ESCAPE ROOM Brings Survival to DVD

Jeri Jacquin

This week on DVD, Digital HD and On Demand from director Will Wernick and Lionsgate is a thrill in tight spaces and what it takes to survive from the ESCAPE ROOM.

Christen (Elisabeth Hower) wants to do something unique for her boyfriend Tyler’s (Evan Williams) big thirtieth birthday. Boarding a chauffer bus, they all turn over their cell phones and purses being told they are participating in mysterious escape room game.

Toasting with champagne, they drive around the city with blacked out windows waiting to arrive at their destination. Walking in the building it is dark and has an eerie look about it but that doesn’t stop their excitement of the game. Along with Natasha (Annabelle Stephenson), Anderson (Dan J. Johnson), Conrad (John Ierardi) and Tabby (Kelly Delson), they begin to explore their surroundings.

Coupled in separate room, they each are set a task of getting out of what ever restraints they have been put in. The only one alone is Tyler who isn’t sure what his task is going to be and Christen isn’t with him. Discovering Anderson and Natasha in the next room, now the three of them work on the next clues to get out of their rooms.

That leads them to lovebirds Tabby and Conrad who make quick work of their puzzle. In each room they also find a mysterious card. Still looking for Christen they are weirded out when they see her in a cage and realize they have 45 minutes to get her out.

Room by room they look for clues but things begin to go horribly wrong and panic sets in. Tyler, Natasha and Anderson are now fighting for the life of Christen as the clock shows them no mercy and escape seems hopeless.

It’s not a game any longer.

Williams as Tyler is sharp and leads the group in solving the puzzles. With the exception of a momentary breakdown, he knows it’s time to focus and get them all out alive. To be honest I think I’d follow him before the others who seem to be losing it. Stephenson as Natasha begins with other things on her mind, or perhaps I should say some other person. She doesn’t let go of it and it becomes her crazy trigger.

Johnson as Anderson seems to get plenty of grief from girlfriend Natasha and I’m fairly sure I’d be setting her up if I were him. Ierardi as Conrad is just a guy that is pretty crazy about girlfriend Tabby (they are cute if not a little saccharin laden) who happens to be celebrating a friends’ birthday. I might rethink ever going to a friend’s birthday ever again.

Hower as Christen has the crazy role of sitting in a cage and watching everything that happens to her friends. The good news is that at least her friends thought enough of her to try and figure out how to rescue her.

I have to give a serious shout out to the blue eyed sexy Billy Flynn who opens the film. Yes, I knew right away that Chad from the soap Days of Our Lives was going to be cool to watch. My only downside is the big question – why couldn’t he have been in it more?

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to it’s 16,000 motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

ESCAPE ROOM has the Special Features of a Director’s Commentary, Deleted Scenes, Bloopers and a Trailer Gallery. I had to watch the bloopers and they totally cracked me up which is a little twisted for a thriller/horror film right?

ESCAPE ROOM is a thriller that has some real cool bite to it. The clues are crafty and clever and if I was ever in that situation you might as well take me out early. I never would have thought of (without giving anything away) the intricacies of the clues – well played!

This is also the perfect film if, like me, you happen to love spending the entire month of October watching one thriller-horror a night! I mean isn’t that what everyone does? It’s a way to bring together the love of being scared out of our wits and ESCAPE ROOM certainly qualified!

In the end – will you survive?

Beauty and the Beast Dances and Sings onto Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray/DVD and Digital HD from director Bill Condon and Disney is the return of a tale as old as time with BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

Belle (Emma Watson) is a young girl living in a small village where everyone knows everyone. So much so that Belle is known as an unusual girl who would read than find a husband. Living with her father Maurice (Kevin Kline), he is also seen as unusual.

Also in the town is Gaston (Luke Evans), a tad self centered man who sees Belle as his prize and wants to marry her. Along with side kick LeFou (Josh Gad), it is a constant struggle to understand why she is not falling at his feet!

During a trip to the neighboring town, Maurice unexpectedly loses his way and ends up in a tattered castle. He quickly discovers that the inhabitants are a little more magical and terrifying. A Beast (Dan Stevens) roars down and puts Maurice in a tower cell.

When their horse returns to Belle, she immediately knows her father is in trouble and rides off to find him. Finding her father in a cell and meeting the Beast, Belle offers a trade to stay in exchange for releasing her father.

Maurice returns to the town and tries to convince everyone that Belle is being held prisoner by a Beast. In the meantime Belle is getting to know her surroundings and the magic that holds the castle captive. Taking care of her is the candlestick Lumiere (Ewan McGregor), the elegant clock Cogsworth (Ian McKellen), the motherly teapot Mrs. Potts (Emma Thompson) and her teacup son Chip (Nathan Mack), the chiffarobe Madame Garderobe (Audra McDonald) and the ivory keys of Maestro Cadenza (Stanley Tucci).

Getting to know the Beast, Belle begins to see a different side of the creature. This thrills the residence of the castle since there is a curse with a glass encased rose and when the last petal falls they all will become unchangeable forever.

The Beast begins to feel so much more than he could have imagined and when Belle needs to be with her father, his heart gives in. But that isn’t all changing as Gaston convinces the town that the Beast must be destroyed. The two sides collide but one thing is certain, nothing will ever be the same.

It begins with heart!

Watson is charming as Belle and she certainly has made her way out of another iconic character. She twirls and sings her way though and looks to be enjoying her performance.

Stevens voicing the Beast is gruff and unmoving at first but, of course, finds his heart and is changed.

Evans as Gaston is very funny and manages to capture the arrogance and narcissism of the marriage minded self-absorbed hunter. Gad as LeFou is clever and also funny.  Kline as Maurice gets a chance to portray Belle’s father in a less absent minded way but still well done.

McGregor as Lumiere is charming, but then again he is supposed to be. McKellen as Cogsworth has that voice that clearly defines who he is. Thompson as Mrs. Potts is sweet and caring along with the adorable Mack as Chip. McDonald as Madame Garderobe needs lessons in fashion and Tucci as Cadenza plays the ivories beautifully.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment began distributing under its own label in 1980 and 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 currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

The film is obviously beautiful and live-action fans will have a good time singing along whenever they like to song they already know and one or two new ditties. The costuming is stunning and the cgi is clever. The cast is fun and that is all that will matter to families ready to have a real home movie night.

The Bluray includes so many Bonus Extras including Enchantable Table Read – You’re invited to join the cast for the movie’s elaborately staged table read, complete with singing and dancing to live music, set pieces and more, A Beauty of a Tale – Explore the process of transforming a beloved animated film into a new live-action classic, and The Women Behind Beauty and the Beast – Emma Watson introduces several of the many talented women in all aspects of production who helped bring this enchanted tale to life.

That isn’t all! Also included From Song to Screen: Making the Musical Sequences – Discover what goes into creating some Beauty and the Beast’s best-known moments, Making a Moment with Celine Dion, Beauty and the Beast Music Video & Making the Music Video, Extended Song: Days in the Sun – Learn more about Beast’s childhood in an alternate version of this beautiful song, and finally Deleted Scenes, Song Selection and so much more!

This BEAUTY AND THE BEAST pack includes a Bluray, DVD and Digital HD which means with the code you can take the gang where ever you are going and instantly stream and download all 129 minutes of fun.

In the end – be our guest!

Steele and Grey are Back in FIFTY SHADES DARKER on Bluray!

Jeri Jacquin

On Digital HD now and Bluray/DVD and 4K Ultra HD as well as OnDemand next week from director James Foley and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the next chapter in the story of lovers who are becoming FIFTY SHADES DARKER.

Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) is still reeling after the break-up with Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). Getting a job at a publishing company working for Jack Hyde (Eric Johnson), she keeps herself busy but it doesn’t stop Christian from reaching out. During a night out, Christian shows up asking Anastasia to please speak with him and she agrees.

While at dinner they talk about where their relationship needs to be before Anastasia would even consider reconnecting. That is when Christian begins to understand that he can no longer hide if he is to have her and explains parts of his past. Feeling that love between them might be possible, Anastasia is thrilled.

So is Christian’s mother Grace (Marcia Gay Harden) when the couple arrives at party being thrown at the Grey estate. Anastasia sees Elena Lincoln (Kim Basinger) who promptly lets her know that her happiness isn’t going to last. Upset by her words, the couple leaves the party only to deal with another disturbing event caused by a young woman named Leila (Bella Heathcote).

Trying to keep Anastasia protected, it seems as if their problems are coming from all around as Christian tries to maintain control. From her boss Jack at the publishing company, to a mysterious girl following Anastasia and Christian’s Mrs. Robinson – control is about to be taken from them both!

Because in their world it is all about control.

Johnson as Anastasia wastes no time wanting to work things out with Christian. Jumping right back into a crazy life, this time she has more to say about their situation. Finally figuring out the secrets that Grey has been hiding, Anastasia decides there is nothing so frightening that she can not deal with it for his sake.

Dornan as Grey does the most personal evaluating when he finally starts to come clean about his past. There is still more to discover I’m sure but at least there are some answers to make fans happy. Dornan isn’t as angry looking in this film giving Christian smiles and a sense of humor making his role more endearing.

Basinger as Elena is definitely a problem child who is clearly not happy that Christian has won Anastasia back. She gives us a little 9 ½ WEEKS smoldering and clearly isn’t happy with Grey’s choice. Heathcote as Leila is a woman in pain and she wants everyone else to suffer, especially Anastasia.

Speaking of the Grey’s, Harden as Grace is elegant, beautiful and thrilled Anastasia is back. Ora as Mia is flighty and Grimes as brother Elliot is still hot and heavy for Anastasia’s roommate Eloise played by Kavanagh.

Other cast include Kate Kavanagh as Eloise, Rita Ora as Mia Grey, Luke Grimes as Elliot Grey, Victor Rasuk as Jose, Andrew Airlie as Carrick Grey, Robinne Lee as Ros Bailey and Max Martini as Taylor.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us all to experience and re-experience in our own home theatres. 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.

FIFTY SHADES DARKER opens up the door to more of the storyline and a glimpse into what is going to happen next in the tale of these lovers. The storyline in this installment answers many of the questions from the previous film but clearly leaves more to come.

Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey remain the hot couple that brought people into the theatres for a shared experience and will continue on this Unrated Edition on Bluray/DVD and Digital HD. That’s exactly what audiences will get with FIFTY SHADES DARKER, twists, turns, answers and plenty of tension and wardrobe changes.

The Bonus Features Exclusive to Bluray are A Darker Direction – Director James Foley explains how his vision had to meet with fans’ expectation, New Threats – An introduction to some new, dark and threatening characters, including Jack Hyde, Leila and, of course, Elena Lincoln also known as Mrs. Robinson, The Masquerade – This Featurette about one of the film’s most iconic scenes, Intimate with Darker – An intense look and discussion about the intimate, sensual and provocative world of Fifty Shades Darker, including a visit to the Red Room and the new toys. 

The Bonus Features on Bluray and DVD are Deleted Scenes, A tease to FIFTY SHADES FREED – a teaser to the next Fifty Shades film, Writing Darker – Author E.L. James and screenwriter Niall Leonard trace back the history of the book, Dark Reunion – The filmmaker and cast members discuss being reunited for the film.

There is also a 4K Ultra HD combo pack available which includes the Ultra HD Bluray, Bluray and Digital HD that has all of the Special Features available.

The Fifty Shades series of films keeps fans of the books coming back for more. Knowing that there is another installment means that to satisfy everyone until then, there are going to be plenty of FIFTY SHADES DARKER viewing parties! Nothing wrong with that because with this Unrated Version and Combo Pack – there is plenty to see again and again.

In the end – every fairy tale has a dark side!

THE BOUNCE BACK Bounces on DVD This Week

Jeri Jacquin

Rolling onto DVD and Digital HD this week from director Youssef Delara and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment is a look at unexpected love with THE BOUNCE BACK.

Matthew Taylor (Shemar Moore) is an author with a book on relationships called The Bounce Back. Touring to promote it he also tries to find time to meet a lady or two and be with his daughter Aleya (Nadja Alaya).

Promoter Terry Twist (Bill Bellamy) wants Matthew to actually be in a relationship to help book sales. During a two-day seminar he meets Kristin Peralta (Nadine Velazquez), a therapist who thinks Matthew pushes a quick fix to people’s pain. Her friends Sarah (Megan Stevenson) and Jessica (Kali Hawk) decide to get her out for some fun.

When a video of Kristin trying to put Matthew in his place makes it onto YouTube, the two are asked to appear on shows across the country. Terry is less than thrilled with the set up and even less happy that they seem to be getting along.

After a whirlwind tour together can only lead to one thing, having feelings for one another! The problem with that is when you put two people together who have feelings for one another and they believe they are experts in relationships…well you get the rest.

They have bounced into each others lives!

Moore as Matthew plays the smooth talking relationship expert who isn’t in a relationship himself. Instead he hangs out with his manager and daughter when not doing a seminar. Clashing with the character of Kristin sets everything on fire yet causes both of them to rethink the philosophies they push. Moore is charming and turns it up to high heat.

Velazquez as Kristin is a therapist who is trying to help people but keep running into those who fall for Taylor’s book The Bounce Back. Trusting that her friends will keep her entertained or a watching late night television is her idea of staying out of being hurt in a relationship.

The comic relief comes with Bellamy as Terry, the manager who wants to keep his client in the spot light. Not happy when Kristin puts a kink in his plans, he tries to keep them apart. He is a smooth talking, deal making manager and Bellamy plays the comedy to the hilt.

Stevenson as Sarah and Hawk as Jessica are happy go lucky gals who just want what’s best for their girl. They are a tad spacey but that’s what Kristin needs in her life – especially when taking everything else so seriously.

Alaya as Aleya is charming and adorable. Discovering love for herself, Dad is keeping an eye on her but also giving her the space to handle her crush.

Other cast include Michael Beach as Lester, Matthew Willig as Vladamir, Rizwan Manji as Daryl, Robinne Lee as Sam, Denise Boutte as Julie and Annie Sertich as Danika.

Twentieth Century Fox 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.fox.com.

THE BOUNCE BACK is a charming look at love, relationships and life – at any age. Each of the characters are charming and have their own pains to deal with mixed with everything life can throw their way. That makes the story relatable, even with the comedy mixed in.

This is a perfect film for a girls’ get-together or a date night in! Order some take-out, call everyone over and make a totally fun night of it. There is something amazing about finding a film that can delight everyone and THE BOUNCE BACK brings just that.

The DVD and Digital HD of THE BOUNCE BACK can be played instantly streaming and download for television, computer, tablets and Smartphones. That makes enjoying the film almost everyplace is great for everyone to enjoy.

In the end – sometimes you have to turn the page to fall in love.