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.

Overall rating: 7.5/10

Originally written: October 6, 2015

Ultron's Age

This week, one of Marvel's most anticipated films was released on Blu Ray. Avengers: Age of Ultron.

The third highest grossing movie of 2015 focuses on The Avengers (Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye) battling Ultron, a technological experiment gone wrong. Ultron's plans of human extinction place the fate of mankind on the backs of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. With newcomers Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch and Vision, The Avengers hope to stop the Age of Ultron.

This entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe was one of the weaker ones. The entire film felt a bit rushed and almost unnecessary. In a lot of ways, it felt like it was a filler just to hold fans over until 2016's Captain America Civil War. Although it was a fun flick, and not bad at all, it did squander one of the most dominant villains Marvel has to offer in Ultron. Ultron was more of a secondary character who was not as powerful or important as he should have been. Ultimately, the movie just felt like a way to introduce some of these new characters and only advance the story slightly. The movie did gross over a billion dollars, so it wasn't that bad. Casual fans shouldn't be too lost, as the movie works well as a standalone.

For this release, Best Buy released two exclusive Limited Edition Steelbooks.

One is dedicated to main antagonist Ultron.

While the other focuses on Vision.

Overall rating: 7/10



Originally written: October 3, 2015.

Not a Fan: Spy

This week, not much was released. The only large Blu Ray release was Spy.

Spy stars Melissa McCarthy as CIA Analyst Susan Cooper. Cooper worked hand-in-hand with field agent Bradley Fine (Jude Law). After Fine is assassinated, Cooper is forced to go onto the field as an agent and avenge Fine's death. Despite being properly trained, Cooper doesn't fit the bill of 'secret agent'. 

Only a standard Blu Ray release was made for this movie, rightfully so. Despite it receiving positive critical reviews, I wasn't a fan of this movie personally. Maybe it's that I've never been a fan of Melissa McCarthy. During my first viewing of this, I turned it off halfway through because I couldn't get into the movie. Jason Statham is hilarious in this, but not even he could hook me in. Perhaps a second viewing is in order to see if maybe it's more likable. 

Overall rating: 5/10

Originally written: September 30, 2015

The Fastest Blu Ray in the World

The "Fastest Man Alive" speeds onto Blu Ray this week with The Flash: The Complete First Season.


The show follows Central City native and forensic scientist, Barry Allen in his life as The Flash. After being struck by lightning following a botched experiment, Barry developed super speed. His ability to travel at astonishing speeds is used to combat evil and do good for his city. Throughout the series, Barry is also looking for the man, who also has super speed, that killed his mother and framed his father for her death.  Alongside his partners and fellow scientists Cisco Ramon, Kaitlyn Snow, and Harrison Wells, Barry battles the meta-humans of Central City.

This has quickly become my favorite comic book TV adaptations, and one of my favorite TV shows in general. With a great plot that stays true to its source material, excellent cast, brilliant villains, and visual effects that rival the biggest blockbusters, The Flash is one of the most popular shows on television today. The show welcomes hardcore fans, casual fans, and even those who don't know a thing about the character with an easy to follow story that will surely entertain all.

For this release, Target offered an exclusive version with a very nice lenticular slipcover that mimics The Flash's super speed.

Overall rating: 8.5/10

Originally written: September 22, 2015

Fast & Furious Box Set

This week, along with the James Bond Complete Collection, comes the Fast & Furious Blu Ray Collection!

This set includes everything from the original 2001 The Fast and the Furious to one of 2015's highest grossing movies Furious 7. Every single race, every single car and every single action sequence that made your palms sweat.

All 7 movies are included in a small rubber case designed to look like a wheel. Also included is a bonus disc that chronicles the movie franchise. It's a nice box set that fits the theme of the movies. 

Although the movies make lots of money, I am personally not a huge fan of this franchise. They're fun movies, but sometimes a bit too exaggerated and hokey for my liking. However, this box set was way too nice to pass up on.

Overall rating: 7/10

Originally written: September 15, 2015.

Bond...James Bond.

This week marks the release of the Complete James Bond Movie collection. Everything from Dr.No up until 2012's Skyfall. This 23-disc box set even has a space reserved for the upcoming Spectre, once it's released on Blu Ray.

This set neatly arranges the films in groups by time period.

Group 1 - 1962-1977 (Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby)
Group 2 - 1979-2002 (Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan)
Group 3 - 2006-2015 (Daniel Craig)

Each movie has been remastered and is in the highest quality ever released. It features every Bond girl, every notorious villain, and every gadget. Truly a simple and elegant box set for any Bond fan.

As of now, there are still many 007 movies I have yet to watch, but based on the ones I've watched, this box set has me very excited This is the perfect way to prepare for the highly anticipated Spectre, come November.

Overall rating: 8/10

Originally written: September 15, 2015.

Gotham's Reckoning

This week, we're headed to Gotham. Except, there's no Batman in this television adaptation.


The FOX show premiered in Fall 2014, and got off to a rocky start. However, as Season 2 is currently on the air, things are looking up. The show is essentially a prequel to the infamous tale of comic book hero Batman. It revolves around a young Jim Gordon, who later becomes Commissioner and confidant to Batman, who helps Bruce Wayne cope with the recent death of his parents, Along the way, Gordon and his partner Harvey Bullock face some of Gotham's most notorious criminals. Meanwhile, Bruce is on a journey to find the person responsible for killing his parents.

Other focal characters in the show include Oswald Cobblepot (The Penguin), Fish Mooney, Edward Nygma (The Riddler), Selena Kyle (Catwoman) and more. Throughout the first season, some of Gotham's future villains begin to see their origins and decent into madness.

At first, the show received mediocre reviews from comic book fans because it didn't follow its source. It was then established by the producers of the show that this was a different take on the Batman origin story and should not be considered canon.

For this release, there are a few versions available:

Best Buy has an exclusive version that contains a bonus disc filled with hours of bonus footage.

Target has an exclusive collector's tin box set. This set has quickly become a tricky one to find, selling for twice its value on Ebay.

Gotham is a great crime show, although it does have its faults. Currently, season 2 has vastly improved and sticks closer to its source material. Season 1 however will definitely appeal to casual and hardcore fans of Batman alike.

Overall rating: 7.5/10.


Originally written: Sept. 8, 2015

What a day, what a lovely day!

For the first week of this blog series, comes Mad Max: Fury Road. This is the fourth installment in the Mad Max series, and the first Mad Max film in 30 years.

The film sees Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) and Imperator Furiousa (Charlize Theron) lead a chase by Immortan Joe's 'war boys' across the post-apocalyptic wasteland. In tow are Immortan Joe's five wives, plenty of the scarce gasoline, and one of the war boys' trucks.

The film received critical acclaim and grossed lots of money at the box office. Director George Miller took the helm of the Mad Max franchise for the fourth time and invigorated new life into the series. It was highly touted for its use of practical effects over digital effects, its beautiful cinematography, and its underlying themes in the simplistic story line.

Personally, this film instantly became my favorite of all time. The entire movie keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. and this stunning visuals ensure that you won't be looking away until the credits. It ranks up there with some of the greatest action movies of all time. Overall, the soundtrack is amazing, the camera work and stunt work is amazing, and the film does a great job in building the supporting characters to the point that they're almost more important than title character Max.

For this release, there were plenty of versions available on Blu Ray. Among these versions included a Best Buy Exclusive Steelbook.

Also, a Target Exclusive version with a 64-page comic book.

Overall rating: 9.5/10

Take a look for yourself, at my personal Mad Max Collection.

Originally written: September 2, 2015.