The Future is Blu

Fear The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead is the most popular television show presently, and possibly of all time. It gets millions of viewers each week and makes millions in merchandise. So, why not capitalize on the success? AMC, the network in which the show airs, did just that.

They decided to create a prequel show that focuses on other characters and the events leading to the out break.

What should we name it? The Walking Dead is such a cool name, it's hard to name something as good as that. Oh, I know! FEAR The Walking Dead.

With a not so original name, and a not so original premise, the show wasn't as well received or remotely as popular as the show that spawned it. However, since it airs during the season opposite of TWD, fans watched it to hold them over until October came around with more zombie goodness.

Fans' and critics' main complaints were that it didn't feature zombies as much as it should, however since it is a prequel it's understandable why AMC is holding back on the hordes of the undead.

A standard Blu Ray release of the Complete First Season was released. The second season is set to premiere next year. Since I have not watched this show yet, I will reserve judgment and will not rate it.

Originally written: December 1, 2015.

Hey Joe, You Want Me to Shoot This Guy?

Out on Blu Ray this week is Quentin Tarantino's first full-length film from 1992, Reservoir Dogs.

This film is quintessential (there's a pun to be made there) Tarantino. Next to Pulp Fiction, this is one of his highly acclaimed films. Now, you might be thinking, if this movie came out in theaters 23 years ago, why is it barely getting a Blu Ray release? It's been out on Blu Ray for almost 10 years, but this is a special 'Mondo X' steelbook.

What is Mondo X you ask? Basically, he's an artist who does artwork of popular movies, artists, and more. For about a year, he's been designing special steelbook editions of movies that include custom exterior artwork, interior artwork, and disc artwork. A complete overhaul. This specific release marks the first time these are available in America. Typically, all other Mondo X steelbooks have been exclusive to Canada. So buying them means paying absurd prices on Ebay and hefty international shipping fees.

So, here it is. In all its glory, Reservoir Dogs: Mondo X Steelbook edition.

Overall rating: 9/10

Originally written: December 1, 2015

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

November has seen the release of plenty of hit movies on Blu Ray. However, this week marks a big budget film that unfortunately went under the radar for many.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E is a film adaptation of the 1960's TV show. Set at the height of the Cold War, the movie is centered around Napoleon Solo, an American CIA agent, and Illya Kuryakin, a Soviet Union agent who set aside their differences to stop foreign evildoers.

The movie received okay reviews upon its released and went on to lose a lot of money at the box office, but personally I thought it was a great movie. It was very unique and so stylish that I couldn't take my eyes away from the screen. Adding to the list of spy movie this year, this was definitely one of the better ones. It's disappointing that not a lot of people watched this, or were even aware about it. It's a great movie, filled with lots of fun. A change of pace in the spy genre.

2015 Spy Movies Ranked:

1. Spectre

2. Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

3. The Man From U.N.C.L.E

4. Kingsman: The Secret Service

5. Spy (If I could place it lower, I would...)

For this release, a standard Blu Ray was only released. It's a shame the movie didn't garner enough interest or money to warrant a sequel because it was genuinely a great movie.

Overall rating: 7.5/10

Originally written: November 17, 2015

Terminated...

This year marked the fifth installment in the Terminator franchise, with Terminator Genisys (Yes, it's spelled that way). Despite it receiving negative reviews, I had to watch the film for myself.

This is one of those films where if you haven't watched all the prior films, you're going to be pretty lost. The film primarily deals paradoxes and alternate timelines that typically accompany time travel movies. With that being said, you're going to be confused regardless of you watching the original movies or not.

Without getting into it, because of spoilers and it being too damn complicated to briefly explain, the film is not as bad as critics said but it isn't great either. It has pretty good action scenes, and top of the line visual effects, but in terms of story it definitely lacks. At its core, Terminator is a re-imagining that doesn't really work. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I respect what the filmmaker intended, and I respect the work that went into it, but it's very hard to top James Cameron's original two films. The film explores the idea of "what if this happened" and it works to a degree, but some characters get complete 180 degree turns. They do a really nice job recreating a shot for shot scene of the original Terminator and do a beautiful job of digitally recreating Arnold Schwarzenegger.

For this movie, I picked up the Best Buy exclusive version that comes with a Collector's Edition Lenticular Slipcover and an exclusive bonus disc. The bonus disc does a great job of showing how much work went into producing the movie. As someone who eventually wants to go into film making, this was perfect.

Overall rating: 6/10

I'LL BE BACK.

Originally written: November 10, 2015

Where we're going, we don't need roads.

In Back to the Future II, Marty McFly and Doc Brown head to the future and end up in October 21, 2015. Today, a box set is released in memory of that historic moment... or is futurist moment?

The Back to the Future trilogy is one of the most beloved and innovative trilogies in movie history. Directed by visionary Robert Zemeckis and produced by icon Steven Spielberg, the movies are a thrill ride from start to finish. These films are responsible for so many people daydreaming about the possibility of time travel.

To commemorate this trilogy, Universal Studios released a 30th Anniversary box set for the biggest BTF fans. The front cover replicates the Flux Capacitor from the movies and even lights up, so please shield your eyes from the light. It contains the entire trilogy in the highest resolution, as well as archived footage, and the complete animated series. It also includes a book showing the making of.

These films became instant classics upon their theatrical releases, and still hold up very well to today's standards. Truly iconic films.

Overall rating: 8.5/10

Originally written: October 21, 2015

The Force is Strong With This One

Just in time for the mega-blockbuster that will be Episode VII: The Force Awakens, comes Star Wars: The Complete Saga.

This 8-disc set encapsulated the epic franchise that is Star Wars. From the dreadful prequels, to the beloved original trilogy. With two brand new discs filled with over 20 hours of bonus features, this box set ensures that you'll be adequately prepared for the seventh installment in the series.

Just four years ago, a Blu Ray box set was released featuring all 6 films. Although the interior artwork was nicer on that release, this box set relies on the quantity and quality of features on the discs.

The Star Wars movies are great for any member of the family, and are timeless classics. Even the prequel trilogy is a great piece of film history.

Overall rating: 9.5/10

Originally written: October 14, 2015

KEVIN!

Released this week, slightly premature of the holidays, is Home Alone: The Complete Collection.

The classic holiday movie gets a 25th Anniversary release, with a box set that definitely drew me in. By now, it's safe to assume that just about everyone has watched Home Alone at least 10 times throughout their lifetime. A staple in my childhood, Home Alone remains a timeless Christmas tradition.

This box set includes every Home Alone movie. From the first two, to the less liked sequels that followed. All stuffed into a paint can tin package that would knock out any intruder.