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Netflix 6 Underground Review

12/19/2019 By Hakan Can

6 UNDERGROUND Ryan Reynolds

The Netflix Film 6 Underground has just been released on the streaming service, and it’s a doozy. And I’m not using that word in a positive sense. If you’re into mind-blowing action, then you should know it’s packed full of it. But sadly, the film falls short in pretty much every other metric. So without further ado, let’s dive right into the Netflix 6 Underground Film Review.

Netflix 6 Underground Review

6 UNDERGROUND Cast

Read:   Netflix Levius Season 1 Review

The Backstory

The writers of this film (Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese) have done us a disservice. Outside of a few time-shifting backstories, we learn next to nothing regarding the main cast of characters. To be blunt, I’ve heard better stories in the men’s rooms of most nightclubs, and those storytellers weren’t Hollywood writers or producers. The film’s dialogue is weak, to phrase it mildly.

Ryan Reynolds is an inventor billionaire who fakes his death and, with no experience in the assassination game, starts a for-hire hitman squad. Just like in Green Lantern, Ryan’s character stalls out an airplane and crashes it.

Ryan Reynolds crew of bad guy removers are numbered 1 through 7, with of course he being number 1. Now, no one calls it a ‘suicide squad’ as those two words have already been used up by DC Comics/Warner Brothers, but that’s what they are. Heck, I’m not even sure how they’re being compensated for their dictator removal services.

6 UNDERGROUND Aerial View of Car Crash Florence Italy

So the team is made up of six individuals, one of which gets killed in the 17-minute car chase opening scene. Like most Michael Bay action films, this one involves plenty of gunfire, explosions, chases, and aerial views. It wouldn’t be a Michael Bay film if there weren’t plenty of aerial drone shots and helicopter scenes kicking up sand. I can think of at least six off the top of my head spanning the last dozen or so years, most with the word Transformers in the title. In other words, we’ve all seen this movie before.

It also wouldn’t be a Michael Bay film (or a Ryan Reynolds liquor ad) if there were some blatant product advertisements. Aviation Gin, Chopard Watches, and Hotels & Resorts are prominently featured in 6 Underground.

The Story

As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, the film starts with an over-the-top 17-minute car chase through the City of Florence, Italy. Believe it or not, this is the team’s first mission, and as one would expect, it goes south quickly. There are some horrific crashes, a few of which, including the first one, don’t even make sense from a physics point of view. But who cares, it’s a Michael Bay film. Just sit back and enjoy, right?

After watching this scene, I immediately felt terrible for the stuntmen and women in this film. If crash test dummies or CGI weren’t used during this car chase, then there’s got to be some injured folks on the set. As someone who edits video as part of his living, I can say that there are a ton of special effects used here. Glitches and light leaks are easy to notice, but there are so many more that watching a behind-the-scenes feature, should one exist, would be worthwhile.

6 UNDERGROUND Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Mélanie Laurent

So the cast of characters goes like this: we got ourselves a billionaire, a doctor, a driver, a hitman, a skywalker, and a former CIA agent. Everyone here is a ghost after having their deaths faked. One of them dies for real, I won’t say who, and is replaced by an army sniper. My favorite of all these characters, and you may not agree, is the skywalker.

You know this is a bad film when 24 minutes in the main character says to the sniper, “God, it’s hard to watch.” As soon as I heard that line, I said “yup”.

The plot of this story is to topple the dictator of a fictitious country in the Middle East, then replace him with his democracy-loving brother. In other words, we’re back to nation-building, which doesn’t work so well in practice nowadays. The dictator is a real piece of shit who puts no value on human life. The brother, on the other hand, is a decent guy, but he’s locked up in the penthouse suite of a Hong Kong tower. And of course, you probably guessed it; the six ghosts have to break him out. While over-the-top, this is a pretty good action sequence.

6 UNDERGROUND Mélanie Laurent and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

Once the tyrant’s brother is rescued, we’re taken to the fictitious Middle Eastern country for a violent overthrow of the government.

Final Thoughts

I didn’t find 6 Underground exciting or even enough to keep me awake after the first-hour mark. Fortunately, the second half was better and more entertaining. It was so bad that it took me two nights to complete this film.

There is one scene I need to draw attention to because the filmmakers truly screwed up. At one point in the film, the team is heading to Las Vegas. Now, this is all fine and dandy, until you notice that Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit are shown, but they aren’t in Las Vegas. As a Formula One fan, I’m confident in saying they’re in Abu Dhabi. Go figure.

Overall, the film was a disappointment for so many reasons. If you’re going to watch this turd, put aside two hours where you’re not worried if you ever get them back.

6 UNDERGROUND Ryan Reynolds
6 UNDERGROUND: Ryan Reynolds and Corey Hawkins

I certainly hope this is the end of the story for these six ghosts, as I don’t want to see a sequel. Watching one 6 Underground film was bad enough, we definitely don’t need a sequel.

If you’re wondering what’s worth watching on Netflix, try Love, Death & Robots, or the upcoming series The Witcher.

What did you think of the Netflix Film 6 Underground? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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FTC Disclosure: Netflix did not compensate us at Beantown for this review. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Netflix © 2019.

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Filed Under: Streaming Services Tagged With: 6 Underground, Deadpool, Netflix, Ryan Reynolds 12/19/2019

Netflix Levius Season 1 Review

12/12/2019 By Hakan Can

Levius Cromwell in the metal boxing ring

The Netflix Original Anime Levius begins its 12-episode first season with a fight in the boxing ring. Levius is named after its main character, the 17-year old boxing phenom, and is based on the 7-volume Haruhisa Nakata manga series, also of the same name. We’re introduced to what’s known as metal boxing and is it ever fun to watch. So without further ado, let’s dive right into this Netflix Levius Season 1 Review.

Netflix Levius Season 1 Review

Levius and Zack sparring at Zack's Gym

The Backstory

As we learn in Episodes 1-3, Levius Cromwell has essentially been orphaned. He’s the byproduct of the 7-year Fosanian conflict between the nations are Whitel, which Levius and his family are citizens of, and the Republic of Rosvia. And this conflict is over something called Agartha mineral water rights. It’s this water when mixed with steam and a fighter’s blood, that powers the mechanized limbs of the metal boxers.

Although his mother survives the Fosanian conflict, she’s incapacitated and severely injured, thus requiring 24-hour hospitalized care. As his city pf Greenbridge burns, Levius loses his right arm while trying to save his mother. And we learn his father, a military man, dies in the war. Levius is taken in by his Uncle Zack Cromwell and Grandmother. Soon after, a 10-or 12-year old Levius, I couldn’t get this straight, is introduced to metal boxing.

A 10-yr old Levius Cromwell in Greenbriar

The Look and Feel of Levius

The animation of Levius is faithful to the Haruhisa Nakata’s manga. If you like what you saw in the voluminous pages of the manga, then you’ll love what you see in this anime. The animation of Levius is reminiscent of other anime series’ where there’s a wide latitude given to the use of highlights and shadows. Using photography terms, each character’s facial features are washed out with blown-out highlights and accentuated with hard shadows. You’ll notice this mostly scenes that take place at Zack’s gym.

Because this is an anime involving boxing, the movement of the fighters is quick and detailed. It’s fantastic to watch.

The voice-over, like the background music, is spot on. Dialogue is at a distinguishable volume and is never overpowered by the background audio tracks. I give a lot of credit to those who were selected to be the English voice-over talent and to those editing the finished product

The plot moves at a decent pace with some time-shifting to fill in the back stories. Overall, the storyline is excellent, and in most cases, there’s proper character development.

Levius Cromwell in the metal boxing ring

The Storyline

Episode 2 opens with a flashback to 7 years earlier when Levius’s home was under attack in the war. He witnesses children being carried off by mechanized infantry, thus keeps quiet as to not be carried off himself. Once he’s adopted by his longshoreman (and former boxer) Uncle Zack, he visits his mother in the hospital. As he’s leaving, he notices a young girl from Greenbridge, one that was crying while carried off by a mechanized soldier, as she and another are en route to the coliseum. This is Levius’s introduction to the violent and often deadly sport of metal boxing. This episode also introduces us to Natalia Garnet, a cocky 17-year old boxer you loses her G5 bout to Levius by TKO in 27 seconds. She provides the comic relief of the series

Episode 3 is a must-watch and provides us with a history lesson on the conflict that brought Levius Cromwell to his Uncle Zack. When Levius was young. there was a war ravaging his sea-side city of Greenbridge. A combined twenty thousand soldiers and citizens were killed during this 7-year war (known as the Fosanian Conflict) when the country across the sea wanted access to the Agartha water springs. Greenbridge is well-known for this type of water. While trying to save his mother, Levius loses his right arm in the battle to retake Greenbridge. This retaking involved the use of mechanized soldiers from Amethyst Steam Technology Enterprises. We learn a lot more about this corporation throughout the series, not all of it with well-intentions.

Malcolm in the metal boxing ring

With Levius’s promotion from Grade 5 to Grade 3 of the Metal Boxing Association (MTA), we’re introduced to Malcolm Eden. He’s a talented 40-year old fighter who was demoted from G2 to G3, and he’s not ready to hang up his gloves just yet. In Malcolm’s last five fights, all of his opponents have died from injuries sustained by his hands. The match is amazing!

Once Malcolm is defeated, he retires and works to make up for his sins by helping the families of those he hurt. Levius is now ranked 7th in G3 and is offered a promotion match to G2, but he has to fight the number one contender, the large-and-in-charge Hugo Stratus. Levius barely comes up to Hugo’s chin. Something appears to be afoul as a boxer with Levius’s lower-ranking wouldn’t get him this promotion match. But first, Hugo needs a tune-up match and this comes with the mysterious AJ Langdon. We also meet Hugo’s father, Chairman Stratus of the MTA. He’s the spitting image of Johnny Depp’s character Edward Ratchett in the film Murder on the Orient Express.

From the Netflix series Levius:

The match between Hugo and AJ spans from Episode 5 to 6, and once again is fantastic! I would argue that this is the best boxing match of the series.

Hugo’s top ranking is earned, and technically, he’s the superior boxer. Nonetheless, AJ is not your typical metal boxer and she does not go down easily. In fact, she defeats Hugo Stratus, nearly killing him in the process. It wasn’t a fair fight.

Bill, Natalia, Levius, and Zack at a metal boxing match

At the halfway in the series, Zack, Levius, Bill, and Chairman Stratus visit the mysterious Chairman of the Board of Amethyst, Dr. Clown. (I’m not making it up, that’s the character’s name.) Dr. Clown is somewhat of a long-winded poet who loves to hear the sound of his own voice. He’s been up to something sinister all along.

Zack, Hugo's father, Levius, and Bill

As it turns out, AJ is Dr. Clown’s adopted daughter from the Fosanian Conflict. We learn that Amethyst’s mechanized soldiers actually kidnapped many of the orphaned children of Greenbridge during the fog of war. Two of these children are AJ and her younger brother, who we do not meet in Season 1. These children were subjected to medical experiments that are clearly noticeable in AJ. It becomes clear to all in attendance that Dr. Clown has used a combination of mind control and drugs on AJ. While she believes Amethyst saved her, in reality, she was kidnapped and experimented upon. Her words say one thing, but the tears down her cheeks reveal the truth.

AJ and Dr Clown

Levius tries to take AJ away from Dr. Clown, which oddly enough would also be kidnapping. This is where Dr. Clown makes a grand bargain. He tells Levius that AJ can go with Levius provided he defeats her in the ring during the promotion match. If Levius loses, he becomes the ward (essentially property) of Dr. Clown. Levius agrees to the offer and signs a contract to finalize the arrangement.

Soon after, Malcolm Eden shows up at Zack’s Gym and offers be Levius’s sparring partner. As a long-time boxer, he has unique insight on how to defeat AJ. His preparation of Levius is most helpful.

This brings us to the final 3-4 episodes of the series where the “fight of the century” between Levius and AJ takes place. You’ll have to see what takes place for yourselves. It would irresponsible of this reviewer to share any more. All I will say is that there are some surprises.

Final Thoughts

The final episode ends on the same note as the 12-episode first season began, with a fight in the metal boxing ring. All-in-all, Levius Season 1 brings us a terrific story with intense action and  interesting characters. I haven’t liked an anime this much since the introduction of Love, Death & Robots, also on Netflix. We hope this first season of Levius is viewed by more than those who love anime or boxing. There’s a great story at play here.

Levius Cromwell and Natalia
AJ in the metal boxing ring

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We’re looking forward to a second season of Levius. Should there be one, we’ll see some terrific G2 boxing matches, and maybe we’ll learn what happened to the other Greenbridge orphans which Amethyst so-called “saved.” This post will be updated when we learn more.

What did you think of the Netflix Anime Series Levius Season 1? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Netflix homepage or Haruhisa Nakata’s website to see their latest announcements.

FTC Disclosure: Netflix did not compensate us at Beantown for this review. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Netflix © 2019.

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Filed Under: Streaming Services Tagged With: Levius, Netflix 12/12/2019

First Man 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD Release Date Announced

12/12/2018 By Hakan Can

First Man 4K Ultra HD release date

Available this coming January on store shelves and online everywhere comes First Man from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The First Man movie Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital HD release date as well as that for the 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray™ + Digital combo pack is set for January 22, 2019. The film is available on January 8th on Digital format. List pricing has been set at $23 for the Blu-ray™ + DVD and $34 for the 4K Ultra HD combo pack. If you shop at Amazon, you’ll probably pay less than these prices.

First Man Blu-ray release date

Universal’s First Man Blu-ray Release Date is set for January 22

PRESS RELEASE

Per the press release: “Follow the gripping and captivating true story of the first manned mission to the moon in FIRST MAN, arriving on Digital and via the digital movie app Movies Anywhere on January 8, 2019 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on January 22, 2019 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. FIRST MAN comes from acclaimed Oscar®-winning director Damien Chazelle (La La Land, Whiplash) and stars Ryan Gosling (La La Land, The Big Short) as Neil Armstrong and Claire Foy (“The Crown,” Breathe) as Janet Armstrong in the heroic and emotionally driven journey through a pivotal moment in the history of mankind. Receiving two Golden Globe® nominations for Best Supporting Actress (Foy) and Best Original Score (Justin Hurwitz), the critically acclaimed film is packed with bonus features including deleted scenes and special featurettes showing behind-the-scenes looks at creating the film.”

“Based on the book First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong by James R. Hansen and from visionary filmmaker Damien Chazelle, FIRST MAN is the riveting story behind the first manned mission to the moon, focusing on Neil Armstrong and the decade leading to the historic Apollo 11 flight. A visceral and intimate account told from Armstrong’s perspective, the film explores the triumphs and the cost—on Armstrong, his family, his colleagues and the nation itself—of one of the most dangerous missions in history.”

“The critically acclaimed FIRST MAN comes from legendary executive producer Steven Spielberg (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Schindler’s List) alongside fellow executive producers Adam Merims and Josh Singer with a screenplay by Singer allowing audiences to relive the historic achievement in human history that has never been told cinematically. The film is “filled with outstanding performances from an all-star cast led by Gosling and Foy alongside an incredible roster of supporting talent including Kyle Chandler, Jason Clarke, Corey Stoll, Pablo Schreiber, Christopher Abbot,  and Ciarán Hinds.”

TRAILER

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BONUS FEATURES

  • Deleted Scenes
  • Shooting for the Moon – Take an intimate look at the production of FIRST MAN and the collaborative relationship between Director Damien Chazelle and Ryan Gosling.
  • Preparing to Launch – It’s difficult to believe that FIRST MAN is the first major feature film to tell the journey to Apollo 11. Hear from Director Damien Chazelle and his cast why now is the time to tell the story of this historic event.
  • Giant Leap in One Small Step – A heroic character study, FIRST MAN sheds light on all the hard working individuals that got us to the moon and back.
  • Mission Gone Wrong – Watch as Ryan Gosling reenacts a test piloting sequence gone terribly wrong. Go behind the scenes to see how he trained to nail the landing, performing the majority of his own stunts.
  • Putting You In the Seat – Through the use of innovative technology, most of FIRST MAN was shot in-camera. Take an in-depth look behind the lens of this epic film.
  • Recreating the Moon Landing – Filmed in IMAX to show the vastness of the moon, find out all that it took to recreate the most famous moment in NASA history.
  • Shooting at NASA – Hear from Ryan Gosling and Director Damien Chazelle on how shooting at NASA brought unparalleled authenticity to FIRST MAN.
  • Astronaut Training – Go behind the scenes of the three day boot camp each of the actors underwent prior to filming FIRST MAN.
  • Feature Commentary with Director Damien Chazelle, Screenwriter Josh Singer and Editor Tom Cross

FILMMAKERS

  • Cast: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, Christopher Abbot, Ciarán Hinds
  • Casting By: Francine Maisler CSA
  • Music By: Justin Hurwitz
  • Costume Design: Mary Zophres
  • Film Editor: Tom Cross ACE
  • Production Design: Nathan Crowley
  • Director of Photography: Linus Sandgren FSF
  • Executive Producers: Steven Spielberg, Adam Merims, Josh Singer
  • Produced By: Wyck Godfrey p.g.a, Marty Bowen p.g.a, Isaac Klausner, Damien Chazelle
  • Based on the Book By: James R. Hansen
  • Screenplay By: Josh Singer
  • Directed By: Damien Chazelle
First Man DVD release date
First Man DVD release date

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4K ULTRA HD

  • Street Date: January 22, 2019
  • Copyright: 2019 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Selection Number: 61201572 (US) / 61201574 (CDN)
  • Layers: BD-100
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 16:9 2.40:1
  • Rating: PG -13 for some thematic content involving peril, and brief strong language
  • Video: 2160P Ultra HD Dolby Vision / HDR 10
  • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
  • Sound: English Dolby Atmos & Dolby Digital 2.0, French & Spanish Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
  • Run Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

DOLBY VISION / DOLBY ATMOS® SOUNDTRACK

FIRST MAN 4K Ultra HD is available in Dolby Vision™. Leveraging the HDR innovation that powers Dolby’s most advanced cinemas around the world, Dolby Vision transforms the TV experience in the home by delivering greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors.

FIRST MAN Blu-ray™ and 4K Ultra HD will feature a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers are required, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

First Man Blu-ray release date
First Man Blu-ray release date

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY™

  • Street Date: January 22, 2019
  • Copyright: 2018 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Selection Number: 61193705 (US) / 61193827 (CDN)
  • Layers: BD-50
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 16:9 2.40:1
  • Rating: PG -13 for some thematic content involving peril, and brief strong language
  • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
  • Sound: English Dolby Atmos & Dolby Digital 2.0, French & Spanish Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
  • Run Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD

  • Street Date: January 22, 2019
  • Copyright: 2018 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Selection Number: 61193704 (US) / 61193826 (CDN)
  • Layers: DVD 9
  • Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 16:9 2.40:1
  • Rating: PG -13 for some thematic content involving peril, and brief strong language
  • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
  • Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1 & Dolby Digital 2.0, French & Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Run Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
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All photos are the courtesy and property of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

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Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases, Digital Hollywood Tagged With: 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray, Digital HD, DVD, First Man 12/13/2018

Halloween Movie Release Date Announced for 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD

11/20/2018 By Hakan Can

Halloween Movie Blu-ray release date

Available this coming January on store shelves and online everywhere comes Halloween from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The Halloween movie Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital HD release date as well as that for the 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray™ + Digital combo pack is set for January 15, 2019. The film is available on December 28th on Digital format. List pricing has been set at $23 for the Blu-ray™ + DVD and $34 for the 4K Ultra HD combo pack. Of course if you shop at Amazon, you’ll probably pay less than these prices.

Halloween Movie Blu-ray release date

Universal’s Halloween Movie Blu-ray Release Date is set for January 15th

PRESS RELEASE

Per the press release: “The infamous killer Michael Myers strikes again in Halloween, arriving on Digital and via the digital movie app Movies Anywhere on December 28, 2018, as well as on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on January 15, 2019. Halloween takes place four decades after Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) narrowly escaped the masked Michael Myers’ brutal killing spree. Packed with bonus features including chilling deleted and extended scenes as well as special featurettes showing behind the scenes looks at creating the film, Halloween delivers spine-chilling, hair-raising intensity and thrills to both new and repeat viewers.”

“Forty years after the events of 1978’s Halloween, Laurie Strode (Curtis) now lives in a heavily guarded home on the edge of Haddonfield, where she’s spent decades preparing for Michael’s potential return. After being locked up in an institution, Myers manages to escape when a bus transfer goes terribly wrong, leading to chaos in the same town he preyed on decades earlier. Laurie now faces a terrifying showdown when the deranged killer returns for her and her family – but this time, she’s ready for him.”

“Master of horror John Carpenter (Halloween (1978), The Thing) joins forces with director David Gordon Green (Joe, Pineapple Express) and producers Jason Blum (Blumhouse), Malek Akkad (Trancas International Films) and Bill Block (Miramax) for this follow up to Carpenter’s 1978 classic horror film. Halloween also includes a stellar cast including Judy Greer (Ant-Man and The Wasp, Jurassic World), Andi Matichak (“Underground”), Will Patton (Armageddon, The Punisher), and Virginia Gardner (Project Almanac, “Runaways”). ”

TRAILER

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BONUS FEATURES

  • Deleted/Extended Scenes
    • Extended Shooting Range
    • Shower Mask Visit
    • Jog to a Hanging Dog
    • Allyson and Friends at School
    • Cameron and Cops Don’t Mix
    • Deluxe Banh Mi Cops
    • Sartain and Hawkins Ride Along
  • Back in Haddonfield: Making Halloween
  • The Original Scream Queen
  • The Sound of Fear
  • Journey of the Mask
  • The Legacy of Halloween

FILMMAKERS

  • Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, Virginia Gardner
  • Casting By: Terri Taylor CSA, Sarah Domeier CSA
  • Music By: John Carpenter, Cody Carpenter, Daniel Davies
  • Costume Designer: Emily Gunshor
  • Editor: Tim Alverson
  • Production Designer: Richard Wright
  • Director of Photography: Michael Simmonds
  • Executive Producers: John Carpenter, Jamie Lee Curtis, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, Ryan Freimann
  • Produced By: Malek Akkad, Jason Blum, Bill Block
  • Based on Characters Created By: John Carpenter and Debra Hill
  • Written By: Jeff Fradley, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green
  • Directed By: David Gordon Green
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TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4K ULTRA HD

  • Street Date: January 15, 2019
  • Copyright: 2019 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Selection Number: 61199936 (US) / 61199952 (CDN)
  • Layers: BD-66
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 16:9 2.39:1
  • Rating: Rated R for horror violence and bloody images, language, brief drug use and nudity.
  • Video: 2160P Ultra HD / HDR 10
  • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
  • Languages/Sound: English DTS:X & Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish & French DTS Digital Surround 5.1
  • Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY™

  • Street Date: January 15, 2019
  • Copyright: 2018 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Selection Number: 61199934 (US) / 61199937 (CDN)
  • Layers: BD-50
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 16:9 2.39:1
  • Rating: Rated R for horror violence and bloody images, language, brief drug use and nudity.
  • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
  • Languages/Sound: English DTS:X & Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish & French DTS Digital Surround 5.1
  • Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD

  • Street Date: January 15, 2019
  • Copyright: 2018 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Selection Number: 61199935 (US) / 61199938 (CDN)
  • Layers: DVD 9
  • Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 16:9 2.39:1
  • Rating: Rated R for horror violence and bloody images, language, brief drug use and nudity.
  • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
  • Languages/Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1 & Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish & French Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
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All photos are the courtesy and property of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

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Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases, Digital Hollywood Tagged With: 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray, Digital HD, DVD, Halloween movie 11/20/2018

Disney’s Christopher Robin Blu-ray Release Date Announced

10/11/2018 By Hakan Can

Christopher Robin Blu-ray Release Date

Available this November on store shelves and online everywhere comes Disney’s Christopher Robin from Walt Disney Studios. Christoper Robin Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital HD release date is set for November 6, 2018. Pricing has yet to be set. This post will be updated when more information becomes available.

Christopher Robin Blu-ray Release Date

Disney’s Christopher Robin Blu-ray Release Date is Set for November 6th

PRESS RELEASE

Per the press release: “Disney’s “Christopher Robin,” the wondrous, live-action film in which Winnie the Pooh and friends venture into mid-century London to help grown-up Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor), arrives instantly on Digital and Movies Anywhere and on Blu-ray™ and DVD with captivating, behind-the-scenes extras. The fun-filled tale features A.A. Milne’s timeless characters from the Hundred Acre Wood — Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl — making their first appearance as three-dimensional characters who remind Christopher Robin, and viewers of all ages, to appreciate the simple pleasures in life.”

Per Director Marc Forster. “When you are able to make people laugh and cry in the same movie and you are able to tell the story with integrity and ground it in reality and have the magic realism on top of it, it lifts your spirits and connects you with the people you love. We could all use a little bit of Pooh’s heart and wisdom right now.”

Christopher Robin Blu-ray Release Date

TRAILER

BONUS FEATURES FOR BLU-RAY™ + DVD + DIGITAL

“Bonus features provide a heartfelt look at the making of “Christopher Robin,” showcasing the magical artistry that brings the classic characters to life, the human actors’ techniques for interacting with stuffed animals, and the filmmakers’ passion for their project. Bronte Carmichael, who plays Christopher Robin’s daughter Madeline, takes viewers on an exciting journey from the drawing board to film locations throughout the United Kingdom. Features flash back to highlight Walt Disney’s fondness for Winnie the Pooh and recall the voice actors who lovingly portrayed the unforgettable voice of the iconic character. ”

  • In Which … A Movie Is Made for Pooh – Filmmakers and cast share their passion for this story in a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie.
  • In Which … Pooh Finds His Voice – Discover what it’s like to voice Winnie the Pooh, from voice actors Sterling Holloway to Jim Cummings.
  • In Which … Pooh and Walt Become Friends – How did Walt Disney and Pooh meet? Take a journey through time to explore the legacy of Walt’s first encounter with Pooh.
  • In Which … Pooh and Friends Come to Life – See how Winnie the Pooh and Friends were brought to life as walking and talking stuffed animals in this magical live-action world.

EXCLUSIVE DIGITAL BONUS FEATURE

  • In Which … We Were Very Young – This feature explores the actual teddy bear, given to Christopher Robin Milne 98 years ago, which inspired the original Pooh stories that have been shared and adored by families around the globe.
Read:   Silicon Valley Season 5 Release Date Announced for DVD

FILMMAKERS

  • Music: Jon Brion and Geoff Zanelli
  • Costume Design: Jenny Beavan and Sally Turner
  • Editor: Matt Cheese
  • Production Design: Jennifer Williams
  • Cinematography By: Matthias Koenigswieser
  • Producers: Kristin Burr, Steve Gaub, Jeremy Johns, Brigham Taylor, Renée Wolfe
  • Based on the Book by: A.A. Milne
  • Based on the Character created by: E.H. Shepard
  • Writters: Alex Ross Perry, Tom McCarthy, and Allison Schroeder
  • Director: Marc Forster

CAST INFORMATION

  • Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin
  • Hayley Atwell as Evelyn Robin
  • Bronte Carmichael as Madeline Robin
  • Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh / Tigger
  • Brad Garrett as Eeyore
  • Nick Mohammed as Piglet
  • Peter Capaldi as Rabbit
  • Sophie Okonedo as Kanga
  • Sara Sheen as Roo
  • Toby Jones as Owl
Read:   RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review

Christopher Robin Blu-ray Release Date

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

  • Street Date: November 6, 2018
  • Copyright: 2018 Walt Disney Studios
  • Product SKU: Digital HD, SD; Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital Code) Feature Film, DVD and On-Demand
  • Rating: PG
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 2.39:1
  • Close Captions: English (Blu-ray, DVD and Digital)
  • Languages/Subtitles: Blu-ray – English SDH, French and Spanish
    DVD – English SDH, French and Spanish
    HD/SD Digital – English SDH, French and Spanish
  • Sound: Blu-ray – English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks
    DVD – English, Spanish and French 5.1 DD Language Tracks, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio
    Digital HD/SD – English 5.1/2.0, Latin Spanish 5.1/2.0, French 5.1/2.0 (for some clients), English 2.0 Descriptive Audio (for some clients)
  • Run Time: 1 hour 34 minutes

All photos are the courtesy and property of Walt Disney Studios.

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Read:   The Handmaid's Tale Season 2 DVD/Blu-ray Announced

Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases, Digital Hollywood Tagged With: Blu-Ray, Christopher Robin, Digital HD, Disney, DVD, Winnie the Pooh 10/11/2018

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2 DVD/Blu-ray Announced

10/09/2018 By Hakan Can

The Handmaid's Tale Season 2 DVD

Available this December on store shelves everywhere comes The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2 DVD and Blu-ray™ from MGM Television and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2 DVD release date is set for December 4, 2018. Single episodes as well as full seasons for both the first and second seasons are currently available on digital format. List pricing has been set at $19.98 for the DVD and $29.99 for Blu-ray™.

The Handmaid's Tale Season 2 DVD release date

Read:   Silicon Valley Season 5 Release Date Announced for DVD

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2 DVD Release Date is Set for December 2018

PRESS RELEASE

From the minds of Creator/Showrunner Bruce Miller and Executive Producers Bruce Miller, Warren Littlefield, Elisabeth Moss, Daniel Wilson, and Fran Sears comes MGM TV’s The Handmaid’s Tale.

Based on Margaret Atwood’s award-winning, best-selling novel “The Emmy® and Golden Globe® award-winning drama series returns with a second season shaped by Offred’s (Elisabeth Moss) pregnancy and her ongoing fight to free her future child from the dystopian horrors of Gilead. “Gilead is within you” is a favorite saying of Aunt Lydia.”

“In Season Two, Offred and all our characters will fight against – or succumb to – this dark truth. Standout performances were given by returning cast members including Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, Alexis Bledel, Madeline Brewer, Ann Dowd, O-T Fagbenle, Max Minghella, Samira Wiley and Amanda Brugel. Moss, Wiley, Bledel and Dowd have all won Emmy® Awards for their performances in the series. Season Two of the series garnered three Emmy® Awards.”

THE HANDMAID’S TALE SEASON 2 TRAILER

Read:   BlacKkKlansman Release Date Announced for 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD

THE HANDMAID’S TALE SEASON 2 DVD & BLU-RAY™ BONUS FEATURES

  • Season Two: Off Book
  • Dressing Dystopia

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD & BLU-RAY™

  • Street Date: December 4, 2018
  • Copyright: 2018 MGM and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 16:9 (1.78:1)
  • Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
  • DVD Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Blu-ray™ Sound: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
  • Run Time: 11 hour 158 minutes

All photos are the courtesy and property of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

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Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases, Digital Hollywood Tagged With: Blu-Ray, DVD, The Handmaid's Tale 10/09/2018

BlacKkKlansman Release Date Announced for 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD

09/26/2018 By Hakan Can

BLACKkKLANSMAN DVD release date

Available this November on store shelves and online everywhere comes Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Focus Features BlacKkKlansman DVD, Blu-ray™, and 4K Ultra HD release date is set for November 6, 2018. The film is available on October 23rd on Digital format. List pricing has been set at $23 for the DVD and Blu-ray™ and $34 for the 4K Ultra HD copy. Of course if you shop at Amazon, you’ll pay less than these prices.

BLACKkKLANSMAN DVD release date

Focus Features BlacKkKlansman Release Date is Set for November 6th

PRESS RELEASE

“From visionary filmmaker Spike Lee comes the incredible true story of an American hero. In the early 1970s Ron Stallworth (Washington) becomes the first African-American detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a difference, he bravely sets out on a dangerous mission: infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. He recruits a seasoned colleague, Flip Zimmerman (Driver), into the undercover investigation. Together, they team up to take down the extremist organization aiming to garner mainstream appeal. BlacKkKlansman offers an unflinching, true-life examination of race relations in 1970s America that is just as relevant in today’s tumultuous world.”

“Based on the book Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth, BlacKkKlansman is filled with outstanding performances from an all-star cast led by John David Washington (“Ballers,” Malcolm X), Adam Driver (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Logan Lucky), Topher Grace (Interstellar, “That 70’s Show”) and Laura Harrier (Spider-Man: Homecoming, The Last Five Years) alongside an incredible roster of supporting talent including Alec Baldwin (“Saturday Night Live,” Mission Impossible – Fallout), Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton, Kong: Skull Island), Ryan Eggold (“The Blacklist,” “Sons of Liberty”) and Paul Walter Hauser (I, Tonya, Super Troopers 2).”

“BlacKkKlansman comes from acclaimed producers Sean McKittrick (Get Out, Band Aid), Jason Blum (Get Out, Whiplash), Raymond Mansfield (Get Out, Band Aid), Jordan Peele (Get Out, “The Last O.G.”), Spike Lee (Malcolm X, “She’s Gotta Have It”), and Shaun Redick (Get Out, Band Aid).”

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will win our Blu-ray + Digital Giveaway. Enter now through November 6th. Good luck.

BlacKkKlansman TRAILER

Read:   Silicon Valley Season 5 Release Date Announced for DVD

BONUS FEATURES

• A Spike Lee Joint – Producer Jordan Peele, cast and film subject Ron Stallworth discuss the unique experience of working with iconic director Spike Lee.
• BlacKkKlansman Extended Trailer Featuring Prince’s “Mary Don’t You Weep”

FILMMAKERS

  • Cast: John David Washington, Adam Driver, Topher Grace, Corey Hawkins
  • Original Score: Terence Blanchard
  • Costume Design: Marci Rodgers
  • Editor: Barry Alexander Brown
  • Production Design: Curt Beech
  • Director of Photography: Chayse Irvin, CSC
  • Executive Producers: Edward H. Hamm Jr., Jeanette Volturno, Win Rosenfeld, Matthrew A. Cherry, Marcei Brown
  • Produced By: Sean McKittrick, Jason Blum, Raymond Mansfield, Shaun Redick, Jordan Peele, Spike Lee
  • Based on the Book By: Ron Stallworth
  • Written By: Charlie Wachtel & David Rabinowitz and Kevin Willmott & Spike Lee
  • Directed By: Spike Lee

CAST INFORMATION

  • John David Washington as Ron Stallworth
  • Adam Driver as Flip Zimmerman
  • Topher Grace as David Duke
  • Laura Harrier as Patrice Dumas
  • Alec Baldwin as Dr. Kennebrew Beauregard
  • Corey Hawkins as Kwame Ture
  • Ryan Eggold as Walter Breachway
  • Paul Walter Hauser as Ivanhoe
Read:   Fargo Season 3 DVD Review

BLACKkKLANSMAN DVD release date

TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4K ULTRA HD

  • Street Date: November 6, 2018
  • Copyright: 2018 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Selection Number: 62200089/62200094 (CDN)
  • Layers: BD-100
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 16:9 2.40:1
  • Rating: R for language throughout, including racial epithets, and for disturbing/violent material and some sexual references
  • Video: 2160p UHD Dolby Vision/HDR 10
  • Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
  • Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0, French Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Run Time: 2 hour 14 minutes

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY™

  • Street Date: November 6, 2018
  • Copyright: 2018 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Selection Number: 62200089/62198763 (CDN)
  • Layers: BD-50
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 16:9 2.40:1
  • Rating: R for language throughout, including racial epithets, and for disturbing/violent material and some sexual references
  • Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
  • Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0, French Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Run Time: 2 hour 14 minutes

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD

  • Street Date: November 6, 2018
  • Copyright: 2018 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
  • Selection Number: 62198630/62198633 (CDN)
  • Layers: DVD 9
  • Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 16:9 2.39:1
  • Rating: R for language throughout, including racial epithets, and for disturbing/violent material and some sexual references
  • Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
  • Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish and French Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Run Time: 2 hour 14 minutes
Read:   Blu-ray/DVD: Den of Thieves Review

All photos are the courtesy and property of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

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Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases, Digital Hollywood Tagged With: 4K Ultra HD, BLACKkKLANSMAN, Blu-Ray, Digital HD, DVD 10/27/2018

Silicon Valley Season 5 Release Date Announced for DVD

09/04/2018 By Hakan Can

Silicon Valley Season 5 release date

Available this September on store shelves and online everywhere comes HBO’s Silicon Valley Season 5 on DVD. The Silicon Valley Season 5 release date is set for September 4, 2018. DVD pricing has been set around $28 for the 8-episode complete fifth season. Single episodes as well as the full season are available on Digital HD for $2.99 and $19.99, respectively. There’s no word on a Blu-ray™ release date just yet. This post will be updated when more information becomes available.

Silicon Valley Season 5 release date

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Right now you can order Silicon Valley: The Complete 5th Season along with the previous four seasons at any of these digital stores:

  • Apple’s iTunes Store
  • Amazon
  • Google’s Play Store
  • Vudu

HBO’s Silicon Valley Season 5 Release Date is Set for September 4th

PRESS RELEASE

From the minds of Creator/Showrunner Mike Judge and Executive Producers Alec Berg, Michael Rotenberg, Dave Krinsky, and Tom Lassally comes HBO’s Silicon Valley.

Silicon Valley Season 5 release date

Per the Home Box Office press release: “Change is afoot for Richard Hendricks and the rest of the Pied Piper gang as they bring in new staff, new digs, and new anxieties, while precariously teetering on the brink of success in Silicon Valley®: Season 5, available for Digital Download on June 11th. The latest release in this Emmy® Award-winning series includes eight, 30-minute episodes and explores new dynamics for the core cast, in a season that is “tighter and better than ever” (The Week).

“Nominated for more than 30 Emmy® Awards and two Golden Globes, Silicon Valley enters its fifth season with Pied Piper on an upswing as the platform’s new peer-to-peer internet garnering buzz and looking poised to make a splash. However, leadership challenges, new faces in a new office, and the looming rivalry with Hooli CEO Gavin Belson threaten to shake Richard’s confidence.”

SILICON VALLEY SEASON 5 TEASER

Read:   Silicon Valley Season 3 Release Date Announced for Digital HD

SEASON 5 DVD/DIGITAL HD INFORMATION

  • Episode 39 – Grow Fast or Die Slow
  • Episode 40 – Reorientation
  • Episode 41 – Chief Operating Officer
  • Episode 42 – Tech Evangelist
  • Episode 43 – Facial Recognition
  • Episode 44 – Artificial Emotional Intelligence
  • Episode 45 – Initial Coin Offering
  • Episode 46 – Fifty-One Percent
  • Bonus Features: Season 4 Recap, Season 5 Trailer, Season 5 Sneak Peek, Inside the Hacker Hostel VR Sneak Peek, Hacker Hostel Gameplay Trailer, Pied Piper’s Highs and Lows

CAST INFORMATION

  • Thomas Middleditch as Richard Hendricks
  • T.J. Miller as Erlich
  • Josh Brener as Big Head
  • Martin Starr as Gilfoyle
  • Kumail Nanjiani as Dinesh
  • Zach Woods as Jared
  • Amanda Crew as Monica
  • Matt Ross as Gavin Belson
  • Suzanne Cryer as Laurie Bream
  • Jimmy O. Yang as Jian-Yang
  • Ben Feldman as Ron LaFlamme
  • Chris Diamantopoulos as Russ Hanneman
  • Alice Wetterlund as Carla Walton

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

  • Format: DVD/Digital HD
  • Rating: Not Rated
  • Run Time: 240 Minutes
  • Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
  • Region: A
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
  • Studio: HBO Home Video
  • Release Date: September 4, 2018

Silicon Valley Season 5 release date

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Summary

HBO’s Silicon Valley has been renewed for a 6th season. The Complete First through Fifth Seasons are currently available on HBO GO and HBO NOW.

All photos are the courtesy and property of HBO Home Entertainment.

Silicon Valley Season 5 release date

Read:   Blu-ray/DVD: HBO's The Deuce Season 1 Review

Read:   Silicon Valley Season 2 Release Date Announced for Blu-ray/DVD

Filed Under: Digital Hollywood, Film Reviews Tagged With: Digital HD, DVD, HBO, Silicon Valley, Silicon Valley Season 5 09/25/2018

RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review

06/01/2018 By Hakan Can

RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review

This is going to come as a shock to all you RWBY fans out there, but up until a couple of weeks ago, I had never heard of this anime before. Seriously, I’ve been a fan of anime since the time of Star Blazers, yet somehow this one passed me by. After five seasons have come and gone, I’m finally on the RWBY bandwagon. Rather than talking any further, let’s right dive into the RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray review.

RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review

Available on June 5th comes RWBY Volume 5 in DVD and Blu-ray formats. The version we received is the Special Edition Combo Product which comes with two Blu-ray disks and a 32-page RWBY official manga anthology sampler. Disc 1 contains the 14 episodes, and Disc 2 includes all the extras.

RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review
RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review

Season 5 starts off with Qrow Branwen, Ruby Rose, and three other huntsmen and huntress candidates entering the city of Mistral for the first time. They’re in awe of what they see. Soon after, they settle in at the academy.

We meet a kid named Oscar who has reincarnated soul of Professor Ospin within him. And there’s Adam, the leader of a faunas splinter group, who has his eyes on becoming the head of White Fang.

Each of the four main characters is separated from one another, doing their own thing.

Weiss Schnee is flying home when her aircraft is shot down by what appears to be overgrown bees. The actions scenes here are spectacular. Unfortunately for her, the craft is shot down at which point she’s captured by bandits who are loyal to Raven Branwen.

RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review
RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review

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Yang Xiao Long also encounters a bandit at a gas station, and a fight ensues. It’s safe to say Yang kicks some serious butt here. Another terrific action scene with velocity ramps in the fighting for added effect. That metal arm of hers sure packs a punch.

By the time Episode 4 comes to pass, we see Yang at the bandit camp where Weiss is held captive. Like clockwork, Yang kicks even more butt. I think it’s safe to say that she’s my favorite of the four main characters.

On Menagerie Island, home to hundreds of faunas, the Belladonna family including Blake learn of Adam taking over the White Fang. They learn of a plot to destroy the huntsmen and huntress academy in two months time. An attempt to recruit as many faunas as possible and protect the academy is made but falls on deaf ears. Blake and Sun can’t find anyone for their endeavor.

Come Episode 9, Raven makes a pact with Cinder and a few others who represent Salem, the evil witch-like character we saw back in Episode 2. Raven is after the Relic of Knowledge in addition to wanting her brother Qrow dead. Neither side appears to trust one another, so it’s a pact made of convenience, not trust.

RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review
RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review

In Episode 10, Professor Ospin comes clean to Ruby Rose as to the grand events that have and are currently taking place. The ‘Big Picture’ is revealed. We also see White Fang make an assassination attempt on the Belladonna family. The fighting scene in the burning palace is intense, especially between Sun and Ilia. Hats off to all the animators.

After this attack, Blake is able to recruit dozens of faunas to help protect Haven. Her father couldn’t be more proud.

In the final four episodes, the attack on the huntsmen/huntress academy is in full swing. It’s good guys and gals versus the bad with more terrific action taking place. Weiss gets speared, nearly fatally had it not been for one of the huntsmen recruits. His power finally manifests itself and Weiss is healed in the process.

The double cross I foresaw many episodes earlier between Raven and Vernal versus Cinder takes place in the vault below Haven. The fighting is epic! Simultaneously outside of the academy, Adam and White Fang have set up explosives to destroy Haven. The faunas arrive, defuse the situation, and surround White Fang until they’re defeated and surrender. Adam does not give up so quietly, then eventually escapes when no one was looking.

Yang and her mother Raven duke it out. Yang prevails and retrieves the Relic of Knowledge.

RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review
RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review

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Blake, Ruby, Weiss, and Yang are finally reunited. Salem appears in an illusion setting up the events to take place in RWBY Volume 6.

I did my best to refrain offering up any spoilers.

Press Release

Per Gray G. Haddock, Head of Animation at Rooster Teeth: “We love how passionate the fans of RWBY are. Volume 5 received such a great reaction and we’re really looking forward to be able to provide these episodes along with a behind-the-scenes look at the series through the bonus features.”

INSERT 2×1 PHOTO GALLERY

Bonus Materials on Disk 2

  • 5 Years of RWBY
  • Weiss Character Short
  • Blake Character Short
  • Yang Character Short
  • CRWBY Photos
  • CRWBY Behind The Episodes
  • Trailers

CRWBY: Behind The Episodes

If there’s one bonus feature that can’t be missed it’s Behind The Episodes. This feature is comprised of 14 featurettes that span 53 minutes in total, so you know they mean business. Behind The Episodes should have been titled Behind The Departments as it covers each of the departments that make up 150+ person operation known as Rooster Teeth. We see and hear the people behind all aspects of what it takes to produce an episode of RWBY.

RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review

  • The Start
  • Anima Skies Fight
  • Another Face in the Crowd
  • Setting the Scene
  • All of the Lights
  • Skin and Bones
  • The Perfect Shot
  • The Complete Package
  • Can You Hear Me Now?
  • The One Two Punch
  • Drawing Inspiration
  • The Pen and the Sword
  • No Technical Difficulties
  • Fanfare

Blu-ray™/DVD Technical Information

  • Screen Format: Widescreen 16:9
  • Blu-ray™ Audio: English DTS-HD-MA 5.1
  • Subtitles: English SCH
  • Rating: NR
  • Genre: Anime
  • Run Time: 244 Minutes
  • MSRP: $24.95
  • Street Date: June 5, 2018

Final Thoughts

The thing I like most about RWBY Volume 5 is the good qualities exhibited by the main characters. They have integrity and are loyal to each other. Many life lessons can be learned from them.

I wasn’t crazy about some of the character animation. You can barely see their noses. From my viewing experience, the dialogue and pacing are often a bit slow. The plot could have moved quicker.

On the flip side, the majority of the animation is terrific with some fantastic fight scenes. There’s proper character development an overall excellent storyline. Audio and visual effects hit their marks as well.

RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review
RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review

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What do you think of this RWBY Volume 5 Blu-ray Review? Do you agree or disagree that this is one of the best anime sets of 2018? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts. Now, who’s interested in a giveaway?

We look forward to seeing RWBY Volume 6 in one year’s time. The next thing for us is to visit Rooster Teeth on YouTube and watch RWBY Volumes 1-4, which we never saw.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Rooster Teeth homepage to see their latest announcements.

FTC Disclosure: Cinedigm/Rooster Teeth provided Beantown LLC with one (1) RWBY Volume 5 Special Edition Blu-ray™ Combo for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Rooster Teeth © 2017-2018.

Read:   Blu-ray/DVD: Den of Thieves Review

Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases, Digital Hollywood Tagged With: Blu-Ray, DVD, Rooster Teeth, RWBY Volume 5 06/04/2018

Blu-ray/DVD: Den of Thieves Review

04/24/2018 By Hakan Can

Den of Thieves Blu-ray Review

Set in current day Los Angeles, the movie is about the crossing of two groups of crooked and shady individuals. One on hand, there’s the Regulators, the Major Crimes unit of the LA Sheriff’s Department led by Big Nick O’Brien played by Gerard Butler. On the other, there’s the Outlaws, the premier group of bank robbers in LA County. Ray Merrimen played by Pablo Schreiber leads them. This film has a lot going on so let’s dive into the Den of Thieves Blu-ray review.

Den of Thieves Blu-ray Review

Den of Thieves is not your classic Cops vs. Robbers story. It’s more like what’s the other group up to and how do we counter it.

In fact, in this 2 hours, 29 minutes unrated version of the film, the lines between the two groups are often blurred. So much so that you often feel sympathetic for a few of the Outlaws, and feel some hostility towards the Regulators.

The film begins with Big Nick O’Brien staying out all night showing up at what appears to be his home at sunrise. He sneaks in and is surprised by his wife. Nick has been a bad boy. He’s been cheating on his wife and is about to get caught. What takes place is tragic from a family perspective, but Nick has no one to blame but himself for being a lousy husband. His character is off to a bad start, and this carries throughout the film. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of you come to loathe him.

Den of Thieves Blu-ray Review

Gerard Butler and Maurice Compte star in Den of Thieves

When it comes to the other members of the Regulators, you begin to dislike them as well.

There’s a scene which takes place in a hotel suite where the Sheriffs essentially kidnapped Donnie (the driver) for an off-the-books interrogation. There’s plenty of booze, prostitutes, and foul language. If there was ever any doubt that the Regulators were shady and crooked, it’s now out the door. I actually feel sad for Donnie here.

In the Outlaws opening scene, they steal an armored money car in front of a donut shop in a heist that went far too south. Four people were killed, including a few cops. While they never intended to kill anyone in this robbery, and haven’t in the past, they did this time, albeit inadvertently at first, and now they’re the top targets of the police and FBI, and rightfully so.

Our bank robbers, the Merrimen crew, are as bad as the Regulators times 10. Still, there are moments throughout the film where you feel sympathy for them. Big Nick is continually harassing their driver Donnie and their leader Merrimen.

There’s a scene with Enson (50 Cent) where he’s making breakfast for his family and tells his daughter how much he loves her. He even scares her prom date with some tough love. You don’t feel the bad guy in him here.

Den of Thieves Blu-ray Review

Pablo Schreiber, Curtis Jackson, Evan Jones and O’Shea Jackson star in Den of Thieves

Plenty more takes place in the remaining two hours of this crime saga. For obvious reasons, I can’t get into further detail as I don’t want to ruin what takes place. It wouldn’t be fair to you who want to watch the film and watch you should. You’ll probably want to watch it a second time later in the same week.

Available April 24th on store shelves and online everywhere comes Den of Thieves on Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital copy from STX Films and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Read:   Blu-ray/DVD: Murder on the Orient Express Review

Press Release

Per the STX Films and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment press release: “Den of Thieves is a gritty Los Angeles crime saga which follows the intersecting and often personally connected lives of an elite unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Department and the state’s most successful bank robbery crew as they plan a seemingly impossible heist on the Federal Reserve Bank of Downtown Los Angeles. Filled with gripping, explosive action and an ending that left audiences stunned, Den of Thieves is an electrifying game of cat-and-mouse.”

“Directed by Christian Gudegast (London Has Fallen), the film blurs the lines between good and evil by examining the rivalry between a police unit, led by Gerard Butler (London Has Fallen), and a crew of career criminals featuring Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (Get Rich or Die Trying), Pablo Schreiber (13 Hours), O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Straight Outta Compton) and Evan Jones (A Million Ways to Die in the West).”

Den of Thieves is loaded with bonus material that dives into the making of the film including outtakes and deleted scenes, commentary by Director Christian Gudegast and Producer Tucker Tooley, and much more.

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Video Rating – 4 out of 5

The scenes in the film are well framed, but I’m not a fan of the light filtering that took place. The washing out of colors didn’t impress me either. But then again, the director and colorists aren’t going for a Dick Tracy approach to filmmaking here. If the use of colors were too powerful, it might cut into the grit of the scenes and character.

The action scenes are intense from a visual perspective, more on the sound below.

Sound Rating – 4.75 out of 5

Because of its intense action sequences, sound plays an enormous part of Den of Thieves. Without the proper sound, the viewer wouldn’t be pulled in and immersed in the action that takes place in front of them.

In the Alameda Corridor scene, the sound is elevated to the point where you feel like you’re there. Hundreds of rounds are fired, and you notice them. To get a better understanding of how this scene was filmed, watch the short Bonus Feature.

The dialogue was easy to pick up and never overpowered by the action. It needed to be with everything else taking place.

Extras Rating – 3 out of 5

The Blu-ray™ + DVD disks come with over 30 minutes of extras. I recommend you watch the outtakes and deleted scenes, but not immediately after watching the 2 hours, 29 minutes film.

I wasn’t too impressed with the three bonus features: Alpha Males, Into the Den, and Alameda Corridor. They’re each under three minutes long and could have been combined into one lengthier feature.

Den of Thieves Blu-ray Review

Gerard Butler and Pablo Schreiber star in Den of Thieves

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Bonus Materials

  • Alternate Ending
  • Alpha Males
  • Into the Den
  • Alameda Corridor
  • Feature Commentary
  • Theatrical Trailer #1
  • Theatrical Trailer #2
  • Outtakes

Outtakes and Deleted Scenes

  • Nick comes home
  • Donnie at the hotel
  • Donnie arrives at Enson’s House
  • Nick and the boys in the hall
  • Enson in the office
  • Enson & Maloa
  • Merrimen boys get ready
  • Enson and Donnie in the van
  • Nick & Deb at the market
  • Nick & Deb at the beach
  • Donnie at the salvage yard

Included on both physical versions of the film are 23 minutes of outtakes and deleted scenes. Most are lengthy and often leave you wondering whether these versions should have made the final cut. Others like the alternate ending would have dramatically changed the final scene of the film.

Blu-ray™/DVD Technical Information

  • Screen Format: Widescreen 16:9 (2.40:1)
  • Blu-ray™ Audio: English DTS-HD-MA 5.1; Bonus Features: English DD 2.0
  • DVD Audio: English DD 5.1
  • Subtitles: English, Spanish
  • Rating: R
  • Unrated Film Run Time: 149 Minutes
  • Closed Captioned: Yes
Den of Thieves Blu-ray Review

Gerard Butler stars in Den of Thieves

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Cast Information

• Gerard Butler as Big Nick O’Brien
• Brian Van Holt as Murph Connors
• Mo McRae as Gus Henderson
• Maurice Compte as Benny ‘Borracho’ Magalon
• Kaiwi Lyman as ‘Tony Z’ Zapata

• Pablo Schreiber as Ray Merrimen
• Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Enson Levoux
• O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Donnie Wilson
• Evan Jones as Bo ‘Bosco’ Ostroman
• Jordan Bridges as Lobbin’ Bob

After having grossed shy of $80M worldwide, it was announced that Gerard Butler would reprise his role of Big Nick O’Brien in Den of Thieves 2. The dates for production or the film’s release have not been made public. I look forward to seeing the sequel.

All photos and videos are used with the permission and are the property of STX Films and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment © 2017-2018.

Den of Thieves Blu-ray Review

Pablo Schreiber stars in Den of Thieves

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Filed Under: Blu-Ray Releases, Digital Hollywood Tagged With: Blu-Ray, Den of Thieves, Digital HD, DVD, Gerard Butler 04/25/2018

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