http://www.wfdvdreport.com/news/wfdvdreport.rss This RSS feed was generated out of the newsdatabase of WF DVD Report website. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1282 Ever since The Matrix, fans of the Wachowski’s Brothers have been eagerly awaiting the next big thing that will make their jaws drop as violently as they did when they first experience the genre re-writer in theaters in 1999. While they produced V for Vendetta, that film wasn’t nearly as successful as their previous works and their next turn as directors with Speed Racer stumbled and fell as well (although I personally enjoyed it). Finally with Ninja Assassin, they return once again to the producers seats and after much chit chat online about its production, the film finally debuted to screens in November of last year…and to lackluster results. With generally unfavorable reviews and a small box office intake, Ninja Assassin just wasn’t the all-out action fest a lot of people wanted.SynopsisThe filmmakers behind The Matrix and V for Vendetta bring new blood to martial arts movies in this smashing adventure. Korean pop star Rain plays heroic, deadly Raizo. Trained from childhood in the way of the Ozunu Clan ninja, he is stalked by fellow warriors and their dojo patriarch (martial arts legend Sho Kosugi)…and is on the run with a Europol agent (Naomie Harris) who has proof the clan sells assassination services to governments. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1281 From the creators of Napoleon Dynamite comes…well, a film that’s not really like Napoleon Dynamite. While it boasts the same awkward and quirky atmosphere that the aforementioned quintessential indie hit received, Gentlemen Broncos lacks the originality and humor of Dynamite. Not that anyone really expects Jared Hess to strike lightning twice in quick succession, but Broncos is quite a less friendlier film than his past efforts, with wholly unlikeable characters and the vast majority of the humor stemming from toilet humor (admittedly a great source of entertainment for me, but in this case it didn’t help out much). SynopsisMount your battle stag, grab your popcorn balls and get ready to laugh your gonads off as Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment presents Gentlemen Broncos on Blu-ray Disc and DVD March 2. The director of Napoleon Dynamite (Jared Hess) and co-star of HBO’s “Flight of the Conchords” (Jemaine Clement) team up to bring you the story of Benjamin Purvis (Michael Angarano), a lovable loner whose life is turned upside down when a pretentious fantasy author steals his story at a writers camp.Jennifer Coolidge (American Pie), Sam Rockwell (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) and Mike White (School of Rock) join a hysterical cast of oddball characters in this “fun, quirky comedy.” (People) http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1280 Disney’s return to 2D animation wasn’t something that many saw coming. With the advent of 3D, it seems the public’s only desire is for CGI productions and after the relative flop that Home on the Range was, it’s not surprise that they backed off of the medium for awhile. But, lo’ and behold, in November of 2009 their newest 2D outing debuted in theaters (and with Disney’s self-proclaimed first African American princess to boot) to rave reviews and solid ticket sales. While the film itself cost a rather astonishing $105 million to make, it more than doubled that with worldwide box office receipts…not to mention all that they’ll get once this one hits home video. SynopsisA timeless heroine in the tradition of Snow White, Ariel, Jasmine and the rest of the beloved royal sisterhood, Tiana comes to life with classic hand-drawn Disney animation from the revered team of John Musker and Ron Clements (Aladdin, The Little Mermaid) and a jazz-infused musical score from Academy Award® winning composer Randy Newman (Best Original Song, Monsters, Inc., 2001). The Princess and the Frog transports audiences to glorious, glamorous New Orleans as Tiana, the first African American Disney princess meets her frog prince and gives him the fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical, magical bayous of Louisiana. The Princess and the Frog’s colorful cast of one-of-a-kind new characters joyfully raises the roof, with voice performances from stars including Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose (Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, 2004,“Caroline, or Change”), Keith David (Crash), Jenifer Lewis (“Strong Medicine”), Jim Cummings (“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”), Michael-Leon Wooley (Ghost Town), Bruno Campos (“Nip/Tuck”), Peter Bartlett (The Producers), Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow), Jennifer Cody (Broadway’s “Shrek: The Musical”), Oprah Winfrey and John Goodman (Monsters, Inc.). http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1279 Who says superhero movies need rubber armor for their costumes? One the most fascinating things about this movie is that it shows us that not only can a cloth costume be done without looking hokey, but it can look even better than the silly belief that rubber armor must be used for “realism.” This movie excels in not only providing a great looking Phantom costume, worn well by Billy Zane, but the costumes and set pieces of the time period throughout the movie never cease to look spectacular. They easily pull you into the era that the movie takes place, and somehow manage to do it without questioning how a superhero can possibly be so efficient in such a setting. Furthermore, the Phantom himself, is explained quite well at the beginning so that the audience doesn’t feel lost in being introduced to this ye olde superhero, spawned during the Golden Age of heroes that eventually gave us the likes of Batman and Superman (the Phantom predates the earliest (Superman) by a year).SynopsisKit Walker discovers that he’s the 21st in a line of purple-clad African superheroes known as “The Phantom” or, to superstitious Bengalla Island natives, “the Ghost Who Walks.” As Kit learns how to deal with his other identity he find outs that Xander Drax, a slimy industrialist, is plotting to take over the world by uniting the three long lost magical Skulls of Touganda. So he travels to New York, where he finds allies in crusading newspaper publisher Dave and his niece, Diana, who's also Kit’s ex-girlfriend. Kit and Diana tackle Drax’s forces, including the conflicted Sala, in a quest for the Skulls that brings both sides back to Bengalla for a showdown. The Blu-ray Disc is presented in 1080P High Definition 2.35 Widescreen and 7.1 DTS HD Master Audio. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1278 It seems like I just reviewed Buena Vista’s last “unknown” film with big stars (The Boys are Back), but now it’s time for another with the Robert DeNiro, Kate Beckinsale, Drew Barrymore, and Sam Rockwell outing with Everybody’s Fine. Although it received a rather wide release (over 2000 theaters) it was not received well by critics, who panned the film for being too empty of an outing and too “stereotypical” for a Christmas film (or so says the summary on RottenTomatoes). This is an odd thing to say about this film since very little of it takes place at Christmas and to call it without heart or substance is rather contradictory to its winning of a “Truly Moving Picture” Heartland Award.SynopsisRobert De Niro leads an acclaimed all-star cast- Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, and Sam Rockwell- In Everybody’s Fine, the heartwarming film that will move you to laughter and tears. When Frank Goode’s (De Niro) grown children cancel a family reunion, the recent widower sets off on a cross-country journey to reconnect with each of them. Expecting to share in the joys of their happy, successful lives, his surprise visits reveal a picture that is far from perfect. A family separated by physical and emotional distance finds a way to come together in a story that will touch your heart. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1277 What is a studio to do when a $6 million action production from a new director when it opens in five whole theaters, grossing a measly $30k? Well, they put it out on DVD in an attempt to make back a few bucks…only for it to become a huge cult smash. While the original film was a simple action/comedy style film in execution, the comrade between the brothers is what helped sell the film for many of those who saw it (myself included). With the original just receiving a Blu-ray release a few months prior to the theatrical release of the sequel, many wondered if Sony’s own decision to put it in a limited release would backfire—but 524 theaters later and the $8 million budgeted sequel made a little over $10 million. Now Sony just needs to sit back and wait for the DVD and Blu-ray sales to rack up. SynopsisFrom Troy Duffy, writer and director of The Boondock Saints, comes the much anticipated sequel to the tough, stylized cutting edge saga of the MacManus brothers (Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery). The two have been in deep hiding with their father, Il Duce (Billy Connolly), in the quiet valleys of Ireland, far removed from their former vigilante lives. When word comes that a beloved priest has been killed by sinister forces from deep within the mob, the brothers return to Boston to mount a violent and bloody crusade to bring justice to those responsible. With a new partner in crime (Clifton Collins Jr., Star Trek) and a sexy FBI operative (Julie Benz, TV's “Dexter”) hot on their trail…the Saints are back! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1275 Showtime has been reeling in the hit shows as of late, with very few (if any) not hitting the mark or scoring cross the board. One of their latest installments, Nurse Jackie, debuts Edie Falco of The Sopranos fame as the title character in yet another hospital dramedy and predictably the show was yet another hit for the network. While it drew some criticism from those in the medical profession FOR Jackie’s behavior in the show, it nonetheless blasted its way through twelve unique episodes that viewers found to be nothing short of addicting. With the second season set to premiere in March, Lionsgate releases Nurse Jackie on DVD and Blu-ray just in time for newcomers to check out the first season before another one begins. SynopsisTelevision’s most critically-acclaimed new series “Nurse Jackie” comes to DVD and Blu-ray Disc February 23, 2010 from Lionsgate. Three-time Primetime Emmy winner Edie Falco (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, “The Sopranos,” 1999, 2001 and 2003,) “is outstanding” (Time Magazine) as Jackie Peyton, a flawed emergency room nurse in New York City, who is struggling to find a balance between the demands of her frenetic job and an array of personal dramas. For Jackie, every day is a high wire act of juggling patients, doctors, fellow nurses and her own indiscretions. “Nurse Jackie” was Showtime’s most-successful premiere to date and the groundbreaking series has garnered enormous critical acclaim. TV Guide proclaimed the show “wildly entertaining,” Entertainment Weekly hailed “you just want to keep watching,” NY Daily News exclaimed “a splendid addition to Showtime’s lineup” and The Washington Post called it “one of the true choice cuts of the year.” http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1274 After viewing Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior, there were likely few who thought to themselves “Wow, I need more!” Not that the action in the film was bad; no all that first film was was action. It was very, very light on plot and the only saving grace it had was Tony Jaa performing some of the most jaw-dropping stunts ever caught on film. For those hoping for more of the same, however, you’ll be only slightly disappointed. Yes, Ong Bak 2: The Beginning is packed to the gills with action…but there’s actually more emphasis on a story this time around too. So that’s either a good or bad thing, depending on how much you enjoyed the first one. SynopsisMartial arts superstar Tony Jaa stars in and directs this epic tale of revenge set hundreds of years in the past. Featuring a huge cast and hordes of elephants, this prequel takes Jaa’s skills to the next level, showcasing him as a master of a wide range of martial arts styles - while proving him to be a promising director as well. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1273 I’d first heard about Cold Souls when the star, Paul Giamatti, came onto The Daily Show to promote it. The clip used made the film appear to be a quirky, odd, and funny drama/comedy mashup and based on the clip and the fact that I’ve become a fan of Giamatti’s past works…it didn’t take much to pique my interest in this film. Sadly it debuted in fifty-two theaters (although just from those fifty-two it grossed almost a million dollars…not too bad), so any chance of catching its theatrical run was null and void for me. Mind you this all occurred back in August of 2009, so by the time the title was actually announced for a home video release, I’d almost entirely forgotten about it. But, thankfully, Fox did finally toss it out on DVD (and DVD only—no Blu-ray) for those of us who weren’t able to see it during its very (very) limited run. SynopsisPaul Giamatti (Sideways) stars as an actor named… Paul Giamatti. During rehearsals for Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya,” he finds his soul growing so heavy under the weight of the material that his whole life begins to suffer. When Giamatti hears of a doctor who extracts and stores souls, he decides to undergo the procedure. Unburdened, Giamatti’s life becomes freewheeling, easygoing… and more intolerable than ever! He returns to the doctor demanding his old soul back, but a little snafu involving the Russian black market leads him on a harrowing journey that gives new meaning to the term “soul searching!” http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1272 Buzz was strong in 2003 among the kung-fu fan community for Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior. Although the production and film itself promised to be cheesy, the stunts performed in the film did not. With Tony Jaa, a martial arts master who was promising to rival Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, in the lead, the film promised to be an action packed delight, with the “stunts” in the film being more than that as they were fully connecting martial arts moves that had to be seen to be believed.SynopsisWhen the head of his village's sacred Buddha statue is stolen, simple country boy Ting (Tony Jaa) is sent to Bangkok to retrieve it. Raised by a monk who has trained him in Muay Thai, Ting has vowed to never use his lethal martial arts skills. But once he arrives in the big city, Ting is forced to fight. It's non-stop action as Ting infiltrates Bangkok's seedy underworld and takes on a series of lowlifes and criminals in his quest to obtain the sacred head. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1271 Where the Wild Things Are seemed to reside in production hell for so long, many wondered if it would ever make it out alive. With a director whose previous films included only Adaptation and Being John Malkovich, many wondered if Spike Jonze would even be able to direct the beloved children’s classic by Maurice Sendak’s into a film that not only pleased its original author, but also the studio and audiences that would be funneling money into it. In the end, after a year long delay, Warner Bros. finally released the film to theaters, where critics praised it…but movie-goers did not. With the film budgeted for $100 million, the eventual worldwide intake of $92 million would prove to fall short of what everyone wanted the film to gross. No doubt the lower gross was due to the less-than-child friendly nature of the film itself.Synopsis“Let the wild rumpus start!” Nine-year-old Max runs away from home and sails across the sea to become king of the land Where the Wild Things Are. King Max rules a wondrous realm of gigantic fuzzy monsters – but being king may not be as carefree as it looks! Filmmaker Spike Jonze directs a magical, visually astonishing film version of Maurice Sendak’s celebrated children’s classic, starring an amazing cast of screen veterans and featuring young Max Records in a fierce and sensitive performance as Max. Explore the joyous, complicated, and wildly imaginative wild rumpus of the time and place we call childhood. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1270 Obscure action films from the 80s seem to be slowly making their way to Blu-ray, with the latest release coming from Fox with To Live and Die in L.A.. Although its main villain, Willem Dafoe, has gone on to bigger movies, the rest of this cast seems to have disappeared into obscurity. Maybe it’s just because this film came out before I was even born, but there were very few faces that actually looked familiar to me. Which actually aided in my enjoyment of it as I had no idea who or what roles these actors were previously known for, allowing me to get fully enveloped in the storyline and it’s “what a twist!”-like ending. SynopsisWilliam L. Petersen (Manhunter, “CSI”) and Willem Dafoe (Spider-Man) face off in a deadly game of cat and mouse in this riveting action-thriller, To Live and Die in L.A. Full of flash, style and grit, this raw tale of corruption and revenge features one of the most harrowing car chases ever caught on film and a shockingly explosive ending. Federal Agent Richard Chance (Petersen) has a score to settle, and he’s through playing by the rules. Whether that means blackmailing a beautiful parolee, disobeying direct orders or hurtling the wrong way down a crowded freeway, he vows to take down a murderous counterfeiter (Dafoe) by any means necessary. But as the stakes grow higher, will Chance’s obsession with vengeance ultimately destroy him? http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1269 Cult B-movies have found new life on the DVD format. Titles that you once thought would never see anything better than a crummy VHS-tape release from 20 years ago are now not only getting released on DVD, but in some cases re-released (yeah, we’re just that hard up for new titles apparently). But in the case of the 1986 cult classic The Wraith, this new special edition comes complete with a host of new extras that will surely please any fan of the rather ridiculous movie that later had a series of clones follow it (like another cult classic, The Crow). SynopsisThe Wraith, the cult classic starring Golden Globe® winner Charlie Sheen (TV’s “Spin City”), Academy Award® nominee Randy Quaid (The Last Detail, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, 1973) and Clint Howard (Frost/Nixon), comes to Special Edition DVD from Lionsgate this March. A bizarre and brutal band of road pirates force innocent drivers into drag races. Then...a mysterious stranger arrives in a Dodge Turbo Interceptor. The stranger is "The Wraith," a mysterious otherworldly figure who has a destiny to fulfill and a woman's love to reclaim. He's determined to wage a vendetta against the young punks who ruined his life. The action-packed film tells the story of a mysterious figure seeking vengeance on a gang that’s been terrorizing a small town and includes music from some of Rock-n-Roll’s greatest legends including Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe, Robert Palmer and Billy Idol. The Wraith: Special Edition DVD features fresh packaging and all new special features including audio commentary, interviews with writer/director Mike Marvin (Sunstorm) and Clint Howard along with a featurette on the Dodge M4S that was used in the film. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1268 Despite being a genre that’s wide open to all kinds of twists and turns, it seems horror films are never anything more than mediocre cash-ins half the time. Very rarely do you get a film genuinely worthwhile and whenever one starts to come down the pike, it’s easy to get excited for what it could possibly be. Especially in the case of The Stepfather which promised to be a modern-day remake of the 1987 film of the same name. Sure it’s been twenty some years since the original came out, but since original horror films don’t seem to fare as well, it was time to scrape that barrel once again. SynopsisWhen Michael Harding (Penn Badgley, TV’s “Gossip Girl”) returns home from military school, he finds his mom is madly in love with her charming live-in boyfriend David (Dylan Walsh, TV’s “Nip/Tuck”). At first, David appears to be the ultimate nice guy and an ideal future husband and stepfather. But when Michael and his girlfriend (Amber Heard, Zombieland) start delving into David’s past, they begin to discover a dark and dangerous side to Michael’s new “daddy” in this riveting, chilling thriller. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1267 There was little doubt in my mind that 2012 would be little else than a giant CGI wreck-fest for the senses. Oceans overflowing, ground splitting open, buildings tumbling down…it wasn’t a film that was going to skimp on the visual disaster that would be the world coming to an end. Which isn’t really all that surprising as director Roland Emmerich’s previous works, The Day After Tomorrow and Independence Day, were equally as devastating to watch at times. But despite the so-so reviews about the film (mostly relating to it being light on script but long on run time), it had no trouble recouping the $200 million budget it was allotted—while it made most of that figure back in domestic sales, it was overseas where the film tore through box offices, bringing in over $750 million worldwide. SynopsisFrom Roland Emmerich, director of THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW and INDEPENDENCE DAY, comes the ultimate action-adventure film, exploding with groundbreaking special effects. As the world faces a catastrophe of apocalyptic proportions, cities collapse and continents crumble. 2012 brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors. Starring John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Woody Harrelson and Danny Glover. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1266 I really want to say definitively Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths is my favorite DC Universe DTV to date but I do have reservations that prevent me from declaring that. I can say with confidence that this felt like it had the strongest footing out of all the DTV’s so far. From the start it just felt well established, introducing us to all the character effortlessly and you get who all the characters are very quickly. I felt very comfortable with all the characters and the way they were all introduced. That may be because it benefits from all the characters’ exploration and development from the Justice League series, which is the “universe” this movie was originally meant to be set in.Synopsis:A “good” Lex Luthor arrives from an alternate universe to recruit the Justice League to help save his Earth from the Crime Syndicate, a gang of villainous characters with virtually identical super powers to the Justice League. What ensues is the ultimate battle of good versus evil in a war that threatens both planets and, through a diabolical plan launched by Owlman, puts the balance of all existence in peril. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1265 There’s something about this new animated feature from the DC Universe Animated Original Movie line that feels like slipping on a familiar pair comfortable shoes. There’s a sense of warmth that comes from it. To see the Justice League back in action, in a great world-hopping thriller, is exhilarating. We get the big ones, too. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and so on. In addition, we get to see their twisted counterparts from an alternate earth, criminal overlords who use fear to dominate the populace. As you can probably already guess, the Justice League and their evil counterparts collide and, well, as exciting as this movie manages to make that tired concept seem, it gets much better from there. Synopsis:A “good” Lex Luthor arrives from an alternate universe to recruit the Justice League to help save his Earth from the Crime Syndicate, a gang of villainous characters with virtually identical super powers to the Justice League. What ensues is the ultimate battle of good versus evil in a war that threatens both planets and, through a diabolical plan launched by Owlman, puts the balance of all existence in peril. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1264 When it comes to films that are eligible for the “stupidest movie of the year award” (or the Razzies if you prefer to go with an actual award), The Box will no doubt be a serious contender. The film itself was a horrendous mess that not only bewildered and confused its audience, but it also pretty much offended it to the point that no one wanted to even sit through it in its entirety. The main problem this film had was that it was marketed as some big moral dilemma that Cameron Diaz and James Marsden must face. The trailers don’t even mention that there’s an alien species involved in all of this or that this film is set back in the 1970s. No, the trailers instead focused on one of the least interesting elements of the film and the marketing campaign for it steamrolled ahead into some of the most embarrassing and ridiculous movie trailers I’ve ever seen. SynopsisPush a red button on a little black box, get a million bucks cash. Just like that, all of Norma (Diaz) and Arthur Lewis’s (Marsden) financial problems will be over. But there’s a catch, according to the strange visitor (Lagella) who placed the box on the couple’s doorstep. Someone, somewhere – someone they don’t know – will die. Cameron Diaz and James Marsden play a couple confronted by agonizing temptation yet unaware they’re already part of an orchestrated an – for them and us – mind-blowing chain of events. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1263 After the success of Lost, the amount of strange and weird concepts that came out of TV networks and movie studios began to increase…only to eventually die down again when Lost started to burn off a healthy amount of its viewers. But leave it to ABC to throw another crazy-premised show into their lineup (in addition to V, that is) with FlashForward. The series debuted to rave reviews and was soon at the top of sci-fi and mystery lovers lists as a weekly tune-in. At least it was before the show went on four month hiatus, at least. During that hiatus, however, Disney saw fit to release the first half of the first season on DVD, to whet the appetite of current fans and to also bait potential new viewers into coming back around for the shows March 18th mid-season premiere. SynopsisChaos reigns in Los Angeles after a mysterious event causes everyone in the world to lose consciousness at exactly the same moment. Was it an act of nature? Something man-made gone wrong, or something even more sinister? Whatever it was, every person on Earth blacks out for two minutes and seventeen seconds and sees a series of events on April 29, 2010 at 10:00 p.m., Pacific Time – exactly six months in their future. For some the future will be joyous and hopeful; for others, shockingly unexpected; and for a few, it simply doesn’t seem to exist. Knowing their fate will alter each person’s life in one way or another and poses the questions: Can destiny be changed? And by changing just one destiny, what effect would that have on those of others? Viewers will be able to catch up on the heart-pounding first ten episodes of ABC’s thrilling series “FlashForward” before it resumes airing March 18, 2010. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1262 To be honest, coming in to a show during its last season likely isn’t the smartest of ideas. Having effectively missed the previous nine years of plots and character developments, I’m likely the least qualified person to present an effective review on the tenth (and final) season of this series. Still, it does give me the effective advantage of being an outsider, peering in on what I recall being a very critically-acclaimed series during its tenure. Synopsis:JAG (Judge Advocate General) is an elite legal branch of military officers trained as lawyers who investigate, prosecute and defend those accused of crimes in the military, including murder, treason and terrorism. Navy Cmdr. Harmon "Harm" Rabb, an ace pilot turned lawyer, and Marine Lt. Col. Sarah "Mac" MacKenzie, a beautiful and strictly by-the-book officer, are colleagues, both with similar high standards, that often find themselves clashing with one another as they take different routes to solve cases. Assisting them with their mission is Navy Lt. Bud Roberts, a lawyer who often surprises his superiors with the breadth of his knowledge, and their boss, the no-nonsense Admiral Chegwidden, a former Navy Seal. Follow them on some of their dramatic investigations with JAG: The Final Season. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1261 While I never was a diehard fan of Johnny Cash’s music, when trailers for Walk the Line first hit I was intrigued enough to want to see it. While I missed its theatrical run, I caught it on DVD and was immediately impressed by what the film presented. The thoroughness and depth that it explored Cash’s life was amazing and the performances were nothing short of astounding. On top of the acting the songs that Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon recorded for the film was simply astonishing and surprising at how much they sounded like Cash and Carter. SynopsisReese Witherspoon, in her Academy Award winning** performance and Joaquin Phoenix, in his Oscar nominated*** role star in the critically acclaimed Johnny Cash chronicle, Walk The Line. With his driving freight-train chords, steel-eyed intensity and a voice as dark as the night, the legendary “Man in Black” revolutionized music - and forged his legacy as a genuine American icon. Golden Globe winners**** Phoenix (Gladiator, Hotel Rwanda) and Witherspoon (Election, Vanity Fair) star (and sing) as Johnny Cash and June Carter in this inspiring true story of one man’s unwavering devotion to his sound, his message and the greatest love of his life. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1260 Based on the critically acclaimed book by Charles Clover, THE END OF THE LINE charts the devastating ecological impact of overfishing by interweaving both local and global stories of sharply declining fish populations, including the imminent extinction of the bluefin tuna, and illuminates how our modern fishing capacities far outstrip the survival abilities of any ocean species. Scientists explain how this depletion has slipped under the public radar and outline the catastrophic future that awaits us -- an ocean without fish by 2048 -- if we do not adjust our fishing and consumption practices.SynopsisImagine an ocean without fish. This is the future--in less than 40 years--if we do not stop, think and act. Narrated by Ted Danson and based on the acclaimed book by Charles Clover, THE END OF THE LINE shows firsthand the effects of our global love affair with fish as food. It examines the imminent extinction of bluefin tuna, the huge overpopulation of jellyfish and the prospect of certain mass starvation. Filmed over two years across the world--from the Straits of Gibraltar to the coasts of Senegal and Alaska to the Tokyo fish market--featuring top scientists, indigenous fishermen and fisheries enforcement officials, THE END OF THE LINE is a wake-up call to the world. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1259 Collecting six more episodes of the acclaimed The Spectacular Spider-Man animated between them, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released two more single-disc DVD releases starring our favoring web-slinging hero? Taking us well into the second season of this acclaimed series, The Spectacular Spider-Man: Volume Six and The Spectacular Spider-Man: Volume Seven presents fans with over two hours of solid Spidey action. But, despite the quality of the main feature, are these single-disc releases worth purchasing?Synopsis:School is back in session and things have changed for Peter Parker. He is invited to Flash Thompson’s birthday bash. Meanwhile, Spider-Man has to party with Sandman, who is starting trouble once again. Venom has returned to frame Spider-Man and John Jameson becomes a superhero after alien spores infect him. Venom’s revelation of Peter Parker’s secret identity leaves Peter and his loved ones vulnerable to all of Spidey’s enemies. Then, a gang war looms in the New York underworld with Silver Sable, Hammerhead and Doctor Octopus vying for a prize that could change the balance of power forever. The adventure continues to escalate with The Spectacular Spider-Man! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1258 Although the film started out with a fair amount of hype, it seemed once Amelia debuted, and to mostly negative reviews at that, it floated away into oblivion. Despite star Hilary Swank being at the top of Oscar lists most years past, it didn’t help this film get off the ground as it merely acted as an abbreviated (yet simultaneously elongated) History Channel documentary with the coldness and “to-do” list-style narration that the film took on. When the final frames of the film rolls into the credits, you’re left wondering not only the final fate of Amelia Earhart herself, but also how this film could have become so misdirected with such talent in front and behind the camera. SynopsisExperience the romance, struggle and triumph of legendary aviatrix Amelia Earhart as she chases love and lives her dreams in Amelia, landing on Blu-ray Disc with Digital Copy and DVD February 2 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Hailed as “The Queen of the Air,” Amelia boldly flew into the annals of history with her solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Bound by ambition and love, her enduring marriage to George Putnam could not be broken by her determination to fly, or a secret passionate affair. Equal parts gripping drama, stirring romance and epic adventure, Amelia will take your breath away and send your spirit soaring! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1257 September in 2009 wasn’t a good month for the box office. Everything that opened seemed to either perform poorly or didn’t perform at all. Despite fairly positive reviews surrounding The Informant!, the film crept into theaters and made little, if any, noise. Still, the modest budget for the film ($22 million) didn’t go to waste as it eventually earned a worldwide return of $35 million ($33 of which came from domestic ticket sales). So those worrying that director Steven Soderbergh and star Matt Damon would vanish into nothingness due to this films relatively subdued box office performance need not worry. Not that anyone ever really was anyway. SynopsisMark Whitacre is secretly rolling tape during a meeting of corporate honchos who are illegally fixing the price of food additives. Meeting after meeting, Mark rolls tape after tape. He’s sure the tapes will make him a U.S. hero. What went wrong? Director Steven Soderbergh reteams with one of his Ocean’s trilogy stars for a snappy skewering of big business based on the true story of the highest-ranking corporate whistleblower in U.S. history. Matt Damon portrays Whitacre, whip-smart and immensely likable even as his schemes become increasingly untethered. Pay attention to the fun and intrigue of The Informant! and be informed! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1256 Considered a modern The Incredible Hulk masterpiece, the “Planet Hulk” comic book storyline upended our favorite Green Goliath for an epic-length adventure on the other side of the universe. Stranded on an alien world, he fought to survive and eventually found his place on the strange new world of Sakaar. And now, Marvel Animation is unleashing a new direct-to-video animated adaptation of the acclaimed tale. After arguably hitting a series high in quality with last year’s Hulk Versus, will Planet Hulk reach and exceed expectations of last year’s green-laced animated smackdown? Let’s get that pesky synopsis out of the way and find out!Synopsis:He was a monster, impossible to control, too dangerous to ignore. So Earth’s mightiest heroes exiled him into outer space. But now the Incredible Hulk crash lands on the distant planet Sakaar, ruled by the tyrannical Red King. Sold into slavery, Hulk becomes the planet’s mightiest gladiator—but his new masters get more than they bargained for when he forges a bond of brotherhood with his fellow fighters: crafty insectoid Miek, ruthless rock-man Korg, ex-shadow priest Hiroim, and the noble-born rebel Elloe. Unlike Earth, the desperate people of Sakaar believe a monster is just what they need. But will the Hulk be the one to save their world… or destroy it? Find out in the epic Planet Hulk! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1255 Despite the Halo franchise being a huge success for Microsoft, it never really expanded out past the video games in which it originated. Sure, there were novelizations and other books released to accompany the video games when they were released, but the long talked about film adaptation that was to be helmed by Peter Jackson eventually fell apart so thoroughly that fans shelved their hope that they’d ever see the Spartan warriors outside of the video game world. But those hopes were revived when Warner Bros. Animation announced that it would be teaming up with various animation studios to produce a seven-part direct-to-video animated feature that not only told the origins of the Halo story, but also delved into some new material, both of the comedic and action packed variety. SynopsisThis 8 episode anthology of 10-15 minute length each, explores the origin and historical events of the HALO universe, and various characters inhabiting the world. Like Animatrix and Batman Gotham Knight, each of the 8 episodes will be created by a separate prominent Japanese anime producer. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1254 I’ve received some weird things in the mail since I started reviewing DVDs over the last few years, but I’m not sure there was a face that was strange enough that could have been made when I pulled this one out. Yes, Midgets vs. Mascots is its real title. Yes, the film is absolutely, without a doubt, one of the biggest wastes of time I’ve ever experience before. No, under no circumstances should you pick this title up and say “hey, I might enjoy this.” You won’t. At all. SynopsisIn this Borat-meets-Jackass shockumentary, five little people and five mascots battle for one million dollars through 30 ridiculous competitions, including how many insults it takes to get punched in a bar, who can drink a gallon of milk the fastest and who can wrestle a live alligator. Gary Coleman, leading the “Littles” as himself, is a comedic freight train (or train wreck) as he gets into actual fist fights with mascots, coaches and even NBA star Scottie Pippen. Look forward to tear-inducing laughter when drunken and belligerent mascots take on a competitive and determined group of little people. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1253 It may come to a surprise for many that have been following the Coen Brothers films over the past few years that they had a film in 2009. Considering the widest it went was in fewer than 300 theaters, it’s not a real shocker that many didn’t know about it. I’d heard of the film, briefly, through some online review sites and entertainment publications, but the lack of big-name actors in the film no doubt contributed to the very small debut the film received. Despite this, the film received a number of glowing reviews from critics and the film itself went on to make $21 million worldwide. Not bad for a fairly unheard of production. SynopsisLoaded with originality and dark humor, A Serious Man is the new comedy from the brilliant minds of the Coen brothers, the Academy Award®-winning filmmakers responsible for The Big Lebowski, Fargo, No Country for Old Men and Burn After Reading. Praised as “Seriously awesome!” by Michael Hogan of Vanity Fair, this film imaginatively explores questions of faith, familial responsibility, delinquent behavior and mortality in one ordinary man's quest to become a serious man. Starring Michael Stuhlbarg, Richard Kind, Fred Melamed, Sari Lennick, Adam Arkin, Aaron Wolff and Jessica McManus. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1252 While receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, Whip It performed so poorly at the box office that it couldn’t even make back its $15 million dollar budget. Granted it didn’t open as wide as the average film (a little over 1700 total theaters), but it’s still surprising that a vehicle full of talent from all corners of filmmaking didn’t perform better. Not that box office performance has ever been an indicator of a films quality level—which is precisely what’s going on with Whip It: a quality film wrapped up in a low budget that still manages to entertain. SynopsisThe memorable heroine of Juno is back and scores huge laughs as Bliss Cavendar, a blue-haired misfit stuck in a tiny Texas town in Whip It, a coming-of-age comedy skating onto Blu-ray Disc with Digital Copy and DVD January 26 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Tired of following in her family’s footsteps, Bliss discovers a way to put her life on the fast track when she lands a spot on a rough-and-tumble roller derby team. Her journey comes full-circle as she reconnects with her family and finds her own path in the world. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1251 What more can be said about the The Godfather that hasn't already been said? Yes, this is a hugely influential film that not only defined an era of movie-making but spawned what many consider a superior sequel. So, it's no surprise that Paramount Home Entertainment is dipping into the mob pool again with this new The Godfather Blu-ray release as part of their Sapphire Series line. However, those looking for a packed release on par with 2008’s The Godfather Trilogy Blu-ray release may find themselves disappointed.Synopsis:Director Francis Ford Coppola’s Best Picture Academy Award winner and cinematic masterpiece The Godfather arrives in sparkling high definition individually on Blu-ray for the first time as part of Paramount Home Entertainment’s exclusive “Sapphire Series.” Popularly viewed as one of the best American films ever made, the multi-generational crime saga The Godfather is a touchstone of cinema: one of the most widely imitated, quoted, and lampooned movies of all time. See where it all started as Marlon Brando and Al Pacino star star in this riveting saga that has earned countless nominations and remains a fixture in pop culture. Now beautifully restored, The Godfather is ready for a new generation of movie fans to discover the complexities that hide within. Startling and unforgettable, Paramount Home Entertainment invites you once again to spend time with the Corleone family. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1250 A new TV series being introduced and loved by many early on is nothing new. It’s when that series manages to stick around for awhile that you realize it might have some legs. Such is the case with Gary Unmarried, now into its second season on CBS. While not a wildly successful or talked about sitcom, it is one of CBS’s most promising new-ish series (although this most recent season has been rather disappointing when compared to the first). Only time will tell if it will continue to rise in popularity or if the second season will be its last (and considering two of its executive producers left the series already over “creative differences,” it doesn’t bode well for the production). SynopsisEverything seems unfamiliar for suddenly single dad Gary Brooks (Jay Mohr) as he tries to navigate his increasingly complex life. A painting contractor, Gary is doing the best he can to share the upbringing of his 14-year-old son Tom (Ryan Malgarini) and 11-year-old daughter Louise (Kathryn Newton) with ex-wife Allison (Paula Marshall). Just as he’s trying to figure the etiquette involved in informing his ex of his gorgeous new girlfriend Vanessa (Jaime King), Allison drops a major bombshell on him—she’s engaged to their marriage counselor! Kids, romance and his ex-wife’s controlling ways keep Gary guessing as he gets used to his strange and uproarious new world. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1249 Romantic films with dramatic “hooks” are ever present in the film genre these days and quite frankly are the leading source for a lot of bad films. Not every script that hinges on this single pivot point can sustain itself for the entire length of the film, but occasionally you’ll get a story that is not only a strong script but also just the right length for it to not feel overlong or tedious in nature. Such is the case with The Time Traveler’s Wife, which starts out as a usual puppy dog love story but also mixes in such an unbelievable amount of drama than it’s hard to profile it as just a purely romantic movie. It’s simple in its structure, but it’s also just an intriguing concept to watch unfold even if all of the marks aren’t always hit. SynopsisLose yourself in timeless love with this gloriously romantic story of the journey of two hearts. Artist Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdams of The Notebook) shares a deep emotional bond with Henry De Tamble (Eric Bana of The Other Boleyn Girl), a handsome librarian who travels involuntarily through time. Knowing they can be separated without warning, Clare and Henry treasure the moments they have together, imbuing them with the yearning and passion of two people imprisoned by time…and set free by love. Based on the #1 bestseller, The Time Traveler’s Wife weaves together destiny and devotion, past and future to turn an extraordinary love into an extraordinary love story. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1248 The 11th season of Top Gear dominated the summer of ’08, but that’s not all that year had to offer. Back to finish up the fall into winter of ’08, the 12th season succeeds in not only giving the show a proper dozen seasons (series), but also in continuing the consistency of quirky, comical and informative exposure to the automotive world. Jeremy “Jezza” Clarkson, Richard “Hamster” Hammond and James “Captain Slow” May continue to take on the newest supercars, and even some old long-forgotten ones, around the track for a wit-filled yet quite meticulous review process to let us live vicariously in the wealthy automotive world.SynopsisThe 12th season kicks off with a crash, a bang and an overwhelming smell of burning when Jeremy, Richard and James buy second-hand trucks and try their hands at truck driving. The boys travel to the U.S. to test three new generation big-engine ‘muscle’ cars with a great American road trip from San Francisco to the Bonneville Salt Flats in the heart Utah, then are challenged to drive from the heart of Switzerland to the North West coast of England on one tank of fuel while James travels to the frozen North and enlists the help of F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen. Jeremy scampers around the test track in the feisty new Fiat 500 Abarth, Porsche 911, and the Pagani Zonda F Roadster and finally after years of waiting, the Stig finally gets to set a lap time in the remarkable Bugatti Veyron. To top things off this seasons ‘Star in the Reasonably Priced Car’, features talk show legend Michael Parkinson, London Mayor Boris Johnson, musical legend Tom Jones and Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1247 How do you get a film with over a dozen big name stars accomplished without it costing millions upon millions of dollars to make and produce? You split it up into a series of short stories, each with a different director. Following the same formula that Paris, je t'aime ran with in 2006, New York, I Love You is a set of ten short stories that all revolve around the tail of love. Some are predictable, some aren’t, and others are just…there. While it’s an interesting concept, if this becomes a series of films that all have the same end result then I’m not sure it can go on much longer…even if it does feature a cast that wraps around the entire border of the DVD/Blu-ray case. SynopsisIn the city that never sleeps, love abounds 24/7. Some of the world's most outstanding directors present a celebration of love that features an all-star cast, including Shia LaBeouf, Bradley Cooper, Natalie Portman, Orlando Bloom, Christina Ricci, Ethan Hawke, Blake Lively, Robin Wright Penn, Rachel Bilson, Drea de Matteo, James Caan, Anton Yelchin, Andy Garcia, Julie Christie, Maggie Q, and many, many more! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1246 When one considers how long the automobile has been around, and how it has become the pinnacle of some nations’ accomplishments whether it’s through the very invention of it, or through inventions which have refined it, one would think that car-related TV programming is easy to find. While there are various automotive centered TV shows out there, they’re often equivalent of the worst thing you’d want to hear about a car; slow, poor quality, predictable styling, and simply boring in its entirety. Well, thanks to three quirky Brits, the world has at least one car show that is as exciting as a lead-foot in a Dodge Viper.SynopsisAccessible to everyone and full of stunts, challenges and special segments, it’s irreverent, witty, self-deprecating, inclusive and passionate. The charisma and enthusiasm of the show’s presenters have helped make Top Gear a worldwide megabrand attracting a global audience over 500 million in more than 20 countries. This season’s highlights include a car chase in presenter-chosen old bangers for traffic cops, a race in the French Alps against extreme skiers, a race across Japan (a Nissan car versus public transport), a cross-country fox hunt (with Jeremy as the prey), and a Brits versus German Top Gear challenge. Of course, this season includes serious car journalism too, with exhaustive road tests of the latest models, man versus machine experiments, weekly power-tests featuring the world’s most exotic supercars and all the tried-and-tested Top Gear favorites also return. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1245 Parody movies seem to be making a resurgence as of late, which is fantastic because they’re often the richest source of humor and “best of” style collaborations. However they can also be a source of much displeasure and annoyance (i.e., the “(fill in word here) Movie” films, all of which have stemmed from the Scary Movie outing which was entertaining…just the subsequent 20 others weren’t), so I approach new entries into the genre with caution. So when I say that Black Dynamite may very well be the funniest and most enjoyable parody film in decades then it actually means something (to me at least) as I grew up with the Mel Brooks, National Lampoon and Naked Gun films so I’d like to think I know a good parody film when I see one.SynopsisAn all-star cast led by Michael Jai White is featured in this 1970's-style blaxploitation action film about the legendary super crime fighter "Black Dynamite." The Man killed his brother, pumped heroin into local orphanages, and flooded the ghetto with adulterated malt liquor. Black Dynamite was the one hero willing to fight The Man all the way from the blood-soaked city streets to the hallowed halls of the Honky House. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1244 Don’t be confused—this isn’t a concert of Band du Lac that you missed. No, that super group hasn’t performed for some time now. This newly minted Blu-ray release is, rather, a re-release of the 2006 “Band Du Lac: One Night Only Live” DVD. The concert is the same, with the only difference being…well, the obvious Blu-ray upgrade. Extras and content are all the same, so if you own the previous DVD release then you know what to expect. For those that don’t, however, then you’re in for an interesting experience as Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Roger Taylor, The Drifters and Katie Melua. SynopsisKnown as Band du Lac, this stunning supergroup amassed at the historic Wintershall Estate in Surrey, England to play a benefit concert for HASTE - the Heart and Stroke Trust Endeavour. With Procol Harum's Gary Brooker at the helm as musical director, guitarists Andy Fairweather Low and Mike Rutherford, keyboardist Paul Carrack, and drummer Henry Spinetti kept the crowd captivated through 23 beloved tracks, including “A Whiter Shade Of Pale" and a rousing rendition of “Tequila." This night was also chockfull of guest appearances, including Eric Clapton ("Lay Down Sally," “Willie & The Hand Jive," “Cocaine"), Ringo Starr ("Photograph," “With A Little Help From My Friends"), The Drifters ("Under The Boardwalk," “Stand By Me"), Roger Taylor ("I Want To Break Free") and Katie Melua ("The Closest Thing To Crazy"). Bonus interviews with all key performers are also included. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1243 Keeping up with demand, we’re currently in the midst of the latest animated interpretation of everyone’s favorite Caped Crusader. A more light-hearted take on the character, but nonetheless enjoyable and completely addictive, Batman: The Brave and The Bold has been a big hit with both fans and Cartoon Network. So, it’s no surprise we’re quick to get episodes released on DVD, even if these releases are just the standard single-disc volume releases, collecting a handful of episodes. Here, we get five episodes, including the epic two-part which unleashes more Batmen than you can shake a stick at. There’s more after the synopsis.Synopsis:Often outmatched in powers but never in wits, Batman and fellow DC Comics super heroes Green Arrow, Aquaman, Bronze Tiger and The Atom take down villains of all shapes and sizes in this enthralling collection, like the larger-than-life humanoid Despero and the microscopic toxin in Batman's bloodstream that could be deadly. Just when "Bats" thinks he has this universe under control, he discovers a parallel world where Batman is the villainous Owlman! It will take all his cunning and courage to defeat this evil counterpart, especially when Owlman travels to Gotham City and convinces our world that Batman has turned criminal. So many heroes, so little time to showcase all the thrills from the hip and funny new animated series that has fans flying high! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1242 As we dive into the second half of Wolverine and The X-Men’s first season, the stakes are definitely raising. The X-Men are doing everything in their power to prevent an apocalyptic future, Magneto and the Brotherhood are working to instigate a global war between mutants and humans, and innocents are caught in the middle. All the while, both Wolverine and the X-Men are being attacked on all sides from assorted foes. For viewers who have been with Wolverine and the X-Men, the second half of the season promises lots of revealed secrets and new villains, and that starts right here with this new volume release of the popular animated series.Synopsis:Wolverine and the X-Men race through time to regain control of their destiny in Wolverine And The X-Men: Fate of the Future. Evil attempts to rewrite the past, and the mutant heroes must prevent a perilous future in these five time-bending episodes. History repeats itself when Wolverine's past resurfaces, forcing him to repay old debts in "Stolen Lives." In "Code of Conduct," Wolverine's history returns again when the X-Men are threatened by the Silver Samurai, who challenges the adamantine hero to another duel. In "Badlands," Logan’s captivity helps spawn a new breed of Sentinels to terrorize the future. And before Mojo rips their friendship apart, Nightcrawler struggles to convince a brainwashed Wolverine of their lost days together in "Hunting Grounds." Finally, in "Backlash," when Wolverine learns that Master Mold is the same nemesis for tomorrow's X-Men, he must protect his fellow mutants before the future becomes obsolete. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1241 Considered a modern The Incredible Hulk masterpiece, the “Planet Hulk” comic book storyline upended our favorite Green Goliath for an epic-length adventure on the other side of the universe. Stranded on an alien world, he fought to survive and eventually found his place on the strange new world of Sakaar. And now, Marvel Animation and Lionsgate Home Entertainment are unleashing a new direct-to-video animated adaptation of the acclaimed tale. After arguably hitting a series high in quality with last year’s Hulk Versus, will Planet Hulk reach and exceed expectations of last year’s green-laced animated smackdown? Let’s get that pesky synopsis out of the way and find out!Synopsis:He was a monster, impossible to control, too dangerous to ignore. So Earth’s mightiest heroes exiled him into outer space. But now the Incredible Hulk crash lands on the distant planet Sakaar, ruled by the tyrannical Red King. Sold into slavery, Hulk becomes the planet’s mightiest gladiator—but his new masters get more than they bargained for when he forges a bond of brotherhood with his fellow fighters: crafty insectoid Miek, ruthless rock-man Korg, ex-shadow priest Hiroim, and the noble-born rebel Elloe. Unlike Earth, the desperate people of Sakaar believe a monster is just what they need. But will the Hulk be the one to save their world… or destroy it? Find out in the epic Planet Hulk! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1240 Gone With the Wind is a film that everyone knows. Even if they’ve never seen it in its entirety, they know all of the famous quotes, characters, settings, and the drama that the film itself contains. It’s a sweeping epic, clocking in at nearly four hours long, and winner of eight Oscars. The performances are legendary and there are few who even exist who don’t recognize the groundbreaking standard it set for similar “epic” films that would come into theaters for decades to come. Few films can include an intermission and still keep you eager enough to come back to the second part as excited as you were while watching the first. SynopsisPeriod romance. War epic. Family saga. Popular fiction adapted with crowd-pleasing brilliance. Star acting aglow with charisma and passion. Moviemaking craft at its height. These are sublimely joined in the words Gone with the Wind. This dynamic and durable screen entertainment of the Civil War-era South comes home with the renewed splendor of a New 70th-Anniversary Digital Transfer capturing a higher-resolution image from Restored Picture Elements than ever before possible. David O. Selznick’s monumental production of Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book can now enthrall new generations of home viewers with a majestic vibrance that befits one of Hollywood’s greatest achievements. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1239 Zombie movies have made a comeback lately and, thankfully, so have the parody genre. While both zombies and parody films have their fair share of bombs and weak entries, when you’re able to marry the two together with a good script and good actors, the results are often nothing short of pleasant. Take for instance Shaun of the Dead, a rather low budget film that packed in gore, humor, violence, and some romance. It was also an import from the UK, so after its moderate success (more so in the cult department as I don’t think it made too much in the box office) it’s no wonder that a US company was looking to get in on the action. And thus we get Zombieland, a film that was no doubt inspired by Shaun…but also a film that is as original and entertaining as the ones that inspired it. Plus it made a boatload of cash for Sony in the box office, so you know a sequel is in the works. SynopsisNerdy college student Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) has survived the plague that has turned mankind into flesh-devouring zombies because he’s scared of just about everything. Gun-toting, Twinkie-loving Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) has no fears. Together, they are about to stare down their most horrifying challenge yet: each other’s company. Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin co-star in this double-hitting, head-smashing comedy. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1238 A teenaged Tony Stark? Well, it’s a risk, I’ll give it that. Iron Man: Armored Adventures had a lot going against it when it was announced. A CGI cartoon with a drastically reworked Tony Stark was, as you could expect, not received warmly among fans. I can see why, honestly. It’s not the Tony Stark that fans grew up with. However, I’m one of those fans who is somewhat more open-minded to different interpretations of a character, with every one as valid as the next as far as I’m concerned. Some may not be as well-received, but each take it a valid one, and Iron Man: Armored Adventures is no different.Synopsis:Join the adventures of teenage prodigy Tony Stark, and his alter ego Iron Man, as he uses his technological inventions to battle villains and save the world! When new threats like Living Laser and Madame Masque bring their own brand of chaos, it's up to Iron Man to answer the call! Suit up and get back in action with Tony and his best friends, Rhodey and Pepper, as they risk it all to defeat evil and save the day using their futuristic gadgets and a little teamwork. Enjoy 6 action-packed episodes filled with bigger challenges, more secrets and pulse-pounding showdowns. Prepare to blast off with Iron Man: Armored Adventures - Volume 2! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1237 It’s always refreshing to have a show come along that not only pushes the “normal” boundaries of suburban life but also isn’t afraid to uproot its entire cast and story and plant them in an entirely new location. Such is the case with Weeds, a show that started off simple and hilarious and eventually uprooted itself and became more of a drama. It was pretty surprising when the show took that turn in its fourth season and by the fifth it once again felt like it would be headed in another new direction. Sure enough the show – and cast – both saw changes and additions. SynopsisThe hemptress is back! Pot-selling soccer mom Nancy Botwin (Emmy® and Golden Globe® winner Mary-Louise Parker) returns for her most addictive adventures yet in the complete fifth season of Showtime’s hit series, “Weeds.” Nancy’s taken her business south and now faces a whole new crop of crazy problems. Follow the Queen of Green as she fights to keep her family in line and her enemies out of her stash in this intoxicatingly entertaining DVD and Blu-ray collection. Weeds: Season Five includes all 13 episodes of the fifth season, which originally aired in the summer of 2009, and is loaded with special features including commentaries with cast and crew, a gag reel, newly produced featurettes and more. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1236 Another year, another home video season release for The Simpsons. However, with this one, Fox has changed up a couple things. First, thanks to the show switching over to high-definition half way through this twentieth season, we’re getting our first season collection on Blu-ray released simultaneously with the DVD. Secondly, and most disappointingly, we’re being spared the usual heaping of bonus features that each season has been bestowed since Fox Home Entertainment first started issuing these sets. Is The Simpsons: The Complete Twentieth Season worth picking up based on the episodes below, especially in pristine 1080p quality? Well, keep reading!SynopsisIn January 1990 television history was made as households across the country were introduced to a one-of-a-kind family whose outrageous antics and wild behavior made them an institution of prime-time television and a pop culture staple over the next two-plus decades. Now, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment celebrates this historic milestone with The Simpsons: The Complete Twentieth Season, marking the show’s first time ever in high-definition. A show that has remained culturally significant and hugely popular with audiences for over 20 years, the latest DVD collection features every outrageous episode from the 2008-09 season, including the family’s hilarious trip to Ireland, Homer and Ned’s turn as bounty hunters and Bart trading lives with a multi-millionaire lookalike of himself. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1235 What is it about movies in the future that take advantage of death row inmates to harness entertainment for the masses? Mostly recently it was the horrible remake of a film called Death Race and now it’s Gamer, which somehow managed to rope in Golden Globe winner Michael C. Hall and…well, after his recent string of mediocre films I guess Gerard Butler being the star is no real surprise. Still, it was a film that ultimately was a disappointment to critics, although it did triple its budget in box office receipts worldwide so it was far from a failure. While the talent involved was by no means poor, the overall execution of this film left something to be desired. SynopsisFeaturing an all-star cast including Gerard Butler (300), three-time Emmy® nominee Michael C. Hall (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, “Dexter,” 2008 & 2009; “Six Feet Under,” 2002), with Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges (Crash) and Golden Globe® winner Kyra Sedgwick (Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama, “The Closer,” 2007), Gamer is a high-concept action thriller set in a near future when gaming and entertainment have evolved into an exhilarating yet terrifying new hybrid. Available on Blu-ray Disc and DVD January 19, 2010, Gamer contains bonus materials that include audio commentary with the filmmakers and cast, a “making-of” documentary, plus a featurette looking at the groundbreaking camera work completed on the film. In addition, the Blu-ray Disc features I-Con Mode with expanded visual commentary, interactive scene-specific crew commentaries accessible throughout the film and a never-before seen theatrical trailer that was deemed too radical for audiences. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1234 Although not a ratings blockbuster by any means, the Fox show Glee has made quite the indelible mark on the network. Critics love it and those who get into the production become rabid fans to the point of obsession. As much as High School Musical revolutionized the idea of musicals for teens, Glee takes that same basic premise but tosses in a heavy helping of Greys’ Anatomy style drama to keep it more for the older generation. Plus the spontaneous song and dance numbers actually serve a purpose in Glee (although never having seen a High School Musical, I’ve no idea if they’re spontaneous in there…I just wanted to take a potshot at it), which is part of what makes the show such a (critical) hit. SynopsisGive a cheer for TV’s hottest, funniest and most talked-about new series when “Glee” Season 1: Road To Sectionals debuts on DVD December 29 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Filled with beloved characters and sensational musical numbers, “Glee” Season 1: Road To Sectionals is an electrifying, pitch-perfect winner. William McKinley High School once had a champion glee club, but now they are floundering. That is when an idealistic Spanish teacher (Matthew Morrison, Music & Lyrics) takes up their cause, vowing to transform the rag-tag group of singers and dancers into champions. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1233 Released in barely over 250 theaters, Moon earned rave reviews from critics and those were lucky enough to see it in its limited engagements. With Sam Rockwell holding the entire weight of the film on his shoulders, Moon became one of the greatest sci-fi films in recent memory to really drive home the sense of wonder that is space. Although it’s a very “lonely” film in its construction, the performance from Rockwell is what has kept the film in the mouths of those who have seen it. Now arriving on DVD, those without theaters that carried the film are now able to witness one of the great sci-fi films from 2009. SynopsisSam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is nearing the completion of his 3-year-long contract with Lunar Industries, mining Earth's primary source of energy on the dark side of the moon. Alone with only the base's vigilant computer Gerty (voiced by Oscar-Winner Kevin Spacey, 1999 Best Actor, American Beauty) as his sole companion, Bell's extended isolation has taken its toll. His only link to the outside world comes from satellite messages from his wife and young daughter. He longs to return home, but a terrible accident on the lunar surface leads to a disturbing discovery that contributes to his growing sense of paranoia and dislocation so many miles away from home. Moon is an engrossing, intelligent sci-fi thriller that ranks with genre classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1232 It seems that the further we get into 2010, the more films we find from 2009 that we either had never heard of previously, or made little impact during their initial release. The Boys are Back is one such film, although those of us in the US who hadn’t heard of it earn a bit of a reprieve—the film only just came out this past November and even then was in barely over 100 theaters countrywide. It’s not all that unheard of, of course, for a film to not go wide…but when you have Clive Owen in the lead, it’s a bit curious to not advertise or take it further. Still, the material the film presents is heavy and it would have been doubtful if it would have found a wider audience than the one it will undoubtedly receive on DVD. SynopsisThe death of his wife leaves wisecracking sportswriter Joe Warr (Clive Owen) with a curious six year-old (Nicholas McAnulty) and a rebellious teen from a previous marriage (George MacKay) to bring up in a household devoid of feminine influence. So Joe takes on parenting the only way he knows how—full throttle. With an exuberance born of necessity, he teaches his boys to meet the joy and fragility of life head on. The Boys Are Back chronicles the fierce love and loyalty the three Warr men discover for each other as they make their way through the trials of everyday life. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1231 Released shortly after his passing, Michael Jackson’s This is It is more than a concert documentary, but it’s a celebration of his life. Given unprecedented access into the behind-the-scenes production of creating Jackson’s stage show, Michael Jackson’s This is It probably tells us more about the singer than any documentary or interview before has ever revealed. Here we get a look at the real Michael Jackson, make for a simultaneous heart-wrenching but exhilarating experience. Synopsis:Michael Jackson’s This is It offers Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June 2009, the film is drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged ad private look at the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect and genius as he creates and perfects his finals how. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1230 With a career spanning six decades, charismatic pop icon Cliff Richard is the only UK artist to have charted #1 in five consecutive decades. In 1959, he began recording with The Shadows, an alliance that strengthened both acts’ legacies. Fifty years later, the most successful partnership in UK history has reunited for a final international tour. Sir Cliff Richard, in addition to over 20 years worth of chart success, was the first pop star ever bestowed knighthood by the Queen of England, receiving the honor for his tireless charity work in 1995. He has enjoyed 123 hit singles, while The Shadows endured with continuous chart success of their own.SynopsisFilmed during a three night stint at the O2 Arena in London in Autumn 2009, The Final Tour DVD, with a run time of 137 minutes, celebrates the 50th anniversary of Cliff and The Shadows’ first collaboration. Musical gems such as their #1 hits “Living Doll,” “It’s All In The Game,” “Bachelor Boy,” and “Apache,” as well as a 30-minute bonus feature with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, are included. The Final Tour – Together Again will continue throughout 2010, with stops in Australia and their first-ever shows in New Zealand. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1229 When the mind wanders to 1990 action films, rarely does it stumble upon Cliffhanger for any real amount of time. The film, while making quite a bit of money ($255 million worldwide…not bad for a $70 million film), didn’t leave a lasting impression on those who saw it as it was really quite generic as far as action films go. No doubt hindered by the countless edits done to the film to get an R rating (not for nudity or anything, mind you, just for violence), the final product just wasn’t as exciting as trailers or movie posters lead one to believe. While it was easy to have a good time watching the film, it wasn’t something stuck with you in the least either. SynopsisSarah was an inexperienced climber. She trusted Gabe to rescue her. But something went wrong high above the valley floor...Sylvester Stallone, John Lithgow, Michael Rooker, Janine Turner and Ralph Waite star in this high-altitude avalanche of action: a non-stop adventure peak with suspense and capped with heart-quaking terror. For Rocky Mountain Rescue, the mission is almost routine: locate five climbers. With the woman he loves (Turner) and his best friend (Rooker), Gabe Walker (Stallone) braves the icy peaks only to discover that the distress call is really a trap set by merciless international terrorist Eric Qualen (Lithgow). Now millions of dollars and their own lives hang in the balance. Against explosive firepower, bitter cold, and dizzying heights, Walker must outwit Qualen in a deadly game of hide-and-seek. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1228 There was a time when you would scoff at the idea of Maria Carey in a movie. But now after her turn in Precious and another outing in Tennessee (which is produced by the producer/director of Precious, coincidentally enough), Carey may just be on her way to a reputable, if understated, acting career. But while she is a supporting cast member of this film, she is hardly the star and leads Ethan Peck and Adam Rothenberg are instead the focus of this film about brothers who are on the road for a cure to both a terminal illness but also reconciliation with their abusive father. SynopsisMaria Carey, Ethan Peck, and Adam Rothenberg star in this honest and heartwarming journey of self-discovery from producer Lee Daniels (director and producer, Precious). When two very different brothers set out on a road trip to find their estranged father, they’re joined by a frustrated young waitress (Carey) with a dream who helps them overcome their painful past, confront the challenges in their futures, and become a family again. Featuring breakthrough performances and Maria Carey’s stirring song “Right to Dream,” it’s a moving drama about facing the past in order to find your future. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1227 Throwing us into a future where Bruce Willis has hair not nearly as awesome as his 80’s hair, Surrogates shows us a unique perspective based on the modern concern of people eventually becoming fully reclusive. This is certainly a well done aspect of the movie as it not only shows us just how insecure people have truly become with their own forms and the various downsides of such a thing, but it even makes us sympathize with such a thing. It’s difficult to see a positive in such a bleak future, and yet it’s there in the form of Willis’ character’s wife that was badly wounded, and uses her surrogate to feel welcome to the world once more. Furthermore, the movie doesn’t take it to the extreme point that everybody wants this lifestyle, and humans and surrogates co-exist in the world. The divide it has created is well handled, where there are derogatory slang terms applied to each, but never reaches a point that feels forced in order to get a blatant message across.SynopsisFBI agent Tom Greer (Bruce Willis) lives in a world where robotic surrogates stand in for people, protecting them from violence, contagion—and the appearance of aging. These picture perfect, real-life avatars—fit, good-looking, remotely controlled machines that assume their operator’s life role—enable the population to experience life vicariously from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Greer and his partner, Agent Peters (Radha Mitchell), are called in to probe the mysterious death of a college student, whose life ended when his surrogate was destroyed. When Greer’s surrogate is damaged in the investigation, he ventures out of his apartment for the first time in decades. In a world of masks, Greer must decide who is real and who can be trusted. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1226 British Rocker’s Status Quo has been no stranger to touring or performing in large venues. I say this because in the U.S., the group is relatively unknown. But in their home turf fans have been listening and rocking out to their music for forty years now. With the recent release of their album entitled “Pictures,” Status Quo took to the stage in Montreux to perform songs from their new album as well as some of their most famous songs that helped make their forty-year career possible. SynopsisIn 2009, Brit rockers Status Quo took to the Montreux stage to perform some of their biggest hits, in support of their PICTURES album. And with a back catalogue spanning 40 years, they had plenty of material to choose from. Songs like 'Rockin' All Over The World', 'Down Down', and 'Whatever You Want' went down a storm with the usually reserved Swiss crowd and stood as testament to the band's enduring appeal. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1225 In 1970, the town of Charleston, Mississippi, allowed black students into their white high school, but refused to integrate the senior prom. Twenty-seven years later, Charleston resident and Academy Award--winning actor Morgan Freeman offered to finance the prom--under the condition it be integrated. His offer was ignored. In 2008, Freeman made the offer again. This time the school board accepted, and history was made.SynopsisPROM NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI traces the tumultuous events leading up to Charleston's first integrated prom through intimate conversations with students, families, faculty members and Freeman himself. As the film unfolds, we delve deeply into the heated race issues that tear apart this tiny community, and realize that this troubling segregation has less to do with the students than their parents. Ultimately, PROM NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI captures a big moment in a small town, where hope finally blossoms in black, white and a whole lot of taffeta. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1224 Quick, what do you do after you have a surprise success with a major comic book movie of a character that nobody had really heard of previously? Why, you fire up production on the sequel and start up an animated series, that’s what! While no one saw the success of Iron Man being as strong as it was once it finally bowed out of theaters, studios were quick to react. The Iron Man Armored Adventures series debuted in November of 2008 on the Nick network and fans of the armored hero found the series to be an odd mixture of the Iron Man mythos while at the same time also appealing much more to the younger crowd. SynopsisJoin the adventures of teenage prodigy Tony Stark, and his alter ego Iron Man, as he uses his technological inventions to battle villains and save the world! When new threats like Living Laser and Madame Masque bring their own brand o chaos, it’s up to Iron Man to answer the call! Suit up and get back in action with Tony and his best friends, Rhodey and Pepper, as they risk it all to defeat evil and save the day using their futuristic gadgets and a little teamwork. Enjoy 6 action-packed episodes frilled with bigger challenges, more secrets and pulse-pounding showdowns! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1223 You ever see a trailer for a film, think to yourself “Boy, that looks like something I might like” and then when it actually comes out in theaters you forget completely about it? If so then those of you who know what I’m talking about will know how I felt about The Brothers Bloom, which I saw trailers for and then quickly saw nothing about it ever again. It suddenly appeared, for rental only, in September of 2009 and despite this I still never saw it (I rarely rent movies as is, so it was easily forgettable). Flash forward to January and bam—the Blu-ray lands on my doorstep. Success! I can finally watch this film I’ve thought of for split seconds since May of 2009. SynopsisThe Brothers Bloom are the best con men in the world, swindling millionaires with complex scenarios of lust and intrigue. Now they've decided to take on one last job - showing a beautiful and eccentric heiress the time of her life with a romantic adventure that takes them around the world. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1222 Slowly but surely Ricky Gervais is permeating into the public conscious in the US. While he’s dominated the UK with The Office and Extras, only those who watch a lot of the US version of The Office is familiar with his name (as long as they read the opening credits to each episode, at least). He’s had a few small films in the US already, but his biggest exposure was from his limited role in the Night at the Smithsonian outings. So it’s no wonder that his latest comedy, The Invention of Lying, suffered from poor reviews and low box office intake. Still, even those who saw the film and grew tired of its rather elongated story have to admit that Gervais is definitely not like the other comedians out there. He loves to make others laugh as much as he loves to laugh at himself. SynopsisIn a world where the human race has never evolved the ability to lie, a man who suddenly discovers how will change the world. With this superpower he can get anything he wants. Well, nearly everything. Ricky Gervais (Extras, BBC's The Office) displays his hilarious deadpan acting talents in a comedy invention he co-wrote and co-directed. With a star-studded cast including Jennifer Garner, Louis C.K. and Rob Lowe, plus cameos by Tina Fey and Jonah Hill, it's "explosively funny," according to New York critic David Edelstein. Believe it. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1221 The promotion for Whiteout was simple: a mystery set in a desolate arctic setting that inspires extreme frigidness and a general thankfulness for the current climate you reside in (although as I’m writing this review it’s 9 degrees outside so…not so thankful). Oh…but while that’s the main point of the movie, the trailers often showed Beckinsale in a state of undress and when fans of the blue eyed brunette got into theaters they didn’t have to wait long before she took her clothes off…and then promptly bundled up for the remainder of the film. Yes…even the excessive nudity hook wasn’t something this film stuck to and instead it focused on the story it was trying to tell…much to the dismay of Beckinsale fans. And for fans of movies as well, as this was one terrible outing. SynopsisUnderworld’s Kate Beckinsale plays a U.S. Marshal based at an Antarctic research station, where the continent’s first-ever murder triggers a shocking mystery she must race to solve before being stranded with six months of winter darkness – and a killer – closing in. Dominic Sena (Swordfish) directs a talented cast including Gabriel Macht, Tom Skerritt and Alex O’Loughlin in Dark Castle Entertainment’s action-packed thriller. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1220 With the director from Die Hard and the biggest action star in the world, there was little doubt in Sony’s mind that the 1993 action film Last Action Hero would be a hit. The plot, while incredibly tongue in cheek, was mild enough to appeal to more audiences than both John McTiernan and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s previous works and with plenty of humor, action, and ridiculous one-liners, it seemed like it was on its way to becoming a sure fire hit. Only the plan backfired when Universal unleashed Jurassic Park onto the world in the same summer and early reviews of Last Action Hero panned the film. The film has since either become a cult classic in some circles or severely panned in others and it seems Sony is hoping to win back some of the love for it with an all-new Blu-ray release, although sadly it is completely barebones. SynopsisArnold Schwarzenegger is movie idol Jack Slater in Last Action Hero, which follows the adventures of 11-year-old Danny (Austin O'Brien), whose magic ticket blasts him out of his theater seat and into an action movie. There he teams up with Slater, living his wildest fantasies in a celluloid world where anything is possible. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1219 I still find it hard to believe that such a mammoth franchise spun out of a show that was cancelled after three seasons. Sure, something like that could happen today given the ever-changing landscape of television and movies, but to happen decades ago? Unheard of. And it’s even harder to believe this happened to Star Trek. Since it’s no secret that this three-season show erupted into a major franchise, which received a breathe of new life with this year’s amazing Star Trek reboot, let’s just dive into what everyone wants to know. And what’s that? Well, just how does this new Blu-ray release stack up?Synopsis:Space. The Final Frontier. The U.S.S. Enterprise embarks on a five year mission to explore the galaxy. The Enterprise is under the command of Captain James T. Kirk. The First Officer is Mr. Spock, from the planet Vulcan. The Chief Medical Officer is Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy. With a determined crew, the Enterprise encounters Klingons, Romulans, time paradoxes, tribbles and genetic supermen lead by Khan Noonian Singh. Their mission is to explore strange new worlds, to seek new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before. Watch the adventure continue in Star Trek – The Original Series: Season Three. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1218 Why pair these two drastically different games together in one review? Two reasons. First, to be quite honest, I was sent these two games in the same package by Ubisoft Canada. Secondly, because they oddly complement each other. I understand that might not make any sense, but they do. A party game and an exercise game (are they called “exercise games” still?) nicely work as a complete package that both allows you to stay on track with your health practices and provides a little fun.Synopsis:Get in shape and have fun with Your Shape and Just Dance from Ubisoft! First, Your Shape is the revolutionary new fitness product that is laser-focused on you, ensuring you get the most personalized, effective and fun workout possible. The game combines camera-tracking technology, fitness assessments and your own goals to create a personalized fitness program to help you meet your goals as efficiently and effectively as possible. Then, dance to the rhythm of your favorite beat with Just Dance, a music & rhythm video game that allows you to dance the night away with your friends and family without ever leaving the house. Invite your friends to join you for a fun late-night dance session, or practice your favorite moves solo on your own. With simple pick-up and play controls, anyone can join the party. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1217 Undoubtedly one of the darkest subjects one could put on film, The Green Mile will lead you into unexpected territory with deep, heart-wrenching meaning entwined with appropriate comedy in a brilliant piece of work by Frank Darabont. Admittedly, as highly acclaimed as the director’s previous works has been, this is his first movie that I have seen - but I definitely want more. Between excellent casting, fantastic writing, and perfect sets that never compromises the feeling that you are indeed back in the 1930’s.SynopsisMiracles happen in unexpected places, even on death row at Cold Mountain Penitentiary. There John Coffey, a prisoner with supernatural powers, brings a sense of spirit and humanity to his guards and fellow inmates. Tom Hanks leads a stellar cast (including Michael Clarke Duncan as Coffey) in this emotional, uplifting story of guards and captives; husbands and wives; prisoners and a remarkable mouse named Mr. Jingles; and, on another level, of a moviemaker and his source. Frank Darabont returns after his 1994 directorial debut The Shawshank Redemption to adapt another Stephen King tale into a crowd-pleasing entertainment nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1215 DTV sequels rarely please anyone other than those at the studios who see them as a way to make a quick buck. Although The Marine was a disappointment to the majority of its audience, the film did well enough in DVD sales that a sequel was soon commissioned. Once again starring a member of the WWE, this time Ted DiBiase, this film is inspired by true events and once again follows a single marine going all bad-ass on some bad guys. The premise is a bit more loaded than that, but that’s the basic premise and if you enjoy watching stuff blow up and people get their faces punched in, then you’re already in the target area for this film. SynopsisTwentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment (TCFHE) and WWE Studios present The Marine 2 – the second installment of The Marine movie franchise – debuting on Blu-ray Disc (BD) and DVD Dec. 29, 2009. Inspired by a true story, The Marine 2 was shot entirely on location in Phuket, Thailand and stars WWE Superstar Ted DiBiase as Marine recon sniper Joe Linwood. Reminiscent of the 2001 Dos Palmas incident, Linwood’s trip to paradise with his wife is suddenly shattered when guerillas take control of a secluded five-star resort asking for a substantial ransom. The guerilla leaders begin murdering hostages as the clock ticks away, forcing Joe to use his expert skills to save the hostages from certain death. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1214 While certainly not the smartest or wittiest thing Family Guy has done, the first Star Wars special was nothing short of a treat for fans of both the animated series and the legendary sci-fi movies. So it’s no wonder that the journey continued with the second Family Guy installment, Something, Something, Something, Dark Side which follows right on the heels of another popular “adult cartoon,” Robot Chicken, who also recently had a second Star Wars special a few months back. And yes, once again, Family Guy references that production…with great subtlety (but not really). SynopsisThe story of The Empire Strikes Back is retold. Darth Vader (Stewie) is hunting the rebel Luke Skywalker (Chris) and his troops relentlessly across the galaxy. On the ice planet Hoth, Luke has a vision of his late mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi (Herbert), telling him to go to the Dagobah system to learn the ways of the Force under Jedi Master Yoda (Carl). Meanwhile Princess Leia (Lois) finds herself taking a shine to the scruffy pilot Han Solo (Peter) and, against all odds, the two soon fall in love. But an encounter with Han’s old friend Lando Calrissian (Mort) lands them in the clutches of the Empire. Envisioning this, Luke chooses to forgo his Jedi training to save his friends. It all comes to a head in a climactic confrontation with Darth Vader himself… http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1213 Although very much an indie film in look and feel, (500) Days of Summer was advertised like a mainstream film. At least in my market anyway, as I seemed to see trailers for this film every night when I’d watch Comedy Central. The odd thing, of course, ended up being that it only came to my town in a very brief showing so I never got to go see it anyway. Still, the film always stayed in the back of my mind as it looked like a very cute and quirky film and reviews of it were overwhelmingly positive as well. So once the Blu-ray finally hit I was eager to check it out…and not at all disappointed. SynopsisBoy meets girl. Boy falls in love. Girl doesn’t. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment presents the critically acclaimed, offbeat romance that proves when it comes to love some people know nothing at all as (500) Days of Summer arrives on Blu-ray Disc (BD) and DVD. Zooey Deschanel (Yes Man) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) star in this quirky romantic comedy about love and fate, as a young greeting card writer (Gordon-Levitt) who is hopelessly, helplessly searching for the girl of his dreams... and his new co-worker, Summer Finn (Deschanel), may just be “the one.” But the 500 days of their offbeat relationship reveal (in no particular order) that the road to happiness can be unpredictable, uncontrollable — and unbelievably funny! From first time feature film director Marc Webb (Jesse McCartney: Up Close), the hilarious true-to-life film also stars Matthew Gray Gubler (Alvin and the Chipmunks) and Clark Gregg (“The New Adventures of Old Christine”) in a unique dissection of the uncertain and whimsical year-and-a-half of one young man’s no-holds-barred love affair, where he learns that love can be difficult, but it’s also by far the best thing life has to offer. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1212 Despite being a fair definition of mediocrity, the Final Destination series prevails on with its fourth installment The Final Destination. Will this actually be “The” final film in the series, as the title suggests? Doubtful. While the film is little more than a glorified direct-to-video sequel that somehow made it into theaters, the $40 million budgeted film raked in three times that worldwide, so there’s little doubt that the series won’t continue on again and again until it’s ultimately worthless. Not that it’s worth much right now, but fans of shock horror and tongue-in-cheek writing and directing will no doubt latch onto this series until the bitter end. SynopsisThe movie series that taps into your deepest fears returns with a new and imaginative chapter that delivers the expected – in so many keep-you-guessing, unexpected ways! A strange premonition causes friends to abandon their day at the speedway, just before a crushing pileup hurtles cars into the bleachers with fiery consequences. They have cheated Death. But Death is only getting started. From the director of Snakes on a Plane comes the eerie, innovative tale of the friends’ fierce fight to keep themselves and others alive. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1211 Occasionally the concept for a show comes along that is too much even for the cable networks that like to push the envelope. So the next logical step is the premium cable channels and it’s there that Big Love has found not only a willing host but also a robust audience. The series, based around the Mormon polygamist lifestyle, is now entering its fourth season on HBO and with all of the scandalous happenings of the third season long since wafted out of viewers minds (the season wrapped in March of 2009), HBO has smashed the season into a four-disc set just in time for the season four premiere. SynopsisPassion, jealousy, treachery, greed. Everyone has something to hide in the biggest, boldest season yet of this provocative series. Bill Henrickson (Bill Paxton) returns as the enterprising, suburban polygamist who has more than his hands full, with three wives (Jeanne Tripplehorn, Chloë Sevigny, and Ginnifer Goodwin); a potential fourth; a growing brood of eight children; his oldest, Sarah (Amanda Seyfried) in open rebellion; a struggling gaming business; and his Home Plus superstores left vulnerable. And he now seeks to partner with a Native American tribe on a Mormon-friendly casino just across the Idaho border; his imprisoned father-in-law the "Prophet" Roman Grant (Harry Dean Stanton) plots against him; Roman's twisted son Alby (Matt Ross) asserts his own lust for power; and Bill's parents continue their murderous feud. Finally, there's the nationwide crackdown on polygamy! Who knew so much drama could be packed into one season. Keep up with the Henricksons -- and their secrets -- in all 10 of these episodes, which aired in 2009 on cable network HBO. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1210 In terms of disappointing box office numbers, there was no greater hyped failure this year than Jennifer’s Body. Advertised as a edgy horror film with the easily marketable Megan Fox, the film head actress did most of the advertising for the film…although even that wasn’t enough. Reviews came out that the film was not scary in the least and in fact quite a mindless and comedic ride. Although it was clear from the trailers that the film would be tongue-in-cheek, moviegoers apparently didn’t care to see the main actresses put their tongues in each other’s cheeks as the film made just enough back to recoup its budget…and little else. SynopsisIn every school there’s one girl, every girl wants to be friends with…and every guy would die for. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment presents a “student body” with a ferocious bite when Jennifer’s Body arrives on unrated Blu-ray Disc (BD) and DVD December 29. Sexy temptress Megan Fox (Transformers) is hotter than hell as Jennifer, a gorgeous, seductive cheerleader who takes evil to a whole new level after she’s possessed by a sinister demon. Steamy action and gore galore ensue as the male student body succumbs to Jennifer’s insatiable appetite for human flesh. Now it’s up to her best friend (Amanda Seyfried; Mamma Mia!) to stop the demonic diva’s reign of terror before it’s too late! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1208 With a sea of animated movies that hit in 2009, it’s no wonder that a few didn’t blow away moviegoers and box office records like Ice Age 3 or Up. Although by no means a box office failure, the Sony produced Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs received only a small iota of press and publicity when it came to theaters in September of 2009. While many wondered how the favorite children’s classic could be stretched into a full length feature, it was soon proven by writer and directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller that the feat was something easily accomplished with the wonderful and unique world coming alive in an hour and a half animated film that was as entertaining and heartwarming as the original book itself. SynopsisWhen Flint Lockwood’s (Bill Hader) latest contraption accidentally destroys the town square and rockets up into the clouds, he thinks his inventing career is over. Then something amazing happens as delicious cheeseburgers start raining from the sky. His machine actually works! But when people greedily ask for more and more food, the machine starts to run amok, unleashing spaghetti tornadoes and giant meatballs that threaten the world! Now it’s up to Flint, with the help of weather girl Sam Sparks (Anna Faris) and Steve, his talking monkey assistant, to find some way to shut down the machine before the world is covered in super-sized meatballs! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1207 By now considered one of the great classic teen movies of the 90s, 10 Things I Hate About You celebrates its ten year anniversary with an all-new DVD and first-time-ever Blu-ray release to ring in the new year. Although the majority of this edition is being promoted as a film that Heath Ledger was in and little else, the new edition boasts a full retrospective with the writers and director of the film. And for those that pick up the film on Blu-ray you’ll get to see it in full 1080p glory, although many will question how important that is…until they see just how great this transfer looks, at least. SynopsisPadua High sophomore Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik) has two invitations to the prom and one big problem: her father (Larry Miller) won’t let her go unless her older sister Kat (Julia Stiles) agrees to attend as well. It looks like both girls are staying home, since independent and unconventional Kat has no interest in going—until she meets the school’s mysterious new bad boy Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger). What she doesn’t know is that her sister’s suitors (Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Andrew Keegan) have ponied up $300 to convince Patrick to woo her. Just as Patrick realizes he has unexpectedly fallen for his “assignment,” Kat finds out about the scheme and Patrick has to launch an all out campaign to win her back. Inspired by Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," 10 Things I Hate About You takes a witty and contemporary look at the eternal battle between the sexes, high-school style. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1198 We here at The World's Finest DVD Report would like to wish everyone here a great holiday season and a very happy new year! Drive safe, spend time with loved ones and just enjoy the rest of 2009 as much as possible, as 2010 promises to be a heck of a year for movies, DVDs, and Blu-ray! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1197 The buzz for District 9 started nearly as quickly as the first trailer dropped. Little was ever reported about the film during its production, but once Peter Jackson began to trump it up as an amazing sci-fi outing, people started to take notice. Magazines like Entertainment Weekly trumpeted it for months before its release and once it hit the film received overwhelmingly positive reviews (it currently resides at a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes). The film was budgeted for a mere $30 million and it made all of that back and then some, with a worldwide intake of $204 million. Director Neill Blomkamp played all the right cards when making this movie, including setting it up for a sequel down the line should he and Sony decide to push forward with the not-so-subtly mentioned District 10. SynopsisFrom producer Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy) and director Neill Blomkamp comes a startlingly original science fiction thriller that "soars on the imagination of its creators" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone). With stunning special effects and gritty realism, the film plunges us into a world where the aliens have landed... only to be exiled to a slum on the fringes of Johannesburg. Now, one lone human discovers the mysterious secret of the extraterrestrial weapon technology. Hunted and hounded through the bizarre back alleys of an alien shantytown, he will discover what it means to be the ultimate outsider on your own planet. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1196 As far as Michael Mann’s career has gone he’s managed to make a lot of lengthy and often considered great dramas in the past couple decades. While many argue over the quality of his more recent outings like Hancock or Miami Vice, few deny that his earlier works were some of his best. And one of those oft-praised works is Heat, the first film in which acting heavyweights DeNiro and Pacino showdown (their later pairing, Righteous Kill, proved to be a disappointment of epic proportions). With a supporting cast that includes Val Kilmer, Ashley Judd, Jon Voight, and a slew of other talent that has blown up since the release of this film, Heat caught the eyes of critics who ate the film up. Audiences were largely enamored with the film as well, although the near three-hour run time kept many out of theaters during its initial run. SynopsisWhen Al Pacino and Robert De Niro squarer off, HEAT sizzles. A tale of a brilliant L.A. cop (Pacino) following the trail from a deadly armed robbery to a crew headed by an equally brilliant master thief (De Niro). Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Ashley Judd and Natalie Portman co-star. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1195 The year was 1998 and theater patrons were hungry for a good action flick. Well that could pertain to any year really, but with hot actors Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey tearing up the screens in various other roles, the pairing of the two was something that was bound to happen. With excellent critical reviews and a grab-your-attention trailer, The Negotiator was quick to entice critics and filmgoers, although once you dig into the film a bit, many found it to be a great deal more shallow than they’d originally hoped. SynopsisMaverick hostage negotiator Danny Roman (Samuel L. Jackson) is framed for embezzlement and murder. Newly married and unjustly faced with prison, Roman turns hostage-taker to smoke out the guilty ones. Squaring off against him is respected, methodical negotiator Chris Sabian (Kevin Spacey). Under siege and racing the clock, the two lock in a deadly battle of wits. In a story honed with spiralling tension and volatile action and a dazzling series of twists and gambits, Roman and Sabian face off against time and each other. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1194 As far as films that stick with you when you’re a kid and into your adult years go, Gremlins is probably one of those at the top of the list. There Is a disturbing amount of gore and violence in this film for something that was PG…and there’s a valid reason for that. Back in 1984 this film was one of the triggers for the PG-13 rating to come about, which is why the tamer sequel garnered a PG-13 rating. This was also a source of serious confusion for me, as when I was younger I never got to see the sequel because it was rated as such…and then when I finally did see it I was enormously disappointed that it wasn’t as dark as the first film. Now, however, Warner has opted to unleash the film upon us in Blu-ray just in time for the season that this film takes place in: Christmas. What better way to spread holiday cheer than to watch a Gremlin explode in a microwave?SynopsisGremlins is a wildly original roller-coaster ride of hilarious mischief. One minute your hair will stand on end, the next you’ll hold your sides with laughter at the havoc these supposedly gentle furballs create when the rules surrounding their care and feeding are inadvertently broken one fateful Christmas. Written by Chris Columbus and directed by Joe Dante, Gremlins unleashes special effects that dazzle and enchant and merriment that lingers in the memory. And isn’t that “what superior popular moviemaking is all about” (Richard Corliss, Time). http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1193 While Paper Heart was far from a big film (it opened in fewer than a hundred theaters), the amount of talent that was included in its production was quite staggering. Anyone who has followed the Judd Apatow films will no doubt recognize the lead in the film, Charlyne Yi, as one of the stoner friends from Knocked Up. And there are quite a bit of Apatow alumni in this one as here, although the majority are quick cameos and nothing more. Still, the film earned some praise at Sundance and with Michael Cera front and center on the cover, it’s likely that it’ll at least gain a wider audience on DVD and Blu-ray, although those going in expecting the usual types of films he is associated with may be a bit put off. SynopsisCharlyne Yi does not believe in love. Or so she says. Well, at the very least, she doesn’t believe in fairy-tale love or the Hollywood mythology of love, and her own experiences have turned her into yet another modern-day skeptic. Follow Charlyne across America as she and her good friend (and director) Nicholas Jasenovec search for answers and advice about love, by talking with friends and strangers, scientists, bikers, romance novelists, and children. They each offer diverse views on modern romance, as well as various answers to the age-old question: does true love really exist? Charlyne’s pursuit to discover the nature of love takes on a fresh new urgency when she meets a boy after her own heart: Michael Cera. As their relationship develops on camera, her pursuit risks losing the person she finds closest to her heart. Combining elements of documentary and traditional storytelling, reality and fantasy, Paper Heart brings a fresh perspective to the modern romance and redefines the classic love story. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1192 Mike Judge has had a rocky career. After Office Space (which eventually found a massive cult following on DVD) failed to make any kind of impact, it seemed that Judge’s legacy would be that of Beavis & Butthead and King of the Hill, as nothing in live action ever seemed to pan out (immediately, at least). Everything about his latest film, Extract, seemed to indicate that it would be a successful, fairly mainstream hit…only it ended up not being either of those. Despite a fairly well-known cast, headlined by Jason Bateman and J.K. Simmons, the film didn’t find any footing and after mixed reviews from critics the film opened wide and…promptly went away. Although it did make money (the film was budgeted for $8 million and made almost $11), the film quickly left the public conscience. SynopsisJoel Reynolds (Jason Bateman) is sitting pretty. With a beautiful wife, a comfortable home and the almost finalized acquisition by General Mills of the culinary extracts business he has built with his loyal lieutenant Brian (J.K. Simmons), Joel seems to have it all. Except his wife is about as interested in him as she is in her career (supermarket coupon design), his employees want a piece of the pie and the sweet young thing with designs on him (Mila Kunis) is really a wily con-artist. On the advice of a drug-addled confidante (Ben Affleck), Joel cooks up a scheme to cheat with impunity by hiring a gigolo to seduce his wife—only to discover the young object of his affection is behind a lawsuit by long-time employee Step (Clifton Collins, Jr.) that will scotch the General Mills deal and leave Joel penniless. The best-laid plans unravel with hilarious results in this off-the wall comedy about life in the not-so-fast lane. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1191 For such a great movie, I was disappointed to see it take such a big hit at the box office earlier this year. Visually stunning and complex, Watchmen was definitely a movie that was very faithful to its four-color roots, but may have been something the public just wasn’t ready for. Despite being draped in the vivid colors and high-octane trappings of your typical mainstream blockbuster, Watchmen hid a very dark and depressing center, full of grey areas and characters who morally challenged the viewer on a deep level, much akin to the original graphic novel. Now, will the newly released longer cut of the movie, titled Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut – The Complete Story win over those who weren’t blown away by this stunner of a film?Synopsis:A complex, multi-layered mystery adventure, Watchmen is set in an alternate 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are part of the fabric of everyday society, and the "Doomsday Clock" - which charts the USA's tension with the Soviet Union - is permanently set at five minutes to midnight. Based on the classic Watchmen graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, when one of his former colleagues is murdered, the washed-up but no less determined masked vigilante Rorschach sets out to uncover a plot to kill and discredit all past and present superheroes. As he reconnects with his former crime-fighting legion - a ragtag group of retired superheroes, only one of whom has true powers - Rorschach glimpses a wide-ranging and disturbing conspiracy with links to their shared past and catastrophic consequences for the future. Their mission is to watch over humanity...but who is watching the Watchmen? http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1190 When it comes to a show like Robot Chicken, you’d be hard pressed not to love it. Well, unless you detest juvenile humor being acted out with action figures. The show has stretched on for four seasons now (along with two Star Wars specials) and the show has continually proven that it is a viable force to reckon with…if only for the ingenious nature in which it is executed. I’m sure many would admit that they’d have forgotten about the show by now if it didn’t use stop motion and when it’s combined with the geek wit and charm that the show has exhibited on so many occasions, it’s hard not to find yourself entertained endlessly by it. SynopsisHere we go again! It's time for 20 fresh episodes of soul-pummeling, mind-blowing, Emmy®-winning stop-motion sketch comedy funneled from the colon of ADULT SWIM's late-night hypno-hellacious sock hop! Who's up for some tasty little nuggets of Emmy-nominated stop-motion sketch comedy? Why...YOU are! For instance: Dick Cheney dons the Iron Man armor! Star Trek II gets boiled down into a two-minute opera! And Tila Tequila's sexy secrets - like the one where she's a murderous android - are revealed! So get ready to watch a season's worth of insanity! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1189 When it comes to summer action flicks, you’re bound to run into a few…questionable outings. Such is the Jerry Bruckheimer produced G-Force. While talking animal movies have been around (and likely will stay around) for years now, superhero guinea pigs is certainly one of the more…original concepts out there. Add in the all-star cast of Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Jon Favreau, Penelope Cruz, Steve Buscemi, and Tracy Morgan and you get a solid voice over cast that…doesn’t really matter in the end. I mean this film has talking guinea pig super agents...does the film even need to be expounded on further?SynopsisA top-secret, highly trained trio of guinea pig super spies is assigned to stop a dastardly plot to take over the world in G-Force, a gorgeously rendered CGI adventure from famed producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Squad leader Darwin (voiced by Sam Rockwell) will do what it takes to guarantee the success of his team, which also includes Blaster (Tracy Morgan), an outrageous weapons expert with tons of attitude, and Juarez (Penelope Cruz), gorgeous martial arts pro. With the help of Speckles (Nicolas Cage), a star-nosed mole, and myriad other members of the animal kingdom, the G-Force tries to derail evil appliance mogul Leonard Saber’s power grab. It helps when your fly-on-the wall reconnaissance expert is, well, a fly on the wall! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1188 Todd Philips returned this past summer with a hit on his hands that rivaled his earlier must-see (Old School). With a cast of known-but-not-really actors, Philips directed a $35 million dollar comedy about waking up in Las Vegas with a brutal hangover. Whether you could relate to the film or not seemed irrelevant, as thousands of others did as the film worked its way towards a cool $459 million worldwide in box office receipts. Not only did the film rack up the ticket sales but it also received copious amounts of critical appraise, earning a standing 78% on RottenTomatoes. Not bad for an all-guy raunch comedy. SynopsisThey planned a Vegas bachelor party that they would never forget. Now they really need to remember what exactly went down! A baby? A tiger? Why is one of them missing a tooth? And most of all, where is the groom?! What the guys did while partying can't compare to what they must do sober in an outrageous caper that has them piecing together all their bad decisions from the night before-- one hazy clue at a time. Director Todd Phillips ("Old School") and an all-aces comedy cast tie one on... big time! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1187 Although the quality of his movies can vary wildly, there are few directors out there with the resilience of Mel Brooks. His films have spanned generations and spanned nearly three decades worth of entertainment with some of the best, brightest, and funniest talent in Hollywood. Although you don’t see much of him anymore (aside from the rather disastrous attempt at a Spaceballs animated series), his catalog speaks for itself and this new collection set on Blu-ray is a fantastic representation of his works (but not a complete one…there are a couple missing). So if you happen to pick up this set or receive it this holiday season and have yet to experience the brilliance that is Mel Brooks…then, man, you’re in for an incredible treat. SynopsisBest known as a creator of broad film farces and uproarious parodies, jack-of-all-trades Mel Brooks has been entertaining audiences for years with his wacky and absurdist humor. Now just in time for the holidays, the king of comedies brilliant work is available for the first time in high definition in The Mel Brooks Collection on Blu-ray Disc, debuting December 15 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Embark on a hilarious adventure over and over again as the ultimate gift set debuts with some of Brooks’ best films including Blazing Saddles, High Anxiety, History Of The World Part I, Robin Hood: Men In Tights, Silent Movie, Spaceballs, To Be Or Not To Be, The Twelve Chairs and Young Frankenstein. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1186 Despite being completed and ready for a November 2008 theatrical release, The Half-Blood Prince saw a postponed release until the summer of 2009, in order to guarantee Warner Bros. a blockbuster in 2009. It’s hard to fault their logic, although fans of the series threw quite a tantrum when this change in plans was announced. Although I have to say that I found the wait to be more bearable than I expected and after the way this film ends it will no doubt soften the wait for The Deathly Hallows when it drops in 2010 and 2011. Oh and Warner definitely got their blockbuster for 2009, as this film pulled in nearly a billion dollars worldwide. Not a bad choice on their part. SynopsisVoldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Even as the decisive showdown looms, romance blossoms for Harry, Ron, Hermione and their classmates. Love is in the air, but danger lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1185 Imagine having an eye for art so keen that you know who and what is going to be a future artist that is “going” somewhere. Such is (often, at least) the cast of Herb and Dorothy Vogel, a married couple in New York who have amassed a large collection of modern/postmodern art that is all contained within their one bedroom New York apartment. Although they’re from modest working backgrounds, the Vogel’s had purchased pieces from the likes of Warhol and Tuttle, just to name a few, over the years. And just to be clear on the modest backgrounds: Herb was a postal worker and Dorothy was a librarian. SynopsisHERB & DOROTHY tells the extraordinary story of a postal clerk and a librarian who managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections in history with very modest means. In the early 1960s, when very little attention was paid to Minimalist and Conceptual Art, the Vogel’s quietly began purchasing the works of unknown artists. Devoting all of Herb's salary to purchase art they liked, they collected guided by two rules: the piece had to be affordable, and it had to be small enough to fit in their one-bedroom Manhattan apartment. Within these limitations, they proved themselves curatorial visionaries; most of those they supported and befriended went on to become world-renowned artists, including Andy Warhol, Julian Schnabel, Sol LeWitt, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Richard Tuttle, Chuck Close, Robert Mangold, Sylvia Plimack Mangold, Lynda Benglis, Pat Steir, Robert Barry, Lucio Pozzi, and Lawrence Weiner. HERB & DOROTHY provides a unique chronicle of the world of contemporary art from two unlikely collectors, whose shared passion and discipline defies stereotypes and redefines what it means to be a patron of the arts. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1184 While certainly not one of the more exciting topics to the general public, mushrooms have found their way into a plethora of mediums whether you realize it or not; whether it’s the psychedelic variety or the kind you find next to a tree in the woods, mushrooms are a vast and wild medium. Of course chances are you don’t care or have no idea about the average mushroom, but documentarian Ron Mann, of Comic Book Confidential and Grass fame, wants to change your mind and attempt to enlighten you a bit on the subject. SynopsisFrom the award-winning director of Comic Book Confidential, Grass, Go Further and a host of paradigm-shifting films reappraising the backwaters of popular culture, Ron Mann investigates the miraculous, near-secret world of fungi with his newest piece of cinema, KNOW YOUR MUSHROOMS. KNOW YOUR MUSHROOMS follows über myco visionaries Gary Lincoff and Larry Evans as they lead us on a hunt for the wild mushroom and the deeper cultural experiences attached to the mysterious fungi. Combining material filmed at the Telluride Mushroom Fest with animation and archival footage along with a neo-psychedelic soundtrack by The Flaming Lips and The Sadies, KNOW YOUR MUSHROOMS opens the doors to perception and takes the audience on a longer, stranger trip. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1183 Arguably one of the most groundbreaking, innovative, and mind-bending series to come out of television in decades, J.J. Abrams Lost wowed viewers in its early seasons with its sense of isolation and confusion as the survivors of the horrific plane crash attempted to figure out where they were. Now with the series having just completed its fifth season (and gearing up for its sixth, and final, season), viewers are no longer questioning where the island is…but when the island is. With a time travelling season that left viewers and critics on the edge of their season, Buena Vista is giving fans the opportunity to re-watch the mind bending (then again, which season isn’t) season over again before the February premiere with the home video release of Lost: The Complete Fifth Season, The Journey Back – Expanded Edition. SynopsisThe show that revolutionized primetime proves once again why it is television’s most addictive and creative series, as the epic story of LOST twists, turns and spirals through time in its brilliant fifth season. Destiny sends the Oceanic 6 back to the Island and into the heart of the enigmatic Dharma Initiative. The reason they had to return and the fate of all those who were left behind is revealed as the momentum builds toward the much anticipated series finale in 2010. Some of LOST’s most pressing questions are finally answered in a spectacular 5-disc collection, packed with deleted scenes, exclusive interviews, as well as Blu-ray exclusive content. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1182 As far as Oscar talk goes this season, none is more rabid than the chatter surrounding Meryl Streep. She’s been a frequent presence in Oscar nominated films for awhile now, but with her role as Julia Child in Julie & Julia will no doubt secure her an additional nomination. It was her role that kept the film alive and exciting to watch and it was her performance that no doubt kept the film afloat in theaters for as long as it was. Although it brought in a modest sum, $118 million worldwide, the $40 million budgeted film will no doubt go on to be a high point in Streep’s career. SynopsisA culinary legend provides a frustrated office worker with a new recipe for life in Julie & Julia, the true stories of how Julia Child's (Meryl Streep) life and cookbook inspired fledgling writer Julie Powell (Amy Adams) to whip up 524 recipes in 365 days and introduce a new generation to the magic of French cooking. Stanley Tucci (The Devil Wears Prada) co-stars in director Nora Ephron's delicious comedy about joy, obsession and butter. Bon appétit! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1181 After a surprise hit with the first Night at the Museum, it seemed inevitable that the series would see a sequel. Fast forward three years and that’s the case, with Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian arriving in theaters to a hungry audience. With few box office smashes out during that time the film enjoyed a solid performance in theaters, although it wasn’t nearly as positive as the first films opening domestically (it did perform stronger worldwide, however). Still the film was another positive mark in the fantastical series that is light on plot but heavy on special effects and humor. SynopsisHistory is larger than life — and twice as funny — in this monumental comedy sequel. Ben Stiller (Meet The Parents, There’s Something About Mary) stars as Larry Daley, a former night watchman at the Museum of Natural History, where the exhibits come alive after dark. But now Larry’s nocturnal friends are being retired to the archives of the Smithsonian Institution, luring him back for a hilarious, all-out battle against a cranky Egyptian Pharaoh who plans to take over the museum... and the world! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1180 As far as original comedies on TV go, the pickings are pretty slim. But while most networks have finally shied away from the laugh track era (aside from CBS, at least), even that is slowly becoming stale in this era of TV. So what else can one hope for when it comes to a television show that feels wholly original and fresh? Well…you can go back to the 90s for ideas that didn’t work then that might work now. Such is the case with Better Off Ted, a comedy from Andy Richter Controls the Universe creator Victor Fresco.SynopsisAs head of research and development at Veridian Dynamics, good guy Ted Crisp (Harrington) leads a quirky team of the world’s smartest scientists on a mission to make the impossible possible. From cow-less meat to deadly pumpkins, no project is too bizarre, or too unethical, as long as it’s profitable. Working to appease his beautiful boss (DeRossi), Ted struggles occasionally with his conscience — and his attraction to a comely co-worker (Anders) — but it’s all in a day’s work when you’re Better Off Ted. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1179 Ice Age has never been a series loaded with originality. Nor was it one particularly well received by critics (with each installment of the series the reviews get gradually worse). So when it came time for third (and supposed final) installment of the series, logic dictates that it do the worst. Well logic clearly can’t dictate worth crap in this case as Dawn of the Dinosaurs went on to gross $878 million worldwide, making it the second highest grossing animated film of all time and the third highest grossing international film of all time. And this is for the third installment in the series, mind you, that came out nearly ten years after the first one originally debuted. I’m more impressed by what this film accomplished than I am with the animation contained within it. SynopsisIn the coolest Ice Age adventure yet, Manny and the herd discover a lost world of ferociously funny dinosaurs, including a cranky T. rex who’s got a score to settle with Sid! Meanwhile, Scrat goes nuts over the beautiful Scratte, but is she trying to win his heart – or steal his acorn? http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1178 Anyone who has watched Conan O’Brien over the years has no doubt come across Pale Force. Jim Gaffigan, a frequent guest of the show, would often show up with these animated clips to show. The results were often the same, with O’Brien lamenting the uselessness of his character on the animated show and Gaffigan backing up his reasoning’s with often hilarious results. The series lasted for thirty-three episodes, although the episodes were so short that they could hardly be called as such. Still, the series was loved by fans and through it all nearly an hour and a half worth of material was created by Gaffigan. SynopsisNominated for a Daytime Emmy, PALE FORCE follows the adventures of the muscle-bound Pale Man, voiced by comedian Jim Gaffigan (Beyond the Pale; My Boys), and his scrawny sidekick Conan O'Brien (also voiced by Gaffigan)--a crime-fighting duo with the superpower of paleness. Whether thwarting their archnemesis Lady Bronze or uncovering who is behind the scandalous tanning of Miss Pale America winners, Pale Manand occasionally even the wimpy Conan--always save the day, shooting lasers from their nipples and blinding criminals with their pallor. Now you too can join the Legion of Pale with all 33 hilarious episodes on this DVD. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1177 As far as films in Robert Downey Jr.’s portfolio go, this is one of his lesser known efforts from 90s. Although it was slightly known for its dubious NC-17 rating (which, if this movie were to be rated by today’s standards, would likely just be an R), the majority of the movie going public ignored this film when it was released back in 1998. Of course they didn’t have much of a choice at the time—it was limited to 316 theaters and brought in under $2 million (although its budget was half that, so not a total loss). SynopsisThey're as different as they are beautiful, but Carla (Heather Graham) and Lou (Natasha Gregson Wagner) have more in common than meets the eye. Each thinks she has the world's greatest boyfriend - until both realize they're talking about the same guy! http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1176 This past summer lead way to a whole series of sequels and/or remakes, but the loudest and angriest of the bunch, Terminator Salvation ended up being the quietest of the bunch in terms of box office receipts. The $200 million budgeted film produced only $371 million worldwide and while that’s not chump change by any means, for a franchise as big as this one it’s more than a little disappointing. While the previous outing in the franchise was similarly disappointing, Salvation no doubt hurt from the lack of Schwarzenegger’s participation. What fans got from Salvation was a new setting for the films that we’d only seen briefly prior and combined with the unrelenting action and weak plot direction, the end result left critics and fans a little more than disappointed. Synopsis:In the aftermath of Judgment Day and the machine takeover, resistance leader John Connor (Christian Bale) must counter Skynet’s plan to terminate mankind. Rallying his underground street fighters for a last, desperate battle, he realizes that to save the future he must rescue his own father Kyle Reese (Anton Yelchin). But the most shocking discovery comes with the arrival of Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), a mysterious loner from the past who challenges Connor with an impossible choice and leads them both on a brutal journey into the heart of the enemy. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1175 Scrubs is the series that just won’t die—and despite a ninth season in the works that promises to majorly mix things up (new location, semi-new cast), Scrubs seems to weather through all of the harsh times and come out on top. Now with this eighth season on DVD and no start date for the ninth season yet in sight, fans can tide themselves over with one last helping of Scrubs goodness in what can only be considered another solid season from the cast and crew at Sacred Heart. SynopsisEnjoy every surreal moment of Scrubs' hilarious eighth season as television's celebrated sitcom delivers "much more loopy, creative humor that fans have come to know and love," raves Chicago Tribune. It's a different world for attending physicians J.D., Turk and Elliot as they have their own interns to confuse and bewilder, and a major shakeup in the hospital staff might be enough to finally unite Dr. Kelso and Dr. Cox. Get a big shot of comedy as your favorite characters, and some exciting guest stars (including Courteney Cox), return for a hilarious new year at Sacred Heart. The best way to enjoy the contagious comedy of the complete eighth season is on DVD and Blu-ray, featuring exclusive bonus features -- including deleted scenes, bloopers and webisodes. It's just what the doctor ordered. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1174 Few names in classic rock resonate more than Billy Idol. He’s been around for what seems like forever, parodied by various actors (and even played himself in the Adam Sandler flick The Wedding Singer), and yet through all of the sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll, he’s managed to keep strong and still pack a stadium. Not only that but the music still sounds great, especially Idol’s voice which seems to have only gotten stronger over the years. Mind boggling, sure…but also very awesome. Synopsis“In Super Overdrive Live” was filmed at the Congress Theater, Chicago for the US TV series Soundstage and originally broadcast in America in July 2009. The show sees Billy Idol, with trademark sneer and peroxide hair very much to the fore, reunited with guitarist Steve Stevens, who played on (& sometimes co-wrote) all his eighties songs. The track list runs from early Generation X hits, through his classic solo singles and up to tracks from his most recent album “The Devil’s Playground”. Idol is a fantastic live performer who oozes onstage charisma and the audience rocks along to every minute of this mesmerizing concert. Lineup: Billy Idol (vocals); Steve Stevens (guitars); Brian Tichy (drums); Stephen McGrath (bass); Derek Sherinian (keyboards). http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1173 Although the series has long since finished its final season on HBO (as well as being released on DVD), Rome is still in the minds of those who are avid TV viewers. It managed to leave a lasting impression upon those who watched it, mixing historical events into the series in such a way that it was not only entertaining but also engaging and informative. You could almost call the show educational, but what captivated viewers most were the indelible characters that graced the screen in each episode. With approximately twenty-two hours of episodes, the film arrives for the first time on a ten-disc Blu-ray set in full 1080p with DTS-HD Master Audio. SynopsisFour hundred years after the founding of the Republic, Rome is the wealthiest city in the world, a cosmopolitan metropolis of one million people, epicenter of a sprawling empire. The Republic was founded on principles of shared power and fierce personal competition, never allowing one man to seize absolute control. But now, those foundations are crumbling, eaten away by corruption and excess. After eight years of war, soldiers Lucious Vorenus and Titus Pullo unwittingly become entwined in the historical events of ancient Rome. A serialized drama of love and betrayal, masters and slaves, husbands and wives, Rome chronicles a turbulent era that saw the death of a republic and the birth of an empire. The entire award-winning, critically-acclaimed series will be available as a Blu-ray gift set, just in time for the holiday season. http://www.wfdvdreport.com?action=fullnews&id=1172 It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has long been an offender of…well, everything. But they had left the holiday seasons alone for the most part, choosing instead to focus on episodes each season that were non-time, year or holiday specific. Well that’s all changed with the It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: It's a Very Sunny Christmas special, now exclusively on DVD and Blu-ray (or until FX decides it wants to air it). It doesn’t destroy your perceptions of the holiday, but it will likely leave you with an odd feeling whenever you look at a Santa in the mall. SynopsisHo, ho, heyooo! Christmas is nearly here and the Paddy’s gang has got the spirit. Well, not really. For them, the holidays have always been a time of trickery, backstabbing, and disappointment. But this year things are going to be different as they are determined to rediscover the joy in Christmas. Join Mac, Charlie, Dennis, Dee and Frank as they embark on a holiday adventure filled with stolen toys, childhood videos, naked elves and a bloody run in with Santa Claus that is guaranteed to blast Christmas spirit all over!