G.I. Joe: Renegades – Season 1, Volume 1 (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

It’s an animation made for a new generation of G.I. Joe fans.  This time, members of the G.I. Joe team are fugitives and are wanted by the US Govt.  Featuring a re-imagining of popular G.I. Joe and Cobra characters and a series filled with action, I really enjoyed the writing and overall style of “G.I. Joe: Renegades”. If you are a Joe fan and are open to a newer series, definitely give this DVD a try!

Images courtesy of © 2012 Hasbro Studios. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: G.I. Joe: Renegades – Season 1, Volume 1

DURATION: 13 Episodes (+/- 5 Hours)

DVD INFO: Widescreen (1:78:1), Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0

COMPANY: Hasbro/Shout! Factory

RATED: General Audiences

RELEASE DATE: June 5, 2012

Directed by Randy Myers, Kevin Altieri, Scott Bern, nathan Chew, Scooter Tidwell

Written by Henry Gilroy, Marty Isenberg, Greg Johnson, Greg Johnson, Stan Berkowitz, Eugene Son, Dean Stefan, Alexx Van Dyne

Executive Producer: Stephen Davis, Jeff Kline

Line Producer: Phil S. Crain

Consulting Producer Therese Trujillo

Music by Jeff Eden Fair, Starr Parodi

Starring:

Jason Marsden as Duke

Matthew Yang King as Tunnel Rat

Kevin Michael Richardson as Roadblock

Natalia Cigliuti as Scarlett

David Kaye as Narrator

Tatyana Yassukovich as Baroness

Charles Adler as Cobra Commander

Charlie Schlatter as Dr. Mindbender

Nika Futterman as Lady Jaye

Johnny Messner as Flint

Khary Payton as Ripcord

Andrew Kishino as Storm Shadow

Clancy Brown as Destro

Kim Mai Guest as Jinx

Danny Cooksey as Young Snake Eyes

Keone Young as Hard Master

Brian Bloom as Zartan

Lee Majors as General Abernathy

Andre Sogliuzzo as Major Bludd

Stephen Stanton as Tomax

Greg Ellis as Breaker

When a spy mission against Cobra Industries goes awry, a group of young G.I. JOE team members is forced to hit the road as fugitives. Now the team members — DUKE, SCARLETT, ROADBLOCK, TUNNEL RAT, RIPCORD, BREAKER and SNAKE EYES — must use their wits and elite training to prove their innocence to the world before being caught by the authorities, the COBRA organization or, worse yet, another elite military team called the Falcons.

With exciting, action-packed storytelling, spectacular animation, G.I. JOE Renegades, produced by Hasbro Studios, boasts an incredible voice cast, including Charlie Adler (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), Lee Majors (Six Million Dollar Man), Clancy Brown (Shawshank Redemption), Jason Marsden (Batman: The Brave and the Bold), Johnny Messner (Tears of the Sun) and Kevin Michael Richardson (The Batman).

“G.I. Joe: Renegades” is the latest action series from Hasbro Studios.

And similar to their successful “Transformers” series which features the main characters in different storylines with each series release, Hasbro Studios follows a similar trend after the TV series “G.I. Joe: Sigma Six” and the more adult-themed series “G.I. Joe: Resolute”.

While G.I. Joe has been a successful toyline since 1964 with its 12 -inch figure lineup, it wasn’t until the “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” 3.75 action figures were released that many children would flock to the toys and purchase the action figures, vehicles and playsets, thanks in part to the Marvel Comics comic-book series and the animated series which would begin in 1985.

Possibly the most unique aspect of G.I. Joe, unlike it’s Hasbro counterpart with “Transformers and “Star Wars” is that, while those series continues to attract a demographic of all ages, “G.I. Joe” is one of the most unique series where its collectors are adults who grew up with the “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” toys from its 1982 release or its re-appearance in the ’90s.

And while those who grown up with the toyline have introduced it to their children, many adults continue to show their passion for the toys and the animated series on forums and even a convention dedicate to G.I. Joe fans.

And with the second live action movie, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” about to make its release (including the toyline), what better time than to get the children acquainted with the series and also get excited for the movie by releasing “G.I. Joe: Renegades” on DVD.  Shout! Factory will be releasing the first half of episodes “G.I. Joe: Renegades: Season 1, Volume 1″ in June 2012.

“G.I. Joe: Renegades” is possibly the most unique G.I. Joe storyline so far.  Mainly because the series begins with the Cobra Industries being seen as the good guys, while a small group of military officers from The Falcons form “G.I. Joe” which is led by Lt. Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara (previous series had featured Duke as the main leader of the team) and when things go wrong with an explosion at Cobra Industries, G.I. Joe is blamed for it.

The group is now wanted by the government and are being pursued not only by Cobra Industries but also by the Falcons.  The series focuses on the group as they visit different areas while they are on the run and trying to clear their names.

Only 26-episodes were created in the series and season 1, volume 1 features the first 13 episodes.

G.I. Joe: Resolute focuses on the adventures of the following members:

• Duke (Sgt. Conrad Hauser) – A military officer who puts his teams safety first and is always willing to help people.  While Lt. Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara is the high ranking officer in charge of the group, because of his experience and many respect him, Duke is the team’s de facto leader.
• Snake Eyes – A ninja who has a mysterious connection with Scarlett.  He wears a mask and does not speak, due to the severe injuries he received after an altercation with ninja, Storm Shadow and a situation that happened in his past.
• Scarlett (Lt. Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara) – A military intelligence officer and the high ranking officer responsible for G.I. Joe.  She is excellent with computers and has a mysterious connection to Snake Eyes.  She was also trained by Snake Eyes.  She feels responsible for G.I. Joe becoming fugitives.
• Roadblock (Cpl. Marvin Hinton) – Known for his expertise in heavy artillery, he loves heavy metal and singing loud.
• Tunnel Rat (Private First Class Nicky Lee) – The team medic and EOD (bomb disposal) specialist.  Loves crawling in tunnels and sewers and is familiar with soil, insects and plants.  A Chinese-American who is very sarcastic.
• Ripcord (Private Wallace Weems) – Smart mouthed paratrooper who runs into major trouble in the first episode of the series.

Here is a brief spoiler-less summary of each episode of “G.I. Joe: Resolute – Season 1, Volume 1″:

DISC 1:

• EPISODE 1 – The Descent, Part 1 – A new group consisting of military officers of the Falcons are on a mission and are known as G.I. Joe, their job…to investigate Cobra Pharmaceuticals.
• EPISODE 2 – The Descenet, Part 2 - After an explosion at Cobra Pharmaceuticals, the media has branded G.I. Joe as renegades and are now fugitives that must be captured.  Meanwhile, Flint, the leader of the Falcons is in charge of capturing G.I. Joe.
• EPISODE 3 – Rage – Tunnel Rat is kidnapped by Cobra Industries Scrap-Iron and is being used for testing on a suit made for James McCullen and M.A.R.S. Industries.
• EPISODE 4 – Dreadnoks Rising – G.I. Joe are now in a Kansas town where people are being terrorized by Zartan and the Dreadnoks.  The group try to help the locals.
• EPISODE 5 – The Package - The Baroness wants mercenary Major Bludd to assassinate a former Cobra employee, a man who goes by the name of “Breaker”.
• EPISODE 6 – Return of the Arashikage, Part 1 – The group stays at Snake Eyes dojo where they meet his first apprentice Jinx and learn about his connection to Storm Shadow.
• EPISODE 7 – Return of the Arashikage, Part 2- Snake Eyes and G.I. Joe go after Storm Shadow who has kidnapped Jinx.

DISC 2:

• EPISODE 8 – Busted - Duke is wrongfully imprisoned and G.I. Joe must break him out of prison.
• EPISODE 9 – The Enemy of My Enemy – The Joes infiltrate a Cobra stronghold, meanwhile Cobra unveils Cobra Commander and Destro.
• EPISODE 10 – Fire Fight – Cobra gives orders to Firefly to burn a resort town, meanwhile G.I. Joe and a firefighter named Barbecue try to stop him.
• EPISODE 11 – Homecoming, Part 1 – Duke’s family is being targeted by Cobra and we learn about the past between Duke and Flint.
• EPISODE 12 – Homecoming, Part 2 – With a few of the Joes captured by Flint, the remaining Joes have been branded “Springfield Four”.  Meanwhile, Storm Shadow returns.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“G.I. Joe: Renegades – Season 1, Volume 1″ is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1:78:1) and 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround and Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo.

I have to admit that I was not exactly captivated by the new look of G.I. Joe in “Renegades” as it was a major departure compared to the original and also “Sigma 6″ and “Renegades”.  In some way, it reminded me of a Japanese anime style used in the series “Hakkenden” but then I started to appreciate the look because it was different.  I figured with a storyline that was so different from any other storyline in the series, why not have a new look to differentiate it from other G.I. Joe lines and if that was case, the company succeeded.

The fact that “G.I. Joe: Renegades” has its own style, it’s starting to grown on me and love the fact there are many characters introduced but also seeing these new character designs for characters (both G.I. Joe and Cobra) that I grew up with and collected.  And I have to say that Hasbro also pulled off the animation to action figure very well (especially with the Storm Shadow action figure from “Renegades”).   Overall, video quality was good, but I do wish that Shout! Factory considered a Blu-ray release for “G.I. Joe: Renegades” as well.

As for the audio, I love the fact that “G.I. Joe: Renegades” utilizes the surround channels for the action sequences.  I didn’t really catch it before when the series aired on the Hub but obviously there was more dynamic range with the series on DVD and the audio sounds great!

SPECIAL FEATURES:

There are no special features on this DVD.

“G.I. Joe: Renegades”, a series for a new generation of G.I. Joe fans but also a series that is unique in the G.I. Joe universe as the storyline is outside of the American Hero canon, but yet paying homage to the original characters that older fans are familiar with.

While I know the look and style of the series will always be debated among G.I. Joe fans, especially older fans used to the original Sunbow series, I figured whether it was “Transformers” or “Star Wars”, there has been a look that went along with each series release and it’s a reality that G.I. Joe fans have to get used to. There will always be a new look for G.I. Joe with each television series release and it also supports the new toyline.

Part of the challenge that Hasbro has always had when it came to the look of G.I. Joe is that the hardcore fans want the remake of the original ’80s line using today’s newer technology, while trying to please these fans, they then release the toyline based on the animated series and it’s always debated online (ever since “Sigma 6″) between fans who like or dislike the new look.

With that being said, “G.I. Joe: Renegades” does utilize a different look that Joe fans will love or hate.  As much as I love G.I. Joe, I also realize that these animated series, while many adults watch them, Hasbro also needs to cater to a new generation of fans and I’m quite supportive of that.

I’m among those adults who still continues to collect G.I. Joes, but this time around, it’s a hobby that I share with my son.  I I have purchased the newer lines inspired from the animated series such as the “Sigma 6″ line, the “Resolute” line and also the “Renegades” line.

And with that being said, I’m always open for something new.  As much as I know there are G.I. Joe fans that want an extension of what they grew up with back in the ’80s and ’90s, I don’t know if we’ll ever that ever happening.  Things have changed so much with G.I. Joe that there is a need to bring in a new generation of audience, as well as toy collectors.

I enjoyed “Sigma 6″ but people felt it was too much like anime (which is interesting because the older ’80s Sunbow series was created in Japan) and the toyline was not the 3 3/4 that collectors were used to.  The “Resolute” line was a more adult version where characters die and while appreciated by fans, the timing of the animated release was right before live-action film and thus, “Resolute” was a quick transition and was never meant to be a long animated series to begin with.

So, “G.I. Joe: Renegades” is a new storyline not focusing on the past but using characters from the popular line and bringing them into a storyline that revolves around the G.I. Joe team being pursued by the U.S. Govt. and Cobra.  What I enjoyed about this series is the re-imagining of many characters, their new look to coincide with the series and this storyline with Cobra now part of society through it’s products, with G.I. Joe blamed for an explosion, you would never expect these guys of being the team “wanted” by the American government and also pursued by their fellow soldiers from the Falcon unit.

It’s an entertaining storyline and this first DVD release features the first half of the series and I look forward to the second half as Duke, Scarlett and the others try to show that Cobra is an evil organization and they are not guilty for the crimes that they are accused of.

Also, since the ’80s and early ’90s G.I. Joe animated cartoons, there really hasn’t been a series that tried to bring back characters from the past.  With Renegades, we have Flint and Mary J, Breaker, Law & Order, Steeler, Doc, Stalker, Tripwire, Barbecue  and even Major Bludd, Serpentor, Tomax and Xamot  appear in the first half of the series.  How cool is that!? And even more characters show up in the second half of the series and if anything, while a different storyline, at least Hasbro Studios have made the effort of bringing these characters back.

As much as I enjoyed the series, many including myself are wondering if there will be a second season. Internet reports say there will be, another said the series is done.  Unfortunately, unlike “Transformers” or “Star Wars” (which Hasbro is responsible for the toyline) in which different toylines, unfortunately with G.I. Joe, this is not the case.

Also, the “G.I. Joe: Renegades” is also facing a similar situation that “G.I. Joe: Resolute” had faced, and that is a second live action film (“G.I. Joe: Retribution”) being released and the “Renegades” toyline was either put on hold or ended completely as Hasbro focuses on the release of the movie-line figures.   So, is “Renegades” a series that is over?  Unfortunately, we won’t know until after this summer when the movie is over, to find out if Hasbro Studios has a new type of G.I. Joe series in the works or if “Renegades” is coming back or not.

And another possibly problem that the animated series had faced unlike the previous animated series which were seen on regular television, “G.I. Joe: Renegades” only aired on the digital/satellite channel, The Hub, and not everyone has access to it.

With that being said, I can only hope that older fans and newer fans will support all G.I. Joe animated releases.  “G.I. Joe: Renegades” is not the same series that many people grew up with back in the ’80s and ’90s but still, it’s a valiant effort for Hasbro Studios to continue the G.I. Joe line for a new generation, unlike myself and many others who had the comic books, animated series and toyline all at the same time.   And possibly the biggest difference is the price of toys today, G.I. Joes are nowhere near the price of what they were offered back in the ’80s or ’90s, or even 2009.   It’s a shame because the “Renegades” animates series not only was exciting for fans, the toys that coincided with the series was awesome and the Storm Shadow Renegades was one of the best G.I. Joe figures ever released.  So, for now… all I can only hope that with the many characters featured in the series, that Hasbro allows a second season to continue, so the toyline can continue as well.

As for parents, the series, for the most part, is safe.  These shows were on the Hub and there is a bit of violence as can expected (like the old series) with fighting and people shooting at each other. But nothing visually violent to the point where people are being killed and you see blood.  But parents may not want to show this to younger children who may enact what they see on television.

Overall, as a fan who grew up with the original series, comic books and 3 3/4 toyline, I welcome this new storyline but most of all, hoping that Hasbro can continue a series which a new generation of fans can watch and grow up with as well.

“G.I. Joe: Renegades – Season 1, Volume 1″ is recommended for past and present G.I. Joe fans!

The Adventures of Tintin: Season Two (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

“The Adventures of Tintin” is an animated series that manages to be exciting, adventurous, full of action and a lot of fun to watch! If you are nostalgic for this series or enjoyed the recent film, definitely give these classic animated adventures of Tintin a try.  “The Adventures of Tintin: Season Two” is recommended!

Images courtesy of © HERGE. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: The Adventures of Tintin: Season Two

TV AIR DATE: 1991

DURATION: 13 Episodes (5 Hours)

DVD INFORMATION: Color, NTSC, Full Screen, Closed Captions, Spanish and English Dolby

COMPANY: Shout! Factory

RELEASE DATE: March 20, 2012

Directed by Stephanie Bernasconi

Written by Herge, Robert Rea, Christophe Poujol, Eric Rondeaux, Alex Boon, J.D. Smith, Martin Brossollet, Amelie Aubert, Dennise Fordham, Peter Meech, Aaron Barzman

Produced by Robert Rea

Executive Producers: Pierre Bertrand-Jaume, Philippe Gildas, Clive A. Smith

Music by Jim Morgan, Ray Parker, Tom Szczesniak

Casting by Arlene Berman

Series Art Direction by Thierry Fournier

Starring:

Colin O’Meara as Tintin

David Fox as Captain Haddock

Wayne Robson as Professor Calculus

Yves Barsacq as Dupont

John Stocker as Thompson

Susan Roman as Snowy

The Adventures Of Tintin Season Two tracks Tintin and Snowy everywhere from the Himalayas to the Middle East in pursuit of truth and justice. Along with the brackish Captain Haddock, skillful Professor Calculus and ham-fisted Thomson & Thompson, they investigate a mysterious meteor, exploding cars, missing persons and much more!

Back in 1929, Belgian artist Georges Remi aka “Hergé”, would create a comic book series titled “Les Adventures de Tintin” (The Adventures of Tintin) which was first published in the Belgian Newspaper Le XXe Siecle.

The comic book series would prove to be successful that it was made into several books, led to a Tintin magazine and also received aptations for film, radio, television and theater.

In fact, the comic book series was so popular that it appeared in many countries worldwide in more than 80 languages and over 350 million copies of the books were sold worldwide.

But for many people who were not familiar with the comic books or other adaptations, in America, many were introduced to “The Adventures of Tintin” through the animated series that aired on television back in 1991-1992. A total of 39 half-hour episodes were created and are based on the best-known stories from the book. And now the second season (episodes 14-26) of “The Adventures of Tintin” was released on DVD courtesy of Shout! Factory.

In order to appeal to a younger audience, there were some changes that needed to be made. The key change was toning down the violence, the number of deaths and also the use of firearms. Especially how the series would approach the use of alcohol, which Captain Haddock drinks a lot of. Each time that Tintin is injured, he is able to bounce back to recover fairly quickly. So, a few liberties were taken in order to appeal to children. But certain elements such as the threats on Tintin’s and Snowy’s lives are still intact to a certain degree.

“The Adventures of Tintin” features an adventurous Belgian reporter named Tintin who goes on adventures with his white fox terrier named Snowy. The cases he takes on are typically dangerous and is often seen saving the day. Joining Tintin is his best friend Captain Archibald Haddock, a respectable character who does things without thinking at times.

Other characters include the half-deaf Professor Calculus, who many international thieves are after his inventions. And there are the two bumbling detectives named Thomson and Thomson who are the comical relief of the series that are often after Tintin (as he is always in the middle of a crime scene in some way or form) or somehow find themselves treated as criminals.

The following is a spoiler free synopsis of each story arc:

DISC 1:

• EPISODE 14- The Shooting Star- Tintin is involved in a race to find remnants of a meteorite in the ocean.
• EPISODE 15 – The Broken Ear Part 1 – When an idol from South America is stolen in the Museum of Ethnography in Brussels, Tintin investigates.
• EPISODE 16 – The Broken Ear Part 2 – Tintin and friends are captured by the Rumbabas.
• EPISODE 17 – King Ottokar’s Sceptre Part 1 – Tintin finds a lost briefcase belonging to Professor Hector Alembick, but Tintin thinks it may be someone disguised as him.
• EPISODE 18 – King Ottokar’s Sceptre Part 2 – Tintin investigates the stolen scepter of King Ottokar IV.
• EPISODE 19 – Tintin in Tibet Part 1 – When Tintin and Captain Haddock read about a plane crash in the Himalayas and that his friend Chang was on the plane. Tintin has a dream that his friend Chang is alive and Tintin and Captain Haddock go to find him.
• EPISODE 20 – Tintin in Tibet Part 2 – Tintin’s and Captain Haddock go to find Chang in the snowy mountains of Tibet.  But people are afraid of the yeti.

DISC 2:

• EPISODE 21 – Tintin and the Picaros Part 1 – Tintin goes to investigate when he hears that Bianca Castafiore, her main, pianist and Thompson and Thompson have been imprisoned in San Theodoros thanks to General Tapioca.
• EPISODE 22 - Tintin and the Picaros Part 2 - Thompson and Thompson are to be executed, can Tintin save them in time.
• EPISODE 23 – Land of Black Gold Part 1 – Tintin is kidnapped by insurgents.
• EPISODE 24 – Land of Black Gold Part 2 – Tintin reunites with familiar friends and must do all he can to stop his old enemy, Dr. J.W. Muller.
• EPISODE 25 – Flight 714 Part 1 – Tintin, Captain Haddock and Professor Calculus are off to Sydney and get a ride with the wealthy millionaire Laszlo Carrreidas, but the plane is hijacked.
• EPISODE 26 – Flight 714 Part 2 – Can Tintin and friends are being held captive.  Can they escape?

VIDEO AND AUDIO:

It’s important to note that “The Adventures of Tintin” was created in the early ’90s and is an older series that was never fully detailed compared to popular American animation series. But it fit the context of the comic book series quite wonderfully.

The series is presented in full frame and while the animation does show its age and looks a bit washed out, the animation still manages to hold up quite well 20-years later and is highly watchable. As one would expect on DVD, you will see some ghosting but for the most part, the DVD looks good.

As for audio, the audio is presented in English and Spanish Dolby Stereo 2.0. Dialogue is clear and understandable and didn’t hear any major hissing or any audio problems while watching each episode.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

There are no special features on “The Adventures of Tintin: Season Two” DVD release.

With the film version of “The Adventures of Tintin” from Steven Spielberg having been released in theaters, there was no doubt that Herge’s classic was going to attract old and new fans of his work.

Before the more grown up animation that we see today, during the 1990′s, many series were created to boost the sales of popular toylines such as “Transformers”, “G.I. Joe” to name a few. And many animation on television were primarily targeted towards younger audiences.

While, superhero animated series such as “X-Men”, “Spider-Man” and “Batman” were popular and introduced elements of mystery, what makes “The Adventures of Tintin” so accessible is that he’s a normal guy. Granted, he must work for a wealthy publication that can send him to exotic locations for his research but nevertheless, he’s a regular guy who goes on investigations with his terrier Snowy and his friend Captain Haddock.

Also, what makes this series different from other animated series is that he is often the target of kidnappings and even assassination attempts. Because he always covers these cases that are typically dangerous, he manages to get himself into quite a bit of trouble. Or more like, trouble finds him quite often!

He’s not a superhero with any major fighting skills, he’s not a detective nor does he carry a weapon. He’s just a persistent journalist that happens to be successful in uncovering and solving cases. And because the stories tend to feature him in a variety of locations all over the world, “The Adventures of Tintin” is an animated series that manages to be exciting, adventurous, full of action and a lot of fun to watch!

If you are nostalgic for this series or wanting to watch the upcoming live-action film and want a bit more background on the classic adventures of Tintin, “The Adventures of Tintin: Season Two” is definitely worth watching!

With the second series which coincides with the books (with slight differences), the adventures of Tintin continues as he and his dog Snowy, Captain Haddock and even Professor Calculus get involved in quite a few adventures where their lives are constantly in danger (suffice to say, Tintin always finds trouble but he always finds a way out and help others along the way).

For the second season, the stories are a bit far out as Tintin comes across adventures that involve a meteorite, a stolen scepter, a yeti and throw in an extra-terrestrial as well.  But there are a lot of action-packed episodes as Tintin and Captain Haddock find themselves in a warzone, climbing the snowy areas of Tibet in order to find a good friend that Tintin believes is a live and also in the middle of the desert as Tintin tries to find a child who was kidnapped.

Once again, you get 13 exciting episodes and it leads to the final third season of “The Adventures of Tintin”.

It’s important to note that although this series is animated, because of the violence, it’s not a series that you may want to buy for younger children or have them in the room watching.    While the death count was nothing like the first season, parents should know that this series maybe a bit too mature for children to understand and a little violent for them to watch.

Overall, if you are nostalgic of the series or have never heard of “The Adventures of Tintin” and are interested in seeing the upcoming live-action film, the animated series is accessible and for the most part, a welcome addition to the animated library from Shout! Factory.

“The Adventures of Tintin: Season Two” is recommended!

Drop Dead Diva – The Complete Third Season (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

Entertaining, fun and every episode of season three of “Drop Dead Diva” was delightful.  “Drop Dead Diva – The Complete Third Season” is recommended!

Images courtesy of © 2011 Sony Pictures Television Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Drop Dead Diva – The Complete Third Season

YEAR OF FILM: 2011

DURATION: (13 Episodes) 561 Minutes

DVD INFORMATION: Widescreen 1:78:1, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, Subtitles: English SDH, French

COMPANY: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2012

Directed by Jamie Babbit, Michael Grossman, Michael Schultz

Written by Josh Berman, Jeffrey Lippman, Alex Taub, Amy Engelberg, Wendy Engelberg

Executive Producer: Josh Berman, Neil Meron, Craig Zadan, Alex Taub, Dauri Chase, Sarah Rath, Amy Engelberg, Wendy Engelberg

Co-Executive Producer: Robert J. Wilson, Jamie Babbit

Consulting Producer: William N. Fordes, Sandy Isaac, Rob Wright

Co-Producer: Jeffrey Lippman

Associate Producer: Den Dioria

Music by Scott Starrett

Cinematography by David A. Makin

Edited by Augie Hess, Tirsa Hackshaw, John Murray

Casting by Eric Dawson, Carol Kritzer, Robert J. Ulrich

Design by Eric Weiler

Art Direction by Heather R. Dumas

Set Decoration by Amy McGary

Costume Design by Amanda Riley

Starring:

Jackson Hurst as Grayson Kent

Kate Levering as Kim Kaswell

April Bowlby as Stacy Barrett

Josh Stamberg as Jay Parker

Brooke Elliott as Jane Bingum

Margaret Cho as Teri Lee

Ben Feldman as Fred

Brooke D’Orsay as Deb Dobkins

Jaime Ray Newman as Vanessa Hemmings

Acclaimed by critics and adored by viewers, the dazzling third season of Drop Dead Diva is the most delightful and deliriously funny yet! Whether forced to play wedding planner for her former fiancé’s nuptials, fighting courtroom cases from breast implant surgery gone wrong to a Death Row inmate finally trying to do right, or facing down her own love life issues with suitors both past and present, Jane is living the adventure of two lifetimes, and then some. Guest stars include Leann Rimes, Kathy Griffin, Wendy Williams, Paula Abdul, and more!

In 2009, Josh Berman (executive producer for “Bones” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) produced an hour-long series titled “Drop Dead Diva”, a legal comedy which airs on Lifetime.  And now the hit legal drama’s third season will be released on DVD in May 2012 right before the season premiere of the fourth season.

For fans of “Drop Dead Diva”, the third season provided many twists and turns but also answering one of the biggest questions that fans have been waiting for… will Grayson find out that Deb has returned in Jane’s body?

What is “Drop Dead Diva” all about?

The series began with aspiring model, Deb Dobkins (portrayed by Brooke D’Orsay) who lived somewhat of a shallow life but was a happy woman.

She hung out with her BFF Stacy Barrett (portrayed by April Bowlby) and was engaged to Grayson Kent (portrayed by Jackson Hurst) and life was good, until she got into a car accident and died.

While in heaven, another woman named Jane Bingum (portrayed by Brooke Elliott), a lawyer was shot and also died and went into heaven.  But because Deb hasn’t shown any positive or negative redeeming qualities, she is considered by the gatekeeper named Fred (played by Ben Feldman) to be returned back to Earth.

But Deb instead chose to mess with Fred’s “return button” and in the process, instead of returning back to her body, she returns back into the body of Jane, the plus-size attorney.  And now Deb must live a new life as Jane.

As Deb now lives life as Jane, she manages to still have passion towards fashion but also has retained Jane’s intelligence and brilliant legal knowledge.

The first season of “Drop Dead Diva” focused on Deb trying to get used to being Jane but also learn more about Jane’s real life and how she struggled with dieting, was not popular at school  but she also can sing.  At the same time, Deb learns how people thought about her posthumously including her parents unhappiness but most importantly how self-absorbed she was.

As Jane returns back to work, she also has to deal with her secret that she is being Jane and watching over her is Fred, the gatekeeper in heaven who has been demoted to guardian angel for Jane. As Fred knows the true identity of Jane, also knowing her true identity is her best friend Stacy (who has a fling with Fred).

Jane works at the law firm Harrison & Parker with her womanizing boss Jay Parker (played by Josh Stamberg); brilliant attorney Kim Kasswell (played by Kate Levering), a woman who also has a rivalry with Jane as both women are great at their job; her blunt and opinionated assistant Teri Lee (played by Margaret Cho) and also, working with her boyfriend Grayson Kent.

But while Deb gets used to her new life as Jane and takes on various cases, deep inside, it’s difficult when Deb sees Grayson with other women and knowing that she can’t tell him that she is now Jane.

For season three of “Drop Dead Diva”, we learn what happens to the relationship between Jay Parker and Kim Caswell, whether or not Stacy and Fred’s relationship will last and also which men that Jane will meet and date, while trying to be tough that Grayson is marrying attorney Vanessa Hemmings.

But what happens when Grayson depends on Jane’s help and support in preparation of the wedding?

Find out in “Drop Dead Diva – The Complete Third Season”!

“Drop Dead Diva” featured 13 episodes on three DVD’s.  Here is a brief spoiler-free synopsis of Season Three.

• EPISODE 27 – Hit and Run – Jane worries about Grayson, who is in a coma, while she is assigned on a case against two celebrities involved in a hit-and-run of 13-year-old.
  
• EPISODE 28 – False Alarm - Grayson wants Jane to help him with his wedding plans with Vanessa.
  
• EPISODE 29 – Dream Big - Jane takes on a major case of a woman who is suing a sperm bank, due to her son being a “little person” having health problems and taking its toll emotionally and financially on the family.
  
• EPISODE 30 – The Wedding – It’s the big day as Grayson is to marry Vanessa, meanwhile as Jane buys a wedding gift, she is robbed at gunpoint.
  
• EPISODE 31 – Prom – Jane represents two lesbian teenagers who are denied attending prom at school.
  
• EPISODE 32 – Closure – Jane has to work for a week at the DA’s office after being deputized as a DA and work with an old ex.
  
• EPISODE 33 – Mother’s Day – Jane’s mother gets into trouble, meanwhile Deb’s mother becomes a target for Parker.
  
• EPISODE 34 – He Said, She Said – Jane and Grayson are at odds when she represents a rape victim against a star football player from Grayson’s old high school.
• EPISODE 35 – You Bet Your Life – Jane has to help a former sorority rival (of Deb), but will she be to represent her old rival?
• EPISODE 36 – Toxic - Jane is fired from her job.
  
• EPISODE 37 – Ah Men - Parker is reunited with an old girlfriend, but Jane finds out a major secret about her.
  
• EPISODE 38 – Bride-a-Palooza - Jane takes on a case of a well-known Bridezilla who was trampled at an event.  Meanwhile, Stacy’s new attitude of being actress on a TV show is taking its toll on all her friends.
  
• EPISODE 39 – Change of Heart – A death row inmate about to be executed, wants Jane to find a way to give his heart to his sister who needs a transplant.
  

VIDEO, AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“Drop Dead Diva” is presented in widescreen 1:78:1 and English Dolby Digital 5.1 Digital Surround. For the most part, “Drop Dead Diva” is a series that has always looked good on DVD.  Video quality has its vibrant moments outdoors, well-lit during indoor scenes and one of those series that I wished was released on Blu-ray.

With that being said, like most series on DVD, “Drop Dead Diva” while looking good, does tend to show some artifacting (most people will not notice) as expected on DVD especially during darker lit scenes.  But for the most part, this is a good looking series on DVD.

As for the audio, presented via Dolby Digital 5.1, this legal drama series is dialogue driven but also tends to feature quite a bit of music and both dialogue and music are clear and I detected no audio problems during my view of “Drop Dead Diva”.

Subtitles are in English SDH and French.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Drop Dead Diva – The Complete Third Season” comes with no special features.

The third season of “Drop Dead Diva” is possibly my favorite season by far.

Each episode was entertaining, well-written, well-performed and there is a good number of appearances by a few stars such as Paula Abdul, LeAnn Rimes, Wendy Williams, Kathy Griffin, Brandy and many more!

But with the third season, I enjoyed the character dynamics.

Actress/singer Brooke Elliott does a fantastic job of playing an intelligent lawyer while maintaining Deb’s cheerful attitude (and little laugh), especially discussion of fashion that comes out in the most unexpected moments.    And there is no doubt that Brooke Elliot as Jane, was put into many emotional moments throughout the series and you can only sympathize with her, knowing that Deb, who is now Jane, must deal with Grayson’s engagement, trying to move on and date other men and also seeing things get a little heated between Jane and her best friend Stacy.

Also, another plus for the third season is how the writers utilized each character quite well.  From Parker’s womanizing and his off-and-on relationship with Kim, the fragile relationship between Stacy and Fred and even more craziness with Terri Lee, if anything, I like it when writers give their supporting cast members a chance to show their importance to a series and everyone did a fantastic job with this third season and the back-and-forth dynamics between these characters, you can tell they are very comfortable with one another and the chemistry shows!

What didn’t I like about this third season?  Not much but there were times where I felt the pacing was off and instead of easing into the conclusion, sometimes the story just transitions abruptly more often during transitions to where Jane congratulates her clients.  And even some of the lines given to Margaret Cho’s character Teri Lee that were meant to be funny, just wasn’t.  And while I did like how things were going with Stacy and Fred, while most of the characters had a lot of emotional involvement in the show, I felt writers to need to give more emotional scenes to Ben Feldman’s guardian angel character.  Without spoiling the storyline between Stacy and Fred, I just felt their relationship and what happens to it, could have been handled better.

But with that being said, everything fell into place.  I really enjoyed this season’s episodes, the humor in the series especially the season finale cliffhanger.

As for those who have not seen season 1-2, while the backstory does help, to tell you the truth, there is so much discussion of the past that new viewers can just jump in to this series and enjoy it and also know what’s going on (well, with the exception of the first episode with Grayson in a coma).  But other than that, one can easily jump into this series with season three.

As for the DVD, I’m disappointed that there are no special features.  No gag real, no audio commentary, no interviews, no behind-the-scenes interviews.  For such an enjoyable series at least include special features!  If anything, this was the only major negative I found with this DVD release.

Overall, “Drop Dead Diva – The Complete Third Season” was fantastic and I can’t wait until season four!  But hopefully by next season, they can include special features with the DVD release.  Other than that, fans of the series or those curious about “Drop Dead Diva”, will definitely want to give this third season a try.  Recommended!

Being John Malkovich – The Criterion Collection #611 (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

A film that is original in every way, written by Charlie Kaufman and featuring the film debut of Spike Jonze, “Being John Malkovich” was not only ahead of its time, it’s a unique film featuring wonderful performances with a storyline that is captivating from beginning to end.  Featuring a wonderful, new 4K digital transfer, “Being John Malkovich” from the Criterion Collection is a film that I definitely recommend on Blu-ray and DVD.

Image courtesy of © Universal Studios Home Entertainment. © 2012 The Criterion Collection. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: Being John Malkovich – The Criterion Collection #611

FILM RELEASE DATE: 1999

DURATION: 113 Minutes

DVD INFORMATION: Color, 5.1 Surround, 1:85:1 Aspect Ratio, Subtitles: English SDH

COMPANY: Universal/The Criterion Collection

RELEASED: May 15, 2012

Directed by Spike Jonze

Written by Charlie Kaufman

Executive Producer: Charlie Kaufman, Michael Kuhn

Producer: Steve Golin, Vincent Landay, Sandy Stern, Michael Stipe

Music by Carter Burwell

Cinematography: Lance Acord

Edited by Eric Zumbrunnen

Casting by Justine Baddeley, Kim-Davis Wagner

Production Design by K.K. Barrett

Art Direction by Peter Andrus

Set Decoration by Gene Serdena

Costume Design by Casey Storm

Starring:

John Cusack as Craig Schwartz

Cameron Diaz as Lotte Schwartz

Ned Bellamy as Derek Mantini

Mary Kay Place as Floris

Orson Bean as Dr. Lester

Cathrine Keener as Maxine Lund

John Malkovich as John Horatio Malkovich

Charlie Sheen as Charlie

Have you ever wanted to be someone else? Or, more specifically, have you ever wanted to crawl through a portal hidden in an anonymous office building and thereby enter the cerebral cortex of John Malkovich for fifteen minutes, before being spat out on the side of the New Jersey Turnpike? Then director Spike Jonze and writer Charlie Kaufman have the movie for you. Melancholy marionettes, office drudgery, a frizzy-haired Cameron Diaz—but that’s not all! Surrealism, possession, John Cusack, a domesticated primate, Freud, Catherine Keener, non sequiturs, and absolutely no romance! But wait: get your Being John Malkovich now and we’ll throw in emasculation, slapstick, Abelard and Heloise, and extra Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich!

Spike Jonze was best known in the early ’90s for his music videos.  From Beastie Boys “Sabotage”, R.E.M.’s “Parallel” to Bjork’s “Volumen”, Jonze would get the opportunity to direct his first major film titled “Being John Malkovich”, written by Charlie Kaufman (“Eternal Sunshin of the Spotless Mind”, “Adaptation”, “Syndecdoche, New York”).

The film resonated strongly with younger viewers and also receive rave reviews from film critics, “Being John Malkovich” would win over 45 awards and receive over 45 nominations including Academy Award nominations for “Best Director”, “Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly For the Screen” and “Best Actress in a Supporting Role” (Catherine Keener).

Championed for its originality, “Being John Malkovich” will now be released on Blu-ray and DVD courtesy of the Criterion Collection in May 2012.

“Being John Malkovich” revolves around a puppeteer named Craig Schwartz (played by John Cusack).  Craig is married to Lotte (played by Cameron Diaz) who loves to have a lot of pets inside the house but also wonders when they will have a baby.

Because puppeteering isn’t exactly working out for Craig, nor is it bringing home any money, he applies for various jobs and gets a job as a file clerk for Dr. Lester (played by Orson Beat) of LesterCorp.  The 7 1/2 Floor is unusual because it’s ceilings are so low inside the Mertin Flemmer Building in New York City, but through an orientation video, learns that Mertin Flemmer who built the building married a little person and thus, built buildings with low ceilings in love for his wife.

While watching the orientation video, he can’t keep his eye off his sexy co-worker named Maxine (played by Catherine Keener).  And each attempt he takes in trying to get close to her, she pushes him away.  And each day, he finds himself even more attracted to her, but she is not interested in him.

One day, while moving things around in his office, he discovers a small door behind the filing cabinet.  When he opens the door and crawls through the tunnel, he finds himself inside actor John Malkovich (played by John Malkovich) and the ability to be another person, let alone a celebrity has major impact on Craig’s life.  While being inside John Malkovich’s head is temporary (those who go in are dropped into a ditch near the New Jersey Turnpike), he decides to tell Maxine about his find.

At first Maxine doesn’t believe him but she realizes that both she and Craig can make money by charging people a $200 admission and give them the opportunity of being John Malkovich.

Craig tells Lotte that he is busy in the office and thus is unable to come home (because he wants to be around Maxine) but when he tells Lotte about being John Malkovich, she wants to try it and sure enough, once she does, her life changes.  So much to the point that she becomes obsessed by it and wants to become a transgendered person.

When he goes to Craig’s office and meets Maxine, she wants to go inside John Malkovich’s head again and while she’s in there, Maxine uses the moment to know and get closer to John Malkovich.   And as she gets closer and Lotte is occasionally inside John Malkovich, when Maxine is having sex with John Malkovich, she knows that Lotte is watching and Lotte herself is getting turned on (and realize she has a thing for Maxine).

So, now both Craig and Lotte are sexually attracted to Maxine.

But what happens when Craig starts to become jealous of Lotte wanting to be inside of John Malkovich, so she can have sex with Maxine?  And what happens when John Malkovich starts to sense that something is not right, as if someone is controlling him?

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“Being John Malkovich” is presented in widescreen 1:85:1 and is a new digital transfer.  According to Spike Jonze, this Criterion Collection release “matches what our original print looked like and how we were never able to get that when we put out the DVD before”.

With that being said, its important to note that if you want the best video and audio quality of “Being John Malkovich”, it’s recommended that one purchases the Blu-ray release.  Having owned the original DVD release of “Being John Malkovich”, the quality of the film is definitely an upgrade for this Criterion Collection DVD.  There is a bit more clarity and detail but I’m confident that the Blu-ray version will probably feature even better detail and clarity.

As for the picture quality, according to the Criterion Collection, “Being John Malkovich” was supervised by director Spike Jone and cinematographer Lance Acord.  The new digital transfer was created in 4K resolution on a DFT SCANITY film scanner from the original 35mm camera negative.  The datea was then color corrected on a DaVinci Resolve at Company 3, with colorist Stefan Sonnenfeld.  Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices and warps were manually removed using MTI’s DRS, while Image Systems’ Phoenix was used for small, dirt, grain, jitter, flicker and noise reduction.

As for the audio, the audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. Dialogue is crystal clear and I heard no hiss or any audio problems during my viewing.  While the film is primarily dialogue, there is good use of surround channels during the entry to John Malkovich’s head.  Once again, for better audio quality, I recommend going for the Blu-ray version for even better audio clarity and dynamic range on its lossless audio track.  Otherwise, the DVD sounds very good..

According to the Criterion Collection, the 5.1 surround soundtrack was created from the original 6-track magnetic master.  Clicks, pops, etc. were removed using ProTools HD and then translated into foreign languages and redubbed to our original soundtrack master.  Crackle was attenuated using AudioCube’s integrated workstation.

English subtitles are presented in English SDH.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Being John Malkovich – The Criterion Collection #611” comes with the following special features:

• All Noncombatants Please Clear the Set - (33:18) Filmmaker Lance Bangs documented the entire shoot of “Being John Malkovich” back in 1998 and trimmed it down to a half-hour portrait of the atmosphere on the set.
• John Malkovich and John Hodgman – (27:49) John Hodgman interviews John Malkovich about the film.
• Spike’s Photos – (15:28) Made by filmmaker Lance Bangs, Spike Jonze showcases photos he took on the set of “Being John Malkovich”.
• 7 1/2 Floor Orientation – (2:12) The orientation video that Craig Schwartz watched before starting his new job.
• “American Arts & Culture” Presents John Horatio Malkovich: “Dance of Despair and Disillusionment” – (4:17) The episode of “American Arts & Culture Presents John Malkovich” that was seen in the film.
• An Intimate Portrait of the Art of Puppeteering – (7:20) A featurette by filmmaker Lance Bangs about puppeteering and how it was used in the film.
• TV Spots – Featuring four TV spots for “Being John Malkovich: JM Inc., Tunnel, Spithead and Vesselis humanus.
• Trailer – (1:55) The original theatrical trailer for “Being John Malkovich”.

EXTRAS:

• 16-Page booklet – “Being John Malkovich” comes with a 16-page booklet with the following essay: “The Original Piece of Wood I Left In Your Head: Spike Jonze in Conversation with Perkus Tooth”.

Original and captivating, Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman’s “Being John Malkovich” was a film that no one would ever expect to be made into a film, but because of its originality, it has become one of the most groundbreaking films to be released in America within the last 15 years.

Back in May  2000, during my original DVD review of “Being John Malkovich”, I often wrote about how original the film was and how Spike Jonze was going to be the next big director in the U.S. because of this film.  There was no doubt that “Being John Malkovich” was a film that would resonate strongly with independent filmmakers, younger audiences and the film critics, but watch the film again in 2012, you also realize how this film was ahead of its time.

In the beginning, “Being John Malkovich” had a banal style of a man who lives a life that is not going all that great, his love for puppeteering is not as welcomed in today’s society nor is it a way for him to make a living and there is a sense of disconnection with his wife, who shows more love to her animals (which he could care less of).  And the main character, Craig Schwartz starts to have a sexual attraction to his co-worker.  Once again, seems banal but that’s where things take a twist.

Who would ever think of a film where people can enter a tunnel and enter the mind of actor John Malkovich.  And those who experience it literally go through a life-changing experience.

On paper, the explanation of “Being John Malkovich” seems as if it is being penned by someone trippin’ on acid, but what he have is a writer striving for originality and a young director at the time who was creative and did thing his way.

Charlie Kaufman is a writer who loves creating original stories and since “Being John Malkovich”, he has continued this audacious style through films such as “Synecdoche, New York”, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, “Confessions of a dangerous Mind” and “Adaptation”.  And Spike Jonze is a director that knows how to interpret Kaufman’s originality with his own.  Jonze is not a product of traditional Hollywood.  He has come from a music video background and is known for his fascinating and cool videos for The Beastie Boys, Bjork, R.E.M., The Chemical Brothers, Weezer and many others.

He is a product of a young, talented filmmakers that are known for creativity and he has shown that in his films such as “Adaptation”, “Where the Wild Things Are” but creativity that also goes even farther when he and a group of friends created Dirt Magazine, he owns the Girl skateboard company and the collaboration between Jonez and Kaufman have been successful.

Back to “Being John Malkovich”, part of the allure of the film is how people want to experience the life of a celebrity.  And they can see it up front.  It’s an invasion of privacy but yet people revel in it.  I don’t think Kaufman or Jonze would know how life would change for celebrities with social media, Facebook, Twitter and how information is so readily out there for outlets like TMZ.com and regular people to know what celebrities are thinking and where they are at, almost real time.

There are so many things that made me laugh while watching this film.  From the 7 1/2 floor where Craig works and seeing the ceilings so low, with a crazy orientation video, add in a woman who misunderstands everything that is being said, a crazy boss, a sexy (golddigging) co-worker and a puppeteer who seems normal but yet has some creepy qualities.

And that led to the unexpected nature of how this film was going to play out.  I remember watching this film and thinking of how original this film was but also how exciting it was because it didn’t follow banal traditions or storytelling.  And watching it again over a decade later, “Being John Malkovich” is still a wonderful film!

John Cusack did a wonderful job of playing the creep Craig Schwarz and this is probably one of the few films starring Cameron Diaz (and Charlie Sheen) which I actually do like.  But both Catherine Keener and even John Malkovich himself were great in the film and how cool Malkovich was of the film’s humor and the use of his persona.  For Keener, her appearance on “Being John Malkovich” would eventually lead the actress to appear in more films by Jonze and Kaufman and for Malkovich, if “Dangerous Liasons” or “Con Air” didn’t make audiences know much about the actor, this film surely generated interest in him.

And it was also great to see Octavia Spencer in an earlier, shorter role a decade before she would win awards for her role on “The Help”.

As for this new release from the Criterion Collection, eventually the new digital transfer is enticing since the film is on Blu-ray but for the DVD version which I am reviewing, the DVD looks and sounds good and as Jonz said, with the previous DVD’s, he wasn’t able to get the color to match to the original print, until now.  So, while the Blu-ray release is surely the definitive version to own, those who don’t own a Blu-ray player and are fine with DVD, will still enjoy this release from the Criterion Collection.

For those who owned the older DVD, while the majority of the special features are on this new Criterion Collection release, one thing that is new is the conversation between John Malkovich and actor John Hodgman (better known to many as the PC guy in the older Apple Mac commercials).  This interview was much more informative and enjoyable to watch than the older “An Interview with Spike Jonze”  which was not good at all.

But what it comes down to is the new digital transfer and the Criterion Collection giving it a 4K digital transfer is a big deal because this film looks great on DVD and magnificent on Blu-ray.

Overall, if you are a big fan of “Being John Malkovich” or a person who is curious about this film (or Criterion Collector who will buy the film no matter what), this film is a worthy addition to the Criterion Collection and is definitely recommended!

The River – The Complete First Season (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

From Steven Spielberg and the director of “Paranormal Activity” comes a dark, eerie drama series that may seem too dismal for some, but for those who want something different and dark will enjoy “The River – The Complete First Season”.  It’s unfortunate that a series with so much potential and its share of fan support, will not receive any closure as the series was canceled on television.

Images courtesy of ©2012 ABC Studios. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: The River – The Complete First Season

YEAR OF FILM: 2012

DURATION: (8 Episodes) 344 Minutes

DVD INFORMATION: Widescreen 1:78:1, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish

COMPANY: ABC Studios

RELEASE DATE: May 22, 2012

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra

Written by Oren Peli, Michael R. Perry, Michael Green, Aron Eli Coleite, Zack Estrin

Produced: Robert D. Simon, Samantha Thomas

Co-Producer: Hilton Smith

Associate Producer: Ryan DeGard

Executive Producer: Jason Blum, Zack Estrin, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, Michael Green, Oren Peli, Steven Schneider, Steven Spielberg

Co-Executive Producer: Wendy Battles, Aron Eli Coleite, Glen Morgan

Music by Graeme Revell

Cinematography by John R. Leonetti

Edited by Alan Cody, Tom McQuade, Michael Stern

Casting by Liz Dean

Production Design by Chase Harlan

Art Direction by Kathleen Widomski

Set Decoration by Rick Romer

Costume Design by Kathryn Morrison, Christine Peters

Starring:

Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Emmet Cole

Joe Anderson as Lincoln Cole

Leslie Hope as Tess Cole

Eloise Mumford as Lena Landry

Paul Blackthorne as Clark Quietly

Thomas Kretschmann as Captain Kurt Brynildson

Daniel Zacapa as Emilio Valenzuela

Shaun Parkes as Andreus Jude “A.J.” Poulain

Paulina Gaitan as Jahel Valenzuela

Scott Michael Foster as Jonas Beckett

Katie Featherston as Rosetta “Rabbit” Fischer

From Executive Producer Steven Spielberg, and the director of “Paranormal Activity” Oren Peli, a truly harrowing and hair‐raising series comes to DVD. “The River: The Complete First Season” tells the tale of famed wildlife explorer and TV personality Dr. Emmet Cole who went looking for magic deep in the uncharted Amazon and never returned. Now, six months after he vanished, a brave crew of family, old friends and new acquaintances embark on a mysterious and deadly journey to find him in the deepest and darkest depths of South America. The DVD is filled with exclusive bonus features, including deleted scenes that draw audiences further into this heart‐pounding adventure.

Filmmaker and producer Steven Spielberg had an idea of “what if nature had run amok and animals began taking over humans?”.

This led to the collaboration with horror filmmaker/writer Oren Peli (“Paranormal Activity” films, “Chernobyl Diaries”, “Area 51″) and veteran TV writer Michael R. Perry (“Millennium”, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, “The Guardian”) with Steven Spielberg and what was originally conceived as a film, would eventually become a TV series and led to a well-documented bidding war between ABC and BNC with ABC winning the rights to the series.  Bringing in veteran TV writer Michael Green (“Smallville”, “Heroes”, “Everwood”, “Green Lantern”) for additional rewriting of the script, eight episodes were created for “The River” and aired on February-March 2012 as a mid-season replacement.

Despite  receiving positive reviews from a few TV critics (while others felt it was too dismal of a storyline), as many hoped for a second season, in May 2012, ABC announced that it would not be picking up the second season.  Although there is discussion that ABC Studios is collaborating with Netflix in continuing the series ala “Video-on-demand”.

But fans of the dark drama series will welcome “The River – The Complete First Season” DVD release in May 2012.

“The River” introduces us to famous explorer Dr. Emmet Cole (played by Bruce Greenwood) and how he and his family, wife Tess (played by Leslie Hope) and son Lincoln (played by Joe Anderson) literally grew up on television in the hit series “Undiscovered Country” and were seen by many as an ideal family.

But the truth outside of television is that the family was not perfect and because of Cole’s ambitions as an explorer, he was not as home as much and his son Lincoln would literally resent his father for choosing his work over family.

But one day, Dr. Emmet Cole went looking for the “Magic Deep” in the Amazon and he never returned.  Is he dead?  Missing?  Held captive?  No one knows.

And as six months has passed, while Dr. Cole would eventually become a hero to those who watched his show, for Lincoln can’t wait to begin his graduate studies and finish college.  But his mother, Tess has come with news that a beacon belong to Dr. Cole has been found and there is a chance that his father is alive.  And that she wants Lincoln to come with her and search and possibly rescue him.

But for Lincoln, it rubs him the wrong way that his mother has brought the film crew along with her (while she is asking for his help).  We learn that to fund the rescue, Dr. Cole’s ex-producer Clark (played by Paul Blackthorne) and Tess have agreed to front the money for the rescue if camera crews can document it.

And sure enough, the group including Magus mechanic Emilio Valenzuela (played by Daniel Zacapa) and his daughter Jahel (played by Paulina Gaitan), A.J. Poulain the cameraman (played by Shaun Parkes) and other cameramen including private security bodyguard Captain Kurt Brynildson (played by Thomas Kretschmann) have been assembled to find Dr. Emmet Cole.

So, Lincoln agrees to go and the group explore the Amazon to find the Beacon signal and Dr. Emmet Cole but he is not there.  As the group goes back to the village, Lincoln runs into his childhood friend Lena Landry (played by Eloise Mumford), daughter of a missing cameraman who was with Dr. Emmet Cole, and apparently she has been doing hero own research and believes she may know where they may be.

The group once again heads out to find the area that Lena had found and as they search a boat, they find a door that has been sealed.  Thinking that Emmet may be in there, the door is opened and inside they find a bowl with blood and next thing you know, a black shadow attacks Lena and the crew.

Jahel, who is looked at as a superstitious person by her father, tells Lincoln that the monster they let free is “corpo seco” (a Brazilian folklore that this entity is so evil that it was rejected by Satan to enter hell) and it craves blood and it was sealed in that room, but now has been let out.

But as Lincoln feels they need to return back home and get out of the area, Tess is not willing to leave without her husband.

This leads Lincoln, Tess, Lena and the others to travel the Amazon forests where they will be put to the test by many dark, monstrous entities including jungle tribes where they must survive.  But will they find Dr. Emmet Cole or even Lena’s father?

VIDEO, AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“The River” is presented in widescreen 1:78:1 and English Dolby Digital 5.1 Digital Surround.  For the most part, “The River” looks very good and considering it was shot in Hawaii (like the drama series “Lost”), I would not be surprised that if “The River” was a hit series, it would have received a Blu-ray release.

But for the most part, the DVD looks very good as most of the series is shot outdoors and has that mix of documentary and the TV screen monitors ala “Paranormal Activity” that made this series suspenseful, dark and eerie.  There are some compression artifacts but that is expected for a DVD release.

On DVD, the series looks good and also sounds good via Dolby Digital 5.1.

The series is primarily dialogue-driven but because the characters encounter a good number of entities and tribes, there are exchanges of gunfire and sound effects that utilize the surround channels.  But the series is center and front channel driven.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“The River” comes with the following special features:

DISC 1

• Episode 1 Audio Commentary – Featuring audio commentary for “The Magus” by executive producer-writer Michael Green, Executive Producer Zack Estrin and Director-Producer Jaume Collet-Serra.

DISC 2

• Episode 8 – “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” Audio Commentary - Executive Producer-Writer Michael Green, Executive Producer-Writer Zack Estrin and actor Bruce Greenwood.
• Deleted Scenes – (16:30) 14 deleted scenes.
• The Magic Out There – (18:08) A behind-the-scenes look at the making of “The River” with interviews with the creators, cast and crew.  Also a look at the visual effects of the series.

“The River” is a fascinating, dark, creepy drama series on ABC and one would have hoped it would carry on where “Lost” left off in terms of having a series that would creep people out each week, but want to keep them coming for more.

Unfortunately, “The River” was canceled and what we have here is a series that people have invested their time in watching but once again, are not going to be given proper closure.  It’s the reality of many drama series that air on television and some just get canceled without any closure, we have seen this happen with popular drama series such as “Heroes” and “Firefly”, with at least the latter receiving a feature film.

And while there is a glimmer of hope that the series may continue via video-on-demand, one may wonder if “The River” would continue as it was originally planned, for a movie release.  Because it seems more probable that a series this dark would be best as a horror film.

First, the good news about “The River” is that it was a series that was exciting for those who enjoy dark mythology.  We have seen various Brazilian mythology and folklore make its presence known through this series, from the evil corp seco in episode 1 to the Tree of Spirits with dolls hanging from the trees (which does exist) and also featuring the tribes of the jungle.

There is no doubt that elements of the real life story of Percival Harrison Fawcett can be seen in “The River”.  Fawcett was a Canadian explorer who left to find a lost ancient city in the jungles of Brazil back in 1925.  During that time, Fawcett, his oldest son Jack and good friend Raleigh Rimell traveled to the jungle with only them three, so they would not disturb any of the jungle tribes or be seen as hostile explorers (as many tribes have never seen white men before).

The three men entered the jungle and never returned.  And since then, many rescuers have gone on rescue or research missions to find the fate of Fawcett and his group, and supposedly around 100 people have perished during the expedition.

Needless to say, the story of Fawcett’s expedition and the mystery of their fate has managed to capture the attention of many people worldwide and also lends to the mysteriousness of what lies within those jungles in the Amazon?

In “The River”, Dr. Emmet Cole found something…but what did he find?  There is a lot of topics that writers can explore and so I felt the series did have potential because of the mythology and that people were into darker dramas these days (granted, many revolve around vampires or zombies) and the fact that it’s on ABC instead of cable television, would make it more enticing.

Which leads us to the problems that “The River” faced.

The series reminded me of the action film “Predator”.  A group of warriors who become the hunted of an alien hunting species.  Well, for the “River”, the characters are searching for Dr. Emmet Cole but because the are entering the jungle (some with good intentions, others bad), the spirits and tribes are no doubt concerned of who enters their jungle and thus, these characters felt like the hunted.

The problem is that “The River” seems that there is no glimmer of hope.  These characters are put through various challenges where they may or may not live but suffice to say, everything is too dark with no hope in sight.  You take the series such as “Lost” and what I remember best about the series through the fans are what they remember outside of the suspense or mysteries.  There was a lot of humor in the episodes, there was a glimmer of hope and sure, that glimmer of hope was often dangled and then yanked, but you felt there was hope in the series and you can’t help but laugh or just stay glued to the series as there was also a romantic and its fair share of shocking moments.

It’s one thing to have a group such as Lincoln and his mother Tess and Lena Landry.  Lincoln and Lena are the potential couple, and then you have Jahel, the superstitious one who is interesting because she is the most passionate one to tell people of the folklore and why they should leave.  Everyone else seems like they are scumbags.  Even Tess, you question her motivation of finding her husband at times.

It often felt like the only two people you do care about is Lincoln and Jahel and I think when there are not many characters to root for, it eventually becomes problematic with viewers as there is no character to hold their attention.  Sure,  Lena would have been intriguing (because of her close relationship to Lincoln) but there are mysteries that surround her character and this mysterious tattoo that she has behind her neck since she was a child that caused Dr. Emmet Cole some concern.

But outside of Tess, the mother and Jahel, the young teen…Lena is the only single adult woman in the series.

But using “Lost” as an example, while there were characters in that series who started out like scumbags, there was point of redemption that made you root for them.  With these characters featured in “The River”, there were only a few that I wanted to live and I wouldn’t care if others were killed by the dark entities.

And this leads us to the worst thing about this series and that is, you enjoy the dark, suspenseful nature of the series and then you find out, the series has been canceled and there is no form of closure for viewers.  I want to know what happened to Dr. Emmet Cole, I want to know what happens to these characters.  And unfortunately, with only eight episodes, there is only so much story that can be told.

There was so much potential with this series and unfortunately, it’s over.  And with ABC drama series, we have seen it happen before in 2011 with “Off the Map” and in 2010 with “FlashForward”.  Drama series which had a lot of potential, didn’t do that great in the ratings but yet no final episode given to wrap things up for viewers who have invested their time into supporting the series.  At least give some closure to a series, especially if you are going to release the series on DVD.

Overall, “The River” had potential and I still do believe it does have potential, may it be as a novel or an actual film. But if you are a fan of the series, if you are looking for something short in duration, dark and creepy…then I can easily recommend “The River”.   Otherwise, with no sign of an extra season or a final episode to give closure for fans of “The River”, it’s a series that is tough to recommend because there is no doubt that watching these eight episodes will make you crave for more, just to find out…there is no more.  That is unfortunate.

The Valet (La doublure) (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

Francis Vebre’s 2006 film “The Valet” may be getting its American remake from the Farrelly Brothers, but for fans of Vebre’s work… this French comedy goes to show how Vebre is the “King of Farce”.  Delightful, enjoyable and just so much fun… I don’t think I can ever grow tired of watching this film.  “The Valet” is recommended!

Images courtesy of © 2006 Gaumont, EVFE Films, Kairos and TF1 Films Production. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: The Valet (La doublure)

DURATION: 85 Minutes

DVD INFORMATION: 2:35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: Sony Pictures Classics

RATED: PG-13 (For Sexual Content and Language)

RELEASE DATE: September 18, 2007

Written and Directed by Francis Veber

Produced by Patrice Ledoux

Co-Produced by Francesco Pamphili

Associate Producer: Francis Veber

Original Muisc by Alexandre Desplat

Cinematography by Robert Fraisse

Edited by Georges Klotz

Casting by Francoise Menidrey

Production Design by Dominique Andre

Art Direction by Benoit Bechet

Costume Design by Jacqueline Bouchard

Starring:

Gad Elmaleh as Francois Pignon

Alice Taglioni as Elena

Daniel Auteuil as Levasseur

Kristin Scott Thomas as Christine

Richard Berry as Maitre Foix

Virginie Ledoyen as Emilie

Dany Boon as Andre

Michel Aumont as Le Medecin

Laurent Gamelon as Paul

PAtrick Mille as PAscal

Michele Garcia as Louise

Philippe Magnan as Berman

Karl Lagerfeld as himself

When paparazzi catch him with his supermodel mistress, billionaire CEO Pierre (Daniel Auteuil) devises a plan to convince his wife that the beautiful woman is actually dating lovelorn valet Francois (Gal Elmaleh). But Pierre’s clever wife Christine (Kristin Scott Thomas) cooks up a plan of her own. A hilarious farce written and directed by Francis Veber.

Francis Veber is one of the most well-known filmmakers and screenwriters in France.  Best known for French films “Le Diner de Cons” (The Dinner Game), “Le Placard” (The Closet), “Les Fugitifs” (The Fugitives) and also a famous playwright, one can expect to come into a theater and know that with a Francis Veber film, you’re going to laugh and have a good time.

For American movie fans who may not be familiar with Veber’s French oeuvre, they may be familiar with American films which he wrote or co-wrote such as the Billy Wilder 1981 film “Buddy Buddy”, the Richard Pryor 1982 comedy “The Toy”, “Partners”, the 1996 film “The Birdcage”, the 1997 film “Father’s Day” or most recently, the 2010 American adaptation of “The Dinner Game” titled “Dinner for Schmucks”.

And in 2006, Veber wrote and directed the French comedy titled “La doublure” (The Valet) which was released on DVD the following year courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

“The Valet” begins with Francois Pignon (played by Gad Elmaleh), a man who wants to propose to his childhood friend Emilie (played by Virginie Ledoyen).  The thing with Francois is that he’s an average guy but doesn’t think he’s that great of a person.  He works as a valet, doesn’t really have much going on with his life and lives with another fellow valet employee named Richard (played by Dany Boon).

Unfortunately for Francois, the day he proposes, Emilie is not interested in being with Francois.  Mainly because she is so busy after opening a bookstore and also for the fact that she has seen Francois more as a childhood friend and nothing more than that.

Dejected by the rejection of his proposal, it’s another sad day in the life of Francois.

Meanwhile, the wealthy millionaire Levasseur (played by Daniel Auteuil) has been receiving pressure from his mistress, supermodel Elena (played by Alice Taglioni).  Married to Christine (played by Kristin Scott Thomas), a wealthy woman who literally owns 60% of Levasseur’s company, suffice to say that their relationship has always been distant and somewhat strained.  But despite telling Elena that he would divorce his wife, Levasseur just doesn’t want to lose the financial power that he has when married to Christine.

But Elena has had enough and wants to break up with Levasseur.  As the two walk on the street together, Francois is walking towards them and when a paparazzi takes a photo of both Levasseur and Elena, Francois happens to be right next to Elena and the three are featured on a tabloid.

The following day, Levasseur’s wife sees the article and he tries to pass it off as if the supermodel was dating the other guy in the picture.  So, immediately Levasseur gets his attorney to save him.  And sure enough, his lawyer comes up with a plan.  To let the public think that Elena is in dating Francois.

So, immediately, the lawyer confronts Francois about the plan to pretend that he is dating and living together with Elena for one month and that he will be paid for it.  And while Francois at first thinks its a Candid Camera show, he finds out the lawyer is in fact telling the truth.  And Francois decides to accept it, as long as he can get the money needed to pay for Emilie’s book store, so she will marry him.

Meanwhile, Levasseur confronts Alice about the plan and she agrees, only if he deposits 20 million Euro’s to her account.  He will receive his money back only if he goes through with his promise to divorce his wife within a month. Levasseur agrees and now both Francois and Elena pretend they are a couple.

But as the two try to pretend they are in love, Christine has her men spying on Francois and Elena to find out if they are actually a couple.  Meanwhile, Emilie sees Francois and Elena at a restaurant and she immediately becomes jealous.

And as things become more complicated for both Francois and Elena, Francois wonders if this charade may have hurt his chances of being with Emelie forever.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“The Valet” is presented in 2:35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen and  French 5.1 Dolby Digital with English subtitles.  Video quality is good as one can expect from DVD, the film utilizes the surround channels for its music and ambiance but dialogue is clear and English subtitles were easy to read.

If anything, I can only hope that Sony Pictures Classics or another company considers “The Valet” (and other Veber films) for Blu-ray release in the U.S.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“The Valet” comes with the following special features:

When it comes to Francis Veber films, he is possibly the king of farce.  There are not many filmmakers/writers around today who has had the success of Veber for nearly six decades and has a body of work that extends from film to theater and has made quite an impact worldwide.

While Veber’s “The Dinner Game” and other works in the director/writer’s oeuvre tends to get a lot of notice, there is something about “La doublure” (The Valet) which I never grow tired of watching.

Once again the character of Francois Pignon (a recurring character in Veber’s films) makes its return but this time as a regular man just trying to live life as a valet.  But what makes “The Valet” work is Veber’s mastering of farce and making things so believable to the audience.  It’s so far out there that a super model and this normal man would get together but its the situations that bring them together and what they need to do to be seen together, making this film so delightful.

The characters for the film were well-written and performances were amazing.  You expect Daniel Auteuil and Kristin Scott Thomas to deliver in their character roles, but it’s Gad Elmaleh and Alice Taglioni that shine.  Gad who plays Francois Pignon is what I would call the “everyman” that many can sympathize with.  A hardworking man that doesn’t have incredible looks, style or anything ambitious going on with life.  He just works and hopes that his one true love, Emilie will say yes when he proposes.

But for Francois, he’s one of those guys who has not separate the concept between childhood/best friend and girlfriend.  She is so busy with work that she never looked at him as husband material.  And you believe it because of the way Francois lives his life.

And the same can be said with Levasseur, the wealthy CEO who stands to lose everything to his more powerful wife Christine.  He stays in his marriage because of the power and prestige but he also wants to be with his beautiful super model Elena.  We see these type of stories in the news and once again, it’s believable.

But when Levasseur gets caught with Elena by the paparazzi and Francois happens to be in the photo at that exact time, well…that is when the story becomes exciting as we see the tall, beautiful, sexy Elena encountering Francois at work.  Everyone just watches with astonishment as we see the fake couple kiss each other in public.  With a “Pretty Woman” style (thanks to the faux Roy Orbison riffs of the classic song), this mismatch of individuals is amazing farce and writer and director Francis Veber manages to escalate the situations whenever these two are alone.

And as the performances were solid, the casting of Alice Taglioni was a director’s dream.  Prior to “The Valet”, Taglioni had only done small roles and in this film, not only did she look like a super model but she also could act.  In many interviews, you could tell Veber felt fortunate that they found Alice for the role.  I have to agree, she brought this charm and excitement to the film.

While the film was made in 2006, a lot has happened since this film’s release.

Veber has since gone on to follow-up with another film in 2008 featuring the recurring character name Francois Pignon titled “A Pain in the Ass” and his 1998 film “The Dinner Game” was remade in 2010 in the US starring Steve Carell and Paul Rudd and titled “Dinner for Schmucks”.  “The Valet” is going to be remade by the Farrelly Brothers.

Gad Elmaleh went to star in the films Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris”, Adam Sandler’s “Jack and Jill” and did a voice acting role in Steven Spielberg’s “The Adventures of Tintin”.   Alice Taglioni recently starred alongside Woody Allen in the film “Paris Manhattan” and starred in “The Prey” and “The Easy Way”.  And both Daniel Aueuil and Kristin Scott Thomas have done many films in the last five years, too many too mention.

And as I wait for the remake of “The Valet”, I had another enjoyable evening of watching this delightful film once again.

An enjoyable and delightful French comedy worth watching, “La doublure” (The Valet) is recommended!

Young Goethe in Love (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

For the hopeless romantics, “Young Goethe in Love” is a fantastic, enchanting romantic comedy!

Images courtesy of © Southport Music Box Corporation, Music Box Films. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Young Goethe in Love

YEAR OF FILM: 2010

DURATION: 102 Minutes

DVD INFORMATION: Widescreen 2:35:1, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround

COMPANY: Music Box Films

RELEASE DATE: April 24, 2012

Directed by Philipp Stölzl

Screenplay by Alexander Dydyna, Christoph Muller, Philipp Stölzl

Producer: Christoph Muller, Helge Sasse

Executive Producer: Peter Hartwig, Matthias Triebel

Associate Producer: Alexander Dydyna

Co-Produced by Christian Angermayer, Sven Burgemeister, Klaus Dohle, Nick Hamson, Michael Herbig, Marco Kreuzpaintner, Anatol Nitschke, Yasin Qureshi, Fabian Wolfart

Line Producer: Patricia Barona

Music by Ingo Frenzel

Cinematography by Kolja Brandt

Edited by Sven Budelmann

Production Design by Udo Kramer

Starring:

Alexander Fehling as Johann Wolfgang Goethe

Miriam Stein as Lotte Buff

Moritz Bleibtreu as Albert Kestner

Volker Bruch as Wilhelm Jerusalem

Burghart Klaubner as Vater Buff

Henry Hubchen as Johann Kaspar Goethe – Vater

Hans-Micahel Rehberg as Gerichtprasident Kammermeier

Anna Bottcher as Hausmadchen

Germany 1772 – the young and tumultuous Johann Goethe (Alexander Fehling) aspires to be a poet; but after failing his law exams, he is sent by his father (Henry Huebchen) to a sleepy provincial court to mend his ways. Unsure of his talent and eager to prove himself, Goethe soon wins the praise and friendship of his superior Kestner (Moritz Bleibtreu). But then Lotte (Miriam Stein) enters his life and nothing is the same as before. However, the young lovers are unaware that her father has already promised Lotte’s hand to another man.

Director Phillip Stölzl (North Face) returns to the very wellspring of Romanticism – Goethe’s autobiographical masterpiece The Sorrows of Young Werther – and conjures up a beguiling and refreshingly innocent period romance.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the legendary German writer and the man of all talents, from art to science and considered a genius of modern German literature who is known for his works of poetry, drama, philosophy and science.

Known for his drama “Faust” and the “Marienbad Elegy” to name a few, when it comes to romance stories, Goethe will forever be remembered for his short epistolary  and loosely autobiographical novel titled “Die Leiden des jungen Werthers” (The Sorrows of Young Werther), which was published back in 1774.

It was a novel that was inspired by pain of loving someone so much, but yet not being able to be with them.  Pain of losing someone and for love, a sacrifice had to be made.

Suffice to say, “The Sorrows of Young Werther” was a hit and a novel that would propel Goethe to superstar status and even created a fad in which many young men would take their lives because some interpreted “suicide” as the best form of showing one’s love and despair.

It was a story written by a Goethe as a young adult, while he was studying law in Leipzing.  While studying law, he met a girl and through circumstance, “The Sorrows of Young Werther” was inspired by his love for Charlotte Buff.    A story about two people who loved each other but were unable to be together because she was arranged to marry someone else and keep the family financially supported, while the tragedy was inspired by his friend Karl Wilhelm Jerusalem, who killed himself after the woman he had an affair with, chose her husband over him.  But also the disdain of how people who committed suicide were treated posthumously at the time (people who killed themselves were looked at with the lowest disdain).

While Goethe did use the name of Werther, the real life Goethe was not so pleased about the popularity of his novel as he learned that it also outed his real relationship with Charlotte Buff, who was already married to Johann Christian Kestner.  Also, for Goethe, he didn’t like how most people knew of him only through this work despite authoring other novels and literary work and disliked how he was pigeonholed as part of the Romantic movement.

Needless to say, to this day, “The Sorrows of Young Werther” is looked at as impressive romantic novel and a storyline that has been romanticized through other books and poetry.  And once again, the story of Goethe and his relationship has been romanticized by director/writer Philipp Stölzl (“North Face”, “Rammstein: Lichtspielhaus”, “Baby”) and fellow co-writers Christoph Muller and Alexander Dydyna for the 2010 film “Goethe!” (aka in the U.S. as “Young Goethe in Love”).

And the film will now be released on Blu-ray and DVD courtesy of Music Box Films in April 2012.

“Young Goethe in Love” is a loosely-based historical romantic comedy about a young Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.  A young man who loves to write poetry but because his strict father expects him to become a lawyer, Goethe is a law student.

Unfortunately, due to his passion of writing, Goethe has not studied any of his law books and fails a major test.  So, his father, Johann Kaspar Goethe, a well-known lawyer, is disappointed of his son’s ambition to be a writer and insists that he become a lawyer.  So, young Goethe (played by Alexander Fehling) is enrolled at a prestigious law school in Leipzig in a place where he must learn the judicial rules by heart.  And supervising him is the ambitious lawyer, Alert Kestner (played by Moritz Bleibtreu).

While at the school, he befriends Karl Wilhelm Jerusalem  (played by Volker Bruch) and both men end up going out at nights.  While at a dance, Goethe meets Lotte Buff (played by Miriam Stein), a young woman who accidentally spills red wine on Goethe and needless to say, their first encounter does not go to well.

The two young men then go to a church where they go find women and while they listen to the women sing, one of the women is Charlotte Buff, the woman that Goethe ran into at the party.  While both Goethe and Karl introduce themselves to Charlotte and their friend, both men leave the church immediately when they spot Albert Kestner.

Lotte’s father introduces his daughter to Albert Kestner, while Goethe is intrigued by Lotte that he wants to see her again.  Goethe also shows his passion for poetry and tells Karl about how he loves to write but his father has forbidden it.  Karl is struck by how passionate Goethe’s poetry is and tries to make his friend feel better about not pursuing his passion by paying a visit to the home of Lotte Buff.

As both young men visit Lotte at her home, they find out that she has many, many siblings and literally takes care of her siblings since her mother’s passing over a year ago.  Lotte’s father is close to retiring and worries about his family’s well-being, as the family members are trying to survive.

And immediately, both Goethe and Karl are well-liked by the Buff children as Goethe helps cook bread for the family and plays with the children.  And as Karl tells Lotte about his passion for poetry, being a fan of it, she wants Goethe to showcase his passion of poetry to her, but Goethe does not.

As the young men depart, both hope they can still keep in contact.

And as time passes, both Goethe and Lotte start to realize they have fallen for each other and can’t wait to hear from one another.  But to their stubbornness, they both await a letter from each other which does not come.

So, the two decide to see each other and confess their love…and for the first time, Goethe shows her his love for poetry and she is stunned by his true talent.  Both Goethe and Lotte consummate their love with one another and it looks as if these two individuals are destined for each other.

But unbeknown to Lotte, because of the financial situation of the family, she has been arranged to marry ambitious and wealthy lawyer Albert Kestner.  While she does not love him, she knows that she must marry him in order to take care of the family.

Meanwhile, Goethe does not know his supervisor, Albert is seeing Lotte and thus gives him advice on asking his girlfriend to marry him, not knowing that the woman that Albert Kestner is talking about is Lotte.

And as Goethe feels love in his heart for Lotte, his friend Karl is courting a married woman and loves her to death.  But she is stuck between her love for Karl and her husband.

And through his love for Lotte Buff and his friendship with Karl, life will begin to spiral downward for young Goethe as the experience with these two individuals will take him through the darkest moment of his life, a dark moment which will lead Goethe to create his epistolary, “The Sorrows of Young Werther”.

VIDEO, AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“Young Goethe in Love” is presented in widescreen 2:35:1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround.  It’s important to note that I am reviewing a DVD screener of “Young Goethe in Love” and not the final DVD version.   So, I am unable to discuss the overall picture quality of the film.

What I will say is that there are beautiful cinematography moments courtesy of Kolja Brandt.  The scene featuring both Goethe and Lotte together in the rain as they share their first kiss is an amazing scene and shot wonderfully.  The set and costume design captures the look and feel of the late 1700′s and for the most part, I was enjoying the overall cinematography and thinking how beautiful this film would look on Blu-ray.

As for the audio, audio is clear and while there are moments of gun shots that can be heard through the surround channels and some crowd-based ambiance, “Young Goethe in Love” is a dialogue-driven film.  As for subtitles, subtitles are in English and are easy to read.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Young Goethe in Love” comes with three special features (which were not included in our screener, so I am unable to comment on them):

• The Making of “Young Goethe in Love”
• The Visual Effects of Goethe
• Theatrical and International Trailers

For the hopeless romantics, “Young Goethe in Love” is a fantastic, enchanting romantic comedy!

And while there are people who disdain dramatizations of historical individuals, especially one as notable as Johann Goethe and creating a romantic story revolved around the creation of his well-known epistolary and loosely-based autobiographical novel, it all comes down to one’s appreciation for romantic films and also romantic comedy.

While “The Sorrows of Young Werther” is a love story that captures a young man’s pain and broken heart after knowing that he can’t be with the woman he loves, because of her family commitment, what I enjoyed about “Young Goethe in Love” was how the writers were able to craft a story integrating Lotte Buff in somewhat of a more positive character for Goethe.

In the novel, the character of Werther makes the ultimate sacrifice for his love for Lotte.  In the film, loosely-based on the real life situation between Goethe and Lotte, it is Lotte who makes a sacrifice for her love towards Goethe, but it’s a sacrifice that you don’t see coming and leaves you with a smile on your face because although this is a romantic film, it’s a romantic film where both people can not be together due to circumstances, but they make one last effort not by physical contact, but by action to show their love.

So, in many ways, the basis of Goethe’s “The Sorrows of Young Werther” is a testament to a love that can not be shared in reality, but a love that will forever live in poetry.  How romantic is that?

The performances by both Alexander Fehling and Miriam Stein were delightful and fantastic, cinematography, costume and set design were well-done and a screenplay that manages to balance the romantic drama and comedy fairly well. And enough to keep the storyline from straying into banality.

Overall, “Young Goethe in Love” is a film that will captivate the hopeless romantics and may turn off those who have a disdain towards dramatizations of well-known figures.  But in the end, I have to say it has been many, many years since I have been captivated by a recent romantic drama and I have to say that “Young Goethe in Love” is a delightful, wonderful film that will no doubt captivate the hopeless romantic within you.

Definitely recommended!

Note: Review rating is based on film, not the DVD

Car 54, Where Are You? – The Complete Second Season (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

Brilliantly written, hilarious and fun! “Car 54, Where Are You?” is a delightful, classic comedy series that made me people laugh back in 1962-1963 and will continue to make people laugh today! All of the final 30 episodes from the second season have been digitally remastered and if you loved this series, the DVD sets are simply a must-buy! Highly recommended!

Images courtesy of © 1961-1962 Eupolis Productions. 2011 Shanachie Entertainment Corp. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Car 54, Where Are You? – The Complete Second Season

DURATION: Episodes 31-60 (760 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: Black and White, Standard Definition, Full Screen

COMPANY: Shanachie Entertainment Corp.

RELEASE DATE: April 24, 2012

Directed by Nat Hiken, Al De Caprio

Written by Nat Hiken, Terry Ryan, Tony Webster, Gary Belkin, Art Baer, Ben Joelson, Will Glickman, Sydney Zelinka

Produced by Nat Hiken, Billy Friedberg

Associate Producer: Louis Melamed

Music by John Strauss

Cinematography by George Stoetzel, J. Burgi Contner

Casting by Edith Hamlin

Art Direction by Richard Jackson

Set Decoration by J.C. Delaney, Fred Ballmeyer

Starring:

Joe E. Ross as Officer Gunther Toody

Fred Gwynne as Officer Francis Muldoon

Paul Reed as Captain Martin Block

Al Lewis as Officer Leo Schnauser

Beatrice Pons as Lucille Toody

Hank Garrett as Officer Ed Nicholson

Ruth Masters as Mrs. Muldoon

Charlotte Rae as Sylvia Schnauser

Albert Henderson as O’Hara

Nipsey Russell as Officer David Anderson

Gerald Hien as Katz

Mickey Deems as Officer Charlie Fleischer

Lawrence Fletcher as Inspector

Frederick O’Neal as Officer Wallace

Martha Greenhouse as Rose

Ossie Davis as Omar

Many critics and comedians believe that CAR 54 is one of the greatest comedy series ever to appear on television. Long out of circulation, this brilliant show can now be enjoyed by the legion of fans who have been clamoring for its release on DVD and new generations who will have a chance to view it for the first time. Last year’s release of season 1 was greeted with great excitement by both critics and fans and sold very strongly. The show was set in the Bronx’s 53rd precinct, where the cops depicted are all great comedic characters, as are the residents of the neighborhood they patrol. The central figures of the show are the Mutt & Jeff squad car team of Toody and Muldoon, played by Joe E. Ross and Fred Gwynne.

CAR 54 Where are You?’s creator Nat Hiken was already famous for his highly acclaimed Sgt. Bilko Show, and he drew on his 25 years of writing experience for top comedy programs on radio and television (Fred Allen, Milton Berle, Martha Raye) to produce a hilarious show rich with New York humor, polished scripts and offbeat characters. The second season’s episodes feature guest appearances by TV and Broadway personalities of the day including Sugar Ray Robinson, Molly Picon, Larry Storch, Mitch Miller, Shari Lewis and many more.

Toody and Muldoon are back in the second and final season of the popular classic NBC series “Car 54, Where Are You?”, which will be available on DVD courtesy of Shanachie Entertainment!

Back in 1961, one of the popular comedy shows on television was “Car 54, Where Are You?”. The series had a New York flavor as it was shot in the Bronx and despite rumors at the time that the series used canned laughter, an audience did watch the series and their laughter was recorded and synced to the series before airing on NBC.

Featuring episodes written by Nat Hiken (known for his work on many sitcoms) and episodes directed by Hiken along and also Al De Caprio and Stanley Prager, the series would last two seasons from 1961-1963 but the only reason for it being canceled was not due to ratings but because NBC wanted to own 50% of the show, which the owners/studio responsible for the sitcom was unwilling to give up.

While the series remained dormant for many years, it wasn’t until 1987 when many people had a chance to watch the show on “Nick at Nite” back in 1987 and it would run on that cable channel through 1990 and then later on airing on Comedy Central throughout the early ’90s and led to a 1994 film adaptation which was poorly drafted and didn’t do well in the box office (although, original cast members Lewis and Russell did appear in the film).

With the success of the first season DVD release of “Car 54, Where Are You? and Shanachie Entertainment will be releasing the second season ala newly remastered on DVD in April 2012.

“Car 54, Where Are You?” is a series about two NYPD police officers Gunther Toody (played by Joe E. Ross) and Francis Muldoon (played by Fred Gwynne). Both work for the fictional 53rd precinct in the Bronx and are assigned to Patrol Car 54.

While the short and stocky Officer Gunther Toody who is not so smart, is more apt to getting in trouble, the tall and skinny officer Muldoon is one to have bright ideas but somehow, due to Toody being the person who tends to make the decisions, ends up getting both in trouble.

And because the two tend to get themselves into unfortunate predicaments, they are an embarrassment to Captain Block of precinct 53.    And somehow Toody and Muldoon also affect the other officers at the precinct which continues to build the frustrations of Captain Block.

In season two of “Car 54, Where Are You?”, what happens when Toody and Muldoon are selected to drive the President of the United States from the airport to the United Nations?  What happens when Toody has to watch over Captain Block’s parrot and accidentally teaches it the words “I hate Captain Block”?  And what happens when Muldoon stays with Toody and his wife and both begin to feel uncomfortable with each other?

All this and more in the adventures of Toody and Muldoon in the second and final season of “Car 54, Where Are You?”.

“Car 54, Where Are You? – The Complete Second Season” includes the following episodes (spoilerless summaries):

NOTE: Episodes are not listed by airdate

DISC 1

• EPISODE 31: Hail to the Chief - Officer Gunther Toody and Officer Francis Muldoon are selected to drive the President of the United States from the airport to the United Nations but before they can, they must be tested by the Secret Service.
  
• EPISODE 32: One Sleepy People – Muldoon stays with Toody temporarily but after watching a TV show, both Muldoon and Lucille think they are getting to close with one another.
• EPISODE 33: A Man is Not an Ox – Toody and Muldoon try to find ways of being different.
• EPISODE 34: Schnauser’s Last Ride – Schnauser talks about the day he was forced to give up riding his horse on patrol.
• EPISODE 35: Toody and Muldoon Sing Along with Mitch – Mitch Miller of “Sing Along with Mitch” gives the officers a chance to sing, but the group tries to find a way to ditch Toody from their singing group.
• EPISODE 36: Occupancy, August First – The police and others try to evict Mrs. Bronson.
• EPISODE 37: Remember St. Petersburg - A group of swindlers target the Schnauser’s, thinking Leo is a Count from Russia.
• EPISODE 38: That’s Show Business – The Precinct invests in a play but not aware the play is about a corrupt police department.

DISC 2

• EPISODE 39: Toody, Undercover – Toody has an undercover job to stop a group of robbers but he may be helping them out instead.
• EPISODE 40: I Hate Captain Block – What happens when Toody accidentally teaches Captain Block’s parrot the words “I hate Captain Block”!.
• EPISODE 41: A Star is Born in the Bronx – Sylvia goes on a diet so she can be part of a play.
• EPISODE 42: Pretzel Mary – The officers want to do something good for a homeless woman, so they replace her furniture…not knowing she is actually a millionaire who likes to behave like a homeless person and hides her money in her furniture.
• EPISODE 43: 142 Tickets on the Aisle – The precinct decides to attend a Broadway play.
• EPISODE 44: Stop, Thief! – Toody and Muldoon mistake Captain Block of being a kleptomaniac.
• EPISODE 45: J’Adore Muldoon – The officers try to boost Muldoon’s confidence, so he can invite Captain Block’s niece to Mardi Gras.
• EPISODE 46: The White Elephant – A group of crooks move next door to a bank and plan to break the wall down but they are constantly interrupted by Toody and Muldoon.

Disc 3

• EPISODE 47: Benny the Bookie’s Last Chance – Toody and Muldoon try to help ex-con Benny in having a candy store business, but can Benny stay out of trouble?
• EPISODE 48: The Presidential Itch – Toody and Muldoon run against each other for President of the Brotherhood Club.
• EPISODE 49: Toody and Muldoon Meet the Russians – Toody and Muldon must guard a Russian official.
  
• EPISODE 50: Here We Go Again – Conrad Nogal wants to do a show about Muldoon’s father who cracked a world famous case…but what happens when Muldoon find his father’s diary which reveals the truth of what really happened?
• EPISODE 51: The Star Boarder – The Toody’s wonder if the boarder is a preacher.
• EPISODE 52: The Biggest Day of the Year – When Toody tells everyone at the precinct that today is the biggest day of the year, everyone begins to panic.
• EPISODE 53: Here Comes Charlie – The precinct tries to help recovering alcoholic, Charlie.
• EPISODE 54: See You at the Bar Mitzvah – Muldoon and Toody tries to help Joel Pokrass have guests at his Bar Mitzvah.

DISC 4

• EPISODE 55: I’ve Been Here Before – When criminals learn from the show “Crime Busters”, Toody’s favorite TV show, Toody manages to bust some of their plots.
• EPISODE 56: Joan Crawford Didn’t Say No – What happens when Mrs. Bronson, the marriage broker, promises people that they can marry movie stars.
• EPISODE 57: Lucille is Forty – Toody wants to cheer up Lucille who has turned 40.
• EPISODE 58: The Loves of Sylvia Schnauser – The precinct uses Sylvia Schanuser as a decoy to rid the town of Discovery Publishers (which is ran by con artists).
• EPISODE 59: The Puncher and Judy – A woman asks her boyfriend to give up amateur boxing.
• EPISODE 60: The Curse of Snitkins – Toody and Muldoon try to get the shy officer Snitkin and convince him to join the precinct.

VIDEO, AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“Car 54, Where Are You? – The Complete Second Season” receives the special treatment with remastering (mastered from the original 35 mm film) and presented in black and white (full screen), although there are scratches and dust that can be seen if you are focused on looking at them, the picture quality for this TV series that is 50-years-old is fantastic.

I’ve seen old series that look terrible and it’s good to know that the series looks great on DVD. You do see interlacing and edge enhancement but for the most part, I don’t think any fan could feel bad about the picture quality as this series looks very good considering its age. While the majority of all the episodes have very good contrast, strong blacks and good grays, there are some episodes where the interlacing and dust is a slight bit noticeable such as “How High Is Up” but for the most part, the majority of all the episodes look very good.

As mentioned with the the first season release, I’m not too familiar with Shanachie’s DVD releases but if they continue the quality for their classic series as they have done with this release, I looking forward to other titles they will be releasing.

Audio is presented in monaural and dialogue is clear and understandable. No hissing, pops, crackle or any terrible audio issues at all!

There are no subtitles in this release.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Car 54, Where Are You? – The Complete Second Season ” comes with the following special features:

DISC 4

• Joe E. Ross Stand Up Comedy Routine – (11:17) Despite for being known as a raunchy comedian on the burlesque circuit, after “Car 54, Where Are You?” ended, Joe E. Ross attempted to capitalize by breaking into the legitimate night club circuit.

EXTRAS:

“Car 54, Where Are You? – The Complete Second Season ” is presented in a digipack case (similar to the first season).

Brilliantly written, hilarious and fun! “Car 54, Where Are You?” is a delightful, classic comedy series that made me people laugh back in 1961 and continues to make people laugh today!

And here we are a year after the release of the first season DVD, with the final second season now being released on DVD and the final adventures of Toody and Muldoon.

This series written by Nat Hiken was an absolute blast because the comedy was well-written and unpredictable.   The laughter by the audience helped enhance the excitement of the series and interesting enough, the partnership of Joe E. Ross and Fred Gwynne as Officer Toody and Muldoon and the other police officers of Precinct 53 were just fun to watch. The series had a touch of vaudeville but it was its writing that made it so hilarious and fun!

My first introduction to this comedy series like many people during the ’90s was on “Nick at Nite”. I have never ever heard of this series until it was shown on television late during my high school years and suffice to say, you would imagine that this series would have received a VHS release during the ’90s but unfortunately by the time it did come out on VHS, it was already 1999.

So, there was no doubt that many people have been awaiting the release of “Car 54, Where Are You?” on DVD. And when these were released on VHS, you were only treated with two episodes per video tape. And many wondered if the format if the series was release on DVD would be four episodes per DVD but time had pass and I figured, may this series was lost. Sure enough, “Car 54, Where Are You?” gets its digitally restored treatment courtesy of Shanachie Entertainment.

As for the episodes, every episode is fun and enjoyable as we see Toody and Muldoon often get into trouble, but with the second season, we start to see more involvement with Toody’s wife, the Schnauser Family and also Captain Block as well.

It’s unfortunate that for a show so popular, that it was canceled because the producers and NBC couldn’t come up with any agreement on ownership and thus chose to stop production of any more episodes.  But at least with these two season DVD box sets, fans can own and watch these classic episodes.

As for the DVD, all 30 episodes from the first season, were remastered from the original 35 mm film and picture quality is great. As mentioned, there is a bit of interlacing and some dust but by no means is bad or does it take away from the enjoyment of the series. The majority of the episodes do look good especially considering the age of this series. As for audio, there is no audible hissing or pops at all. And although it would be nice to have some featurette included for the special features, we do get a stand up comedy routine featuring Joe E. Ross.

As for the DVD case, I know that there were some who disliked the case and found it too difficult to remove the DVD’s from them.  I have not had a problem with them, but typically when it comes to DVD cases in general, I’m very careful of removing them (having cracked one before), especially from those that utilize specialized DVD cases.

It’s also important to note that I also had no problem playing all four DVD’s.  I’ve tested it on my Sony Blu-ray player, my iMac and also PC and had no problems with playback whatsoever.

But I was very pleased with this DVD release and fans of the series should expect to be entertained. Personally, “Car 54, Where Are You?” is one of the best situational comedies ever created and it’s sad that this series has not been replayed on television as much as it should have.  But its release on DVD featuring the final 30 episodes of the second season on DVD is an awesome deal, especially at under $20.

Overall, if you love classic comedies, “Car 54, Where Are You? – The Complete Second Season” is highly recommended!

Astonishing X-Men: Dangerous (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

Joss Whedon’s award-winning Marvel comic book series receives the motion comic book treatment on DVD with the second volume of “Astonishing X-Men: Dangerous”.  Addictive storyline with wonderful voice acting and special effects makes this DVD worth owning for X-Men fans!

Images courtesy of © 2012 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

DVD TITLE: Astonishing X-Men: Dangerous

DURATION: (6 episodes – each are 12 minutes long) 96 Minutes

DVD INFORMATION: 1:78:1, Dolby Digital 2.0

COMPANY: Shout! Factory

RATED: N/A

RELEASE DATE: April 10, 2012

Written by Joss Whedon

Art by John Cassaday

Colorist: Laura Martin

Directed by Jesse Cote

Supervising Producer: Todd Casey

Executive Producers: Alan Fine, Dan Buckley, Joe Quesada, Jeph Loeb

Co-Executive Producers: Stan Lee, Eric Radomski

Editor: Dan Kelly

Featuring the voices of:

Mark Hildreth Scott Summers/Cyclops

Laura Harris as Kitty Pryde/Shadowcat

Brian Drummond as Logan/Wolverine

Ron Halder as Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast

Lara Gilchrist as Emma Frost/Perfection

Rebecca Shoichet as Agent Brand

Trevor Devall as Piotr Rasputin/Colossus

The tragic death of a student at the Xavier Institute reveals that a powerful enemy is working from inside the mansion to destroy the X-Men.  It’s an enemy who knows all their weaknesses and can predict their every move.  This new foe doesn’t want wealth, power or world domination – it only wants them dead.  As the X-Men fight for their lives, they learn they’ve been deceived by one of their own.  Even if they survive, the team will never be the same.

Joss Whedon is well-known for creating TV series such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “Angel”, “Firefly” and “Dollhouse” and the screenwriter, executive producer is also known for his writing work on comic book series.  A big comic book fan, Whedon was a cowriter for “X-Men”, “Thor”, “Captain America: The First Avenger” and wrote and directed the upcoming film “The Avengers”.

In 2006, Whedon caught the attention of fans with his series “Astonishing X-Men” which he stayed onboard for 24 issues.    It has become a major best-seller for Mavel comics and was nominated for several Eisner Awards and winning “Best Continuing Series” in 2006.

The first six issues of “Astonishing X-Men” was then released on DVD in Sept. 2010 courtesy of Shout! Factory as part of Marvel Knights Animation.  These animated stories (also known as motion comic books) are more like comic books with slight movements but with voice acting and special effects.

And now the second Whedon arc “Dangerous” (featuring issues 7-12) will be released on DVD in April 2012 as “Astonishing X-Men: Dangerous” by Shout! Factory.

The DVD consists of six episodes which are around 12 minutes each.

“Astonishing X-Men: Dangerous” features X-Men members Cyclops, Emma Frost, Wolverine, Beast, Colossus and Kitty Pryde.  As the group are trying to protect civilians from a huge monster with help from the Fantastic Four, a mutant teenager named Wing attending the School for Gifted Mutants is depressed because he was “cured” of his special abilities.  Wing is standing on a cliff, wondering if it would return his power.

Fellow student Hisako Ichiki (Armor) talks to her friend Wing to not jump off the cliff because he could end up dead.  Now that he is cured, he has no reason to stay at the school and can go back home.  But then Hisako starts to dare him to jump and sure enough, Wing jumps to his death.

As the X-Men return back home, Hisako starts to panic as Wing has gone missing and other students are also other young mutant psychics can no longer feel him around.  Suddenly, trouble arises and Kitty Pryde has all the students go into the danger room to protect themselves.

Meanwhile, not far away is a badly damaged Sentinel that has been kept by a farmer and reawakened.  Still deadly, the Sentinel begins to crawl  and is now wanting to destroy the X-Men.  But who is controlling it?

As the children are huddled inside the danger room, Kitty is shocked to see all the students scared of their discovery.  Wing is laying in the ground dead but automatically, Wing is reanimated and brought back to life.  The Danger Room has now achieved intelligence and is now threatening to kill all the children inside the Danger Room.

The X-Men must now try to find a way to break into the Danger Room and destroy it before it kills anyone.  But the sentient Danger Room  has a plant of its own and that is to kill all X-Men.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“Astonishing X-Men: Dangerous” is not an animated cartoon.  It’s a motion comic book, so the characters are provided in their comic book version but you will see hair movement, lights blinking or leaves flying around the pages and also some slight animated movements of the character themselves.  While a character talks, you will see their mouths move.

Presented in 1:78:1, the motion comics of today differs greatly from the motion comics of the ’90s.  There is more use of  CG animation for special effects and blurring as opposed to the comic book pages with standard lighting effects.

The best part of these motion comics today is the voice acting.  The voice acting is fantastic!

SPECIAL FEATURES:

There are no special features.

As a long time collector of the X-Men comic books and having read so many of the comics even to this day, I have to admit that Joss Whedon has managed to make X-Men a serious and entertaining comic book series.  There was a lull of storyline content unfortunately created by Marvel due to its plethora of X-related comic books and every character having their own series or mini-series and truthfully, it was one of the biggest reasons I quit reading the series.  Too many titles, increase in price for comic books and the quality of the series was dwindling.

Whedon’s storyline manage to continue its action-packed battles but he emphasized story, especially character development and his presence with “Astonishing X-Men” was felt and while he was involved, it was an amazing run!

And now his contribution to “Astonishing X-Men” is being carried out via motion comic books on DVD.

Having been one of the earlier adopters of motion comic books on CD, suffice to say, they have come along way especially with these Marvel Knights DVD releases.  Back then it was just a page with voice acting (which was not all that great) and lighting effects.  It worked during the mid-90′s but in 2012, you expect a bit more and sure enough, you do get animated movements, special effects, mouth movement.   And of course, much better voice acting.  And as mentioned, they were CD’s and can only be played on computers.

The DVD itself comes with six mini-episodes that were available on Hulu, iTunes and the PlayStation Store and other video services.  But for those who are X-Men fans and want them on physical media, then these motion comic DVD’s are worth it. If there was one thing that I wish it contained, that there were some sort of special features included.

As for the storyline, the storyline was fantastic as it took a storyline of what would happen if the danger room could be sentient and learn over time.  And the answer is “chaos” as the X-Men are suddenly faced with a rival that was designed to know and counter their fighting style.  And to make things worse, the Danger Room has become sentient to the point that it wants nothing but to kill the X-Men.

For fans of the older Uncanny X-Men series, the storyline of the X-Men is much different and the storyline itself didn’t mesh with Marvel’s current run of X-related storylines or Marvel crossovers.  If you were familiar with the characters, that was all that was needed to understand the series.  The X-Men are still funded and led by Professor X, the team is led by Cyclops and there is no Ice Man, nor is there a Jean Grey, who has since been replaced by Emma Frost (which is a big part of the storyline from 2000) who is romantically linked to Scott Summers (Cyclops).  But similar to the original series, Beast and Wolverine are still part of the team and the romantic angst between Kitty Pryde and Piotr Rasputin (Colossus) is still ongoing.

But there is also a deeper and darker element to this series and showcases a different Scott Summers, especially during its ending minutes as we learn more about the creation of the Danger Room.  But the storyline is entertaining and loved how Whedon concentrates a lot on the characters.  Prior to Whedon and with past X-Men related issues, too much was focused on convoluted storylines, including regurgitated non-interesting banal storylines that went nowhere and eventually some other writer would have to clean up the mess.  Whedon stayed with keeping things simple, but yet focusing on character development, team dynamic and intriguing adversaries.

Overall, if you are an old X-Men fan who quite awhile back or a fan of “Astonishing X-Men”, “Astonishing X-Men: Dangerous” is an entertaining motion comic book on DVD worth checking out!

David Lean Directs Noel Coward – The Criterion Collection #603-606 (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

For any movie fan who have been captivated by the work of Noel Coward and David Lean, the “David Lean Directs Noel Coward” is one of those must-own Blu-ray or DVD sets that a cineaste and fans of British cinema would want in their collection.   You get the best versions of these films to date and fantastic special features included as well.

Image courtesy of © 2012 The Criterion Collection. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: David Lean Directs Noel Coward – The Criterion Collection #603-606

FILM RELEASE DATE: In Which We Serve (1942), The Happy Breed (1944), Blithe Spirit (1945) and Brief Encounter (1945)

DURATION: In Which We Serve (114 Minutes), The Happy Breed (111 Minutes), Blithe Spirit (96 Minutes) and Brief Encounter (86 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: Black and White, Color, Monaural , 1:37:1 Aspect Ratio

COMPANY: Janus Films/The Criterion Collection

RELEASED: March 27, 2012

In the 1940s, the wit of playwright Noël Coward and the craft of filmmaker David Lean melded harmoniously in one of cinema’s greatest writer-director collaborations. With the wartime military drama sensation In Which We Serve, Coward and Lean (along with producing partners Ronald Neame and Anthony Havelock-Allan) embarked on a series of literate, socially engaged, and enormously entertaining pictures that ranged from domestic epic (This Happy Breed) to whimsical comedy (Blithe Spirit) to poignant romance (Brief Encounter). These films created a lasting testament to Coward’s artistic legacy and introduced Lean’s visionary talents to the world.

The Criterion Collection’s release of “David Lean Directs Noel Coward” is possibly one of the most exciting box sets that I have been wanting to see in America for quite some time.

A legendary playwright, writer, filmmaker, actor, you name it…Noel Coward has probably done it.  And it’s one thing that has made fans of his work so appreciative of this individual is because he brings so much life into his work.

As for David Lean, he’s already considered a legendary filmmaker.  From directing “Lawrence of Arabia”, “The Bridge on the River Kwai”, “A Passage to India”, “Doctor Zhivago” to name a few…  Both Noel Coward and David Lean are legendary for their highly acclaimed work in their oeuvre.

But you go further back to when David Lean first became a filmmaker, it’s because of Noel Coward, he was given the opportunity.

For both men, it would begin during World War II.  Noel Coward who wanted to do something for the British public during the war and the fact that he was raised with a grandfather who was a Captain of the Royal Navy, Coward so much wanted to do something during wartime.  Having worked with British Intelligence, there was no doubt that Coward wanted to do more.

And that opportunity would come in 1942 with the release of his British patriotic (and propaganda) film “In Which We Serve”.  The film would feature Noel Coward as a lead actor but since he is a man that was only focused on directing certain parts of the film and action wasn’t his forte, what best than to bring highly regarded editor David Lean.  David Lean got his first opportunity to co-direct the film with Noel Coward and both managed to create a film that was well-liked, praised very well not just in Britain but also in the United States and it earned Coward an Academy Award for “Outstanding Production Achievement).

And this would be the beginning of the working relationship between Noel Coward and David Lean (there is also a third man included in this and that is cinematographer Ronald Neame).

The two would once again reunite for “This Happy Breed”.  A film adaptation based on Noel Coward’s 1939 play and for those who were enamored with Noel Coward’s 1933 film “Cavalcade” (directed by Frank Lloyd) about an upperclass British family from 1899 through 1933 (which covered the family through the Second Boer War, the death of Queen Victoria, the sinking of the Titanic and World War I), “This Happy Breed” would feature on a working class British family during 1919 through 1939.

As Coward was busy with his plays at the time, it gave David Lean the opportunity to direct his first solo film.  “This Happy Breed” would also give Lean the chance to work (and experiment) with three-strip Technicolor and once again, the reception was favorable for this second collaboration.

The third collaboration between David Lean and Noel Coward was not as smooth as the first two films.  Noel Coward wanted his comedy “Blithe Spirit” to become a film and David Lean, known as a serious person was reluctant in directing a comedy. While the film at the time was criticized for a film about “death” (or deceased love ones reappearing as ghosts), not many were wanting to see a film about that subject matter while many were dying during World War II.

Needless to say, both men have differing opinions on both films but both agreed that they should work again for another, more realistic film and that would “Brief Encounter”.

The film would captivate audiences as it would win the Grand Prize, the “Palme d’Or” at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival.  The film would also earn Celia Johnson an Academy Award nomination for “Best Actress”.  Recognized as one of the top 100 British Films of All Time (#2 in the British Film Institute Poll), “Brief Encounter” would solidify David Lean’s filmmaking career (Noel Coward was already well-known worldwide).

And this popularity would lead David Lean to work on Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” and “Oliver Twist” and many other well-known films for the next three decades.  But the popularity gained from “Brief Encounter” would lead both David Lean and Noel Coward to bigger things and the film would be their Magnum opus and their final collaboration together.

These four beloved films would receive new restoration in 2008 courtesy of BFI National Archives and in 2012, receive a special high definition remastering for Blu-ray release.

The Criterion Collection will be releasing these four films as part of the “David Lean Directs Noel Coward” Blu-ray and DVD Box Sets featuring many special features paying tribute to Noel Coward and also David Lean but most of all, paying tribute to their collaboration for these four films.

To read our review for the four films in the DVD box set, please click on the film:

In Which We Service

This Happy Breed

Blithe Spirit

Brief Encounter

[Note: The review is for the "David Lean Directs Noel Coward" DVD Box Set]

There is no doubt that fans of Noel Coward and David Lean have been highly anticipating the “David Lean Directs Noel Coward” box set release.

These four films look absolutely incredible thanks to the restoration effort by BFI National Archive and watching these films today, no matter if they are over 70-years old they look fantastic.  And if it’s one thing to look so great on DVD, I believe that the Blu-ray release of the “David Lean Directs Noel Coward” box set is fantastic.

But video and audio quality aside, the reason why I enjoyed this box set is because not only do you get four magnificent films but with each disc down to the booklet, the entire set pays its respect to both Noel Coward and David Lean.

From Barry Day’s insightful knowledge to the collaboration of both men, to documentaries featuring both men, interviews with cinematographer Ronald Neame who worked on all four films and many other special features included, the “David Lean Directs Noel Coward” is the definitive collection for any cineaste who enjoyed these four films.

Overall, for any movie fan who have been captivated by the work of Noel Coward and David Lean, the “David Lean Directs Noel Coward” is one of those must-own Blu-ray or DVD sets that a cineaste or fans of British cinema would want in their collection.   You get the best versions of these films to date and fantastic special features included as well.

The Criterion Collection’s”David Lean Directs Noel Coward” is highly recommended!

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