Toothless and Hiccup Land Home on 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

This week on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital in a Collector’s Edition from writer/director Dean DeBlois, DreamWorks and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the returning tale of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

On the island of Berg, Hiccup (Mason Thames) is a young man that doesn’t quite fit in, especially when it comes to fighting the one thing that plagues his village – dragons! It is even more difficult to fit in when your father is Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler) the chieftain of Berk. Hiccup mainly spends his time in the workshop of Gobber (Nick Frost) the blacksmith and being pushed out of the way when dragons attack. Except during the most recent attack, Hiccup hears something and knows if he can bring down a Night Fury, his life will get better yet, when he does, no one believes him.

Stoick is dead set on finding the dragons lair and getting rid of their dragon problem once and for all. Before leaving on that journey, Gobber talks him into letting Hiccup go into dragon training as a way of giving him something useful to do and staying under the watchful eye of Gobber. When he arrives for training, Hiccup is met with the groans of Astrid (Nico Parker), Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), Snotlout (Gabriel Howell), Ruffnut (Bronwyn James) and Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyn) who see him as a hinderance and not a help to the village.

In between training, Hiccup decides to go look for signs that he caught a dragon. There, in a small opening in the woods, he sees the Night Fury struggling and shortly realizes his tail is damaged. When a friendship is struck and he discovers a way to help the Night Fury, Hiccup realizes that he can’t and won’t hurt other dragons. As the two become inseparable and he learns from the dragon named Toothless – Hiccup also becomes a surprise during training much to the suspicion of Astrid.

She learns Hiccups secret but also realizes that the villagers truly don’t understand dragons. When Stoick returns, everything comes out and now Hiccup and Toothless are separated while finding the dragon’s lair. Hiccup enlists the help of Astrid and the others to do what needs to be done – saving his father and the other Vikings!

Thames as Hiccup is a young man trying to find his place in the Viking village of Berk. Keeping himself busy with making inventions that no one really pays attention to, he thinks it’s time to get a dragon. The one thing Hiccup doesn’t count on is realizing that getting to know dragons is the answer to the villages’ problem. It’s unfortunate that Stoick isn’t interested in hearing about it. Thames is charming and captures a bit of the animated Hiccup but it works smoothly and that’s what is important.

Butler as Stoick is the only person that returns from animation to live-action. The fact is that nobody could voice the chieftain better than Butler and he is fun to watch in full Viking regalia. That makes playing the role much easier since he pretty much already knows the lines. The challenge I think would be going from being only a voice to a full-fledged Stoick on screen. He is funny, challenging, and the scene where he gives Hiccup his mother’s helmet is awkward and lovely at the same time.

Frost as Gobber is the peg-legged, one arm blacksmith who understands Hiccup’s predicament referring to him as “all this” of problems with a mixture of loyalty to Stoick as well as a trusted friend. Frost gives his character sarcasm and wit that I secretly enjoy and delivers. Parker as Astrid giving the strong minded and strong-willed Viking who believes she must beat everyone and everything in order to be seen as a leader. Hiccup is an obstacle to all that as she feels that being the son of the chieftain is a point she cannot get over. Parker delivers on the right bad attitude of her character until she begins to see the other side of the story. Well done.

Dennison, James, Trevaldwyn, and Codd round out the added cast as the other trainees of dragon camp. They might see Hiccup as a problem-child in the beginning but, like Astrid, learn that there is more to their small world than they could ever imagine. Each of these actors are a sweet addition to the live action story.

Other cast include Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout, Naomi Wirthner as Gothi, Ruth Codd as Phlegma, Andrea Ware as Burnheart, Anna Brophy as Retcha, Marcus Onilude as Snorti, Peter Selwood as Drul, Daniel Williams as Fungi, Kate Kennedy as Flatula and Murray McArthur as Hoark.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

DreamWorks brings amazing, film and animated entertainment, television specials and series for the young and young at heart audiences around the world. For more of what they have to offer please visit http://www.dreamworksanimation.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, Love and Legacy: Making HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, Building Berk, Dreaming Up the Dragons, Fit for a King, Forbidden Friendship, Exploring the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe and Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Dean DeBlois and more!

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON is, of course, the live action version of the 2010 version of the same name. The cast brings together that version of the story nicely with a few changes here and there but most following the formula that made the animated film such a success. That is important for the success of the film because, and let’s be honest here, when a story changes drastically, fans get a little edgy.

Toothless remains animated and everything my family loves about the Night Fury. Needless to say, there are plenty of Toothless items around our house because that is the amazing impression this character has made. He is a combination of a strong willed, free spirited, protector of a black cat and its absolutely wonderful. That’s how I’ve always seen Toothless and this film doesn’t change that about him one bit.

The film is fun, lots of laughs, and exactly the summer feature that families can have an amazing time at the theatre with. There is something for everyone bringing some of us back to 2010 and introducing a new generation to the same fun in a different way with the story of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

In the end – the legend is real!

MASTER AND COMMANDER: The Far Side of the World

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Digital and Bluray for the first time ever from director Peter Weir and 20^th Century Studios is the epic ocean story of MASTER AND COMMANDER: The Far Side of the World.

It is 1905 and Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) is heading his ship HMS Surprise. After an attack by the French ship Acheron, Captain Aubrey is making repairs at sea but not before being attacked again. The race is on to keep the enemy away from British ships so the captain heads for the Galapagos Islands. The ships surgeon Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany) is thrilled at the prospect to be able to collect specimens from the island to study and record along with the young Lord Blakeney (Max Pirkis).

Reaching the islands, Captain Aubrey, First Lt. Pullings (James D’Arcy) and crew are surprised to see a dingy of men who were attacked by Acheron and managed to escape. Ready to go after the enemy again, the seas aren’t on their side as the crew begins to grumble about their predicament. After an accident, Aubrey returns to the island giving the men a brief respite. What the captain and crew could have never expected was what comes next. What the enemy never saw coming was an experienced captain and crew who never gave up!

Crowe as Captain Aubrey has a reputation on the high seas as a man who knows how to sail, even in dangerous waters and being chased enemies. The crew hold him in high esteem and follow his orders because they trust him completely. Now that they are chasing the French enemy ship, Crowe gives his character of Aubrey intelligence to outwit his enemy one moment while still being able to care for his crew with equal intensity. It is hard for some members of his crew to understand him, but Crowe’s performance had me raising an eyebrow whenever a crew member stepped a toe out of line. I just love this film period but Crowe’s performance always brings me back to the film again and again.

Bettany as Maturin is the ships surgeon that sees more of the effects of fighting side of war on the high seas. Caring for the men is most important to him but in his off hours he dives into the world of flora, fauna and animals he is excited to see in the Galapagos. He takes Lord Blakeney under his wing when he discovers that they share a curiosity for all things nature and science but also has the respect of the crew. He tells Aubrey straight, even if it causes tension between friends and I liked that about his character. Bettany has comes such a long way in his career but I have to say I enjoy characters he portrays with a bit of spunk.  

D’Arcy as Pullings keeps a close watch on Aubrey and learns everything he can. He wants one day to captain a ship of his own but learns how difficult, challenging and frightening it can be. What I enjoyed about Pullings character is that in the beginning there is such hesitation but man, when he gets an emotional rush from the captains’ speeches and actions, he just comes out cannons blazing. Pirkis as Blakeney is a kid doing grown up things in a time of war where there are thing happening that a child shouldn’t see in the form of wounded and death. Yet, I can imagine that this is how Captain Aubrey was at that age – wise, strong and curious.

Other cast include Edward Woodall as 2^nd Lt. Mowett, Chris Larkin as Captain Howard, Robert Pugh as John Allen, Lee Ingleby as Holom, Max Benitz as 3^rd Lt. Calamy, Richard McCabe as Mr, Higgins, Ian Mercer as Mr. Hollar, David Threlfall as Killick, Bryan Dick as Nagle, Mark Lewis Jones as Mr. Hogg and Billy Boyd as Barrett Bronden.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.20thcenturystudios.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Features include Delete Scenes, Historical and Geographical Trivia Track and Pop-Up Map.

MASTER AND COMMANDER: The Far Side of the World 4K Ultra HD Bluray release is housed in a collectible two-disc SteelBook set, featuring striking, navy-and-gold nautical artwork that reflects the film’s epic scale and maritime themes. The exterior showcases a richly detailed compass rose and a bold illustration of Captain “Lucky Jack” Aubrey, while the interior reveals a sweeping ocean vista with Russell Crowe poised against story seas – offering fans the ultimate collector’s edition.

Newly restored and remastered from the original elements, this stunning 4K release is presented with Dolby Vision HDR and Atmos audio delivering breathtaking pictures and immersive sound offering fans the definitive home viewing experience of the acclaimed epic.

Crowe, Bettany, D’Arcy, Pirkis and the entire cast made this film the epic memorable film that it is. Bringing the intensity of war on the seas, away from home and limited in help if anything were to go wrong, everything falls to the Captain and Crowe carries that weight to perfection. The cinematography is equally brilliant and director Weir knew exactly how he wanted the film to look and made it come to life. Twenty-two years ago, MASTER AND COMMANDER The Far Side of the World hit theatres and today the film is still as epic.

In the end – Captain and crew are ready for battle!

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of JAWS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital celebrating 50 years of scarring us out of the water from director Steven Spielberg and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, based on the Peter Benchley novel, is the (and I know you hear da-dum, daaaa-dum in your head) fear of JAWS.

Sheriff Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) and his family live on Amity Island. It might be wonderful for most people but the small-town lawman doesn’t like water. Waking up to a phone call that a girl is missing after a swim, he finds himself coming face to face with the worst-case scenario. When he gets the news that it is a shark attack, the sheriff wants to put up signs warning swimmers but it met by Mayor Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) who sees it differently.

Deciding to cave to the mayor but be vigilant, days later another life is lost. Now the town puts up $3,000 for someone to catch the shark responsible. Local shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw) says he will do it, but for a larger sum. Brody calls for help and Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) arrives to not only confirm the shark kills but decides to take it on himself to go out and see what is in the night ocean. When the shark is seen again and this time Brody’s son is in danger, Brody gets the mayor to agree to Quint’s demands.

Now Brody, Hooper and Quint take to the sea in the Orca to look for the shark that has been plaguing Amity Island. They come in contact with the 25-foot great white shark and realize that what should have been a quick turnaround back to dock – is not. This great white shark puts itself against the three men in a race against life and death!

Scheider as Brody is just absolute perfection as a man who takes the position of authority in a small town. Once a big city cop, Amity provides him with the sun and surf vibe of a town that is isn’t fast paced or dangerous – well, it wasn’t anyway. I just love him in this role (besides the film 52 PICK UP) as his character is confronted by something he cannot see or predict. His fear of water and what’s in it, Scheider reacts as we would expect and doesn’t disappoint. It is a character that we watch grow from beginning to end doing what he needs to for his family, the town and the sea.

Dreyfuss as Hooper is the expert, the humor and the Boy Scout of the film. Knowing exactly what the town is facing, Hooper is the guy no one listens to because he isn’t an “islander”. It should be known that I’m a huge Dreyfuss fan (remember GOODBYE GIRL?) and his role as Hooper is strong and the necessary as the buffer between Quint and Brody but with the worst jokes of the two. There isn’t one thing about Dreyfuss’ performance that can be picked on, not one thing. Fifty-years later, he is connected to his role at Hooper and it must be said, there isn’t a thing wrong with that.

Shaw as Quint is the third point in this triangle of a shark story. In his role as Quint, Shaw doesn’t give a frog’s butt what anyone thinks about him or what he does. He is clear with the town about what he wants to cure their problem and nails on a chalkboard never looked, or sounded, better. Once on the boat, Shaw gives us a man who doesn’t know when to say when but instead is going up against a creature that is just as determined as he is. Trying everything he knows, it becomes a game of cat and mouse – but which is which? Shaw is a consummate actor that I had watched for years before this role in swashbuckler roles and there is a bit of that here in the way he handles Hooper and Brody but there is an intensity that Shaw brings when death is knocking on the side of his boat. Just epic!

Other cast include Lorraine Gary as Ellen Brody, Carl Gottlieb as Meadows Jeffrey Kramer as Hendricks, Chris Rebello as Michael Brody, Jay Mello as Sean Brody, Lee Fierro as Mrs. Kintner, Jeffrey Voorhees as Alex Kintner, and Craig Kingsbury as Ben Gardner. An appearance can also be found of author Peter Benchley.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Features include The Making of JAWS, The Shark is Still Working: The Impact and Legacy of Jaws, Jaws: The Restoration, Deleted Scenes and Outtakes From the Set and Original Theatrical Trailer.

The novel Jaws arrived on bookshelves in 1974 and became an instant hit among readers. It isn’t surprising that Spielberg grabbed onto it and brought it to screens nationwide to become the highest-grossing film spawning three follow-up films. It is John Williams that put the music to the film that is so memorable that it’s part of our lexicon today and used to express suspense and even fright. In 2021, the Library of Congress selected the film JAWS for its preservation in the United States National Film Registry.

JAWS, in all honestly, kept me out of the ocean for a few summers and cautious after that! Anyone that says it didn’t bother them needs to take a lie detector test! Spielberg took Benchley’s story and gave it all the intensity that I would expect in a story that took us all on a wild ride 50 years ago. Watching the film again and again and again over the years hasn’t changed that one bit. Although we all have aged, this story never will.

Phrases such as “you’re gonna need a bigger boat” and “Mary Ellen Moffett – she broke my heart” are only two of the iconic lines from the film. Watch and find your own favorite lines. So, turn out the lights, turn up the sound bar and pop the biggest batch of popcorn because JAWS is a film that deserves to bring thrills and chills – even fifty years later and fifty years into the future.

In the end – Amity Island has everything and it’s the perfect feeding ground!

 

Revisit Growing and Feelings with INSIDE OUT 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to digital this week (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home) and soon to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from writer/director Kelsey Mann, Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Home Entertainment comes the growing up of INSIDE OUT 2.

It has been a few years since Riley (Kensington Tallman), Mom (Diane Lane) and Dad (Kyle MacLachlan) moved to San Francisco. Recently turning 13, Riley is making her way to high school. Tagging along with her still is Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Tony Hale), Anger (Lewis Black) and Disgust (Liza Lapira) who are eager to be a part of that transition. Joy, has even come up with a new idea in Riley’s mind that she calls the “Sense of Self” that holds the core of the young girl’s personality and shoots the negativity to the back of her mind.

Riley and best friends Bree (Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green) and Grace (Grace Lu) are thrilled to be invited to a hockey camp that could get them on the very well-known team called the Firehawks. That’s not the only fire coming as that night, Joy and the gang are alerted to a Puberty Alarm and their headquarters is barraged by workers and another new console. With that, four new emotions come into play – Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adele Exarchopulos), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and a visit from Nostalgia (June Squibb).

Just in time as Riley finds out her besties won’t be going to the same high school and that sets the new emotions into action. Anxiety tells Joy that things are different now and that she isn’t capable of helping Riley succeed. Especially when her favorite hockey player Val (Lilimar) sort of takes her under wing but that leaves Bree and Grace out in the cold. When Joy makes it clear that it is hurtful what Anxiety is doing, well, they gang gets shot out of headquarters allowing Anxiety complete control.

Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear and Disgust aren’t going to take it lying down! A plan is put into place to help Riley find herself again and put Anxiety into its place. It isn’t going to be easy and the gang is going to be put through the paces but Riley is their girl, they know who she is and what she is capable of refusing to let Anxiety decide who she is to be!

Other voice cast include Yvette Nicole Brown as Coach Roberts, Ron Funches as Bloofy, Yong Yea as Lace Slashblade, James Austin Johnson as Pouchy, Steve Purcell as Deep Dark Secret, Dave Goelz as Mind Cop Frank, Kirk Thatcher as Foreman, Frank Oz as Mind Cop Dave, Paula Pell as Mom’s anger, Pete Docter as Dad’s anger, Sarayu Blue as Margie, Flea as Jake, Bobby Moynihan as Forgetter Bobby, and John Ratzenberger as Fritz.

Disney entertainment includes Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. There are exclusive originals with new feature films, shows, short form content, documentaries, and actions series such as THE MANDALORIAN. For more information, please visit www.disneyplus.com.

Pixar Animation Studios is an American computer animation studio known for its critically and commercially successful computer animated feature films. These iconic films include the TOY STORY, MONSTERS INC., THE INCREDIBLES, NEMO/DORY, and CARS franchises as well as UP, RATATOUILLE and BRAVE. For more visit www.pixar.com.

Bonus Features include New Emotions – With Riley's imminent puberty, the story of Inside Out 2 always suggested that there would be a party of new emotions complicating Riley's world—and throwing a wrench into Joy's hard-won stability. But exactly what those new emotions could be was a big question mark. Casting the new emotions in Riley’s mind was a fun exploration into the shifting mindset of a teenager, and was also informed by some of the discarded scenes and characters from the original film. In this documentary we’ll discuss that process of creating Anxiety, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Envy—from narrowing them down from a long list of possible emotions, to the design, animation, and voicing of these new, hilarious, and strangely recognizable characters.

Unlocking the Vault – In a kind of visual commentary, a group of central creatives watch and discuss the scene “The Vault.” As they stop and start—and refer to various IP versions of the scene—we’ll hear about the inspiration for Riley’s repressed memories like Bloofy and Lance Slashblade, the development of the scene in Story, and the technical challenges of creating 2D characters that exist in the CG world of Riley’s mind.

Deleted Scenes include Cold Open – In this alternate opening, a now 13-year-old Riley awkwardly fumbles her way through an original song she wrote for a school audition. Broken Joy – After momentarily being unable to drive the console, Joy worries that she might be starting to malfunction, Pool Party – After Riley tries too hard to be fun at an older teen’s party – resulting in utter embarrassment – her “Anxiety” becomes “Self-Loathing” who then ousts our hero emotions from headquarters, Puberty Park – After seeing their faces printed on “wanted posters,” Joy and the others rogue emotions race through a puberty-themed amusement park while being chased by mind worker cops, and Shame Spiral – At a lock-in with some cool, older girls, Riley and friends play a game of “Never Have I Ever” that goes a bit too far – wreaking havoc in Riley’s mind.

Oh my gosh, INSIDE OUT 2 is absolutely fantastic and I say this as a mom and grandmom! Seeing the film with my family, I was taken back in time in so many ways. Of course, I recognized the emotional change for myself at 13 (yes, I can remember that far back), but even more so laughed at things that reminded me of my grown-up daughter when she was that age. More importantly, my pre-teen granddaughter who is already showing signs of the “new crew” that is in the film.

That being said, the story touches on so many things that it is a roller coaster ride of emotions for the audience – exactly what it’s like to go through puberty. Having to see it through the mind of Riley is charming, hilarious, meaningful and may even help kids understand what is happening to them. Watching the film, I turned to my granddaughter and said with a laugh, “remind you of anyone?” and with equal laughter she said proudly and confidently – “yes, ME!”.

Recognizing it, I believe, makes the difference and, INSIDE OUT 2 is a perfect roadmap for us all actually. Understanding where the emotions come from and giving them a “face” as it were had the theatre in such a great place as the film was showing. Parents were actually talking to their kids in the lobby about it all. That’s amazing!

I absolutely adore Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust and, in a way at my age, I still welcome them as part of being so very human. Secretly I love Anger and his thought process always leaving me cracking up. That’s what INSIDE OUT started out being in 2015, a way for us all to process our feelings and understanding them but those emotions faces and voices. We can thank Pixar, Disney and an amazing cast for knowing exactly who to choose for each.

The new additions of Anxiety set a whole new pace (if you can keep up) but it’s one the original gang can deal with in their own unique ways and we are all there for it and for Riley!

In the end – make room for new emotions!

Celebrating the 35th Anniversary is STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Digital from director Herbert Ross and Sony Pictures Home Entertainments celebrating the 35^th Anniversary of release is the beloved story of women who are STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

In the quaint southern town of Chinquapin Parish in Louisiana, a young Annelle Dupuy (Daryl Hannah) is looking to restart her life in the new town with a job at an at-home beauty salon owned by Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton). Cross town, M’Lynn Eatenton (Sally Fields) is attempting to get her home together for a reception after the wedding of her daughter Shelby (Julia Roberts).

Causing problems is her husband Drum (Tom Skerritt) who thinks shooting birds is a good thing prior to the wedding. To get away, M’Lynn and Shelby head off to Truvy’s to get their hair done where they see the very intense Louisa Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine). Amused by her is Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis) who likes to poke her friend. While getting her hair done, Shelby, who suffers from diabetes, has an attack that brings the salon to a standstill.

At the wedding, Shelby marries Jackson Latcherie (Dylan McDermott) and Annelle meets bartender Sammy DeSoto (Kevin J. O’Connor). Months go by and Shelby visits home for the Christmas gathering and announces she is expecting. M’Lynn is horrified knowing that her health is at risk.

The girls come together to help their friend and support everything that they are going through. M’Lynn, Truvy, Clairee, Annelle, and Louisa know there is nothing that they can not handle together. Life with their men, love of their friends and family and knowing that there isn’t anything they can’t do with words of love, support and laughter.

Fields as M’Lynn seems to be the calmest character in the film but with the most intensity in her life. She goes with the southern flow and tries to see the good in all things but sometimes, there are moments where it all catches up. I love Fields in this role and when the story calls for it, she is free to let loose with emotion and sane insanity.

Parton as Truvy is straight forward and doesn’t take a lot of guff from anyone. This character loves good gossip, a salon full of women and is there when she is truly needed. Taking Annelle under her wing, it can be testing at times but no friendship is too small for Truvy. Hannah as Annelle comes in shy, gets a bit crazy, goes Sunday southern but one of the girls when it counts.

MacLaine as Louisa is the typical a tad grumpy southern woman who just doesn’t have room in her life for nonsense. I always saw this character as not exactly wrong in her thinking and totally misunderstood outside her friendship group, okay, I just adore this character. Dukakis as Clairee is the town grande dame who knows everyone, everything and treats it all as her own little playground in a way. She is just cheeky when she needs and strong when her friends need her to be, just an absolutely delightful character and the friendship with Louisa is perfection.

Skeritt as Drum cracks me up totally and loves his family, Sheppard as Drum is laid back and doesn’t like to rock the boat but clearly loves his wife, McDermott as Jackson is just trying to live the life he always has but now with a wife and a bit of legal status, and O’Connor hasn’t yet learned the phrase “happy wife happy life” but tries.

Other cast include Bill McCutcheon as Owen Jenkins, Ann Wedgeworth as Fern Thornton, BiBi Besch as Belle Marmillion, Janine Turner as Nancy Beth, James Wlcek as Marshall Marmillion, Ronald Young as Drew, Tom Hodges as Louie, Norman Fletcher as Latcherie Sr., Jonathan Ward as Jonathan, Knowl Johnson as Tommy and Sam Shepard as Spud Jones.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

Bonus Materials include 4K Ultra HD Disc, Newly remastered in 4K resolution from the original camera negative, with Dolby Vision, and All-new Dolby Atmos audio + 5.1 + 2-channel surround. The Special Features are NEW: Steel Magnolias 1990 TV Pilot, Director’s Commentary, In Full Bloom: Remembering Steel Magnolias, 10 Deleted Scenes and Theatrical Trailer.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS is a film of love, family, friendships, loyalty and loss from start to finish. It is full of laughter, common southern sense with a heaping spoonful of no-nonsense. The cast brings Louisiana into the homes of everyone who has never experienced their world. Spending years in Alabama, I laughed through the film absolutely because none of it was a stretch. My parents actually lived next door to a real-life Truvy with her own salon in what was once a garage!

There isn’t anything in the film, actually, that doesn’t take me back to that small town living, small town friendships and every-body-knows-every-body’s-business feel. It is just a total delight from start to finished as the cast brings it home with just as much ease as the story begins.  

Curl up on the sofa with your favorite people, make sure there is Kleenex available and a cup of sweet tea and revisit or see this film for the first time. I can guarantee that STEEL MAGNOLIAS will be one you watch again and again.

In the end – the funny of the south that will bring you to tears!

It is His Story of Being DARKMAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray in a Collector’s Edition from director Sam Raimi and Scream Factory is the story of the DARKMAN.

Dr. Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson) is in the process of developing a synthetic skin but can’t get it to last more than 99 minutes. Keeping him in the lab, he wants to help burn victims with his discovery. Girlfriend Julie Hastings (Frances McDormand) is also hard at work when she discovers that developer Lous Strack Jr. (Colin Friels) has been dealing in bribery. Strack warns her that a memorandum that she found needs to be returned to crime boss Robert G. Durant (Larry Drake).

Back at the lab, Dr. Westlake are still working on the synthetic skin, they are close to fixing the problem making it work. They are interrupted when mobster Durant demands the memorandum that Westlake knows nothing about. Chaos erupts as Westlake is beaten, burned and the lab destroyed as Julie witnesses it all.

Blown into the river, Westlake is found and taken to the hospital as John Doe where he is given a treatment so that he no longer feels pain. Now he has unusual strength and after waking from a coma, escapes the hospital. Julie thinks Westlake is dead and goes on with her work while Westlake attempts to create a face for himself. His anger gives him motivation to go after Durant.

When Julie sees Westlake is alive, he keeps himself in the dark fearing she would reject him if she saw his face. While together at a carnival, his anger overwhelms him as anger takes ahold and his face begins to fall apart. Durant is still watching them both and now he has Julie kidnapped and they try to kill Westlake. Westlake realizes that he can not return to his old life and knows he must walk away from everything he knows.

Neeson as Westlake takes on his role and gives it the darkness it needs. His towering tallness is perfect for giving that ominous feel of a man who wants revenge while also wondering if a life with Julie is possible. I just love Neeson’s portrayal and with Raimi guiding him, it all works. McDormand as Julie is a strong female presence in the film with a toughness of her very own. That’s important as this story needs both of them and McDormand has no difficulty standing up for her own character.

Other cast include Nicholas Worth as Pauly Mazzuchelli, Ted Raimi as Rick Anderson, Nelson Mashita as Yakitito Yanagito, Julius Harris as the Gravedigger, Jessie Ferguson as Eddie Black, Rafael H. Robledo as Rudy Guzman, Dan Bell as Smiley Rogers, Arsenio Trinidad as Hung Fat and Bridget Hoffman as the Computer Voice.

SHOUT! Studios has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty and The Beast. Also, their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Special Features include on Disc One are New 4K Restoration from the Original Negative in Dolby Vision Approved by Director Sam Raimi and Director of Photography Bill Pope, New Audio Commentary with Filmmaker and DARKMAN Superfan Josh Ruben, and Audio Commentary with Bill Pope.

On Disc Two include  New 4k Transfer from the Original Negative Approved by Sam Raimi and Bill Pope, New Audio Commentary with Josh Ruben, Audio Commentary with Bill Pope, “Dissecting DARKMAN” – Interview with Actor Liam Neeson, Interview with Actor Frances McDormand, “The Name is Durant” – interview with Actor Larry Drake, “The Face of Revenge” – Interview with Makeup Designer Tony Gardner, “Henchman Tales” – Interviews with Actors Danny Hicks and Dan Bell, “Dark Design” – Interview with Production Designer Randy Set and Art Director Philip Dagort, Vintage “Making-Of” Featurette – Interviews with Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand and More, Vintage Interviews with Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand, Theatrical Trailer, TV Spots, Still Galleries – Posters & Production Stills, Behind the Scenes, and Make-Up Effects and Storyboards.

Director Raimi takes this story and mixes together action, horror, revenge, adventure and a bit of humor to bring a superhero movie to life. It is also a dark film take takes a comic book character and brings it from page to screen. As I am a fan of Neeson there isn’t anything I can say that would turn me away from seeing it again and again.

DARKMAN was ahead of its time with Raimi bringing this fourteen-million-dollar story to the big screen at a time when superheroes were looking for their spot is everything. Fire up that big screen television (the bigger the better) and crank up the soundbar because it’s time for his return!

In the end – he is everyone and no one!

 

 

Disney Gives us a WISH Once Again

 

Jeri Jacquin

On 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from directors Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn and Walt Disney Home Entertainment comes a big WISH.

Asha (Ariana DeBose) is a young teen girl who lives on an island in the kingdom of Rosas. Ruled by King Magnifico (Chris Pine) and the lovely Queen Amaya (Angelique Cabral), this is no ordinary kingdom. After studying sorcery, the King is able to grant heart’s desires by collecting wishes and protecting them. He does hold ceremonies where he chooses wishes to grant.

The one thing that Asha truly wants is for her grandfather Sabino’s (Victor Garber) to have his wish granted. He has waited so long that Asha believes if she can become an apprentice of King Magnifico, he can possibly help. When Asha is interviewed, she actually sees who the King truly is and is saddens her. She feels it best to tell her grandfather and mother Sakina (Natasha Rothwell) that the wish isn’t going to happen.

Knowing the king is deceiving the people of Rosas, Asha goes to a special spot on the island and makes her own wish. Quickly, a ball of light lands causing quite a stir and upsets Magnifico! Asha names the light and Star gives the forest animals the ability to talk, along with her goat Valentino (Alan Tudyk). Magnifico sees the light as a threat and turns to a dark magic to find who is responsible for what is happening.

That’s when Asha and Star call up her friends Dahlia (Jennifer Kumiyama), Bazeema (Della Saba), Dario (Jon Rudnitsky), Hal (Niko Vargas) and Safi (Ramy Youssef), along with the people of Rosas to stand against a power that could destroy it all.

DeBose as Asha lends her voice to a strong teen character who learns that what she believes to be true is not exactly the same as what is true. Disappointed in learning that someone she looks up to is human after all, she takes it upon herself to bring the true meaning of Rosas and the people together with the help of a little ball of light.

Pine as King Magnifico starts out as quite a showman but it is what is behind the wall in the top of the castle that shows the truth. Pine gives his character the voice of a leader who isn’t all quite in favor of the good of the people. Cabral as Queen Amaya has supported her husband but becomes suspicious of what is happening when he turns Amaya away. She tries to help the King find his path and has no problem standing up for what is right.

Tudyk as Valentino is the comic relief of the animal kingdom. Once he finds his voice, he doesn’t hesitate to use it and I am all for it.  Kumiyama, Saba, Rudnitsky, Vargas and Youssef are the supporting characters who are just delightful to watch. The group shows exactly what friendship is all about and also stand up for what is right.

Other cast include Harvey Guillen as Gabo and Evan Peters as Simon.

Walt Disney Studios continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is coming from Walt Disney Studios please visit. www.movies.disney.com.  

Bonus Features include Sing Along with the Movie, Featurette: Once Upon a Studios, 100 Years in the Making, What Makes Disney Disney, The WISH Equation, Looking Backward to go Forward, Where Dreams and Reality Collide, Asha Means WISH, The Return of the Disney Villain, Star is Born, Those Who Stand Beside Me, and When Wishes Come True.

Also, Featurette: WISH D- Classified, Featurette: Outtakes, Featurette: Deleted Song “A Wish Worth Making”, Deleted Scenes, and Song Selection.

WISH is a charming film from beginning to end. The story is one of family, love, loyalty, friendship and the kind heartedness of a young girl. She wants what is best for her family and knows that she cannot change things without the help of her loyal friends.

Star is the silent star of the film with the lightness, playfulness and steadfastness Disney has come to be generationally known for. There is silliness mixed into it all and a togetherness when it comes time for the final confrontation.

We see the film as a family and really have a wonderful time together. This is a story that reaches into children’s hearts but also gives adults something amazing as well and there is nothing wrong with that.

In the end – be careful what you wish for!

THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK Returns on 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from writer/director Randall Wallace, United Artist and Shout! Select in a Collector’s Edition is the classic 1998 film THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK.

France is almost in financial ruin as King Louis XIV (Leonardo DiCaprio) continues to wage war against the Dutch. The once four Musketeers Aramis (Jeremy Irons), Porthos (Gerard Depardieu), Athos (John Malkovich) have gone on to live separate lives away from the fray. Only D’Artangnan (Gabriel Byrne) remained to help the king.

Athos son Raoul (Peter Sarsgaard) wants to be a Musketeer like his father was and also is in love with the beautiful Christine Bellefort (Judith Godreche). The King has other plans for both Raoul and Christine angering Athos beyond measure. The King believes there is a traitor among the Jesuit priests and he tells Aramis that he must hunt down the person and dispose of him.

Aramis decides to bring Porthos, Athos and D’Artagnan together to show him a plan to rid themselves of a king who starves his people and only cares for his own glory. D’Artagnan makes it clear he will have no part in whatever Aramis is planning and Athos makes it clear they will never see each other as friends again.

Aramis, Porthos and Athos take it upon themselves to get a man in an iron mask at the Ile Sainte-Marguerite prison. What is discovered is that the man is none other than Philippe (Leonardo DiCaprio), a son of Queen Anne (Anne Parillaud) that no one knows about. Their plan seems simple enough to exchange Phillipe for Louis but it will take time and time is not on their side!

DiCaprio as the King and Phillipe get the opportunity to play a double role but totally different from each other. As the King he plays an uncaring, spoiled man who doesn’t care who he has to destroy to get what he wants. The role of Phillipe is a man who doesn’t understand what has been happening to him but the changes are slow when it is time to take his place in the world. This is one of my favorite films and DiCaprio adds to that reason.

Irons as Aramis is, out of the three friends, is the cool, level headed smart planner. He knows what must be done and even if his friends are unpredictable, he needs them to finish what they have started together. Byrne as D’Artangnan is torn between being a friend and a Musketeer loyal to the kingdom. I truly enjoy his portrayal of a man who is loyal but with a secret of his own.

Malkovich as Athos has a sincere and heart-breaking reason for wanting to be part of the plan to rid France of a bad king. Although his character rages from the start, he does find a softer part of himself in Phillipe. Depardieu as Porthos is a man who knows how to have a good time and is a bit overdramatic but when he is called upon to act like a Musketeer, it is not a good thing for any enemy.

Parillaud as Queen Anne knows that her son the King does not care for anyone else but his own selfish needs but manages to keep herself together. There is a feeling for one particular Musketeer and a history that they have kept to themselves for years. Parillaud is lovely and charming and, more importantly, makes you believe she is a Queen.

Other cast includes David Lowe as King Louis Advisor, Edward Atterton as Lieutenant Andre, and Hugh Laurie as Pierre.

SHOUT! Studios has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty and The Beast. Also, their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Bonus Features include New 4K Transfer from the Original Camera Negative, Audio DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 2.0, In Dolby Vision, Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Randall Wallace.  Interview with Producer Paul Hitchcock, Interview with Production Designer Anthony Pratt, “Myth and the Musketeers” Featurette, “Director’s Take” Featurette, “Alternate Mask Prototypes” Featurette, Original Behind-The-Scene Featurette and Theatrical Trailer.

I remember when THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK came out in theatres because I was so excited to see it. The period piece of me is always going to run to the theatre and with a historical family connection to France I am always curious as to a storyteller’s ideal of mixing history with action and adventure. It was an amazing time and thrilling to watch on the big screen.

Now, with the size of televisions, watching the film again is absolutely like being in the theatre once again. The action of the Musketeers and the adventure of the story is done with color and a vividness that has made the film a classic. The ensemble of actors truly makes the tale worthy of being part of any home entertainment library.

So, learn the secret and know the story of THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK!

In the end – the Musketeers take on a King!

It is the Story of THE CREATOR on 4K Ultra

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from writer/director Gareth Edwards and 20th Century Home Entertainment is the future when they are all looking for THE CREATOR.

Joshua (John David Washington) is a happy man living on a remote tropical island with his love Maya (Gemma Chan). Expecting their first child, it is the calm of the island and the sound of the waves that keeps them happy. But this is the future and A.I. has become a serious issue and after a horrific incident in Los Angeles, the A.I. are being hunted by the hundreds. The military and their leaders are looking for Nirata, the one responsible for creating more of the A.I.

When it becomes clear that Joshua has a plan, Maya tries to escape the island with the military led by Colonel Howell (Allison Janney) closing in for destruction. Taking Joshua to Los Angeles, he now has the job of cleaning up the A.I. that are destroyed. He is then approached General Andrews (Ralph Ineson) and Howell wanting help in finding the location of the Nirmata and his chance to see Maya once again. They want the secret weapon they believe will control all A.I. and destroy the human race.

Who Joshua discovers is Alphie (Madeleine Yuna Voyles), a young A.I. who knows where Maya is. During a fire fight, they are rescued by Harun (Ken Watanabe) who begins to see a connection between Joshua and Alphie but there is no time as Howell and bulldog McBride (Marc Menchaca) are not going to let them get away. Jumping from place to place, everyone is looking for elusive Nirmata.

It is up to Joshua and Alphie to stop the military from their continual destruction, the same destruction they blame on the A.I.’s.

Washington as Joshua is a man on a mission, but what mission might that be? In a world that has turned itself upside down, the question becomes who is the good guy and who should be feared? Joshua’s only goal in all of the goings on is to find his love Maya, but along the way he learns what the truths are and his goal is to once again protect love. I enjoyed Washington’s performance given that most of his time is spend running.

Voyles as Alphie is charming and probably smarter than everyone else around her. Although this character is filled with emotion, Alphie manages to overcome the urge to react to them in a way that is destructive. The youngling sees the best and worst the world has to offer and responds in kind. Voyles is captivating as Alphie and enjoyable to watch her take this role and make it her own.

Janney as Col. Howell is exactly what you would expect from a psycho military colonel who will use any manipulation possible to get results. She is twisted, hard and doesn’t mind shooting anything that gets in her way. Janney has the uncanny ability to choose characters that are multi-dimensional but this character has one goal – destruction.

Chan as Maya is Joshua’s love and spent her childhood being raised by A.I. She supports their cause and will do anything to help them. Chan knows a bit about A.I. acting as Mia in the 2012-18 series HUMANS. Menchaca as McBride is the mirror image of Col. Howell wanting to wreak havoc and destruction all in the name of ‘humanity’. Ineson as Andrews is the dark horse, almost literally, as we don’t really see his face but instead a hauntingly low growl of orders commanding the human military.

Shout out to Ken Watanabe as Harun as he continues to prove how his presence on screen is so powerful. Personally, I think his eyes show so much depth in the way his character responds to love, caring, anger, distress and that becomes important in playing this particular role.

Other cast include Sturgill Simpson as Drew, Amar Chadha-Patel as Omni, Robbie Tann as Shipley, Michael Esper as Captain Cotton, Veronica Ngo as Kami, Ian Verdun as Daniels, Daniel Rodriguez as Hardwick, Rad Pereira as Lambert, Syd Skidmore as Bradbury, Karen Aldridge as Dr. Thankey and Teerwat Mulvilai as Boonmee.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.20thcenturystudios.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Feature includes TRUE LOVE: Making the Creator – Join director Gareth Edwards and crew for nearly an hour look behind the scenes. Hear from actors about the filming experience, and learn about the production’s documentary-style approach, the innovative camera and lighting work, and much more.

THE CREATOR is a futuristic look at the complicated and destructive behavior driven by the fears of humanity toward their own creations. The concept and characters of the story, however, aren’t new. Watching the film, I can easily see the influences of STAR WARS (1977), THE GOLDEN CHILD (1986), INDEPENDENCE DAY (1996), A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (2001), AVATAR (2009), ELYSIUM (2013), EX MACHINA (2014), HUMANS (2015) and FINCH (2021) along with so many, many more.

It seems the film mainly shows off its ability to creative stunning visuals of machinery and its capability. There are some deep color and emotional filming of what is called ‘New Asia’ from villages to the temples that are very cool. The action sequences are just that, filled with action, chases, and weaponry.

The ‘human’ side of the story mainly comes from those fearful and angry carbon-based units who do not consider A.I.’s to be human at all. Their ability to destroy is the main focus of everything that happens in the film. On the flip side are the A.I.’s who make it clear to Joshua what it is they truly want and it is embrace worthy.

Coming in at two hours and thirteen minutes but it is a wild ride with a few twists and turns. The concept of love, relationships and fighting for what is right come out loud and clear.

In the end – humanity evolves!

BLACK HAWK DOWN Lands on 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Ridley Scott and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the true story of the men and BLACK HAWK DOWN.

Somalia is a nation in civil war and the UN Security Council wants a peacekeeper through military operations.  However, within a year, there is rivalry between UNOSOM II and a militia in Mogadishu loyal to Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The United States has their own response as President Clinton decides to send the Task Force Rangers to capture Aidid who is taking from his own people.

Immediately they capture Osman Ali Atto who sells arms to Aidid and continue their mission to capture Aidid’s top advisers. Staff Sgt. Mathew Eversmann (Josh Hartnett) leads Private Todd Blackburn (Orlando Bloom) and Specialist John Grimes (Ewan McGregor) up for the operation. When a helicopter goes down, Sgt. Jeff Struecker (Brian Van Holt) and his Humvee team converge on the crash site but Lt. Col. Danny McKnight (Tom Sizemore) can’t get through. The Rangers led by Cpt. Mike Steele (Jason Isaacs) and team are also pinned down.

Aidid’s militia is now doing everything they can to destroy any American military they find. Death and destruction happen among the soldiers trying to find a way to escape from those who will do anything to kill. What the militia didn’t count on was the strength and determination of their fellow soldiers and the countries who refuse to tolerate it all.

To go into detail for each of these actors would take more pages than I can possibly use. This is an intense film that brings together the work of all these actors taking on roles that are poignant, frightening, heart-wrecking, strong, protective and every other descriptor of a hero you can possibly want to use.

In a country that is run by individuals who only know death and destruction, their aim was to brutalize anyone who got in their way. This is a difficult film for some to watch for its brutality and its general hatred portrayed all around. Yet, in the midst of that is a wide cast of roles that each see their duty and do not question what it is they are to do – save lives if they can.

Other cast include Ewen Bremner as SPC Shawn Nelson, Gabriel Casseus as SPC Mike Kurth, Hugh Dancy as SFC Kurt Schmid, William Fichtner as SFC Jeff Sanderson, Kim Coates as MSG Chris Wex, Steven Ford as LTC Joe Cribbs, Ioan Gruffudd as Lt. John Beales, Tom Guiry as Sgt. Ed Yurek, Charlie Hofheimer as CPL Jamie Smith, Danny Hoch as Sgt. Dominic Pilla, Zeljko Ivanek as Ltc. Gary L. Harrell, Johnny Strong as SFC Randy Shughart, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Msg. Gary Gordon, Richard Tyson as Ssg. Daniel Busch, Ron Eldard as CW4 Michael Durant, Glenn Morshower as Col. Thomas Matthews, Ian Virgo as Pfc. John Waddell, Tom Hardy as Spc. Lance Twonbly, Gregory Sporleder as Sgt. Schott Galentine, Carmine Giovinazzo as Sgt. Mike Goodale, Chris Beetem as Sgt. Casey Joyce and Jeremy Piven as CW4 Clifton Wolcott.

Boyd Bestner as CW3 Mike Goffena, Pavel Vokoun as CW3 Donovan Briley, Jason Hildebrandt as CW3 Dan Jollota, Keith Jones as himself, Tac, Fitzgerald as Spc. Dale Sizemore, Enrique Murciano as Sgt. Lorenzo Ruiz, Michael Roof as Pvt. John Maddox, Kent Linville as Pfc. Clay Othoic, Norman Rees as Lt. Tom DiTomasso, Razaaq Adoti as Yousuf Dahir Mo’alim, Treva Etienna as Firimbi, Ty Burrell as Tsgt. Timothy Wilkinson, Dan Woods as Sgt. Scott Fales, Giannina Facio as Stephanie Shughart and Sam Shepard as MG William Garrison.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

The Special Features include Three Audio Commentaries Featuring Director Ridley Scott-Producer Jerry Bruckheimer-Author Mark Bowden- Screenwriter Ken Noland -Task Force Ranger Veterans, “The Essence of Combat: Making BLACK HAWK DOWN”, PBS Presents: “Frontline: Ambush in Mogadishu”, 8 Deleted & Alternate Scenes with Optional Commentary, “Designing Mogadishu” Featurette, Production Design Archive, Ridleygrams with Commentary and Target Building Insertion with Commentary.

Also included Q&A Forums: BAFTA, Motion Pictures Editors Guild & American Cinematheque, Jerry Bruckheimer’s BLACK HAWK DOWN Photo Album, Title Design Explorations with Commentary, “Gortoz A Ran – J’Attends” Music Video Performed by Denez Prigent & Lisa Gerrard, Photo Galleries, Theatrical Poster Concepts, Trailer & TV Spots, and Original Special Features Designed & Produced by Charles de Lauzirika.

BLACK HAWK DOWN is probably one of the most intense films about war that I can recall seeing. Seeing how the people of Somalia were being treated and subjected to brutality and starvation, it is clear why the world reacted as it did. However, going according to plan had dangers of its own, dangers that the soldiers that committed to the mission knew existed.

It is one-hundred and fifty-two minutes of intensity but a story that director Scott felt compelled to tell. In that lies the story in the book by Mark Bowden and while a dramatization of events, the re-writes and help of the military, BLACK HAWK DOWN has once again come to the forefront and worthy of a spot in anyone’s home entertainment library.

In the end – leave no man behind!

On Steelbook is the Telling of THE GUNS OF NAVARONE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, Digital and in Steelbook from director J. Lee Thompson and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of THE GUNS OF NAVARONE.

Kheros is an island and in 1943 over 2,000 British soldiers are unable to leave. What is called the Axis powers plan to assault the island and even when the Royal Navy tries to intervene, they are fired upon from Navarone Island. The only way to stop the shelling is by sending in a unit that can destroy the guns.

Major Roy Franklin (Anthony Quayle), along with Cpt. Keith Mallory (Gregory Peck), Col. Andrea Stavros (Anthony Quinn), Corporal Miller (David Niven), Spyros Pappadimos (James Darren) and “The Butcher” Brown (Stanley Baker) make up the group that will sail across the Aegean disguised as Greek fisherman and steal a German boat. Now that they are on high alert, Franklin is injured and the group is eventually captured by Muesel (Walter Gotell) and the interrogations begins.

This isn’t a team that is going to be stopped easily as they get German uniforms and make their way to their destination, Navarone. What they find there is treachery, lies and more difficulty than they could imagine to finish the mission, yet, that is what they plan to do and no one or nothing will stop with their own plans. 

Peck as Mallory was/is a large presence on the screen in the film. He has the presence and the voice that is captivating and would make any soldier snap-to! Along with Peck is Quinn as Stavros who has a secret of his own but it does not stop him from going forward with the mission. Darren as Pappadimos was, at the time, a heart throb for many yet he fits into the cast extremely well.

Shout out to Richard Harris as he has been an actor I would recognize a mile away when growing up. I followed every film he was in and, as I got older, was thrilled beyond belief when he took his turn as the headmaster of Hogwarts and, quite honestly, was the reason I saw the film in the first place. As Barnsby, he is equal to the task as his American counterpart actors in telling this story. 

Other cast include Irene Papas as Maria, Percy Herbert as Grogan, George Mikell as Sessler, Gia Scala as Anna, James Justice as Jensen, Albert Lieven as Commandant, Tutte Lemkov as Nicolai, Bryan Forbes as Cohn, Allan Cuthbertson as Baker, Michael Trubshawe as Weaver and Richard Harris as Barnsby.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Special Features include Main Title Progression Reel and Theatrical Trailer on 4K Ultra HD. On Bluray the Features include Commentaries with Director J. Lee Thompson & Film Historian Stephen J. Rubin, Three Documentaries.

Also included is Audio Commentary by Director J. Lee Thompson, Audio Commentary by Film Historian Stephen J. Rubin, The Resistance Dossier of NAVARONE: interactive Feature, Forging THE GUNS OF NAVARONE: Notes from the Set, An Ironic Epic of Heroism, Memories of Navarone, Epic Restoration, A Heroic Score, Gret Guns, No Visitors, Honeymoon on Rhodes, Two Girls on the Town, Narration-Free Prologue and Message from Carl Foreman.

THE GUNS OF NAVARONE hit theatres in 1961 and is based on the novel by Alistair MacLean also called The Guns of Navarone. Premiering at London’s West End Odeon Leicester Square, it went on to be one of the top grossing films of 1961. It went on to win the Academy Award for Best Special Effects, two Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Original Score – Motion Picture, and a Laurel Award for Top Drama. It also came in at #89 in the AFI’s 100 Years…100 Thrills.

Coming in at two hours and thirty-eight minutes, it is a story fraught with intrigue, war, missions, dedication, locations, and the enemy trying to conquer the world. The cinematography is amazing for its age yet holds up to the test of time. Watching it once again reminds me of spending time with the family watching a good Friday night film at home with popcorn cheering on the hero.

In the end – it is the greatest adventure ever films!