Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart tie the knot

Congratulations to actor Harrison Ford and actress Calista Flockhart. The long time couple were married on Tuesday in New Mexico where Ford is working on his film “Cowboys and Aliens”.

The wedding was held at the Governor’s Mansion in Santa Fe and performed by Governor Bill Richardson under the legal supervision of New Mexico’s Chief Justice, Charles W. Daniels. Daniels declared the couple legally wed.

The wedding would be Ford’s third and Flockhart’s first.

K-19: The Widowmaker – ON BLU-RAY 5/4/10

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. – Director Kathryn Bigelow’s (The Hurt Locker) gripping film about a real-life disaster aboard a nuclear submarine sets a course for Blu-ray when K-19: THE WIDOWMAKER arrives May 4, 2010 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Starring Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson, the film was inspired by a true story about an incident on a Soviet K-19 submarine in 1961 during the height of the Cold War. When the nuclear reactor core becomes exposed during the K-19’s maiden voyage, the captain (Ford) bravely tries to avert both the destruction of his ship and the start of a nuclear war while defending his command against a near mutiny lead by his executive officer (Neeson).

The K-19: THE WIDOWMAKER Blu-ray features a host of bonus material including commentary by Kathryn Bigelow and cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth, a making of featurette, a look at the makeup techniques, as well as additional featurettes and the original theatrical trailer.

K-19 : THE WIDOWMAKER Blu-ray:

The K-19: THE WIDOWMAKER Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. Bonus features are presented in standard definition except where noted HD:

· Commentary by director Kathryn Bigelow and cinematographer
Jeff Cronenweth
· The Making of K-19: The Widowmaker
· Exploring the Craft: Make-Up Techniques
· Breaching the Hull
· It’s in the Details
· Theatrical Trailer (HD)

About Paramount Home Entertainment
Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. PHE is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment products on behalf of various parties including: Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Paramount Famous Productions, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, CBS and PBS and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart at the 20th Anniversary Environmental Media Awards in Los Angeles

Actors Harrison Ford (L) and Calista Flockhart arrive at the 20th Anniversary Environmental Media Awards at the Paramount lot on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Content © 2009 Getty Images All rights reserved.

AIR FORCE ONE (a J!-ENT Blu-ray Disc Review)

“‘AIR FORCE ONE’ features all-out action and a thriller that is literally a wild ride. Harrison Ford absolutely shines in this film!  Blu-ray fans will be happy to know that  ‘AIR FORCE ONE’ has one of the best sounding lossless soundtracks that I have heard from a film from the 90′s in High Definition.  Audiophiles will definitely be pleased!  This Blu-ray release is definitely the definitive version of ‘AIR FORCE ONE’ to own!”

Images courtesy of © 1997 Beacon Communications Corp. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: AIR FORCE ONE

DURATION: 124 Minutes

BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition (2:40:1), English and French Dolby TrueHD 5.1, Subtitles: English, English SDH, French

RATED: R (for Violence)

COMPANY: Columbia Pictures/Sony Home Pictures Entertainment

RELEASE DATE: June 2, 2009

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

Screenplay by Andrew W. Marlowe

Executive Producer: Marc Abraham, Thomas A. Bliss, David V. Lester

Produced by: Armyan Bernstein, Gail Katz, Wolfgang Petersen and Jonathan Shestack

Associated Producer: Peter Kohn, Mary Montiforte

Music by Jerry Goldsmith

Director of Photography: Michael Ballhaus

Edited by Richard Francis-Bruce

Casting by Janet Hirshenson, Jane Jenkins

Production Design by William Sandell

Art Direction by Carl Aldana, Nancy Patton, Carl J. Stensel

Set Decoration by Ernie Bishop

Costume Design by Erica Edell Phillips

Xander Berkeley as Secret Service Agent Gibbs

Starring:

Harrison Ford as President James Marshall

Gary Oldman as Ivan Korshunov

Glenn Close as Vice President Kathryn Bennett

Wendy Crewson as Grace Marshall

Liesel Matthews as Alice Marshall

Paul Guilfoyle as Chief of Staff Lloyd ‘Shep’ Shepherd

William H. Macy as Major Caldwell

Donna Bullock as Deputy Press Secretary Melanie Mitchel

Jurgen Prochnow as General Ivan Radek

The fate of the nation rests on the courage of one man. Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman star in two-time Oscar(r) nominee Wolfgang Petersen’s gripping thriller about an uncompromising U.S. President who has just told the world he will not negotiate with terrorists. When Russian neo-nationalists hijack Air Force One, the world’s most secure and extraordinary aircraft, the President is faced with a nearly impossible decision to give in to terrorist demands or sacrifice not only the country’s dignity,but the lives of his wife and daughter.

In the Summer of 1997, audiences were treated with another action film from Harrison Ford.  During the 1990′s, Ford has made quite a number of successful action films but his performance in “AIR FORCE ONE” was truly an example that this Hollywood veteran still had what it takes to be an action star.

The film was directed by well-known action director Wolfgang Petersen (“The Perfect Storm”, “Troy”, “Outbreak”, “Das Boot”), music by well-known composer Jerry Goldsmith (“Rambo”, “Star Trek: First Contact”, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”,  “Basic Instinct”) and Director of Photography by Michael Ballhaus (“Gangs of New York”, “The Departed”, “Wild Wild West”).

The film was received positively by critics and a success in the box office as it brought in over $315 million worldwide.   “AIR FORCE ONE” even received attention from President Bill Clinton who enjoyed the film and watched it twice.   The film would go on to receive two Academy Award nominations for “Best Film Editing” and “Best Sound”.

“AIR FORCE ONE” kicks off with the US and Russian forces capturing the Kazakhstan leader, General Ivan Radek (Jurgen Prochnow).  A leader known for committing genocide and terrorism.

After the successful operation, American President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) is being celebrated for his work in capturing General Radek in Moscow.  Marshall vows to continue his fight against terrorism.

As he and his family and staff prepare to leave on the Air Force One back to the United States, a group of Soviet neo-nationalists led by Ivan Korshunov (Gary Oldman) disguised as a Soviet news crew have some inside help by Secret Service Agent Gibbs and shoot and kill many of the Secret Service agents.

The President is evacuated to an escape pod on Air Force One and the terrorists decide to use President Marshall’s wife and daughter and his crew as hostages (or people to kill to make a point of the US government needing to meet their demands).  But President Marshall didn’t escape on the escape pod as thought, he’s hiding in the Air Force One and secretly trying to relay information back to the United States to get help.

Meanwhile in Washington, Vice President Kathryn Bennett (Glenn Close), Secretary of Defense Walter Dean and military officials meet to find out how they can rescue the President.  Also, being the main person who has to deal with Koshunov.  Koshunov wants General Radek freed from prison and the President’s family and crew will be safe.

While President Marshall fights to stay alive and to remain stealth enough to free his staff, Vice President Bennett receives pressure from her colleagues to sign a letter in order declaring Marshall being incapacitated according to the Constitution’s 25th amendment and that she calls the shots and not the President who is fighting for his life.

Will President Marshall be able to free his family and staff?  Will he be captured by the terrorists?  “AIR FORCE ONE” is a magnificent action-packed thriller from start to finish!

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“AIR FORCE ONE” features a pretty solid transfer on Blu-ray.  Video is presented in 1080p High Definition (aspect ration of 2:40:1) and one thing that I will make clear is that while many films featured in the 90′s tend to have a DNR, clean, waxy or soft effect in terms of picture quality, the good news is that “AIR FORCE ONE” does not.

In fact, there are scenes where the detail comes out quite nicely.  But if there was one thing that the Blu-ray High Definition transfer does happen to bring out is the amount of grain.  But I would rather take a transfer full of grain than the soft, waxy DNR look any day.  And I am so happy that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment decided to feature “AIR FORCE ONE” with a good HD transfer of the film.

As for the audio, I have one word and that is “magnificent”.

“AIR FORCE ONE” has one of the most impressive soundtracks that I have heard from a 1990′s film.  The soundtrack just sounds absolutely wonderful on English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 (the film is also featured in French Dolby TrueHD 5.1).

The film features a high number of action scenes and gunfire, music, mechanical sounds from the vehicles, jet engines flying, helicopter rotors spinning, it would seem that so much was put into the emphasis of having a wonderful soundtrack that “AIR FORCE ONE” truly delivers. And these are not short bursts of audio, there are plenty of scenes that utilize this explosive audio throughout the film.

I was absolutely in awe of how all the speakers were being utilized, especially my surround channels  and I also noticed a few times where my subwoofer would utilize low frequency sounds.  “AIR FORCE ONE” is an action thriller that truly delivers with its audio that I can say that this is one of the better sounding action thrillers from the 1990′s that just shines on Blu-ray.  And just to think that this film is 12 years old.  I was absolutely thrilled by the audio quality of the film.

As for subtitles, the film is presented in English, English SDH and French.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“AIR FORCE ONE” features a commentary track by Director Wolfgang Petersen and Michael Coleman.  This is the same commentary from the DVD release but there is good information from Petersen on scenes that were actual aerial shots and not CG and which parts were shot on a set and were CG’d.  Also, learning about his feelings towards his cast members, Harrison Ford especially and how Ford did his own stunt work.

BD Live is also enabled and there are commercials in 1080p for upcoming releases from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

I am a big Harrison Ford fan and I watched this film immediately when it came out on theaters.  My first impression was that Harrison Ford should definitely be President because it was like a combination of a President meets DIE HARD’s John McClane.  Well, not really but Harrison Ford’s role as a President who fights back was definitely a highlight throughout the film.

One thing that I know is when a film is being directed by Wolfgang Petersen, the viewer is definitely going to be treated with an exceptional, action-packed film and “AIR FORCE ONE” is just that.  Even 12 years later and this film still holds up quite well.  Petersen and everyone involved in this film did a wonderful job and I have to say that this is my favorite Harrison Ford action thriller to come out in the 1990′s.  He manages to have the suave, charisma and that look and feel of an action star but in this case, he’s the President of the United States.

But for those who own the DVD of “AIR FORCE ONE”, you may be wondering if its worth the double dip?  I have to answer with an extreme “YES!!!”.  The soundtrack of “AIR FORCE ONE” is top notch and I will say that its one of the most immersive soundtracks I have heard on Blu-ray.  Also, bare in mind, this is not a new action film, this was a film released in the Summer of 1997 and it can compete with some of the recent, bigger releases on Blu-ray.  That is how magnificent this film sounds on Blu-ray.

If there were faults in the Blu-ray transfer, its the fact that there are not many special features included.  Just the audio commentary but no HD trailer and no making of featurette.  The other thing is that although the film looks better than many 1990′s film on Blu-ray and avoids the waxy, DNR look but with its HD transfer, grain is elevated.  Though not too bad, it is noticeable and this may be a slight issue for some viewers but I tend to be on side of grain is part of film and high definition elevates the look of grain.  And personally, I would rather take the grain than a transfer with a lot of DNR or edge enhancement.

Overall, “AIR FORCE ONE” is a magnificent action-packed thriller and a film that Harrison Ford truly shines in.  And as for the Blu-ray, this is the definitive version of “AIR FORCE ONE” to own!

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (a J!-ENT Blu-ray Disc Review)

“For a long awaited film, Indiana Jones demand nothing but the best for this Blu-ray release. And Paramount gives the fans what they wanted! Magnificent picture quality, awesome audio and hours of special features. Overall, a solid Blu-ray release!”

Images courtesy of © 2008 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2-Disc Special Edition)

DURATION: 122 minutes

BLU-RAY DISC INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition, English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, English 5.1 French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish & Portuguese

COMPANY: Lucasfilm LTD./Paramount Pictures

RATED: PG-13 (For Adventure Violence and Scary Images)

Release Date: October 14, 2008

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Screenplay by David Koepp

Story by George Lucas and Jeff Nathanson

Characters by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman

Executive Producers: Kathleen Kennedy, George Lucas

Produced by Frank Marshall, Flavio R. Tambellini (Aerial Unit, Brazil)

Co-Producer: Denis L. Stewart

Associate Producer: Kristie Macosko

Music by John Williams

Director of Photography: Janusz Kaminski

Edited by Michael Kahn

Casting by Debra Zane

Production Design by Guy Dyas

Art Direction: Luke Freeborn, Lawrence A. Hubbs, Lauren E. Polizzi, Troy Sizemore and Mario Ventenilla

Set Decoration by Larry Dias

Costume Design by Mary Zophres

Starring:

Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones

Cate Blanchett as Irina Spalko

Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood

Shia LaBeouf as Mutt Williams

Ray Winstone as George “Mac” Michale

John Hurt as Professor Oxley

Jim Broadbent as Dean Charles Stanforth

Igor Jijikine as Dovchenko

Steven Spielberg and George Lucas bring you the greatest adventurer of all time in “a nonstop thrill ride” (Richard Corliss, TIME) that’s packed with “sensational, awe-inspiring spectacles” (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times). Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull finds Indy (Harrison Ford) trying to outrace a brilliant and beautiful agent (Cate Blanchett) for the mystical, all-powerful Crystal Skull of Akator. Teaming up with a rebellious young biker (Shia LaBeouf) and his spirited original love Marion (Karen Allen), Indy takes you on a breathtaking action-packed adventure in the exciting tradition of the classic Indiana Jones movies!

It had been nearly 20 years since the third “Indiana Jones” film (“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”) was in theaters. Popular director/producers Steven Spielberg (“Jaws”, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, “E.T.”, “Jurassic Park” and many more) and George Lucas (“Star Wars” films and “American Graffiti”) who worked on the trilogy billed the third film as the final film but in the last two decades, both men including Indiana Jones main actor, Harrison Ford (“Star Wars” related films, “Air Force One”, “Patriot Games”, etc.) , have been asked when the next “Indiana Jones” film will be created.

According to Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford brought it up to him in the late 90′s about doing another film and sure enough, the stars were aligned (mainly Spielberg finding a story from Lucas that he and Ford would both approve of) and thus a new Indiana Jones film was created. The film would reunite Spielberg, Lucas and Ford with composer John Williams (“Jurassic Park” films, “Star Wars” films, “Indiana Jones” films, “Harry Potter” related films, etc.), editor Michael Kahn and Stan Winston Studio. The film would have a screenplay by David Koepp (“Jurassic Park”, “Mission: Impossible” and “Spider-Man”), cinematography by Janusz Kaminski (“Saving Private Ryan”, “Schindler’s List” and “War of the Worlds”) and production designs by Guy Dyas (“X2″ and “Superman Returns”).

The film would reprise the Indiana Jones role made popular by Harrison Ford, mark the return of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” actress Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood and star top talents Cate Blanchett (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, “The Lord of the Rings” films and “Babel”) as Dr. Irina Spalko, Shia LaBeouf (“The Transformers” films, “Eagle Eye” and “The Greatest Game Ever Played”) as Mutt Williams, John Hurt (“The Lord of the Rings” films, “Harry Potter” films and “V for Vendetta”) as Professor Oxley and Jim Broadbent (“Harry Potter”, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and “Robots”) as Dean Charles Standsforth.

“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” kicks off with Indiana Jones and his partner George “Mac” McHale being kidnapped by Soviets led by Dr. Irina Spalko. The group has infiltrated a top secret government warehouse which one of the top secret items that Spalko is looking for is being kept inside the warehouse.

The reason the group has brought Jones and McHale is that they were working on a project relating to rumored extraterrestrial product. Jones who is skeptical of any alien life doesn’t believe in it but does know, whatever he was investigating was highly magnetic. As Jones hesitantly assists the Soviets in finding the crate containing the top secret product, while he tries to escape, he realizes that his partner Mac had been assisting Dr. Spalko and the Soviets all along. The crate is opened and inside is a metal container which is highly magnetic and when opened, inside is a preserved extraterrestrial alien.

Indiana Jones barely manages to escape but because the Soviets were able to infiltrate the facility, the FBI start are suspicious that Jones may be working with the Soviets. The situation is quite bad that shortly after returning to his teaching position at Marshall college, he is put on indefinite leave of absence due to the FBI’s suspicion towards Jones.

Packing up and preparing to move out and possibly start a new life, Jones gets on a train but upon leaving, a young greaser in a motorcycle stops him with an urgent message. The young man is named Mutt Williams who tells Jones that his old colleague Professor Harold Oxley was kidnapped in Peru after a discovery. His mother went after him and she too was captured but managed to send out a message with a map to her son, to give to Indiana Jones.

But while the two are talking at a nearby soda shop, they realize that Soviets are trailing them and immediately both Jones and Williams are being chased down. The two manage to escape and due to the seriousness of the message and map, Indiana Jones and Mutt Williams go to Peru to find out why Oxley was kidnapped and what was the purpose of the map.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” is featured in 1080p High Definition and right off the bat, this film looks incredibly gorgeous on Blu-ray. The film sports vibrant colors, detail is just amazingly clear, everything about the film showcases detail. May it be the surroundings of the Mayan jungle, the skeletons, the clothing, the people… You name it, detail is clear and the transfer is just amazing. Definitely one of the best looking Blu-ray video transfers among the many Blu-ray releases of 2008!

As for audio, audio is presented in Dolby TrueHD 5.1. and the lossless track is just as equally incredible compared to the picture quality. With the number of action sequences included in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”, audio is immersive as front channels showcase the action sequences and musical score, center channel showcases the dialogue which is nice and clear. LFE showcases the booms from the many explosions seen in the film and gunshots and vehicles whizzing and featured through the surrounds are also in abundance.

Personally, for a film of this caliber, I was not expecting anything less than magnificent for picture and audio quality and Paramount delivers with this awesome Blu-ray release. Audio and Videophiles should definitely be happy with this Blu-ray release.

As for subtitles, the film is featured in English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

If you thought picture and audio quality was fantastic, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” is loaded with special features. Special features can be found on both discs. Here is what is included:

DISC 1:

• Indiana Jones Timelines - This timeline showcases the creation of the “Indiana Jones” films. From the beginning of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” up to the end of this fourth film. A pretty cool feature (with text and images) for those interested in learning about the timeline of production, the history of the film and more.
• The Return of a Legend – (17:34) Interviews with Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Harrison Ford and the executive producers of the film in regards to bringing Indiana Jones back to film. Featured in High Definition.
• Pre-Production – (11:42) Interviews with the main staff and talent about working together, working with talent such as Shia LaBeouf, interviews with Daniel D. Gregoire (Pre-Visualization Supervisor) and Harrison Ford getting reacquainted with Indiana Jones whip. Featured in High Definition.
• Trailers - Featuring “Trailer 2″ (1:52) and “Trailer 3″ (1:55) for the film.

DISC 2:

• Production Diary: Making “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull – (1:20:52) An informative making-of with plenty of detail on the making of the film and interview with various crew members in their department. From the various locations where the film was shot, the amount of work it took in creating the set and much more. Overall, an informative and enjoyable making-of featurette. Featured in HD, the diary can be viewed by playing all or selecting the following:

- Shooting Begins: New Mexico

- Back to School: New Haven Connecticut

- Welcome to the Jungle. Hilo, Hawaii

- On-Set Action

- Exploring Akator

- Wrapping Up!

• Warrior Makeup – (5:32) Interview with Felicity Bowring (Makeup Department Head) and how they had to provide the makeup for 26 people for the tribe-scene and the amount of hours it took in getting the actors prepared. Featured in HD.
• The Crystal Skull – (10:09) Featuring interviews with Spielberg, Lucas and Ford about the actual crystal skull. Interviews with Guy Hendrix Dyas (Production Designer) and John Rosengrant (Harry Winston Studio/Effects Supervisor) in regards to the creation of the crystal skull. Featured in HD.
• Iconic Props – (9:59) Doug Harlocker (Property Manager) introduces the viewer to the various props and how they were created. Featured in HD.
• The Effects of Indy – (22:42) Interviews with staff of ILM (Industry Lights & Magic) in regards to the special effects used for the film. Featured in HD.
• Adventures in Post-Production – (12:44) Frank Marshall talks about the editing of the film and working with Michael Kahn, A.C.E. who provided the editing for the film and working with John Williams for the music.
• Closing: Team Indy – (3:41) A video montage of the staff that worked on the film.
• Pre-Visualization Sequences – Featuring pre-CG rendered visualization screens for Area 51 Escape (3:46), Jungle Chase (5:47) and Ants Attack (4:29).
• Galleries – Photo galleries which can be viewed by using your Blu-ray remote control of: The Art Department (The Adventure Beings, Cemetery, Akator), Stan Winston Studio (Corpses, Skeletons & Mummies, Aliens & Crystal Skulls), Production Photographs, Portraits and Behind-the-Scenes Photographs.

The return of Indiana Jones is quite literally a long time coming. It’s hard to believe that 20 years have passed and suffice to say, like everyone who are fans of the original trilogy, had high expectations towards the film.

For the most part, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” delivered when it came to action and excitement. Harrison Ford ultimately still has it, when it comes to playing Indiana Jones. Such as awesome actor, that it was great to see him again. Also, the return of Karen Allen, reprising her role as Marion Ravenwood was just fantastic. For those who loved “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, no one can help but be giddy of seeing Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood together again!

And of course, you have solid talent involved in the film such as Cate Blanchett as the evil Dr. Irina Spalko, John Hurt as Professor Oxley and also Shia LaBeouf as Mutt Williams.

I enjoyed the film, not necessarily loved it. In one of the featurettes, you learn that what George Lucas wanted to bring to the film is that B-film sci-fi campiness and needless to say, you can understand why the development of this film was tricky. Granted, we necessarily don’t get heavy extraterrestrial action but those elements are still in the film with these beings and of course, the crystal skull itself. I enjoyed the film so much for the adventure and action elements of the film but once the film starts to incorporate the who and what the crystal skull is. And while interesting, personally, it just didn’t feel right.

But in the end, I enjoyed the film and found it quite entertaining and as a fan of the previous films, it was just great to see Indiana Jones back again!

Overall, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” is a solid release from Paramount. For a big Summer blockbuster, you expect the bells and whistles for this film for a Blu-ray release, but most importantly, how iconic Indiana Jones is as a character, the previous trilogy are regarded by fans as a wonderful trilogy, needless to say, anything less of magnificent would have been a disappointment.

But in the end, Paramount delivers with a magnificent release as “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” scores top marks for picture and audio quality but also special features content. Highly recommended!

Air Force One (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

BUY THIS DVD

MOVIE COMPANY: Columbia Pictures

CAST:  Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman, Wendy Crewson, Paul Guilfoyle, Glenn Close, William H. Macy, Liesel Matthews, Dean Stockwell
DIRECTED BY:  Wolfgang Petersen
PRODUCED BY:  Armyan Bernstein, Wolfgang Petersen, Gail Katz and John Shestack
INTERNET MOVIE DATABASE URL: http://us.imdb.com/Title?0118571
TYPE OF MOVIE: Action, Thriller, Drama, Adventure
DURATION:  124 minutes

The fate of the nation rests on the courage of one man.  Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman and Glenn Close star in two-time Oscar nominee Wolfgang Petersen’s gripping thriller about a steadfast U.S. President who has told the world he will not negotiate with terrorists.  Now, Russian neo-nationalists have hijacked Air Force One and the President is faced with a nearly impossible decision-give in to terrorist demands or sacrifice not only the country’s dignity, but the lives of his wife and daughter.

DVD EXTRAS:

• Region 1 encoding (US and Canada only)
• Color, Closed-captioned, Dolby, Widescreen
• Commentary by director Wolfgang Petersen
• Theatrical trailer(s)
• Full-screen and widescreen anamorphic formats

KNOWN DVD SECRET(S): None at this time

DVD REVIEW:

I remember watching this in the theaters and saying how awesome this movie is.  There are not too many Harrison Ford movies that I don’t like…I like them all.  “Air Force One” is really cool and I enjoy the work of director Wolfgang Petersen.

I was expecting quite a bit from this DVD but unfortunately, the DVD contains just a trailer and the commentary.  I wish there was a featurette, deleted scenes, etc.

The colors were beautiful and the sound was very good as well.

A definite must-get for Harrison Ford fans.

THE MOVIE: A
THE DVD EXTRAS:  C+
THE DVD OVERALL:  B+

Blade Runner (a J!-ENT DVD Review)

BUY THIS DVD

MOVIE COMPANY: WARNER BROS.
CAST:  Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward J. Olmos, Darryl Hannah and more.
DIRECTED BY:  Ridley Scott
PRODUCED BY:  Michael Deeley
INTERNET MOVIE DATABASE URL: http://us.imdb.com/Title?0083658
TYPE OF MOVIE: Action, Sci-Fi, Drama, Film-Noir
DURATION:  117 minutes

Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) prowls the steel-and-microchip jungle of 21st-century Los Angeles.  He’s a “blade runner” stalking genetically made criminal replicants.  His assignment: kill them.  Their crime: wanting to be human.

The story of Blade Runner is familiar to countless fans.  But few have seen it like this.  Because this is director Ridley Scott’s own vision of his sci-fi classic.  This new version omits Deckard’s voiceover narration, develops in slightly greater detail the romance between Deckard and Rachael (Sean Young) and removes the “uplifting” finale.  The result is a heightened emotional impact:  a great film made greater.  Most intriguing of all is a newly included unicorn vision that suggests Deckard may be a humanoid.  Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?  Is Deckard a replicant?  As with all things in the future, you must discover the answer for yourself.

DVD EXTRAS:

• Region 1 encoding (US and Canada only)
• Color, Closed-captioned, Dolby, Widescreen, Director’s Cut
• Production notes
• Full-screen and widescreen letterbox formats

KNOWN DVD SECRET(S): None at this time

DVD REVIEW:

“Blade Runner” is a very dark, cerebral film of the future of Los Angeles.  I watched it a long time ago and I was really impressed by the special effects.  Almost two decades later, I watch this film in awe what they accomplished on this film back in 1992.  I don’t recall too much about the original version but this movie is one of those movies that will not attract everyone.

If anything, I wish they released the original and director’s cut in one DVD (possibly a special edition hint hint) and also making the movie in digital 5.1.  It’s plain stereo.  The colors are very nice but the audio is blah…

A really good movie for those who can really appreciate it…

THE MOVIE: B+
THE DVD EXTRAS:  D
THE DVD OVERALL:  C+