MARK FELT: The Man Who Brought Down the White House

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Peter Landesman and Sony Picture Classics is the story of the man only known in 1974 as Deep Throat in MARK FELT: The Man Who Brought Down the White House.

Mark Felt (Liam Neeson) is a man dedicated to his work with the FBI. Serving under the Hoover administration as Assistant Director, he knew what was expected of him and demanded the same of everyone he worked with. Living in Washington D.C. with wife Audrey (Diane Lane) he is comfortable and satisfied with his life.

Notified of Hoover’s passing, Felt takes immediate action to remove any files belonging to Hoover to protect the Bureau. Also having a belief that he would be next to take charge of the FBI, Felt is shaken when the position is given to Pat Gray (Marton Csokas) by President Nixon. It is clear that changes are happening and not to the benefit of the Bureau. He stays close with Charlie Bates (Josh Lucas) seeing him as a likeminded agent.

Giving Gray a chance to see how the department works, Felt is notified when the Watergate Hotel is broken into. Almost immediately he begins to see people involved in the investigation that shouldn’t be, particularly Bill Sullivan (Tom Sizemore). Felt has never experienced the level of deceit and makes a decision to stop it if he can.

Reaching out to Sandy Smith (Bruce Greenwood) of Time and Bob Woodward (Julian Morris) of the Washington Post, Felt begins to plant the seeds of inquiry. Everyone knows there is a leak of information that carries the weight of a cover-up that goes to the highest office in the land and all orchestrated by a man hiding in plain sight.

Neeson as Felt is just a bad ass stone cold FBI man who doesn’t let his composure slip for one second. Even when he is disappointed he keeps a straight face that almost says ‘you will not break me’. Of course this is Neeson we are talking about here and in this film his certain set of skills is the stare of a man who isn’t about to let anyone mess with his beloved bureau. He’d rather take apart the highest office in the land than see one brick of the FBI’s building damaged in any way. I just loved watching Neeson take this role and run with it!

Lane as Audrey is a wife of the man she believed should be the head of the FBI. When that doesn’t happen the alcohol flows and so does the realization that she has given everything to Washington D.C.

Lucas as Bates is clearly a man who believes in Felt and does not hesitate to follow any order given. Even when this man that he trusts is clearly doing something Bates can’t even fathom, he never does anything to undermine what Felt is trying to do. Sizemore as Sullivan comes on strong as a man that can not be trusted and continues it until the bitter end. The character of Sullivan is that guy who walks into the room and immediately everyone shuts up because he isn’t to be trusted with anything. The resentment of that is what drives Sullivan and Sizemore makes sure we are all officially creeped out.

Greenwood as Smith only has a little air time but let me tell you something, I love me some Greenwood. The scene between Greenwood and Neeson in the diner is one for the books because nowadays it would be impossible to meet in such a way without the world not knowing about it. Greenwood’s character knows what all of the Watergate scandal is going to cost Felt and is a little scared for him.

Other cast include Tony Goldwyn as Ed Miller, Maika Monroe as Joan Felt, Kate Walsh as Pat Miller, Michael C. Hall as John Dean, Wendi McLendon-Covey as Carol Tschudy, Ike Barinholtz as Angelo Lano, Noah Wyle as Stan Pottinger and Brian d’Arcy James as Robert Kunkel.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give MARK FELT: The Man Who Brought Down the White House four tubs of popcorn out of five. First off it must be said that I can not go past a channel if ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN is on. I will watch it every single time (thanks Redford and Hoffman!) and that’s how I feel about this film.

The story takes its time in the telling and when the craziness began all I could see in Neeson’s portrayal of Felt is ‘keep your head when all others are losing theirs’. Once Felt sets things in motion, the story doesn’t flinch.

Mark Felt is a man who kept all of this a secret and even when he was tried in 1980 for violating the civil rights of those individuals from the Weather Underground for which he only paid a fine, even then, almost no one knew he was Deep Throat.

Not until 2005 when a Vanity Fair article came out did the rest of the world discover who Mark Felt was and the role he played in bringing down the highest office in the land.

In the end – one man brought it all down!

MARSHALL

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this week from director Reginald Hudlin and Open Road Films is a case that would bring a name to life with MARSHALL.

Thurgood Marshall (Chadwick Boseman) is a graduate of Howard University and now a lawyer with the NAACP who takes cases to help those who need it the most. One such case takes him to Connecticut to defend Joseph Spell (Sterling K. Brown), an African American who is accused of raping Eleanor Strubing (Kate Hudson) - a white woman.

Not a lawyer in the state, Marshall must work with Sam Friedman (Josh Gad), a Jewish attorney who isn’t happy to be a part of the case. Trying to make introductions and slowly slip away, Judge Foster (James Cromwell) isn’t about to let that happen.

Prosecutor Loren Willis (Dan Stevens) is satisfied when Judge Foster allows Marshall to stay but he isn’t allowed to cross-examine witnesses or basically do anything inside the court room. Marshall is furious and has no choice but to make sure that Friedman stays with him on the case.

As each witness comes to the stand, it becomes clear that Spell might not have been honest about everything with Marshall. Now he must work with Friedman on how to present the case and not let anything get in the way of securing Spell’s freedom.

Neither of them could have known what they would discover and how it would end!

Boseman as Marshall gives the audience the angrier side of Thurgood Marshall. From the moment his character is up on the screen it is easy to see he isn’t going down without a fight – on anything. Trying to keep his cool, Boseman spends a lot time pursing his lips and squinting at the judge but once of the courtroom makes it clear he has a lot to say. Unfortunately the anger is aimed at Friedman who takes the lumps quietly.

Gad as Friedman is a lawyer who just wants to take the simple town cases and enjoy his career. When Marshall comes to town, a sense of fear starts to take over as his family becomes a target for those upset with his new partner’s attitude. At one point he makes it clear that he and his family still have to live in the town once Marshall takes off for his next case elsewhere. Is does take time for Friedman/Gad finds the fighting lawyer in him!

Brown as Spell is a man in a situation that doesn’t have an easy way out. He sticks to his story and clearly has no animosity towards the woman who is accusing him. As the trial gets further and further along, it becomes clear that the truth might not be that easy to tell. Brown is coming off a high with the successful television series This is Us, of which I am a huge fan, and it’s nice to see him take on the bigger screen.

Hudson as Strubing is a very beautiful woman who is also in a situation that has no good ending. The questions are harsh and her story is uncomfortable at a time in the country when a jury is unforgiving of such a crime. Stevens as Willis takes great pleasure in making sure Marshall stays quiet and knows that his case is not only a strong one but can only have one outcome.

Cromwell as Judge Foster is not a man to be trifled with in the slightest. He makes it clear before a jury even sets food in his courtroom that Marshall is under a gag order. He watches every move Marshall makes and doesn’t allow for any wiggle room – period.

Other cast include Keesha Sharp as Buster Marshall, Roger Guenveur Smith as Walter White, Derrick Baskin as Ted Lancaster, Barret Doss as Bertha Lancaster, John Magaro as Irwin Freidman, Ahna O’Reilly as Mrs. Richmond, and Jussie Smollett as Langston Hughes.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give MARSHALL three tubs of popcorn out of five. I know, I’m going to get grief for this but here is my problem with the film. First, out of all the cases that Thurgood Marshall was a part of and made history with, this is the story the filmmakers chose to tell? Really? Not one other case stood out and made a greater impact worth telling on film? That was disappointing to me.

This is supposed to be a film about Thurgood Marshall yet I found the journey of Gad’s character of Friedman more compelling. Here is a Jewish lawyer who wanted to fly under the legal radar and completely happy doing so until he is pushed into situation where he excels! He comes out of a shell and lets Marshall know that he understands how it feels to be calls derogatory names and have stereotypes thrown at him. I am all for that storyline but isn’t this a movie about Marshall?

I wish I understood Marshall’s life more in the film instead of the bits and pieces thrown that flash by so fast. The relationship with his wife is another story that just seemed odd, thrown in quick and ripped away and on to the next scene. The quick flashes of relationships with Langston Hughes or the Lancaster family and I’m still not sure if they had a purpose and I just missing it.

I read a lot about Thurgood Marshall over the years and his career is remarkable leading to becoming the first African American Supreme Court Justice. His cases are stellar and his career a brilliant one and I’d rather read a good book about his life than see a film that misses the mark. That’s just my opinion folks!

In the end – his name means justice!

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Stakes on Bluray with 25th Anniversary

Jeri Jacquin

From writer Joss Whedon, director Fran Rubel Kuzui and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment for the first time on Bluray and Digital HD is BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER.

Buffy Summers (Kristy Swanson) is an Los Angeles cheerleading senior at Hemery High School. Hanging out with boyfriend Jeffrey and spending her day being a shopping teen, a man named Merrick (Donald Sutherland) changes her whole life. He tells her that he’s come to guide her as The Watcher because she is a Chosen Slayer.

Discovering she has untapped abilities, her heart really isn’t in what Merrick is telling her until she meets Lothos (Rutger Hauer). The local ruler of the vampires along with follower Amilyn (Paul Rubens), Buffy now knows who she is dealing with. When her friends Pike (Luke Perry) and Benny (David Arquette) are attacked one by one, Buffy starts to take her role as a Slayer seriously.

Where else would a confrontation happen but at the high school basketball game as Buffy realizes one of the players is a vampire. Merrick has to step in when Lothos attacks Buffy and the results continue to change her life. Realizing she can’t go back to being the girl who just hung out with her friends, her so-called friends aren’t very understanding either.

When she tries to work things out with Jeffrey at the senior dance but he’s moved on but Pike makes his feelings very clear. Of course Lothos isn’t going to let this be a touching moment as another attack overtakes the dance and Buffy remembers what Merrick told her.

Buffy knows it’s time to put at end to the madness!

Other cast of well known names are also a part of the original BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER film – see if you recognize them: Hilary Swank as Kimberly Hannah, Stephen Root as Gary Murray, Paris Vaughan as Nicki, Natasha Wagner as Cassandra, Tom Jane as Zeph, Ben Affleck as Player #10 and Seth Green as a Vampire.

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.

What can be said about BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER as it was a hit film that also became a smash hit television series. Swanson as Buffy brought the role to life and gave the character sass and originality. The film gave us fun, comedy and action that is easily enjoyable 25 years later and Swanson is responsible for that.

Sutherland as Merrick is an actor that can absolutely do no wrong as far as I am concerned. Playing this character was absolutely different for its time in 1992 but as an absolute van of Sutherland I just loved it then and love it still. Hauer as Lothos is an actor who can scare the bejeezus out of me one minute and crack me up the next. BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER’s Lothos looks like fun to do and Hauer makes it look easy.

Rubens as Amilyn is hilarious, cool and only a few years out of his Pee Wee Herman character. See what happens when you peel away the layers? When I realized in 1992 who was playing this character, I cheered for Rubens! There is nothing better than seeing Pee Wee go rogue with a look that is epically cool.

The Bluray Special Features include a Featurette, Theatrical Trailer and TV Spots which are actually cool to watch. There is also the Digital HD which means you can instantly stream and download to your TV, computer, tablet and Smartphone.

Having the chance to watch how it all began with Buffy and the gang is so much fun. I remember my own daughters going to see the film and then becoming big followers of Buffy. That’s what a good storyline in a film will do, bring us all back years later for more.

So prepare to celebrate being an uber cool slayer as 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment brings BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER home!!

In the end – pert, wholesome and way lethal! 

PEPPA PIG: Princess Peppa is Delightful on DVD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment to delight families is more adventures from the cutest family on television with PEPPA PIG: Princess Peppa.

When Granny and Grandpa Pig come for a visit but Peppa and George are asleep. Mummy and Daddy Pig are having a dinner with the grandparents but when Granny Pig makes a noise, Peppa and George immediately wake up. Peppa decides to take it upon herself to tell a fantastic story!

Peppa is excited for her chance to meet the Queen when Miss Rabbit is being given an Award for Industry and of course everyone is excited to be a part of the trip. Peppa decides she wants to create her own perfume and goes to the flowers in the garden to find inspiration thanks to Grandma Pig’s scent.

George is thrilled to have a dinosaur balloon but is equally fearful that something will cause it to float away. It’s a day out for Peppa Pig and her family and they all decide to go for a drive and what they spot delights them all. Grandpa Pig isn’t happy with Granny Pig’s choice of decorations for their garden. Also in their garden are fruits that Peppa wants to make a pie with.

Pedro is playing with Peppa and friends and it’s a game of pirates as they make a treasure chest and mark the spot but their friend may have lost something that needs finding as well.

Peppa and her family and friends always bring fun and adventure!

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.

Entertainment One continues to bring amazing home entertainment to fans with their own library of over 40,000 films and television titles and 45,000 music tracks. I mention those numbers because that is so impressive bringing something for everyone. For more of what they have to offer please visit http://entertainmentone.com/home.

The DVD episodes include Princess Peppa, The Tooth Fairy, Treasure Hunt, Windy Castle, George’s Balloon, The Rainbow, The Queen, Perfume, Pirate Treasure, The Wishing Well, The Blackberry Bush and Chloe’s Puppet Show.

There is also a bonus episode of The Frog Prince from Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom! For more of Peppa and her family please visit www.peppapig.com and on Facebook at Official Peppa Pig!

PEPPA PIG Princess Peppa is clearly adorable on every level possible. From adventures and fun to family spending time together, PEPPA PIG continues to bring story’s that are shareable for the entire family. There are life lessons in every episode that kids (and their parents) truly do embrace.

The families are all very different but have something amazing in common, their love of family, adventure and fun! The series is created and directed by Mark Baker and Neville Astley and we thank them for bring Peppa Pig into our homes.

The addition of the Limited Edition Plush of Peppa wearing her pretty red dress with her crown is just a delight for any Peppa and family fan.

In the end – get ready for royal fun with Princess Peppa!

THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this Friday from director Hany Abu-Assad and 20^th Century Fox comes a film of survival with THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US.

Alex Martin (Kate Winslet) is a photographer trying to get to her own wedding! Bad weather is keeping her away when noticing that doctor Ben Bass (Idris Elba) is also trying to desperately get to his destination.

She offers to help get him there by sharing a ride on a smaller two-seater with pilot Walter (Beau Bridges) and his dog. After brief introductions, they both look out at the beautiful scenery of mountains and snow. Noticing that the storm is shifting course, Walter attempts to make adjustments when the unthinkable happens.

The plane goes down deep in the high mountains as Ben checks on Walter and Alex for wounds. Immediately he goes into survival mode trying to keep the unconscious Alex warm and taking care of Walter – and the dog. Time goes by and Alex wakes up with a badly hurt leg and realizes they need to leave right away.

Walter wants to stay behind and wait for a rescue but is reminded by Alex that no one would know how to find them. After an encounter with a wild animal, it becomes clear to her that going down is the only way to survive. Along with the dog, they bundle up and begin a trek that is dangerous and soul crushing at times.

The two must come to rely on one another and being equally as stubborn come head to head on how they are to survive.

Winslet as Alex is head strong and makes rash decisions but in all of it knows they have to get off the mountain. She doesn’t understand Ben’s resistance to the idea and takes it upon herself as if to say ‘stay then…I’m outta here!’ I have to give her props for that because there are moments I’m wondering why Ben is so obstinate – then I remember he’s a guy! (Just kidding guys!)

Elba as Ben has a ton of issues and the plane crash just seems to enhance them. As he gets to know Alex he starts to understand that whatever is keeping him so balled up could possibly be the reason they will die. There is something about Elba’s presence that is just smooth and endearing which helps since the movie is fairly predictable but enjoyable with him in it.

The winner here is – Walter’s dog! I love this dog! He is smart, he is brave and puts up with the two humans who, at times, don’t have a clue what it is they are doing. If I was lost or stranded anywhere I want this dog with me…of course I’d give him a better name than ‘Walter’s Dog’. He deserves better!

THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US is beautifully done in the way of cinematography. The mountains are stunning and every scene brings more beauty in the midst of human tragedy. I have to admit that if I found a cabin in the woods I might be tempted to stay just to take it all in.

The relationship between Alex and Ben is inevitable as fear and survival bring about human frailties. Being together kept them focused in the sense that when ever one of them felt it was over; the other would push to continue. Winslet and Elba are strong and difficult in character and it seemed almost a challenge to each other to survive. It is a beautiful story with an ending that the audience wants to happen.

In the end – what if your life depended on a stranger?

THE STRAY: Speaking with Michael Cassidy

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Mitch Davis and KEB Entertainment comes the story of a family who doesn’t know they need THE STRAY.

Christian (Connor Corum) is a young boy who is having a hard time connecting with his busy father Mitch (Michael Cassidy). Mom Michelle (Sarah Lancaster) just wants everyone to be happy but isn’t happy with how much Mitch is working.

When Christian is bullied at school, out of no where a dog comes to his rescue and follows him home. The little boy names him Pluto, where all dogs come from according to Christian, and the family embraces him. When Mitch becomes so distracted that he almost loses their youngest daughter – it is time for the family to make some changes.

Moving to a small town in Colorado, Mitch is back to writing again but his relationship with son Christian isn’t any better. He decides the best thing to do is gather up a few neighbor boys and take them all out camping with Christian. The one thing is that the rest of the family wants Pluto to stay with them!

Their first night camping there is a snow storm and Pluto seems edgy. A bolt of lightening comes out of no where as Mitch and the boys are struck. When the boys wake up they realize that Mitch hasn’t and Christian prays for his Dad to wake up and when he does they all realize what has happened to Pluto.

It’s a mysterious friendship created with faith!

I had the opportunity to speak with Michael Cassidy who portrays Mitch Davis about the film and his thoughts about making such a touching and heartwarming family film.

Jeri Jacquin: Thanks for taking the time to talk with me today Michael.

Michael Davis: Of course Jeri, I appreciate you taking time as well.

JJ: Tell me how you got involved with THE STRAY?

MD: Mitch Davis picked me when I was with my family. To this day I don’t know what of mine he had seen that made me a good choice to play him. I am grateful that he did though.

JJ: Had you read the script before he picked you out?

MD: I read the script before I talked to him. I was sent the script when offered the lead for the film. I gave it a read and responded immediately to it. I mean I backpack with my child, at the time we had a dog as well who passed shortly after the film was made and I am a father as well. So there were a lot of levels that I really related to. I talked to Mitch the next day after reading the script and we totally hit it off. I have so much respect for who he is as a man and a filmmaker.

JJ: I was going to ask you what drew you to THE STRAY but I think it was, well, everything!

MD: Absolutely, it was shot in a beautiful part of the world too. I like Mitch very much; I liked the script and the theme of the story. I was really impressed by Mitch because this is his story.

JJ: The family sense of it is big. It’s really hard to find films that the entire family can go see together. Listening to you say that you’re a dad and love animals, it’s an instant draw.

MD: Yes, I haven’t done a lot of things that I can take my kids to so this is a very unique opportunity for my wife and I to take the kids to the theatre this weekend. It’s going to be a cool experience and I plan to enjoy it with my family.

JJ: Did you think about what people will take away from watching THE STRAY?

MD: Yes, I think at the heart of it the movie is about how hard it is to be a person in a family – a husband, wife or a child and even a dog. At the same time how powerful it is to love your family and what a gift it is even when it’s difficult.

JJ: Is there anything particular about the film that touched you most of all?

MD: When I read the script before I filmed it and knew Mitch, I was touched. I related to the character in that he’s working all the time and it’s not working for him. I like to see characters that make mistakes. When we were making the movie I had some pretty powerful and emotional experiences around the dog story line. To be honest, the dog didn’t register with me when I read the script but eventually Shiloh, that’s the dog who plays Pluto in the movie, played intensely in my life because of my own dog.

JJ: You know, W.C. Fields says about ‘kids and animals’ and you got both, how was that for you?

MD: I really liked working with Conor (who plays Christian Davis) very much. I connected to him and felt more like he was a peer on so many levels. We were in those woods getting eaten alive by mosquitoes, chasing the dog and carrying those backpacks together. I saw an actor that was in the same challenging work environment as me and I didn’t expect that. No matter how challenging the elements are, I knew there was a guy who shared the same name as my character and had it way harder than me. I said that to Mitch, I told him it was going to be weird to be him while he’s on the set. It was a fun experience that we shared.

JJ: Usually people who portray other people don’t have that person right there next to them. That had to be strange.

MD: I was very up front with Mitch when we talked about the film saying that I am not you and I have to do what makes sense to me. He was amazing! It was my biggest concern going in that he might whisper “I don’t do things like that” but he never did that. He even said ‘look man, this is the story that happened to me and my family and you are here because you are going to do a good job telling that story’. He trusted me totally and it was very comfortable.

JJ: Do you think THE STRAY being based on a true story was something else that drew you to make the film?

MD: Oh yes definitely! I have been in electrical storms and had so many shared experiences with Mitch that it was just grace that my experiences in those elements were different than him. I totally connected to the elements in the exact same way as he did in his life and did it as a story teller to be able to bring it all to the screen.

I so appreciate Michael Cassidy talking with us today about THE STRAY. The film brings Mitch Davis’ story to the screen as Michael Cassidy tells the story of family, friendship and love.

THE STRAY is a film about faith, hope, love, family and healing. The Davis family is like so many of us in that we all get so busy with life that we truly forget to live. In this case it takes the arrival of a beautiful dog to bring everything into focus. This is an amazing family film that can be shared with many walks of life with a sense of unity and strength that we all can relate to.

In theatres this Friday is a family that needed THE STRAY.

In the end – one dog can change everything!

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Celebrates 35th Anniversary with Limited Edition Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Now on Bluray from Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment along with amazing director Steven Spielberg comes the 1982 iconic and classic film with E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.

Elliot (Henry Thomas), Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and Gertie (Drew Barrymore) are living with their mother Mary (Dee Wallace) in a family suburb. Hanging out with friends Greg (K.C. Martel), Steve (Sean Frye) and Tyler (C. Thomas Howell) there is a night of pizza and fun.

Elliot discovers something weird in their backyard and trying to get his brother’s help turns into nothing being found. The young boy isn’t about to give up and discovers a creature bringing him inside the house.

Faking illness and Mom going crazy getting everyone out of the house in the morning. Elliot spends time with the creature having no fear of his presence. Later in the day he brings Michael and Gertie in on his secret and they are drawn to the creature as well. Elliot informs them both he is keeping E.T. and wants to help him reach out of his own kind.

What Elliot and the others don’t know is that a man with keys on his belt (Peter Coyote) is also looking for E.T. Using listening devices, a van roams the streets listening to see if anyone has had contact with the short, stubby creature.

As Elliot and E.T.’s connection grows stronger, he understands that E.T. must reach out to his people so they can come back for him. Elliot also becomes aware that his friend is becoming sick the longer he stays on Earth. All too quickly the alien seeking agency takes over Elliot’s house and now it seems both Elliot and E.T. need saving.

That’s what friends do for friends!

Thomas as Elliot is still the face of an innocent young boy who immediately engages with E.T. There isn’t any fear of being harmed but instead the love of a friendship that grows quickly. Thomas continues all these years later to be the face of a young man who believes and anyone who watches this performance will believe as well.

Barrymore as Gertie is spunky, doesn’t take any garbage from her brothers and has a motherly feel for E.T. She is hilarious and a sister who knows that her brother’s friend is someone very special. MacNaughton as Michael isn’t keen at first to Elliot keeping E.T. but begins to understand that he needs their protection which includes his buddies.

Wallace as Mary is a woman still getting over a divorce and raising three kids. Unaware of who is living in her home; by the time she is aware all heck breaks loose. K.C. Martel, Sean Frye and C. Thomas Howell are funny as Michael’s friends but equally cool when they are called upon to help their new friend.

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.

The Bluray gift set features premium packaging with a re-mastered CD soundtrack from the original Grammy Award winning album as well as over three hours of bonus features. There is a collector’s booklet with behind-the-scenes stories and rare images from archives. Also included is a 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack along with the Bluray and Digital HD.

The 4K Ultra HD movie on disc one contains the 4X sharper picture than HD, HDR (High Dynamic Range) for brilliant brights and deepest darks, finally immersive audio for a multi-dimensional sound experience. The Bluray three hour Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes, Steven Spielberg & E.T., The E.T. Journal, A Look Back, The Evolution and Creation of E.T., The E.T. Reunion, The Music of E.T.: A Discussion with John Williams, The 20^th Anniversary Premier, Designs, Photographs and Marketing and Theatrical Trailer.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial will always and I mean always be a classic family film. A film for all ages this is a story of an amazing friendship, the emotional struggles of a broken family and knowing that buddies don’t ask why when help is needed. Spielberg brought a film that embraces the frailties of human nature yet the strength to do what is right.

In 1982, when E.T. showed up in theatres, it was pure magic and seeing it on the big screen brought out deep emotions in us all. Now, with the ability to practically have a big screen in our homes, E.T. returns once again to remind us all how we felt then. I am amazed that it still brings out those feelings but that is what makes E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial iconic but most importantly - beloved.

The is a film for any one’s home entertainment library because it has no age requirement to enjoy a good story, humor, friendship, family, love and most of all a little alien who will forever be known as E.T.

In the end – this is a story that touched the world!