Blu-ray Review: Judy
In the decades since she died, it’s become common knowledge that Judy Garland struggled with drug addiction for years. As a child, MGM fed her diet pills, sleeping pills, and ‘pep’ pills to stay awake. She was a drug addict before she had a choice. It’s hard to watch self-destruction, but it’s even harder when […]
The Casual Vacancy (Blu-ray)
An ambitious co-production between the BBC and HBO, The Casual Vacancy is an adaption of J.K Rowling’s first adult novel, a piece that finds her exploring more mature subject matter than those found in her phenomenally successful Harry Potter series. Set in the supposedly idyllic English village of Pagford, the problems of the less well-to-do […]
Fantastic Mr. Fox (Criterion) (Blu-ray)
20th Century Fox released a fairly impressive Blu-ray of Fantastic Mr. Fox back in 2010. However, Criterion is renowned for producing wonderful looking, and sounding editions packed with special features. This release is no different; I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this release might show up on a few “Best […]
Blu-ray Review: Quartet
Though sweet and predictable, the talented cast’s affable charm makes Quartet impossible to pass up. More than forty-five years after becoming a star on the heels of his role as Benjamin Braddock in The Graduate, Dustin Hoffman finally makes his directorial debut with Quartet. He really does a commendable job, wisely giving his talented, veteran […]
Blu-ray Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Ultimate Collector’s Edition)
The first Harry Potter effort for director Peter Yates, Order of the Phoenix is probably my least favorite of the films. While the ending creates some excitement, getting there is ponderous to say the least, even after cutting the standard 200 pages from J.K. Rowling’s original text.
Blu-ray Review: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (Ultimate Edition)
I’ve come to think of this sixth film in the Harry Potter franchise as the one where the young wizard truly begins to grow up. When we last saw Harry in The Order of the Phoenix, he was engaged in war, suffering a great personal loss that would forever rob him of innocence and compassion […]
Blu-ray Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1
Warner Bros. | 2010 | 146 min | PG-13 The decision to divide J.K. Rowling’s seventh novel into two separate films remains a controversial one, but director David Yates and screenwriter Steve Kloves have taken full advantage of the opportunity the opportunity provided, and crafted a character driven drama unlike anything seen in the series […]
Blu-ray Review: The King’s Speech
Anchor Bay | 2010 | 118 mins. | R Easily one of the best films of 2010, The King’s Speech delivers solid drama and achieves its dramatic potential without sacrificing historical accuracy. Though the story revolves around mid-20th century British royalty, director Tom Hooper and his group of A-list actors has managed to give viewers […]
DVD Review: Fantastic Mr. Fox
20th Century Fox | 2009 | 87 mins. | Rated PG Adapted from Roald Dahl’s book of the same name, Fantastic Mr. Fox is director Wes Anderson’s (Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums) first foray into full length stop-motion animation. Adapted for the screen by Anderson and Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale), the first thing […]
A Multimedia Moment
Fantastic Mr. Fox FANTASTIC MR. FOX is visionary director Wes Anderson’s first animated film, utilizing classic handmade stop motion techniques to tell the story of the best selling children’s book by Roald Dahl (author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach). The film features the voices of George Clooney, Meryl […]