HIGH DEF UNIVERSE

Reviewed by Sean Ferguson

After a half century of cinematic storytelling, along with countless awards and accolades, Academy Award-nominated MacGillivray Freeman Films’ best-selling documentaries have made a difference in the lives of audiences around the world.  In celebration of their 50-year anniversary, this very special limited edition box set includes 10 of their most awe-inspiring adventures in spectacular high-definition.  The gift set features narration from Gordon Brown, Helen Mirren, Jean-Michael Cousteau, Liam Neeson, Meryl Streep, Nia Vardalos, Pierce Brosnan, Robert Redford, and Tom Selleck and is directed by Greg MacGillivray, Jordi Llompart, and Steve Judson.

Reviewed by Jami Ferguson

When I think Monte Cristo the first thing that comes to mind is the yummy ham and cheese sandwich.  The second thing is the movie, The Count of Monte Cristo, a film I own on DVD and rarely watch.  Every time I watch the movie I think to myself,” I really liked that” and I wonder why I don’t watch it more often.  The third thing is the book which I admit I’ve never read.  I have no idea how true to the book the movie is or what important plot points were left out (if any).  I can tell you that The Count of Monte Cristo tells the story of the dashing and guileless Edmond Dantes (Jim Caviezel) who is betrayed by his best friend (Guy Pearce) and wrongly imprisoned.  He then becomes consumed by thoughts of vengeance.  After a miraculous escape, he transforms himself into the mysterious and wealthy Count of Monte Cristo, insinuates himself into the French nobility, and puts his cunning plan of reprisal in action.  Bonus features include deleted scenes, a production design featurette, a multi-angle sword fighting feature, and much more!

Reviewed by Sean Ferguson

The original starship Enterprise continues its historic voyage into the final frontier of high definition when Star Trek: Enterprise – The Complete Third Season makes its debut on Blu-ray from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Media Distribution.  After a surprise attack on Earth leaves over seven million people dead, Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) and the crew of the Enterprise swear to find those responsible – the Xindi. Taking off into the uncharted region known as the Delphic Expanse, the crew of the Enterprise must hunt down the Xindi and stop them from enacting their ultimate plan: the total destruction of humanity. Along the way they travel to the year 2004 to prevent a bioweapon attack, fend off the mysterious Sphere-Builders, and even meet their own descendants due to a wormhole mishap – all leading up to a desperate race back to Earth to prevent its destruction. Featuring all 24 episodes from the third season, the six-disc Blu-ray set also includes never-before-seen special features that are exclusive to this release: “In A Time of War,” a new three-part documentary, and a new featurette entitled “Temporal Cold War: Declassified.”

Reviewed by Jami Ferguson

For six eye-opening seasons, The Girls Next Door dropped the towel to reveal all the goings-on at the Playboy Mansion and beyond, from exotic European escapades to sexy and scary camp-outs in the “wilds” of the Mansion’s backyard, from tender moments among friends and lovers to the occasional friendly rivalry among the Playmates. The Girls Next Door: The Complete Series captures it all in 35 glorious hours, centering around the three original girls – Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson – as well as newcomers Crystal Harris (who came this close to becoming the next Mrs. Hef) and the centerfold twins Kristina and Karissa Shannon.

The blockbuster second film of The Hunger Games franchise that took the world by storm ignites once again when The Hunger Games: Catching Fire arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD UltraViolet), DVD (plus Digital UltraViolet), Digital HD, Video on Demand and Pay-Per-View Friday, March 7 from Lionsgate. Academy Award winning Best Actress Jennifer Lawrence (2012’s Silver Linings Playbook) headlines the all-star cast in this action-adventure which became the #1 movie of 2013 and the 12th highest-grossing film of all time at the domestic box office.  Based on the best-selling second novel of Suzanne Collins’ award-winning trilogy, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins as, against all odds, Katniss and her fellow tribute Peeta have returned home after surviving The Hunger Games. Winning means they must turn around, leaving their loved ones behind and embark on a “Victory Tour” through the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses a rebellion simmering – one that she and Peeta may have sparked. At the end of the Victory Tour, President Snow announces a deadly 75th Hunger Games that could change Panem forever. 

Reviewed by Allie Schembra

Divorced mom Eva (Louis-Dreyfus) may be falling for Albert (Gandolfini), a sweet, funny, like-minded divorcé. But as their relationship blossoms, Eva befriends Marianne (Keener), who’s always complaining about her ex-husband. When Eva realizes that Albert is the target of Marianne’s rants, she begins to question her own perceptions about first impressions and second chances. Director Nicole Holofcener brings together a talented cast starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep, Seinfeld), James Gandolfini (The Sopranos), Catherine Keener (Capote), and Toni Collette (The Sixth Sense).

Reviewed by Scott Meyers

CBGB looks at New York’s dynamic punk rock scene through the lens of the ground-breaking Lower East Side club started by eccentric Hilly Kristal in 1973 originally as a home for “country, bluegrass and blues” (thus the club’s name) and which showcased cutting-edge bands through its closing in 2006. The Talking Heads, Patti Smith, The Ramones, Blondie, The Dead Boys, Bad Brains, Green Day, Soul Asylum, The Police, Bruce Springsteen, Everclear, George Thorogood, The Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, The Black Crowes, The Flaming Lips, The Goo Goo Dolls, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The B-52s, The Runaways, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Tool and The Wallflowers are just some of the thousands of bands that played the club over the years.

There’s something terrifying in the waters in Black Lake, but what’s above the surface is just as dangerous! On March 25, 2014, Scream Factory will unleash director Larry Fessenden’s enthralling creature thriller Beneath on Blu-ray and DVD. Featuring a general dose of suspense terror and wicked satire, Beneath follows a group of high-school grads as they face the ultimate tests of friendship and sacrifice during a terror-stricken fight for survival – an allegorical tale about the tragic inability of people to rise above their differences even in the face of grave threat.

Alice Eve (Star Trek Into Darkness) and Golden Globe winner Bryan Cranston (Best Actor, TV’s “Breaking Bad,” 2013) star in the edge-of-your-seat, cat-and-mouse thriller Cold Comes the Night, available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital March 4 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.  Directed by Tze Chun (Children of Invention), this crime drama is filled with twists and tension when a struggling motel owner and single mother (Eve) is taken hostage by a career criminal (Cranston), and forced to become his guide and driver as he attempts to retrieve his cash package from a crooked cop (Logan Marshall-Green).

After interfering with a top secret mission, The Punisher is taken into custody by S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent and Avenger, Black Widow.  At the orders of Director Nick Fury, Punisher and Black Widow are sent on a mission to stop LEVIATHAN, a global terrorist organization that plans to sell stolen S.H.I.E.L.D. technology to the highest bidder. Now, the vigilante and spy must work together to prevent this technology from falling into the wrong hands. The fate of the world, and of the Avengers, hangs in the balance.

Fans of The Venture Bros., the wait is over. Adult Swim announced today the highly-anticipated release of The Venture Bros. Season Five on both Blu-ray and DVD has been set for March 4, 2014. It’s back to the Venture compound for an epic fifth outing of the popular animated series starring the Venture family. Featuring all eight episodes from its fifth season plus two popular bonus episodes – “A Very Venture Halloween” and “From the Ladle to the Grave: The Shallow Gravy Story.” The fifth season of The Venture Bros. picks up moments after the stunning climax of season four and hits the ground running for a season of globe-trotting adventures and stay-at-home suspense. But no matter where it runs—from the steamy jungles of Central America, to the sparkling sands of the Greek Islands, to the seedy back alleys of Tangier, to the jagged cliffs of By-Golly Gulch—the Venture family can’t escape the treachery of enemies old, new, and within.

Reviewed by Sean Ferguson

Epic Pictures has now released Big Ass Spider! on digital download, DVD and Blu-ray.  The film stars Greg Grunberg (TV’s "Heroes," TV’s "Alias," Mission Impossible: III), Lombardo Boyar (Group Sex, Happy Feet I and II) and Ray Wise (X-Men: First Class, TV’s "Twin Peaks") and directed by Mike Mendez.  In Big Ass Spider a 50-foot-tall alien spider escapes from a military lab and rampages the city of Los Angeles. When a massive military strike fails, it is up to a team of scientists, soldiers, and one clever exterminator to kill the creature before the city is destroyed....

Reviewed by Allie Schembra

From director Michael Polish comes a look at the life of famous Beat author, Jack Kerouac . In an attempt to heal from the deterioration caused by the pressures of sudden fame and too much alcohol, famous Beat author Jack Kerouac escapes to an isolated, mist-shrouded cabin in the primitive landscape of the Bug Sur woods. Instead of finding the peace he desires, he is foiled once again by his own inner demons and sets off on a visceral collision course of paranoia, sex, delirium tremens, misery and madness.

In this heartwarming comedy, underachiever David Wozniak (Vince Vaughn) learns he’s actually an overachiever — he’s fathered 533 children via donations made twenty years earlier! David soon discovers that the shock of his life might just be the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Along the way he discovers not only his true self, but also the father he could become. Also starring Chris Pratt and Cobie Smulders — and complete with bonus materials, including behind-the-scenes footage — it’s a feel-good movie that really delivers. 

Experience space like never before in the Academy Award-nominated Gravity, arriving onto Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD on February 25 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. A heart-pounding thriller starring Academy Award winners Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side) and George Clooney (Syriana), and stunningly directed by Academy Award-nominee Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity pulls you into the infinite and unforgiving realm of deep space.  Gravity has become one of the most honored films of the year, garnering 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Motion Picture of the Year, Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role – Sandra Bullock, and Achievement in Directing – Alfonso Cuarón.

It’s been nearly two years since Sherlock Holmes seemingly fell to his death in the epic second season finale of Sherlock, and since then all anyone has wanted to know is: how did he survive? The question is finally answered when London’s greatest consulting detective returns in Sherlock: Season Three, available on Blu-ray and DVD February 11, 2014 from BBC Home Entertainment. The third season of Sherlock premieres in the US on MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! on PBS on January 19, 2014. Earlier this month, the season premiere was watched by 9.2 million viewers on BBC One in the UK, making it the most-watched episode of Sherlock ever. Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch, Star Trek: Into Darkness,12 Years a Slave) and Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman, The Hobbit, The World’s End) reteam in three brand new action-packed adventures of the Emmy-nominated series that USA Today called “TV pleasure at its most intense…”

Reviewed by Jami Ferguson

From the creative team behind “Pillars of the Earth,” “The Mentalist” and “Heroes,” “Being Human” is Syfy’s re-imagining of the acclaimed BBC original series created by Toby Whithouse.  “Being Human” follows four paranormal, 20-something roommates living in a Boston brownstone – vampire “Aidan” (Witwer), werewolves “Josh” (Huntington) and “Nora” (Hager) and ghost “Sally” (Rath) – as they struggle to resist the temptations of their true natures. As the third season of “Being Human” returns, the four learn that there is a price to pay for getting what they want. Watching the characters hide their dark secrets from the world, while helping each other navigate the complexities of living double lives and trying to be human, viewership for the third season averaged 1.8 million viewers, making “Being Human” a Top 10 Cable Program in its time period among adults 18-49 and 25-54. Season 4 of “Being Human” premieres January 2014 on Syfy.

Based on the beloved best-selling book comes a story of a girl who transforms the lives of those around her during World War II, Germany.  When her mother can no longer care for her, Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) is adopted by a German couple (OSCAR Winner Geoffrey Rush and OSCAR Nominee Emily Watson).  Although she arrives illiterate, Liesel is encouraged to learn to read by her adoptive father.  When the couple then takes in Max (Ben Schnetzer), a Jew hiding from Hitler’s army, Liesel befriends him. Ultimately, words and imagination provide the friends with an escape from the events unfolding around them in this extraordinary, acclaimed film directed by Brian Percival (Downton Abbey).  

Golden Globe Award winner Matthew McConaughey (Mud, Magic Mike) delivers a career-defining performance as Texas cowboy Ron Woodroof in the inspiring and powerful story of an imperfect man’s fight for survival during an uncertain time in America.  Texas cowboy Ron Woodroof (McConaughey) sees his free-wheeling life overturned when he’s diagnosed as HIV-positive and given 30 days to live. Determined to survive, Woodroof decides to take matters in his own hands by tracking down alternative treatments from all over the world by means both legal and illegal. After his journey to find a cure leads him to an unlikely ally in Rayon played by Golden Globe Award winner Jared Leto (Lord of War, Alexander), he establishes a hugely successful “buyers’ club” and unites a band of outcasts in a struggle for dignity and acceptance that inspires in ways no one could have imagined.

Reviewed by Sean Ferguson

An imaginative fusion of live action, state-of-the-art puppetry, prosthetics and CGI, Farscape, produced by The Jim Henson Company in association with RHI Entertainment, featured mind-boggling alien life forms, dazzling special effects, edge-of-your-seat thrills, irreverent humor and unforgettable characters — all brought to rich life by the creative minds at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.  Strap in and hold on tight for the extraordinary adventures of astronaut John Crichton, (Ben Browder) who, after a freak accident, finds himself surrounded by hostile aliens and soaring through the cosmos aboard Moya, a glorious living space ship.  Hunted by the relentless Peacekeepers, he allies himself with Moya’s crew — Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black), Luxan warrior Ka D’Argo (Anthony Simcoe), azure priestess Zhaan (Virginia Hey), spritely Nebari thief Chiana (Gigi Edgley), Dominar Rygel, the deposed royal ruler of the Hynerian Empire and Pilot – to search for a way out of this inconceivably alien world and return home.

Reviewed by Sean Ferguson

From Earth, the Sun cannot be looked at with human eyes. Narrated by Al Roker, 3D Sun gives audiences a chance to see the Sun up close in startling 3D.  Stand above the arctic circle and witness the most brilliant auroras on Earth; take a ride on a solar blast from Sun’s surface to Earth’s Magnetosphere, and come to a deeper understanding of what this vast sea of fire means to life here on Earth.  In October 2006, NASA launched twin spacecraft from a single rocket in Florida — a spacecraft that would, for the first time in the history of space exploration, capture space-born, high-definition 3D images of the Sun.  In 3D Sun, the leading NASA scientists from the mission unveil these images and take us behind the scenes to tell the story of the Sun and why it is of crucial importance to all of us.  Mars 3D takes viewers behind the scenes of the Mars Exploration Rover Mission revealing daily dramas, mind-boggling physics and compelling science behind the $820 million dollar NASA project.  Behold this celebration of space exploration and the human stories behind the mission, how engineers plunged the depths of gravity and physics to ensure a successful launch an landing and how two 380 pound rovers will bring scientists closer than ever before to solving the mysteries of Mars.

Reviewed by Sean Ferguson

It is the late 1930s and the world is in turmoil.  Humanity is on the brink of war as imperialist nations in the Far East and Europe work aggressively to expand their domination.  The Nazis have taken control of Germany and now spread darkness across the globe in their hunt for powerful occult artifacts that can give them the upper hand in the days to come.  But the spirit of adventure and freedom won’t be stamped out so easily.  Heroic adventurers from around the world answer the call, racing against time to hunt down ancient artifacts, explore deadly temples, and fight back the powers of darkness from engulfing the world.  It is a race of good versus evil and only a cunning and agile explorer can claim the ultimate prize of… Fortune and Glory!   Fortune and Glory, The Cliffhanger Game is a fast-paced game of high adventure, vile Villains, edge-of-your-seat danger, and Cliffhanger pulp Movie Action.  Players travel the globe in search of ancient artifacts, fending off danger and Villains at every turn in a quest for ultimate reward.  So strap on your adventure boots and goggles, fire up the engines on the seaplane, and grab some extra ammo for your revolver – the Nazis already have a head start and in this race for Fortune and Glory, there’s no prize for second place!

Walt Disney Animation Studios presents a chilly twist on one of the most humorous and heartwarming stories ever told.  Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey — teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven — to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.  Bring home Frozen on Blu-ray High Definition — featuring a blizzard of never-before-seen bonus extras with gorgeous animation, memorable characters and unforgettable music. It’s dazzling fun for the whole family! 

From the Academy Award-Winning producer of Shrek comes a hilarious animated adventure about two turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks who travel back in time in order to keep their species off the Thanksgiving menu. Featuring an all-star voice cast, including Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson and Amy Poehler, Free Birds is loaded with laughs and stuffed with fun for the whole family!

Billy (Michael Douglas), Paddy (Robert De Niro), Archie (Morgan Freeman) and Sam (Kevin Kline) have been best friends since childhood. So when Billy, the group’s sworn bachelor, finally proposes to his 30-something-year-old girlfriend (of course), the four head to Las Vegas with a plan to stop acting their age and relive their glory days. However, upon arriving, the four quickly realize that the decades have transformed Sin City and tested their friendship in ways they never imagined. The Rat Pack may have once played the Sands and Cirque du Soleil may now rule the Strip, but it’s these four who are taking over Vegas.

Reviewed by Jami Ferguson

Celebrate the platinum anniversary of the unforgettable comedy classic Father of the Bride plus the uproarious follow-up Father of the Bride Part II on Blu-ray for the first time ever.  Screen legends Steve Martin, Diane Keaton and Martin Short star in these warm and witty family favorites, complete with a new digital restoration.  Things get out of hand for befuddled father George Banks (Martin) when his young daughter unexpectedly announces her plans to wed.  Life gets even crazier in the sidesplitting sequel when his daughter and his wife (Keaton) both announce they are pregnant, and George desperately tries to capture the wild and crazy days of his youth.  Relive every heartwarming and hilarious moment in this special 2-Movie Collection.  It’s fantastic family entertainment that really delivers.

Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand star in this explosive, action-packed thriller from director Sam Raimi. Dr. Peyton Westlake (Neeson) is on the verge of realizing a major breakthrough in synthetic skin when his laboratory is destroyed by gangsters. Having been burned beyond recognition and forever altered by an experimental medical procedure, Westlake becomes known as Darkman, assuming alternate identities in his quest for revenge and a new life with a former love (McDormand).

Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World continues the big screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself.  In the aftermath of Marvel’s The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos… but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness.  Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all. 

Reviewed by Sean Ferguson

Releasing from the Disney Vault in celebration of its 50th Anniversary, creative visionary Walt Disney’s classic shines for the first time on Blu-ray.  Starring Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews in her Academy-Award winning role, and featuring iconic toe-tapping songs including “A Spoonful of Sugar” and  the much loved “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” Mary Poppins is a movie experience your family will enjoy again and again.  An all-new digital restoration adds even more magic – helping bring the award-winning songs and amazing picture to life like never before.  Share the music; share the magic; share the joy of Mary Poppins this holiday on Blu-ray Combo Pack & HD Digital for the first time.  Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music, Princess Diaries) as Mary Poppins; Dick Van Dyke (TV’s “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” Night at the Museum) as Bert/Mr. Dawes Senior; David Tomlinson (Bedknobs and Broomsticks, The Love Bug) as Mr. Banks; Glynis Johns (The Court Jester, While You Were Sleeping) as Mrs. Banks; Karen Dotrice (The Gnome-Mobile, Upstairs, Downstairs) as Jane Banks; Mathew Garber (The Gnome-Mobile, The Three Lives of Thomasina) as Michael Banks.