Enhanced playback track including synchronized trivia and cast and crew quotes for the ultimate Clerk officienados.
• The FIRST CUT version, including audio commentary with Kevin, Brian, Jeff, Mos and Mews, viewable in three separate modes.
• “Clerks: the Lost Scene” – original animated short
• “The Flying Car”
• Original MTV spots with Jay & Silent Bob
• Full theatrical traler
• Soul Asylum’s music video “Can’t Even Tell”
• Clerks Restoration
• Original Clerks Auditions
• “Snowball Effect: The Story of Clerks”
• “Mae Day: The Crumbling of A Documentary”, with introductions by both Smith and Mosier.
• Outtakes from “Snowball Effect”
• 10th Anniversary Q&A
MY SAY
Is there enough in this clever Blu-ray re-package to deserve the price? Definitely, if you don’t already own this classic on DVD. If you do, and you savor the tidbits and goodies and behind-the-scene-stealing trivia files, this Blu-ray’s for you!
Universal / 2009 / 82 mins / Rated R Blu-ray Release Date: 11-17-09 Reviewed on 11-17-09
Get ready to tighten your sphincters... he’s baaaack. The comic "genius" and progenitor of the wildly successful Borat character returns in this Universal Studios follow-up pseudo-documentary. Brüno stars Sacha Baron Cohen as an uber gay Austrian TV host searching for fame and fortune in America.
Those who didn’t get enough in the movie’s original brief eighty-two minute theatrical version will delight when they discover over an hour of exclusive footage and deleted scenes not shown in theaters.
Not that it’s any secret, but Cohen is a master of bad taste, and his latest incarnation vows not to disappoint or leave a single person unoffended. But like an illegitimate love child between Robin Williams and Don Rickles, this is what he does. As Brüno, Cohen doesn’t simply cross the line of poor taste, he leaps over it again and again and again.
BRüNO is exposed November 17, 2009 on Blu-ray for the first time!
The film starts not-so-innocently enough as we discover Brüno, a flamboyant Austrian fashion reporter, licking his wounds after getting dumped by his pint-sized lover named Diesel. Their love-making scenes are positively side-splitting and so wrong on an infinite amount of levels... but nonetheless hysterical if you are in the right frame of mind,
With a broken heart and assistant Lutz (Gustaf Hammarsten) who has an unrequited crush on his boss, Brüno sets his sights on America in the hopes of becoming an international celebrity. For fame, there is nothing Bruno won’t do—including adopting an African baby and, eventually, negotiating peace in the Middle east.
As with with Borat, the focus of the movie is primarily the reactions Bruno manages to muster from his unwitting victims. Sometimes the results are truly funny while others, like one bit involving an interview with Paula Abdul... fall miserably flat.
Fortunately, the laugh ratio generally beats the groan count depending on your tolerance for lewd humor... and a taste for a slightly deranged version of ‘Candid Camera’. For his part, Cohen attempts to skewer both liberal and conservative views on homosexuality. Brüno is harmless enough (for adults) -- and at best... the movie serves to be a clever indictment on hate.
VIDEO
The 1080p transfer is framed at 1.85:1 and uses the MPEG-4 AVC codec. It's serviceable in the intended pseudo-documentary style... but nothing to brag about. The early scenes are far the most polished and vibrant -- particularly during the Milan Fashion Week. Beyond that, the handheld look gets old quickly... The best video comes from staged scenes where the filmmakers had enough coverage to cull from.
AUDIO
The DTS-HD Master 5.1 surround track delivers what’s intended... basically documentary standards. Dialogue is almost always crisp, until the inevitable havoc ensues with whatever Brüno has wrought.
EXTRAS
Enhanced Picture-in-Picture Commentary - director Larry Charles and actor Sacha Baron Cohen's candid and revealing Picture-in-Picture commentary gives the audience a birds eye view into the mind of the madness, including exactly how Cohen managed to come up with some of the movies funniest bits.
Deleted Scenes - the disc's nine deletions are mixed offerings including uneasy appearances by Paula Abdul, La Toya Jackson and NBC news anchor Neal Barton, as well as other ordinary citizens, fashion industry workers, and international politicians.
Extended Scenes - eight extended scenes, one of which is exclusive to this Blu-ray release.
Alternative Scenes - two sequences are available, one centered around an interview with Pete Rose and another that includes a montage of segments with U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, American Values President Gary Bauer, and former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge.
An Interview with Lloyd Robinson - Talent and Literary Agent Lloyd Robinson is the focus of this brief but hilarious bit.
My Scenes Bookmarking
Universal News Ticker
BD-Live Functionality
My Say
As with with Borat, my guess is this film will more than likely be divided along gender lines. Women will find this movie about as funny as a fart joke; whereas men will already start to chuckle in anticipation of said fart joke. Given Sacha Baron Cohen’s no-holds-barred commitment to his creation, Brüno is truly a guilty pleasure that’s worth a place on your video shelf... even if you have to wedge it between two lofty Oscar pictures in order to make yourself feel better. Just make sure to keep it high enough away from any kids!
Starz / Anchor Bay / 2009 / 90 mins / Rated PG-13 Blu-ray Release Date: 11-17-09 Reviewed on 11-14-09
Aside from being one of this country's top recording artists, Justin Timberlake also happens to be one of the few singers who can actually act. Not only a testament to his acting skills—but his ability to pull off comedy, Timberlake is one of Saturday Night Lives most prolific hosts. For some reason, however, his talents have yet to fully transcend to movies.
In “The Open Road”, Timberlake plays Carlton Garrett -- a minor-leaguer unsure of his future as he’s forced to track down his estranged father, (played by Jeff Bridges) a legendary ball player, just when his mother (played by Mary Steenburgen) is about to go in for a serious operation.
Billed as a dramedy, “The Open Road” aims to pull at the heartstrings while tickling the funny bone. Sadly, this paint-by-the-numbers melodrama has a tough time getting going despite the best intentions of an all-star cast.
At an MSRP at $34.98 (but easily found for under $25), this Blu-ray release seems destined for rental status before ending up in the bargain liquidation bins.
THE OPEN ROAD releases November 17, 2009 on DVD and Blu-ray.
Perennially dependable Bridges does what he can with the material, trying his best to elevate the former big leaguer from the dugout of clichés... but sadly ends up hitting more fouls than home runs. Despite the leaden script, it’s still good to see Bridges back in the lead category as opposed to many of the supporting roles he’s taken these past few years.
Timberlake is charming as his character sets off on a road-trip reconciliation after he somehow manages to persuade his absentee father to make the trek from Ohio to Texas in a red SUV that serves as some kind of grand therapy bus ride across the Midwest.
Written and directed by Michael Meredith, son of gridiron legend Don Meredith, it’s obvious the material has autobiographical overtones... which is why I found it a little surprising -- if not disappointing -- the film wasn’t more engaging.
Also confounding... is trying to determine what exactly it was about the material that somehow managed to attract the incredibly gifted cast... including Kate Mara (playing Timberlake’s girlfriend), Harry Dean Stanton, Lyle Lovett and Ted Danson!
Despite the film’s many flaws, Timberlake and Bridges do manage to connect, both with chemistry and in the film’s earnest resolution.
VIDEO The 1080p, 2.39:1 aspect ratio image utilizes an MPEG-4 AVC codec. For an indie, the production values are outstanding. Colors are vibrant, scenery pops -- particularly in the many road sequences. AUDIO The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track delivers serviceable listening pleasure. The dialogue is crisp and measured, the limited standard crowd scenes during the ballpark sequences, unremarkable. There’s little here to complain about, and little to crow about . EXTRAS · Behind the Scenes of The Open Road · Audio Commentary feature writer/director Michael Meredith and Jeff Bridges
MY SAY It’s not so much that the film is bad, it’s just not very good. For the curious, this may be one Open Road you only go down once.
Quit your job. Start a fight. Prove you’re alive. If you don’t claim your humanity you will become a statistic. You have been warned...
Tyler.
Don't go limp... just get on over to: http://www.projectmayhemla.com (Inviso Text. Highlight to see -- make sure nobody's behind you)
And register for Tuesday's discreet event. Yeah, you heard right... we're back, and it's on! The 10th Anniversay of Fight Club is out on Blu-ray this week, and we're celebratin' the best way we know how... and it's going to knock you out.
We're having a screening in a... "secret" location. If ya' wanna' find out where, check out the link above and sign up!
Starz / Anchor Bay / 2009 / 97 mins / Rated R Blu-ray Release Date: 11-10-09 Reviewed on 11-06-09
Take two cups American Gigolo, three teaspoons Pretty Woman and a dash of Prizzi’s Honor and you come up with Spread, Ashton Kutcher’s comedy that examines the life of Nikki... a heartless sexual grifter freeloading his way around Los Angeles with nothing but the shirt on his back and dreams of sleeping with pretty women. But this Breakfast at Tiffanys wannabe gets more than he bargained for when he meets his latest conquest, Samantha (played by Anne Heche), a middle aged attorney with a rockin’ body and money to play with. With a roof over his head and a hot new Mercedes, you’d think Nikki hit the jackpot... ... that is until he meets and falls for Heather (played by Margarita Levieva) a gorgeous waitress who is playing the same game. As the sparks fly and the two fall in love, Nikki must decide if he can live on his own once and for all in the hopes of finding something real. It’s the boy-whore meets girl-whore love story. Produced by Ashton himself, clearly some will draw conclusions between the May December relationship in his real life romance with Demi Moore in this racy soft-core comedy.
SPREAD releases 11/10/09 on Blu-ray & DVD
The trailer for Spread is far more titillating than the movie itself for the simple reason the premise sounds better than the reality. What guy wouldn’t give in to the sweet life of partying all day... and bedding hot women all night in exchange for what we already enjoy doing? The problem is, there are very few of us who could actually carry out that fantasy—which is why its probably better left in the land of fantasy. Kutcher, who clearly is physically able to carry off the gigolo role, unfortunately isn’t given enough wit or charm to rise above mere smarm factor once ensconced into the world of selling yourself for sex. Add to that a romance with another woman facing the same dilemma, and the Ick Factor raises considerably. The world of prostitution has been fodder for some terrific comedies in the past. Spread is unfortunately not in that club. Although, you can’t fault the filmmakers for delivering plenty of eye candy... all it manages to muster is a sugar rush and empty stomach.
VIDEO The 1080p, Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation 2:40:1 is feature quality, though it’s obvious the producers must have expected this might be a rapid-to-dvd effort. At times, shots look like this is a low budget independent, l while others feel like you’re watching an overly steamy Lifetime movie. AUDIO Dolby Surround sound 5.1 with Spanish Subtitles. Again, as with the video, it does the job serviceably but without anything -- including a soundtrack -- that’s worth noting. EXTRAS LIVING THE DREAM – a ‘making of’ documentary THE WORLD ACCORDING to Nikki – get inside the head of a gigolo. BEHIND THE SCENES with Ashton Kutcher AUDIO COMMENTARY with Ashton Kutcher, Anne Heche and Margarita Levieva MY SAY Go buy Breakfast at Tiffany's. For the curious or ardent Kutcher fan, this makes for a mildly entertaining ninety minutes... but probably not something you’ll be tempted to watch more than once. Unfortunately, it’s not even bad enough (as Showgirls was) to become a kitchy guilty pleasure in the future.
Given the public’s seemingly unquenchable thirst for super heroes, it's no surprise that Walt Disney Studios decided to dig through their vault in order to release it’s popular Zorro series... which debuted back in 1957. I'm glad they did! Housed in a sleek black version of their popular tin series of Treasures, fans of all ages can now finally experience all first season classic episodes from the popular Disney series (1957-1959).
It Stars a pre-Lost in Space Captain, Guy Williams, as the masked avenger Don Diego de le Vega. Long before audiences became familiar with the phrase “in living color” each one of the thirty nine episodes (that’s right—back in the day, a thirty-nine episode season was common—opposed to the now standard twenty-two) are in the original black & white. At an MSRP of $56.99 (but easily found for $20 less than that), it makes for an affordable collection for any fan.
Walt Disney’s Treasures: Zorro – The Complete First Season
released November 3, 2009 on DVD!
No one besides Walt Disney can so easily transform you back to the days when California was still under Spanish rule and El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles was a burgeoning community of sprawling ranches and groves. The struggle for power to control Alta California’s vast wealth lead to rampant injustices — which thankfully, were conveniently resolved by the swashbuckling masked avenger, Zorro.
Where the Lone Ranger had his trusty stallion, Silver... Don Diego had Tornado to help him protect the poor and oppressed. Along with his trademark bullwhip and sword, Zorro was born ready to tackle whatever came his way... leaving his trademark ‘Z’ in the wake of battle.
Now over forty years old, most of these classic episodes hold up surprisingly well! Credit for this must be given to the classic set design and Guy Williams' charismatic portrayal of the caped crusader.
Considering how far the colorization process has come since it debuted almost twenty years ago, it’s a little surprising Disney didn’t opt for a colorized version the same way Sony did when it released the first two seasons of ‘Bewitched’. I am a purest, and am very appreciative they didn't.
These briskly paced episodes are a delight to revisit... especially when considering how many similar heroes Zorro has inspired over the years.
VIDEO
Widescreen (1.78.1) B&W Digitally Mastered. This digital transfer shows little if any wear, distortion or scratches from the original negative. Outdoor scenes are particularly well-lit and remain incredibly crisp. Newer shows should definitely take note.
AUDIO
Nothing outstanding... but then again, nothing to complain about with the standard Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound presentation. Sword swishes come though clearly!
EXTRAS
This limited edition is presented under the umbrella of the Walt Disney Treasures collection, and is "signed and numbered" by Roy Disney and film critic Leonard Maltin. Clearly, one of the Disney's biggest fans, Maltin provides interesting introductions and commentary for each of the one-hour episodes. The set includes a still card and unique Disney Zorro collectible pin.
MY SAY
If you’re a fan of the original series or of the genre in general, you certainly can’t beat the punch from this thirty-nine episode, 6-disc collection. In typical Disney fashion, when these DVD's are gone... they’re gone! If you’re remotely interested, I’d suggest putting this title on the top of your list before they are cleared from store shelves.
Win a copy of the original cult classic directed by Fred Dekker
Night of the Creeps
Sony Home Entertainment and KTLA's My Say on Blu-ray are offering you a chance to win one of THREE DVD copies of the thrilling 80's chiller Night of the Creeps.
Contest ends next Monday at Midnight, and remember: One entry per person!
Please see contest rules for more information: Rules
In this campy chiller, a college couple, in 1959, see an object plummet to Earth like a meteor. The boy accidentally swallows a space-slug that shoots out. In 1986, two freshmen roam the campus and stumble across the corpse of the boy who swallowed the space-slug. Once thawed out, the corpse comes to life.
