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George Steven’s magnificent biblical epic comes to Blu-ray.  Featuring an all-star cast with many cameo appearances, “The Greatest Story Ever Told” is a true classic!

Growing up, my household from both sides of my parents family, Easter vacation featured a lot of watching of biblical epics and “The Greatest Story Ever Told” was one of those epics that I watched along with my family.

And despite going to bible school and growing up with a strong Christian background as a child, watching “The Greatest Story Ever Told”, I’m not a compleat viewer of biblical epics to know how accurate this film is to the bible but for so many years, I have heard that “The Greatest Story Ever Told” was the best film on Jesus Christ and how the reverential film captured the life of Jesus Christ.  And of course, to know how much time and effort in the research conducted by George Stevens and crew before making this film, I never question it but I’m sure there are many of those who have.

And for one thing, I’m not going to get into any discussion if this biblical film is better than this or that biblical epic or how it compares to a more modern depiction of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion such as in “The Passion of the Christ”.  Because everyone watches biblical epics differently.  Some who are wanting to celebrate the life of the Lord, some who watch it for the sheer number of talent that have cameos in the film and some who watch it because it’s that time of the year and it’s what many families do during the Easter holiday to remember how Christ died for our sins.

In fact, I can easily remember as a child watching this every year, not because we were forced too but because it was on and my family watched it, in some ways, I thought it was part of family tradition to watch this film and other biblical epics during Easter vacation.

And simply, when it comes to biblical epics, you either enjoy them or dislike them and whether or not you feel this person plays a good Jesus Christ or some other character after watching countless biblical epics is up to one’s personal taste but I will say this of “The Greatest Story Ever Told”, for one, it was magnificent to see how much was put into the creation of this film.  From the cities that were built, to the number of extras that were hired and how many talent took part in the film.  And the duration is pretty long, thus you get the music intermission half way into the film.

For me, I have watched so many versions of the life of Jesus Christ, from feature length films to made-for-TV movies and in some way, I felt that I could not sit still throughout the viewing of this film.  My mind wandered, I felt myself wanting to do other things while watching this film because I knew what was going to happen and unlike other films where there is an element of surprise, I felt I was more or less waiting to see how many talents I can spot doing cameos, the efficacy of the costume design and set design and how well were the talent being cast for the film.  So, that is what I mean by these type of films depends on the individual.

I know my religious mother would watch this film and enjoy it throughout its entirety and if I watched it with her, it would be like deja vu of going to church at a young age and hearing my mom telling me to pay attention to the priest instead of looking around the church at people.    Not to say that the story doesn’t interest me because it does. It all comes down to ones mood and discipline.  I see how other people in my family can watch these films, cry during the crucifixion and really are moved by it.

As I watched this film again but this time on Blu-ray, I’m going to be truthful and say that I wasn’t focused.  Because I have seen this film so many times, I was more focused on seeing how the picture and audio quality would be in certain parts of the film and when I was watching, I felt my mind was drifting.  I was looking at my watch, my mind was elsewhere quite a few times throughout the film and so, watching it again, I felt my interest in the film did wane quite a bit and I felt that when I was ready to watch, it was the time when you get to the story of the Last Supper and leading up to the crucifixion and then the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Blu-ray release does come with the two cool featurettes as the 2001 DVD, as well as a deleted scene and trailer but outside of that, there is nothing much added to the Blu-ray release and for those who are considering of upgrading, it would be a worthy upgrade especially for the better visuals and notably the lossless audio compared to its DVD counterpart.

Overall, “The Greatest Story Ever Told” is a great story and for Christians, its an important story.  But as a film, it’s a long film that demands your attention and if you have watched it repeatedly for so many years, it all comes down to your mood.  I can’t say it’s a George Stevens masterpiece as he had created many wonderful films in his oeuvre, but in an epic sense, he did a fantastic job in creating this film and doing the research for it, but also getting so many all-star talent to participate.  I just wished that there was more added to this Blu-ray release, considering the film is over 45-years-old and the last release was back in 2001.  It would have been great to have some thing new for the 2011 release.

But still, it would be a wonderful upgrade if you owned it on DVD and If you enjoyed this film or are a person who wanting a well-done, well-produced and well-acted biblical epic on Blu-ray, “The Greatest Story Ever Told” is definitely for you!

 

Takanori Nishikawa to hold live streaming charity program “STAND UP! JAPAN” on April 2

In the evening of March 12, Takanori Nishikawa a.k.a. T.M. Revolution, has tweeted on his official twitter (@TMR15) about his own charity event regarding the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake on March 11th, 2011.

He founded a charity project called “STAND UP! JAPAN Central Community Chest of Japan”, and has announced that he will be organizing a live program on streaming websites Nico Nico Douga and GyaO!, featuring Nishikawa himself as the main host. He found sympathetic support from many other artists and celebrities whom he reached out to via Twitter.

Various guests are planning to participate, including SHOGO (175R), MICRO (Home Made Kazoku), Mayumi Ono, Miho Shiraishi, Ami Tokito, Yuta Yamazaki and many more.

・Nico Nico Douga（http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv44788974 ）
・GyaO!（http://gyao.yahoo.co.jp/ ）*GyaO! is only viewable in Japan

The program will be broadcasted live on April 2 from 3:00pm until 12:00am (JST). Events will include a charity auction and acoustic performances, and the money raised from the event will be donated to the earthquake relief efforts through this charity project called “STAND UP! JAPAN Central Community Chest of Japan”.

Visit below official “STAND UP! JAPAN” website for further details:

http://standupjapan.org/

(Please note that the website is in Japanese only)

・Official Twitter（Account：@standupjpn）

http://twitter.com/standupjpn

・Takanori Nishikawa Official Twitter

http://twitter.com/tmr15

・Yahoo! JAPAN Charity Auction Website

http://topic.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/charity/2011sanrikuoki_ms/post_5/index.html

(Message from Takanori Nishikawa}

I would like to express my condolence to all the victims of the earthquake. Hearing the tragedy everyday, I felt strongly in my heart “I want to do something”, “I want to send something”. Having fellows with the same thoughts, I started the charity project “STAND UP! JAPAN Central Community Chest of Japan” to build our feelings into shape. To help the people suffering from damage, and to recover from earthquake a day earlier as possible, “STAND UP! JAPAN Central Community Chest of Japan” will keep on moving by the support of the many people who assists us.

STAND UP! JAPAN!

 

BRAVO’S “TOP CHEF ALL-STARS” FINALE COOKS UP HIGHEST RATED EPISODE OF THE SEASON, UP FROM PREVIOUS SEASON FINALE

Watch What Happens Live: Top Chef Finale Ranked As No. 1

Late Night Cable Talk Show In Adults 18-49

NEW YORK –
March 31, 2011 – After announcing an unprecedented 11 new series and celebrating a
star-studded Upfront event, Bravo’s “Top Chef All-Stars” finale
cooked up the highest rated episode of the season with 2.77 million total viewers
and 1.95 million adults 18-49. Adding a unique element to the show, last
night’s season eight finale featured live cut-ins from the network’s Upfront
events in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Versus the season seven
finale (9/15/10), last night’s episode was up 9 percent in adults 18-49 (vs.
1.80 million) and 3 percent in total viewers (vs. 2.70 million). The
finale ranked as the No. 1 cable program of the day in adults 18-49. For
more information, visit www.BravoTV.com
and follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BravoPR.

Additionally,
Bravo’s Special “Watch What Happens Live: Top Chef Finale” taped in
front of a live audience, hosted by Andy Cohen outperformed all late night
cable talk show competition in the key adults 18 – 49 demo, scoring 1.5 million
total viewers and over 1 million adults 18-49. Most notably, “Watch What
Happens: Live” beat out TBS’ “Conan” by double digits in total viewers (up 70%)
and adults 18-49 (up 76%). On Sunday, April 3 at 11pm ET/PT host of “Top
Chef Masters” Curtis Stone and “The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s” Nene Leakes
will join Andy for some cocktails and conversation in the Bravo Clubhouse. For
clips from the show go to: http://www.bravotv.com/watch-what-happens-live/season-4/videos

The drama is
served extra spicy on Bravo’s “Top Chef All-Stars Reunion Special,”
airing Wednesday, April 6 at 10PM ET/PT. Bravo executive
and “Watch What Happens: Live” host Andy Cohen talks to season
eight’s chef’testants and judges – host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio
and judge Gail Simmons. Cohen will answer viewers’ questions and dish on season
eight’s good, bad and undercooked, complete with never-before-seen clips and
packages. For a sneak peek from the reunion, go to : http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/season-8/videos/elia-vs-tom-colicchio

Source: Nielsen
Media Research, LS data through 3/30/2011.

Bravo
is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of
NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in
the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and
information to a global audience. Bravo has been an NBCUniversal cable network
since December 2002 and was the first television service dedicated to film and
the performing arts when it launched in December 1980. For more
information, visit www.BravoTV.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BravoPR.

 

@CBSTweet LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER #CBSTweetWeek FEATURING STARS TWEETING LIVE DURING THEIR PROGRAMS, APRIL 3 – APRIL 11

Actors, Musicians and Sports Analysts to Provide Live Commentary and Answer Q’s during the Broadcast of Their Shows

Fans Can Follow on Twitter or Log onto CBS.com to Follow Tweets and Submit Questions

LOS ANGELES – March 31, 2011 – CBS announced today the launch of #CBSTweetWeek, starting this Sunday, April 3 and running through Monday, April 11. For eight nights, fans of the CBS Television Network’s primetime series, entertainment specials and sports events will be able to log on to their Twitter accounts or CBS.com to watch some of their favorite actors, musicians and sports analysts tweet live during the broadcast of their respective programs. Throughout the shows, fans will be given special first-hand commentary and the opportunity to submit questions.

To participate in #CBSTweetWeek, fans can either follow on Twitter or log onto CBS.com/Tweet_Week at the scheduled start times. Fans participating via Twitter should use the respective show’s hash tag and talent’s Twitter handle when submitting questions.

The tweeting schedule for the week, including respective Twitter handles and hash tags, is as follows:

Sunday, April 3 at 8pmET/7pmCT

Academy of Country Music Awards

Performer @DierksBentley and presenter @JulianneHough – #ACMAwards

Monday, April 4 at 9pm ET/8pm CT, 6pmPT

2011 NCAA DIVISION I MEN’S BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

CBS Sports analysts @GregAnthony50 and @SethDavisHoops – #ChampGame

Tuesday, April 5 at 8pm ET/7pmCT

NCIS star @PauleyP (Pauley Perrette) – #NCIS #P2PKiller

Wednesday, April 6 at 8pmET/7pmCT and 8pmPT:

SURVIVOR host @JeffProbst – #Survivor

Thursday, April 7 at 8pmET/7pmET
THE BIG BANG THEORY star @SimonHelberg – #BigBangTheory

Friday, April 8 at 10pmET/9pmCT

BLUE BLOODS star @DonnieWahlberg – #BlueBloods

Sunday, April 10 at 8pmET/7pmCT

THE AMAZING RACE host @PhilKeoghan – #AmazingRace

Monday, April 11 at 10pmET/9pmCT

HAWAII FIVE-0 star @DanielDaeKim – #H50

Who to follow:

@DierksBently

@JulianneHough

@GregAnthony50

@SethDavisHoops

@PauleyP

@JeffProbst

@SimonHelberg

@DonnieWahlberg

@PhilKeoghan

@DanielDaeKim

Trends:

#ACMAwards

#ChampGame

#NCIS

#P2PKiller

#Survivor

#BigBangTheory

#BlueBloods

#AmazingRace

#H50

@CBSTweet is the official twitter account of the CBS Television Network

 

JAMES FRANCO AND DAVID LETTERMAN SHARE OSCAR HOSTING EXPERIENCES WHEN THE ACADEMY AWARD-NOMINATED ACTOR VISITS CBS’s “LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN”, FRIDAY, APRIL 1

James Franco and David Letterman share Academy Award hosting experiences when the actor visits the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, Friday, April 1.

Letterman, host of the Academy Awards in 1995, congratulated Franco on hosting the Oscars with Anne Hathaway in February. “So, I wanted to ask you,” Franco asked Letterman, “how was your experience?” “It was horrible…” Letterman replied. “Yes, I can’t even remember what it was. It was horrible. I was so bad that they talked for a while about shutting down the motion picture industry.” “Come on!” Franco said. “I was God awful,” Letterman said. “But they didn’t say you were stoned,” Franco said. “Oh, I quit reading, maybe they – I wish I was,” Letterman joked. “I wish I was,” Franco said. “Is that what people said, that you were under the influence?” Letterman asked. “People said I was under the influence,” Franco said. “Now why would they say that?” Letterman said. “I’ve thought about it,” Franco said. “I think I know why. Because, I love her, but Anne Hathaway is so energetic, I think the Tasmanian Devil would look stoned standing next to Anne Hathaway…She has a lot of energy.” “Oh, by comparison, yeah…She’s very buoyant, yes, very ebullient,” Letterman said. “But, no, truthfully,” Franco added, “I think I actually – I haven’t watched it back – maybe I had low energy. I honestly played those lines as well as I could…”

Letterman asked the Franco why he would even care about the criticism, and Franco said, “It’s complicated because, no, I never dreamed of being, like, the best Oscar host ever. It was never on my list of things to do. It doesn’t mean I didn’t care and it doesn’t mean I didn’t try, right? But here’s the hypocritical thing: leading up to the Oscars, I couldn’t hear enough about how, ‘Oh, people don’t care about the Oscars anymore, it’s dead, it’s boring, it’s at the end of a long awards season, who cares about it?’ Well, as soon as you don’t host the way they want you to, they suddenly care and they won’t shut up about it. Suddenly, I can’t hear enough about a show they don’t care about.” “Well, I can tell you what will happen,” Letterman joked. “There will be, I think for you, a modicum of embarrassment, which you shouldn’t feel. That will pass. You’ll go into a period of numbness, and then you’ll become, rightly so, defiant…” Franco’s entire interview, including more Oscar-hosting talk between him and Letterman, can be seen on the LATE SHOW Friday (11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

The LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN is a production of Worldwide Pants Incorporated. Barbara Gaines, Matt Roberts, Jude Brennan, Maria Pope, Eric Stangel, Justin Stangel and Rob Burnett are the executive producers.

Official CBS Web site: http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show/

 

LUKE BRYAN, CHACE CRAWFORD, CELINE DION, THE JUDDS AND MIRANDA LAMBERT TO PRESENT AT THE “46th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS”, TO BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, SUNDAY, APRIL 3 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Luke Bryan, Chace Crawford, Celine Dion, The Judds and Miranda Lambert are scheduled to present on the 46th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, to be broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 3 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. The ceremony, which honors country music’s top talent as well as the industry’s hottest emerging artists, is produced for television by dick clark productions.

Bryan, Crawford, Dion, The Judds and Lambert join previously announced presenters Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Nancy O’Dell, Bethany Hamilton, Julianne Hough, AnnaSophia Robb, Ryan Seacrest and Chris Young. In addition, Alabama, Dierks Bentley, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, Martina McBride, Reba, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band with James Taylor as well as Entertainer of the Year nominees Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban have been announced as performers.

Luke Bryan, the reigning 2010 ACM New Artist and New Solo Vocalist, released his sophomore album, Doin’ My Thing, on Capitol Records Nashville in October 2009, debuting at #2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. The Gold® certified album includes three consecutive #1 singles, “Do I,” “Rain Is A Good Thing” and “Someone Else Calling You Baby.” Bryan just released a new single, “Country Girl (Shake It for Me),” from his forth-coming album due out later this summer and is slated to open on the Tim McGraw “Emotional Traffic Tour” kicking off April 8.

Chace Crawford currently stars in the CW hit drama, “Gossip Girl.” The talented young actor recently wrapped production on Bruce Beresford’s film, “Peace, Love and Misunderstanding,” in which he will star opposite Catherine Keener and Jane Fonda.

Celine Dion is an international pop superstar who has sold over 200 million albums and has garnered numerous accolades, including five GRAMMY® Awards. Early last year, Celine announced her three-year residency and return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, the world-renowned venue where she was the first to grace its stage. When her first show, A New Day…, opened on March 25, 2003, it went on to not only become one of the most successful shows in Las Vegas, but also redefined the entertainment industry. Celine would become the first artist at the height of her career to stop touring and invite fans to come to her.

By the time the show closed on December 15, 2007, more than three million fans spanning six continents and 138 countries had seen the show. Celine’s brand-new show, which opened March 15, has already received widespread critical acclaim from the world’s foremost media and entertainment outlets, and is selling out faster than her previous five-year engagement.

The Judds are the ACM’s most award-winning female duo, having won Vocal Duo of the Year seven years in a row, from 1984 through 1990, and Song of the Year in 1984 for “Why Not Me.” Kentucky natives, The Judds are one of the most successful country music duos of all time, amassing 14 #1 hits and more than 60 industry awards. After launching their career with RCA Records in 1984, The Judds sold 20 million albums in just six short years. By 1989, The Judds were one of the top-grossing and most popular touring acts in America. At the height of their career, Naomi Judd announced she would have to retire from the music business due to health complications. Then, last year, Wynonna and Naomi reunited for their final tour, The Last Encore. The Judds invited cameras from the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) to join them behind the scenes and on separate buses as they prepared for their first tour together in 10 years. “The Judds” documentary series two-hour premiere debuts on Sunday, April 10 at 9:00 PM, ET, on OWN.

Miranda Lambert leads this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards with seven nominations, including Female Vocalist and her first-ever nomination for Entertainer of the Year. In addition, Lambert was nominated for Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “The House That Built Me,” and received two nominations for Video of the Year for “Only Prettier” and “The House That Built Me.” She is nominated for Vocal Event of the Year with Sheryl Crow and Loretta Lynn for “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Lambert is the reigning ACM Female Vocalist of the Year.

The 46TH ANNUAL Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry. The show is produced for television by dick clark productions. Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers; Barry Adelman is the producer and Bob Bardo serves as the executive in charge of production.

 

James Caan & Other Stars Usher In The Opening of The Las Vegas Mob Experience!

LAS VEGAS, NV – Tuesday March 29, 2011 – Creators of The Las Vegas Mob Experience were joined by family members of the iconic/historic gangsters at The Tropicana Las Vegas for the opening of The Las Vegas Mob Experience this week.  They were joined by Hollywood icon James Caan (The Godfather, “Las Vegas”), one of several celebrity “gangster guides” who take you through the experience – educating the viewer (through videos and holograms) on the mob and how Vegas worked back in the day.

Also in attendance at Tuesday night’s red carpet gala were Gangster Guides Frank Vincent (“The Sopranos”, Goodfellas) and Tony Sirico (“The Sopranos”, Goodfellas) along with celebrity guests Pamela Anderson (“Baywatch”), Peter Greene (Pulp Fiction, The Usual Suspects), Rick Harrison (“Pawn Stars”) and more.

The Las Vegas Mob Experience is an immersive, highly interactive journey through time. Anchored by the largest collection of authentic artifacts, memorabilia, photos and videos of organized crime ever assembled, this attraction explores the history of organized crime and the impact its major players had on the building of Las Vegas.

The descendants of these mobsters offered fascinating, first-hand accounts and an interesting perspective of whom these people really were, not how they’ve been portrayed in Hollywood.

For more information on The Las Vegas Mob Experience, visit www.lvme.com <http://www.lvme.com> .

You can view the Las Vegas Mob Experience on YouTube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LgY7FKVU3c

 

Material Girls (a J!-ENT Blu-ray Disc Review)

If you are a Hilary and Haylie Duff fan or if you loved the film “Material Girls”, then you may want to upgrade to your DVD copy to Blu-ray.

Images courtesy of © 2006 Material Girls Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: Material Girls

FILM RELEASE DATE: 2006

DURATION: 98 Minutes

BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition, Widescreen (2:40:1), English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, Spanish Dolby Surround, French 5.1 Dolby Surround, AVC @ 40 MBPS, Subtitles: English SDH,  Spanish

COMPANY: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/20th Century Fox

RATED: PG (Language and Rude Humor)

RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2011

Directed by Martha Coolidge

Written by John Quaintance, Jessica O’Toole, Amy Rardin

Produced by Mark Morgan, Guy Oseary, Tim Wesley, Hilary Duff, Susan Duff, David Faigenblum, Milton Kim, Eve LaDue

Executive Produced by Greg Carney, Michael Mendelsohn, Tara Pirnia, Austen Tayler, Gary Hamilton

Co-PRoduced by Mirjana Mijojilic, Brent Emery, Gary Raskin, Troy Rowland

Line Producer: Ronald Colby

Music by Jennie Muskett

Cinematography by Johnny E. Jensen

Edited by Steven Cohen

Casting by Aleta Chappelle

Production Design by James H. Spencer

Starring:

Hilary Duff as Tanzie Marchetta

Haylie Duff as Ava Marchetta

Maria Conhita Alonso as Inez

Anjelica Huston as Fabiella

Brent Spiner as Tommy Katzenbach

Lukas Haas as Henry Baines

Marcus Coloma as Rick

Ty Hodges as Etienne

Reagan Dale Neis as Jaden

Obba Babatunde as Craig

Henry Cho as Ned Nakamori

Misti Traya as Martinique

Christina R. Copeland as Brigitta

Brandon Beemer as Mic Ronn

Sisters Tanzie and Ava (Hilary and Haylie Duff) have it all — designer clothes to wear, hunky guys to date and millions of dollars to spend. Their life has been one big party since inheriting their dad’s cosmetics company… but the party ends when a product scandal leaves the celebutantes without a penny to their name. It’s a hilarious riches-to-rags tale as the girls go from maximum fun to minimum wage.

In the early 2000′s, there were two famous sisters that grabbed headlines.  While the Hilton Sisters were known for being socialites, the Duff sisters were known for being in the entertainment world.  Younger sister Hilary Duff was known for her starring role on “Lizzie McGuire” and appearing in various films such as “A Cinderella Story”, “The Lizzie Mcguire Movie” and “Cheaper by the Dozen”.  Older sister Haylie is best known for her role as the popular cheerleader Summer Wheatly in “Napoleon Dynamite”.

And on camera, these two sisters were always together and were even voted by E! at #2 for their ranking of “Favorite Famous Sisters”.

And it was no surprise when it was announced that both sisters would appear together in the film “Material Girls”.

The film is directed by Martha Coolidge (“Real Genius”, “If These Walls Could Talk 2″, “The Prince and Me” and features a storyline written by John Quaintance (“Aquamarine”, “Joey”), Jessica O’Toole (“Greek”) and Amy Rardin (“Greek”).

“Material Girls” is about two socialite sisters.  Ava Marchetta (played by Haylie Duff) is the party girl dating a popular actor and both will be announcing their upcoming marriage, while Tanzania “Tanzie” Marchetta (played by Hilary Duff) is the younger sister who loves partying but also has a major interest in chemistry and is trying to get into UCLA.

For Tanzie, she misses her deceased father Victor, the owner of the multi-million dollar cosmetics company, Marchetta Cosmetics and often watches his recorded shows on their Tivo machine.  Although the sisters are quite young and live at home by themselves, they are taken care of by their housekeeper Inez (played by Maria Conchita Alonso) and their finances are being taken care of by Tommy (Brent Spiner).

One night at an event celebrating their father’s memory, news breaks out that Marchetta cosmetics have been giving several women major skin deformities and because so many people use the cosmetics, word gets out that Victor Marchetta knew about his problematic cosmetics but yet sold it to the public.

Immediately, the company becomes hated and their stocks drop significantly.

As for both sisters, they noticed how people are picketing outside of their home and needless to say, they are unable to leave.  While, Tanzie remains sympathetic to their father, Ava doesn’t and begins smoking.  Tanzie gets upset with her sister for smoking that she tries to get the cigarette away from her and in the process, the cigarette flies on the floor and the home catches on fire.

The sisters take a few of their belongings and try to go to a hotel but find out immediately that their credit cards are closed and they are broke.

With only their clothes and their convertible car, they head to the only person who has helped them throughout their lives and that’s their housekeeper Inez.

Meanwhile, the two sisters realize how much they lost.  Ava’s boyfriend will not talk to her and their agent feels his association with her can hurt his show’s ratings, so she is cut out of the loop and their relationship and marriage is ended.

As they go to talk to their company’s manager, Tommy, Tommy tells them that their father’s cosmetics rival, Fabiela (played by Anjelica Huston) wants to buy the company and essentially, if they sell Marchetta Cosmetics, they will have money to live on.  But Tanzie does not want to see her father’s legacy going to his bitter rival and she does not believe the stories that her father intentionally wanted to hurt people with bad cosmetics.

So, the two go to the person they think can help them, a pro-bono lawyer for the poor, a guy named Henry (played by Lukas Haas) who tends to get into arguments with Ava, meanwhile Hayley starts to become interested in a guy named Rick (played by Marcus Coloma) who she thinks is a valet but is actually a lab technician.

Henry’s advice to both sisters is that if they need to find the truth about the women who were allegedly hurt by the cosmetics, they need to do some investigating.  But with no money to hire an investigator, both Marchetta sisters decide that they would need to investigate these cases on their own.

Will Ava and Tanzie find out the truth about the bad makeup?  And will they find love along the way?

VIDEO:

“Material Girls” is presented in 1080p High Definition (widescreen 2:40:1).  This is a more recent movie, so picture quality is pretty good.  Watching it on Blu-ray, the details are more apparent.  From the materials of the clothing the girl’s wear, to the detail of their makeup.  Skin tones are natural, colors are vibrant and blacks are nice and deep.  I didn’t notice any edge enhancement, artifacting, DNR or banding during my viewing of the film, but I did notice occasional dust and speckles throughout the film.  Not a lot but it’s there.  Also, there is a good amount of grain featured in the film as well, which is a good ting.

For the most part, picture quality is very good for the film and if you are a fan of the film and owned a DVD copy, then you may want to upgrade to Blu-ray as you get much more detail and vibrant colors over its DVD counterpart.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“Material Girls” is presented in English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, Spanish Dolby Surround and French 5.1 Dolby Digital.

The film is pretty much dialogue and music-driven.  Dialogue is clear through the center and front channels.  But because this film doesn’t really feature much action, you will hear some crowd ambiance through the surround channels but the sound that you will mostly hear in this lossless soundtrack is the bass and pop music sung by Hilary Duff.

Subtitles are in English SDH and Spanish.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Material Girls” comes with the following special features:

• Audio Commentary – Audio commentary by director Martha Coolidge – Director Martha Coolidge talks about the characters in the film, setting up scenes and working with the various talent and cost-cutting measures for the film.
• Getting to Know Hilary and Haylie as the Marchetta Sisters – (9:42) Hilary and Haylie talk about working together, answering if they are “material girls” in real life and the message they wanted to get across with this film.
• Cast of Characters: The Making of Material Girls – (9:56) Director Martha Coolidge and the the cast talking about the film and their characters.
• Material Girls Music Montage – (2:21) Scenes from the film accompanied by the music of Duff’s “Material Girls” cover.
• “Play with Fire” Music Video – (3:11) Hilary Duff’s music video for “Play with Fire”.
• Trailer – (2:18) The official theatrical trailer for “Material Girls”.

Are you a fan who loves Hilary Duff, her music and her films?  More than likely, you probably enjoyed “Material Girls”, the first film she starred with her older sister Haylie.

With a Hilary Duff film, from what I have watched so far with her as the primary actress, her films tend to be more cute girl, comedy films and for her 2006 film, “Material Girls” continued that direction of films she feels comfortable doing.

First, let’s get this out of the way.   “Material Girls” is a film that didn’t receive much love from the film critics and many have panned it and is generally considered one of the worst movies of all time (ranked #46 of 10 worst reviewed films of all of the 2000′s).  In fact, even actor Lukas Haas was unhappy with the film and producers have been trying to sell the film and got lucky when MGM picked up the rights to it.

I liken “Material Girls” like watching a Disney Channel youth film.  May it be along the lines of “Hannah Montana” to “High School Musical”, the young star in a comedy type of series that younger audiences love, while older audiences tend to  look at them quite unfavorably.  The same can be said with a starlet film along the same lines of a Jessica Simpson film like “Private Valentine: Blonde & Dangerous”.

One can say that the film is contrived, the film is your typical rich girls who are not so bright taking on challenges and along the way, they meet guys that they fall for.  Yes, there is a banality to films like “Material Girls” but sometimes, there are films where people don’t need anything deep.  I’m not going to say I was disappointed because I was expecting a ditzy, cheesy type of film and ended up watching that type of film.  Sure, it has its fun moments but it’s one of those films that will appeal to fans of the two actresses or how much you are wanting to see a not-so-deep and involving film.  A popcorn comedy film that is not raunchy, mature but is mostly accessible to younger audiences (especially Duff’s “Lizzy Mcguire” fans).

The Blu-ray contains the same special features as the DVD release and if anything, the special feature are upbeat, especially to see how the two sisters are together not just in the film but also in real life.

Overall, “Material Girls” may not be the greatest sister comedy ever made.  And while some feel that “Material Girls” is one of the worst feature films ever made, as cheesy as this film gets, it’s not that horrible.  In fact…there are films released in the 2000′s featuring music talent that are much, much worse.

In the end, if you did enjoy this film or are a big fan of Hilary or Haylie, then definitely upgrade to the Blu-ray version of this film.

 

A Clockwork Orange 40th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray May 31st!

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE
40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION ON BLU-RAY™ MAY 31
Star Malcolm McDowell Feted Worldwide
Special Anniversary Screenings at Cannes Film Festival
and New York’s The Museum of Modern Art

Burbank, Calif., March 31, 2011 – Stanley Kubrick was one of the great filmmakers of our time and his profound influence on motion pictures continues to this day. His 1971 film, A Clockwork Orange, starring Malcolm McDowell, portrayed an oppressive lawless society where man was reduced to little more than a machine. The film introduced into popular culture the concept of “ultra-violence,” as singing, tap-dancing, derby-topped hooligan Alex (McDowell) has a “good time” – at the tragic expense of others. His journey from amoral punk to brainwashed proper citizen and back again forms the dynamic arc of Kubrick’s future-shock vision of Anthony Burgess’ novel.

This was a powerful film made by a director at the height of his artistry and its impact generated worldwide controversy. Forty years later, the world is a different place but the film’s power still entices, shocks and mesmerizes today.

On May 31, Warner Home Video will honor Kubrick and the film with A Clockwork Orange 40th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray ($34.99 SRP). The two-disc release includes two newly-produced bonus features: Turning Like Clockwork, a 25-minute documentary about the film’s “ultra-violence” and its cultural impact, and a short documentary where Malcolm McDowell reminiscences on working closely with the legendary director. This two-disc edition will also contain the feature-length documentaries, Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures and O Lucky Malcolm! The 40th Anniversary Edition will be packaged in a 40-page Blu-ray book withrare photos and production notes.

McDowell’s Never Apologize will also be released on May 31 for the first time on DVD in the U.S.  This spirited documentary pays tribute to British director Lindsay Anderson, who directed the actor in his films If and O Lucky Man and is based on his entertaining London and Edinburgh one-man stage shows. The film weaves McDowell’s experience of working with Anderson as well as tales of Sir Alan Bates, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Laurence Olivier, Bette Davis, Princess Diana, John Ford and Lillian Gish. Never Apologize will sell for $19.97 SRP.

This will be a big year for Malcolm McDowell and A Clockwork Orange. The prestigious Cannes Film Festival will launch the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the release of Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece with a special screening of a digitally restored copy of the film, joined by McDowell, Kubrick’s widow Christiane and brother-in-law Jan Harlan, executive producer on several of Kubrick’s films. Anniversaryscreenings will continue with a special event May 25 at New York’s The Museum of Modern Art with McDowell participating in a panel discussion. In the early fall, Malcolm McDowell will be feted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences which will include a screening of A Clockwork Orange at AMPAS, Los Angeles.

McDowell stars in the upcoming film Vamps, directed by Amy Heckerling, opening later this year.  And Franklin & Bash, the new TNT comedy-drama TV series debuting this summer features McDowell as the head of a buttoned-down law firm joined by two young, fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants street lawyers who cause a seismic culture clash within the firm. He will also be featured in the upcoming film Silent Hill Revelation, the sequel to the 2006 hit Silent Hill.

Continuing the celebration, WHV will also release the Stanley Kubrick: Limited Edition Collection on Blu-ray ($148.95 SRP) May 31 – an unprecedented 9-film, 10-disc collection, which contains every film the director made since1960. The collection features the film and bonus content from A Clockwork Orange 40th Anniversary Edition, the Blu-ray debuts of Lolita and Barry Lyndon, as well as the feature films Spartacus, Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, and Eyes Wide Shut. The Blu-ray collection will be elegantly boxed in new book-style premium packaging and will include a 40-page hard-cover book that explores the breadth of genres and themes in Kubrick’s work. The same group of films will be available on DVD in Stanley Kubrick: The Essential Collection ($74.92 SRP), which also includes a 40-page book.

A Clockwork Orange 40th Anniversary Edition is also available On Demand and for Download from iTunes™, including bonus iTunes™ extra content. Additionally, Lolita, Barry Lyndon, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut, and Never Apologize will be available On Demand and for Download.

For further information log onto https://www.facebook.com/StanleyKubrickFilms

A Clockwork Orange 40TH Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray
Causing major controversy when first released, the film garnered four Academy Award® nominations – Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing and Best Screenplay – and is #4 on AFI’s Top 10 List of Best Science Fiction Films of All Time.

Disc 1:
·   Feature Film
·   New Bonus Features
o Malcolm McDowell Looks Back: Malcolm McDowell reflects on his experience working with Kubrick on one of the seminal films of the 1970s
o Turning like Clockwork considers the film’s “ultra-violence” and its cultural impact
·   Plus
o Commentary by Malcolm McDowell and historian Nick Redman
o Documentary Still Tickin’: The Return of Clockwork Orange
o Great Bolshy Yarblockos!: Making A Clockwork Orange
o Theatrical trailer

Disc 2:

·   Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures (Produced and directed by Jan Harlan, the brother of Christiane Kubrick, Stanley Kubrick’s widow). Kubrick’s career comes into sharp focus in this compelling documentary narrated by Tom Cruise. Fascinating footage glimpses Kubrick in his early years, at work on film sets and at home, augmented by candid commentary from collaborators, colleagues and family.



·   O Lucky Malcolm! Documentary about the life and career of actor Malcolm McDowell produced and directed by Jan Harlan and edited by Katia de Vidas.

A Clockwork Orange 40th Anniversary Blu-ray Book
Street Date: May 31, 2011
Order Due Date: April 26, 2011
$34.99 SRP
Catalog # 1000169336
UPC # 883929157761

Stanley Kubrick: Limited Edition Collection (Blu-ray)
Street Date: May 31, 2011
Order Due Date: April 26, 2011
$148.95 SRP
Catalog # 1000175414
UPC # 883929165834

Stanley Kubrick: The Essential Collection (DVD)
Street Date: May 31, 2011
Order Due Date: April 26, 2011
$74.92 SRP
Catalog # 1000175413
UPC # 883929165827

Never Apologize (DVD)
Street Date: May 31, 2011
Order Due Date: April 26, 2011
$19.97 SRP
UPC # 883929166565

Note: All enhanced content listed above is subject to change.

Warner Home Video Blu-ray™ Discs offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and color and beautifully crisp sound. The format also provides a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film.

About Warner Home Video
With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc., commands the largest home entertainment distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video’s film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Video and New Line Cinema.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group (WBHEG) brings together WarnerBros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHEG oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHEG distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com.

 

The Secret of NIMH (a J!-ENT Children’s Blu-ray Disc Review)

Fun, a bit dark but still manages to be quite entertaining.  It was a bold statement for animation during that time and “The Secret of NIMH” holds up well 30-years later.  If you are a fan of the film, it’s definitely a worthy upgrade from the 2007 DVD release.

Images courtesy of © 1982 MGM Television Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: The Secret of NIMH

FILM RELEASE DATE: 1982

DURATION: 83 Minutes

BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition, Widescreen (1:85:1), English 2.0 Surround DTS-HD Master Audio, Spanish Dolby Surround, French Dolby Surround, AVC@32MBPS, Subtitles: English SDH, French

COMPANY: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/20th Century Fox

RATED: G

RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2011

Directed by Don Bluth

Story Adaptation by Don Bluth, John Pomeroy, Gary Goldman, Will Finn

Produced by Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, John Pomeroy

Executive Producer: James L. Stewart, Rich Irvine

Music by Jerry Goldsmith

Edited by Jeffrey C. Patch

Featuring the voices of”

Derek Jacobi as Nicodemus

Elizabeth Hartman as Mrs. Brisby

Arthur Malet as Mr. Ages

Dom DeLuise as Jeremy

Hermione Baddeley as Auntie Shrew

Shannen Doherty as Teresa

Wil Wheaton as Martin

John Carradine as Grat Owl

Peter Strauss as Justin

Edie McClurg as Miss Right

Get ready to meet some runaway rodents with an earth-shattering secret! Suspenseful and heartwarming, this beautifully animated odyssey stars Mrs. Brisby, a mild-mannered mother mouse with a plan to move Heaven and Earth (or at least her house and home) to save her family from Farmer Fitzgibbon’s plow! Along the way she gets some help from a lovelorn Crow, a busybody neighbor mouse and a fearsome Great Owl. Unfortunately, Mrs. Brisby will need an engineering miracle to hoist her home, and for that she must face a mysterious rat, fend off a ferocious cat and claim a magic amulet! But when Mrs. Brisby discovers the astounding secret of NIMH…it could change her life forever! This timeless tale of love, courage and determination will transport the whole family into an enchanting world where the bravest hearts live in the meekest of mice.

When Don Bluth and several Disney animators  which included Gary Goldman and John Pomeroy who left Disney to form their own animation studio known as Don Bluth Productions, together they would work on their first feature-length animated film titled “The Secret of NIMH”.  An animated adaptation of the 1971 children’s book “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH” written by Robert C. O’Brien and a film that was actually offered to Disney but was turned down.

Their goal was to create an animated film and returning to that “golden era” where the focus was on strong characters and story but also to experiment with the unusual.  And suffice to say, “The Secret of NIMH” was a story that touches upon the unusual.

But the film was also a major gamble.  Because they were a smaller animation studio, to stay within budget, it was a labor-intensive project that Goldman recalled working 110 hour weeks during the final six months of production.  With around 100 in-house staff working on the film and cel painting by 45 people who worked in their homes, many of the minor roles were done by in-house staff and in the end was created for $6.3 million.

In fact, the film was such a gamble that Bluth, Goldman, Pomeroy and the executive producers of Aurora Productions (who acquired the film rights and offered it to Don Bluth Productions) each mortgaged their homes for $700,000 to complete the film, of course, with an agreement that their investment would be the first money to be repaid.

The film would received critical acclaim and majority of what was received were nearly all positive reviews.  “The Secret of NIMH” made its money and actually grossing over $14 million in the US box office.  Unfortunately, the film was going up in competition against Steven Spielberg’s immensely popular E.T. and “The Secret of NIMH” faded in the background.

While the film didn’t make a huge amount of money, the film did receive second life in home video as it was released on VHS and DVD and in 2007, a re-release of the DVD featured a high-definition restoration which included color correction and dirt and dust removal from the cells.  And that re-release has been given HD treatment for its March 2011 release on Blu-ray.

The film features Don Bluth’s directorial debut and features a story adaptation by Bluth, John Pomeroy, Gary Goldman and Will Finn.  The film would feature the voice of Derek Jacobi, Elizabeth Hartman, John Carradine, Peter Strauss, Arthur Malet, Dom DeLuise, Edie McClurg and Hermione Baddeley.  But the film would also feature the voices of young talents at the time, Shannen Doherty and Wil Wheaton.

“The Secret of NIMH” revolves around a mouse, a mother named Mrs. Brisby (voiced by Elizabeth Hartman) who’s son Timmy has fallen ill.  She visits Mr. Ages (voiced by Arthur Malet), a friend of her deceased husband, Jonathan Brisby, who has diagnosed Timmy with pneumonia and creates medicine for her to give to Timmy.  And he should not go outside or else he will die.  He must be kept indoors and rest for three weeks.

While returning home, she encounters an enthusiastic crow named Jeremy (voiced by Dom DeLuise) who has a fascination of strings.  As the two go home together, Jeremy nearly gets the two killed when they encounter a wild cat and Mrs. Brisby nearly loses her sons medication.

Meanwhile, as she is returning home, Auntie Shrew (voiced by Hermione Baddeley) is watching over her four children including Timmy but the little one, Martin Brisby (voiced by Wil Wheaton) is a sassy boy who would dare talk back to his babysitter and upset her.

Shrew is a bit offended and Mrs. Brisby tries to apologize.  Before Shrew leaves the home, she reminds Brisby that the snow has melted which means that plowing time (by the humans) is about to begin and she must move her family out of the field.

Unfortunately, plowing season begins the following morning and everyone in the field are racing for their lives to move out and escape from the area.  But with a sick boy and three young children, Mrs. Brisby can’t just up and leave, knowing that little Timmy can die if he doesn’t get his rest.

Fortunately, both she and Auntie Shrew were able to stop the tractor before it destroys her home but now she needs help moving her home while trying to keep Timmy inside.  She is told by Auntie Shrew to visit the Great Owl,  which many do not live after meeting with it and most importantly, one should not approach the Great Owl during the darkness.

As Mrs. Brisby goes to meet with the Great Owl, a mysterious being is watching over her through a crystal ball.  He worries about her for some reason…

The Great Owl tells Mrs. Brisby that in order to move her family, she needs the help of the rats and must meet Nicodeus, the wise and mystical leader of the rats.

While she visits the rats as the Great Owl has told her, she starts to learn how her late husband is a well-respected mouse.  But also learns that the rats and her husband including Mr. Ages were part of a series of experiments (used by humans) at a place called NIMH (the National Institute of Mental Health) and these experiments has boosted their intelligence to human level.

Nicodemus gives Mrs. Brisby an amulet that gives magical power to its wearer who is courageous, but within the rats is the evil Jenner who wants the amulet to himself and will do anything to get it.

Will Mrs. Brisby and the rats be able to move her home in time?  Meanwhile, NIMH plans to come to the farm and exterminate the rats.  Who will save them from harm?

 

VIDEO:

“The Secret of NIMH” is presented in 1080p High Definition (widescreen 1:85:1).  It’s important to note that when it comes to older animation, sure we can expect major companies like Disney to invest the money into major restorizationa nd remastering.  “The Secret of NIMH” is not a Disney film, it didn’t make a lot of money in the box office (despite its critical acclaim) and although it was remastered in 2007, you can see quite a bit of dirt and specks throughout the film.

There is also a strong appearance of grain and while grain is a good ting for live action films, for animated films, it gives an appearance of how this film has aged.  Fortunately, if one can get past that, and focus on the animation and painted backgrounds, you can tell how much this film was a labor of love for the studio and its animators.  The painted backgrounds look very good and the  the characters are well animated, the colors are vibrant most of the time and for the most part, I’m sure, most will agree that the Blu-ray release is the best looking version of this film thus far.

But I also believe if “The Secret of NIMH” was given a better cleanup, it may have made the film look even better on Blu-ray.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“The Secret of NIMH” is presented in English 2.0 Surround DTS-HD Master Audio, Spanish Dolby Surround and French Dolby Surround.  I wish that the film was given a lossless 5.1 soundtrack but for the most part, dialogue is clear, action sequences and music by Jerry Goldsmith is clear but it’s all front-channel driven.  There are some good effects such as the sound of a storm and even the music during those more action-based sequences but it’s not an immersive soundtrack but I suppose it does sound much better compared to its DVD counterparts.

Subtitles are in English SDH and French.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“The Secret of NIMH” comes with the following special features:

• Audio Commentary by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman – An interesting commentary, very informative especially to learn how they created this indie film on a budget.  Also, comments of how animation technology has changed so much since the making of this film.
• Secrets Behind the Secret Featurette – (14:25) Don Bluth (Producer/Director) and Gary Goldman (Producer) talk about the film, how the book became an animated film adaptation, the work that went into creating the film and more.  Presented in standard definition.
• Original Theatrical Trailer – (2:20) The original theatrical trailer for “The Secret of NIMH”.

For those family with Don Bluth’s work, one can be appreciative of how he took on animated films and made it accessible not only for the children but also a storyline that can attract an adult audience as well.

Sure, we see a lot of it in today’s animated and CG animated films but back in the late ’70s to early ’80s, with Disney being in disarray at that point in time, I am familiar of the story of Don Bluth and fellow Disney animators who left the studio because they were disenchanted.  And what later took place in the ’80s was Don Bluth-related projects vs. Disney films and these two would faceoff with each other for the box office.

But one must realize that back in 1982 and even years before that, these guys were looked at as renegades to animated films and to create animated films, it costs a lot of money.  Many people gambled their livelihood on this film and put in an extremely long hours and lived stressful lives in order to get this film done and created within their tight budget.

For me, “The Secret of NIMH” is among one of the few great Don Bluth animated films out there but to me, it’s beyond just your animated film that a studio cranks out every year.  This film is a textbook example of how many people sacrificed their time in order to get a project that they probably will not make much money from but to do something groundbreaking at the time and not be affiliated with Disney.  As many people today respect independent comic book companies created by those who came from the major companies, this group of talented individuals made it all happen without much funding, without much of a payback but still accomplished their goal.

It’s a shame but at that time, I can easily remember how dominant Spielberg’s “E.T” was in theaters and unfortunately, there was no way the creators of the “The Secret of NIMH” would know how long “E.T.” would dominate the box office and unfortunately the animated film (and other films) were buried under the success of “E.T.”.

Granted, one could have hoped for a better restoration for the 2011 Blu-ray release and possibly be given a 5.1 lossless soundtrack but unfortunately, in this day and age, the only company who is able to spend that much money for restoration and remastering on all their classic animated films for Blu-ray release is Disney and “The Secret of NIMH” is not a Disney film.

Still, those involved in the creation of film did manage to craft a storyline that was fun, a bit dark but still manages to be quite entertaining.  It was a bold statement for animation during that time and “The Secret of NIMH” holds up well 30-years later.  If you are a fan of the film, it’s definitely a worthy upgrade from the 2007 DVD release but if have been spoiled by Disney’s classic animated Blu-ray releases, one should not expect the same quality but just a slightly better upgrade from its DVD counterpart.

 

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