An insanely over-the-top dissertation on violence, the media, the police system, and even society itself, Natural Born Killers pulled out every art-house trick in the book to become one of the most controversial films of the 90’s.  It was either a work of exploitation, or it was a brilliant satire on the very exploitation it appeared to be.  Love it or hate it (and there is absolutely no middle ground), there was no ignoring it.

Based on an original idea from a not-quite yet famous yet Quentin Tarantino, director Oliver Stone took this story of Mickey and Mallory (Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis), serial killers in love and on the run (think Bonnie and Clyde to an extreme), and turned it into something completely unique.  Alternating between every film style imaginable, the film is pure schizophrenia.  Shot in just 56 days, the film took 11 months to edit, and contains around 3000 cuts.  “Shot on 35mm, 16mm, 8mm and video, in black and white and in color, live action and animation,” the film literally transitions in and out of these styles within the same take.  Unsettling and jarring, the viewer can’t help but be placed on edge, and pulled into this incredibly unsettling world.

I cannot emphasize enough just how disturbing this film is.  It’s not just the extreme ultra-violence, nor the insanity behind these inhuman monsters, but the mirror that Stone holds up to the world.  Robert Downey Jr. plays Wayne Gale, a crime show host responsible for the sensationalizing of Mickey and Mallory.  He turns these hideous people into celebrities, a trick all too recognizable in our world today.  As one character says early in the film, “mass murder is wrong, but if I were a mass murderer, I’d be Mickey and Mallory.”  I can’t help but admire the ultimate punchline of his character.  It’s so over-the-top, it must be seen to be appreciated.

This film does not follow a traditional narrative.  You will come out of this movie discussing how it made you feel rather than where the plot took you.  Stone calls this “the most expensive student film ever made,” and I think that’s a perfect description for this film.  As I was watching, I couldn’t help but wonder how a movie like this ever got made.  Personally, I’m thrilled that I got to experience the insanity of this movie, but I can definitely recognize that it is not for everybody. 

Odds are, you already know whether this is a film for you.  If so, the recently released Directors Cut on Blu-Ray is the way to go.  This is the cut the filmmakers intended from the very beginning.  With scenes excised by order of the studio and the ratings board rather than the filmmakers, the additions actually serve a purpose and bring further depth to the film. There are also a couple of documentaries illuminating Stone’s thought process behind the movie, and Charlie Rose interview with Oliver Stone.  Also included is a great 44-page companion book that provides analysis of the film from various people involved, and a lot of great behind-the-scenes trivia. 

I’ve now seen the movie twice, and I really don’t know if I’ll be watching it again anytime soon.  It is a really uncomfortable experience.  But it’s a fascinating one, and it really is a powerful film.  There has never been a film quite like it, and I doubt that there will be again.  If you have a strong stomach, and are looking for something very different, then I recommend this as an unsafe alternative to the usual.

Michael Dougherty’s Trick ‘r Treat has finally made it to the store shelves and online renting sites after being delayed for almost two years.  Let’s make it clear; I’m quite biased when it comes to horror films.  I find most plots just ridiculous and unbelievable.  Many horror films have horrendous acting, poor scripts and unrealistic chase scenes.  Trick ‘r Treat does have some fine acting, a decent script and almost believable chases.  This does not exemplify that this film doesn’t have any flaws however.  This could be an excellent silly Halloween scary movie for horror film lovers, but before you consider it, perhaps you should consider several issues.

Trick ‘r Treat is claimed to be “The best Halloween film of the last 30 years”.  Being that this quote was by wizarduniverse.com, I took it with a grain of salt.  This is a quality, interesting horror film but is by no means any more special than half of the other scary movies over the last year.

The story follows 4 different classic horror tales all interwoven to somehow come together in the end.  The movie follows a high school principle, DYLAN BAKER, which turns into a vicious serial killer; 3 teenagers that has a Halloween prank turn deadly; a predator looking for virgin blood; and a grouchy old man, BRIAN COX, haunted by a devious little trick-or-treating demon.  These 4 stories actually come together brilliantly to bring an end to larger unsolved mystery.

Each story begins without any means.  I had trouble following why the audience should follow or even care about the characters in each story.  After a slow start, and awhile curiously pondering the story taking place, things start to get interesting and then quickly come together.  None of it is truly scary but rather intriguing.  There are times of little jumps and scary music to go along to what were made to be scary moments, but the movie is really more about the story at hand rather than taking cheap jabs at the audience.  Thank you!

There are definitely several flaws in the individual stories, but none of which that really take away from the movie.  This is horror genre after all folks.  It’s going to have unrealistic ghoulish characters, ghosts and the undead.  With so many different types of nightmares coming to life, it’s hard to believe this could take place in our world.  Trick ‘r Treat is however supposed to be about these classic tales in order help create one ultimate Halloween time movie.  The slow start however makes staying interested tough until well passed the half-way mark.

It was exciting to see Anna Paquin play an innocent 22-year-old virgin, well… so we think, and Brian Cox plays a wonderful cranky old man.  Unfortunately, don’t expect some violent gorefest that has become more and more popular in recent horror movies.  This is rather light-hearted compared toward much of the competition.

Winner of the Audience Choice Awards at Screamfest, this probably won’t be a bad choice for a late night Halloween flick, but should not be sold as one of the greatest.  Trick ‘r Treat is more along the lines of a comedy horror genre film.  The production quality is high.  The script is never outrageous or forced.  Most and foremost, the ending was original.  Hell, the whole movie is original while telling unoriginal classic Halloween tales and perhaps that makes Trick ‘r Treat worth it.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment proudly marks two groundbreaking milestones with the highly-anticipated October 6 high definition debut of the most acclaimed animated movie ever made. Walt Disney’s original classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which made history in 1937 as the first full-length animated feature, is the premiere entry in a spectacular all-new product line—Disney’s Diamond Collection. And, in an industry first, the historic release will make its bow on Disney Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack (two Blu-ray discs + DVD) a full seven weeks before the Deluxe Two-Disc Classic standard definition DVD becomes available on November 24. 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs hasn’t stood every test of time, but it has withstood every test that matters. As an early cinematic marvel, it readily reveals its creators’ commitment and skill, trotting out a slew of innovative firsts that have inspired every animated film since.

Presented with flawless newly restored picture and 7.1 Digital Theater System Hi-Def Surround Sound, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Diamond Edition promises to set a new standard in home entertainment. The most immersive and highest level viewing experience ever available, it includes unparalleled features, exclusive and updatable high definition content, superior picture and sound, and much more.

Check out the NEW Trailer:

The 3-disc Blu-ray edition of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a near-definitive release of the animated film that started it all. Its gorgeous restoration is simply the beginning. What follows is a glorious video transfer, a fit and faithful DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track, and a mammoth collection of special features. Sure, some supplemental content was left behind on the 2001 Special Edition DVD, but that shouldn’t prevent any animation enthusiast, Disney fan, or classic cinephile from nabbing this release post haste. I can’t imagine anyone — aside from the dark-hearted stepmothers among you — will be disappointed or underwhelmed by this fantastic, top-notch release.

Check out some rare never before released images of the Seven Dwarfs!

Perfectly timed for holiday gift giving and available for a limited time only, the historic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition comes with a spectacular assortment of all new bonus features, including:

Blu-ray™ Bonus Features
• Magic Mirror – Using the latest in Blu-ray technology, the iconic magic Mirror guides the audience through the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Diamond Edition features with ease, serving as the host for an incredibly immersive experience. The Mirror will recognize viewing patterns, knows where the audience has left off and will even suggest where to navigate next. This marks the first use of this technology in a Disney Blu-ray release and provides viewers with the control to personally create a customized Snow White experience 
• DisneyView – Disney’s pioneering animated feature is brought to the modern era of widescreen high definition viewing by allowing the user to expand their viewing experience beyond the original aspect ratio of the film. Utilizing Disney Blu-ray technology, acclaimed Disney artist Toby Bluth was able to draw beyond the borders of the classic full frame cinema and fill the otherwise dark edges of the screen with beautiful custom imagery, giving audiences a new view of the animated classic favorite. 
• About Toby Bluth – Disney artist Toby Bluth tells how the movie inspired him to create the superb DisneyView art. 
• Audio Commentary with Walt Disney, hosted by John Canemaker   
• “The Princess and the Frog” Sneak Peek 
 
BACKSTAGE DISNEY: DIAMOND EDITION
• Snow White Returns – Newly discovered storyboards suggest a brand new Snow White featurette that never got made.  For the first time, current Disney animators show how this short story would have played.
• Mirror, Mirror On The Wall – Through BD-Live, this mirror can find the secret princess inside each viewer, then create for them a personal message from their favorite princess who will call them on the telephone. 
• Hyperion Studios – Audiences are digitally transported to 1937 to discover first-hand Hyperion Studios, the original studio Walt Disney himself built where Snow White was conceived and developed. Viewers will virtually walk the halls of this historic landmark, experiencing life at Hyperion Studios in the 1930s. This amazing “Backstage Disney” feature contains newly dimensionalized archival photos, never-before-heard animator recordings, archival transcripts and rare footage of Walt himself revealing how Disney’s gifted filmmakers crafted the very first animated feature.
• The One That Started It All – This featurette reveals how Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs forever changed the world of movies and the world at large.

MUSIC & MORE
• “Someday My Prince Will Come” – Music video by Tiffany Thornton  
 
FAMILY PLAY (GAMES & ACTIVITIES)
• What Do You See? – To win this exciting interactive game, players must untangle scrambled images.  
• Jewel Jumble – Players put jewels from the Dwarfs’ mine in the proper order to win this game.  
  
DVD Bonus Features
• Audio Commentary with Walt Disney, hosted by John Canemaker
• “The Princess and the Frog” Sneak Peek 
• Snow White Returns – Newly discovered storyboards suggest a brand new Snow White featurette that never got made.  For the first time, current Disney animators show how this short story would have played.
• The One That Started It All – This featurette reveals how Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs forever changed the world of movies and the world at large.
• “Someday My Prince Will Come” – Music video by Tiffany Thornton
• Dopey’s Wild Mine Ride – An interactive set-top game for the whole family
• Animation Voice Talent 
• Disney Through The Decades – A series of video segments with celebrity hosts
• “Heigh-Ho” Karaoke Sing-Along
• Dylan & Cole Sprouse: Blu-ray™ Is Suite!  
• Learn How To Take Your Favorite Movies On The Go

Celebrate the holidays with Mickey’s Christmas Carol, a beloved classic short film that is now part of the Disney Animation Collection! Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and many more of your favorite characters join the cast in this delightfully charming adaptation of a classic holiday tale.  Ebeneezer Scrooge (Scrooge McDuck) is far too greedy to understand that Christmas is the time for kindness and generosity.  So, with the guidance of some wise ghosts (with Goofy and Jiminy Cricket), and the examples set by his clerk Bob Cratchit (Mickey Mouse) and nephew Fred (Donald Duck), Scrooge learns how to embrace the true spirit of the season.  Each volume in the Disney Animation Collection series is packed with classic Disney short films that will bring laughter and merriment into your family’s home.

This is, and always will be, a classic to be viewed by generations to come. It is also a must see for any animation enthusiast.

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the cherished Disney holiday classic, Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment presents a special edition available on DVD, September 29, 2009. The full-length adventure stars Pooh and other beloved characters as they celebrate friendship, family and the true meaning of the holidays.
 
Set in the Hundred Acre Woods, Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving 10th Anniversary Edition follows Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and Rabbit on a brave quest to find a favorite season they have seemed to miss – winter. Accompany them on a wild search for the perfect ingredients to creative a festive Thanksgiving feast and share in the warm glow of a Christmas that brings a surprise from a very special friend.
 
Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving 10th Anniversary Edition includes two new-to-DVD (U.S only) Pooh episodes (“The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Magic Earmuffs,” “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Wishing Bear”) plus five heartfelt songs and a collectible Christmas stocking.

The different types of animation present here lead to stories of the winter and winter festivities and they do seem like the perfect fodder for the Hundred Acre Wood characters to use as learning experiences. This may make for an amusing and enjoyable holiday stocking stuffer.
   

It is difficult to imagine a motion picture more magical and more wonderful than Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s wonderful The Wizard of Oz. Over the last seven decades, the film has indelibly woven itself into America’s cultural consciousness: Is there anyone who doesn’t immediately think of the film upon hearing the words, “Dorothy,” “Toto,” “Emerald City,” “Ruby Slippers” and “Yellow Brick Road” — or the lines to the song “Over the Rainbow?”
 
Now, the colorful characters and unforgettable songs of Oz come alive as never before when Warner Home Video brings this cinematic treasure into the digital age with the September 29 Blu-ray release of The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition. The commemorative edition contains nearly 4 hours of all-new and never-before-available bonus features and is housed in numbered collectible packaging, and will be available for a limited time only.

In order to bring all the visual splendor of The Wizard of Oz to the Hi-Def world of Blu-ray Disc, the film has been entirely remastered, with each of the original Technicolor camera negatives scanned using 8K resolution. From this scan, a final ‘capture’ master was created in 4K,  yielding twice the resolution seen in the master utilized for the film’s previous DVD release.

(Clip from the DVD – Munchkinland)

Working in ‘full film Resolution’, extreme care was taken to ensure that all of the image fidelity contained in the original negatives was properly captured for this new presentation. The sounds of Oz will come alive on Blu-ray disc utilizing the full audio spectrum capabilities available through Dolby TrueHD audio. The net result is one of unprecedented quality that is sure to make The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Edition a benchmark in the history of the Blu-ray format.

The Wizard of Oz: 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray set benefits incrementally from a new transfer and substantially from presentation in 1080p high definition with lossless audio. The supplements include everything that was released on the jam-packed 2005 3-disc special edition DVD with the addition of non-trivial relevant materials including “The Patchwork Girl of Oz”, a silent Oz feature from 1915 until recently thought to be a lost film, and “The Dreamer of Oz”, a feature length 1990 telefilm biopic of L. Frank Baum never before released on home video. Physical extras are all new and even better than the prior DVD box set. Fans of Oz will certainly get value for their money.

The following components are ALL-NEW and exclusive to this release:
 
The Dreamer of Oz – which makes its long-awaited home video debut. Also remastered for the occasion, this full-length motion picture was an NBC-TV special event in 1990 and thrilled critics and audiences as it told the back story of author L. Frank Baum, “the Royal Historian of Oz.” John Ritter shines in the title role — the man who defied all odds to create the famous characters and stories. Annette O’Toole beautifully co-stars as his supportive wife, with Rue McClanahan as his challenging witch of a mother-in-law.
 
Victor Fleming, Master Craftsman — a new feature-length documentary produced specifically for this release about the Hollywood director who, in the same year, miraculously brought both Oz and Gone With the Wind to the screen.
 
Hollywood Celebrates It’s Biggest Little Stars— a new featurette that stars seven of the original “Munchkins of Oz” and tells the saga of the long journey, culminating in them receiving their own 2007 Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
 
The Magic Cloak of Oz — the first release of the complete 1914 silent film, including lost footage never before included in a home video presentation of this feature (produced by Baum himself).
 
The Patchwork Girl of Oz — another 1914 Baum-produced, feature-length silent film, new to Warner Home Video.
 
The Wizard of Oz Sing-Along Track — here making its home entertainment debut.
 
Reproductions of Archival Material — Extraordinary renderings of the original 1939 Oz campaign, exploitation, and press books. These materials constitute a Hollywood “holy grail” for Oz, Garland, and motion picture fans alike and, for decades, have been among the most sought-after and impossible-to-find collectibles.
 
Behind The Curtain — a 52-page miniature coffee-table book, assembled by pre-eminent Oz historian John Fricke. Encompassing much previously unpublished material, the deluxe volume includes behind-the-scenes Oz photographs, studio memos, and script pages for abandoned scenes and musical numbers.
 
Exclusive Wizard of Oz Watch — A collectible and numbered 70th Anniversary watch, incorporating art from the film and enhanced with genuine crystals. Available nowhere else, this beautiful timepiece was created specially for this DVD edition.
 
And for the Blu-Ray Ultimate Collector’s Edition, the original extended version of “If I Only Had a Brain” performed by Ray Bolger has been remastered in hi-definition especially for this release.