Release Date: September 9th, 2008
Running Time: 137 minutes

The Film

From the bold title, to the unrelenting, hyper-stylized violence, Kill Bill became an instant phenomenon. A tale of revenge so epic it had to be split into two volumes, I honestly don’t think audiences knew what they were getting themselves into. Volume 2 may not be a triumph of a film on its own right, but it is an exceptional end to the Kill Bill ride.

Kill Bill: Volume 2 picks up in the bloody wake of the first entry. With two names crossed off her list, The Bride (Uma Thurman) is that much closer to Bill (David Carradine). Next in her sights: Budd (Michael Madsen) and Elle (Daryl Hannah). She wants to take out the last two members of the Deadly Viper team before moving onto the sweetest, and most personal, kill. While not as rife with action as the first volume, Volume 2 is still loaded with great sequences. Whereas the Crazy 88s fight was the renowned scene from the first film, the buried alive scene is what everyone was talking about from Volume 2. I also really enjoyed all the Pai Mei training flashbacks that proved pivotal to The Bride’s escape from her underground tomb.

After being spoiled from the excellent fight scenes in Volume 1, I did feel some more time could have been put into the Elle and Budd fights, but that’s just me. If Tarantino had done two more epic swordfights, he would have been accused of rehashing the same thing for a second film. This leads me to The Bride’s confrontation with Bill. Two films led up to the point, and I think no matter what, it couldn’t live up to my expectations. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I felt the pacing of the film took a major hit once The Bride and Bill came face to face. The ending is wholly acceptable and appropriate, I just think I had dreamed up something far more elaborate in my head.

Kill Bill will go down as one of the quintessential revenge stories in cinema. Packed with countless allusions and references to Tarantino’s love for the art, Kill Bill is something the likes of which we may very not see again for quite some time.

The Disc

The video and audio transfers of Volume 2 are nearly identical to Volume 1.

The video is presented in a 2.40:1, 1080p High Definition transfer. It retains the same bold, saturated colors, and excellent black levels that Volume 1 displayed. The level of detail is also superb, though a few scenes have intentional grain or color effects that can affect the clarity.

The audio is offered in English Uncompressed 5.1 PCM Surround Sound, as well as English/French Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with English/Spanish subtitles. All of the speakers are fully utilized, whether it is to pump out the music, or throw distinct sound effects in various directions. The buried alive scene is the best example of the audio mix on Volume 2. The various sounds are so realistic, so well mixed that it completely engulfs you in the claustrophobia.

The Extras

Again, I wish they had put some new special features on the disc.

Another 26-minute “Making of” piece continues where the featurette on Volume 1 left off.

Also offered is a 3-minute deleted fight scene, and an 11-minute live performance of “Chingon” featuring Robert Rodriguez.

Final Thoughts

As a stand-alone film, Kill Bill: Volume 2 isn’t as successful as its predecessor, but it is a fitting end for the epic revenge story. It has all the same Blu-ray technical successes as Volume 1, but also has the same lack of new bonus content. Still, I wouldn’t let that deter you from picking these films up on Blu-ray—it’s worth it.

Release Date: September 9th, 2008
Running Time: 111 minutes

The Film

Quentin Tarantino’s films can be adored or reviled. His reference-infused films are an amalgamation of his passions; a tribute to cinema. This has polarized audiences, making Tarantino one of the most renowned and debated directors today. Kill Bill marked Tarantino’s return to film after six years of dormancy. On Blu-ray for the first time, Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a brutally satisfying revenge story, and arguably the best look into Tarantino’s cinematic sensibilities.

The film stars Uma Thurman as The Bride: a former international assassin from the Deadly Viper Squad, and key protégé of Bill (David Carradine). Upon trying to leave that life for a normal one, The Bride is beaten and shot in the head at her wedding rehearsal. Everyone else is executed as well. Cut to four months later: the Bride wakes up from her coma and is determined to kill every single person involved in her betrayal. Volume 1 marks the beginning of The Bride’s bloody revenge. Two targets are covered in Volume 1: Vernita Green (Vivia A. Fox) and O-ren Ishii (Lucy Liu). After obtaining a legendary Hattori Hanzo samurai sword, The Bride starts to go down her checklist of victims, one by one.

Volume 1 is full of memorable scenes, but none more so than the massive fight with O-ren Ishii’s personal guard, the Crazy 88s. The Bride slices and dices through scores of enemies in a scene so limb-tossing and bloody that much of it had to be converted to black and white to obtain an R rating. The showdowns with both Green and Ishii are just as noteworthy: perfectly choreographed to mimic the martial arts films that inspired Tarantino. My other favorite moment is the animated segment that tells Ishii’s back story. The exquisite anime recalls her past far more effectively than a live action counterpart could have.

Kill Bill: Volume 1 does exactly what it needs to do: it sets up the story, gives you a brutal taste, and leaves you dying for more. Excellent performances, heaps of the red stuff, and Tarantino’s trademark wit are all abundant. If you can handle the gore (stylized though it may be), Kill Bill: Volume 1 is one of the most original, entertaining films to come out in quite some time.

The Disc

The video is presented in a 2.40:1, 1080p High Definition transfer. It looks phenomenal. Colors are rich and saturated, but not overly so. The level of detail and clarity is far greater than the standard definition version, especially in the more violent moments. Blacks are deep, and don’t crush out detail. The transfer is pretty much as good as you could hope for.

The audio is offered in English Uncompressed 5.1 PCM Surround Sound, as well as English/French Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with English/Spanish subtitles. The level of clarity is insane. The 88s fight sequence is the perfect example of distinct, crisp audio elements balance and separation. Atmosphere is built-in throughout, and the musically punctuates everything with the right balance of clarity and old school, intentional grittiness.

The Extras

I was disappointed with the lack of new special features.

The “Making of” piece runs 22 minutes, and it’s good while it lasts, but where is a definitive, feature-length documentary on the production?

Two musical numbers are offered from the 5,6,7,8’s – “I Walk the Line,” and “I’m Blue.”

Lastly, six Tarantino Trailers are offered.

Final Thoughts

Like most of Tarantino’s films, Kill Bill: Volume 1 isn’t for everyone. Having said that, kung fu film buffs and Tarantino lovers will have plenty to celebrate with this pristine Blu-ray edition. If only more time was spent on providing new special features…

Release Date: 76 minutes
Running Time: August 26th, 2008

The Film

So few “children’s” films contain that level of creativity and imagination that makes them timeless. Early Disney animation found tremendous success, as did the resurgence in the early 90s. Today, with the exception of Pixar, most CGI films lack soul and ingenuity, forgotten before they hit home video. Excellent production value and talented CGI artists do not automatically make for a successful story. It takes a true genius behind the project to bring in their own style and a sensibility, ensuring that what is made is both wholly unique and easily accessible. The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of Tim Burton’s preeminent works: a landmark in stop motion animation that finally has a home video option worthy of its unending creativity.

The film presents the story of Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon). He is the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, a place whose year revolves around an annual grand Halloween celebration run by Jack himself. He is the undisputed king of fright, throwing a grandiose party year after year, but he has found himself no longer fulfilled by his success. He wants something more. Jack is reborn when he stumbles upon a tree portal leading to Christmas Town: a land full of color, happiness, and joy. His senses invigorated, Jack returns to Halloween Town with a plan to take over the Christmas duties of “Sandy Claws” (Ed Ivory). However, despite Jack’s good intentions, his Halloween nature just doesn’t mix with the Christmas spirit.

Sub-plots keep the story spirited and moving. A love story between Jack and a Frankenstein-ish girl named Sally (Catherine O’Hara) infuses the story with a much-needed sweetness. Meanwhile, a trio of brats named Lock, Shock, and Barrel work under the direction of the evil Oogie Boogie (Ken Page) to throw a wrench in Jack’s plan.

The Nightmare Before Christmas is memorable in every respect. The design of the puppets and sets are filled with an unforgettable style. Danny Elfman’s songs are catchy and robust, such as Jack’s joyous “What’s This?” when he first stumbles upon Christmas Town. The story is simple enough for kids, but layered enough to be appreciated by adults. At the end of the day, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a complete success as a film, and one that is sure to remain popular for generations to come.

The Disc

The video is presented in a 1.66:1, 1080p High Definition transfer. You’ve never seen the film like this. The sets and puppets come through more detail than ever before, enhancing the depth of field and bringing the whole world to that next level of clarity. Deep, inky blacks are perfect for the mood, and don’t drown out fine detail. Likewise, the colorful elements pop off the screen with excellent vibrancy. A small amount of grain is the only negative element I noticed, and even that is a personal preference. This is the best the film has ever looked, period.

The audio is offered in English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Surround Sound, as well as English/French/Spanish/Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with English/French/Spanish/Portuguese subtitles. This is a complete audio experience. The surrounds present tons of direction audio and atmosphere that is simultaneously fantastical, but still realistic as far as the mix is concerned. Danny Elfman’s score sounds gorgeous, with nuances that I had never heard before. Everything is balanced and crystal clear.

The Extras

The Blu-ray is loaded with special features carried over from the 2000 Special Edition, as well as new material.

Exclusive to the Blu-ray is an 18-second introduction from Tim Burton. Not the most riveting exclusive, but welcome nonetheless.

Commentary is offered with Tim Burton, Director Henry Selick, and Music Producer Danny Elfman. The three were recorded separately, making for a bit of an uneven listen, but there’s still a lot to learn here, particularly from Elfman.

“What’s This? Jack’s Haunted Mansion Holiday Tour” is offered in two versions. The “On Track” version runs 7 minutes and tours the ride with optional pop-up trivia. The “Off Track” version runs 37 minutes and splices in interviews discussing how the Haunted Mansion is converted every year.

The “Making Of” featurette runs 25 minutes and is an excellent look at the process of bringing Tim Burton’s imagination to life through the art of stop motion. I would recommend watching this over listening to the commentary.

Two short films are offered. The extended Director’s Cut of “Frankenweenie” runs 30 minutes. It is a black & white short from 1984 about a young kid who brings his dead dog back to life a la Frankenstein. “Vincent” (6 minutes) is a stop-motion piece set to a poem narrated by Vincent Price.

Tim Burton’s original poem (12 minutes) that inspired the film is available, narrated by Christopher Lee, and features all-new animation. This was my favorite special feature on the set. Tim Burton + Christopher Lee = greatness. Hell, Christopher Lee reading an ingredients label would be engaging.

Storyboards are offered for three deleted sequences with optional commentary by Burton. There is also a storyboard-to-film comparison for the town meeting segment of the film.

The Deleted Animated Sequences show three extended scenes and one completely cut scene. Unlike the deleted storyboards, these are completed sequences.

A slew of still galleries are broken down into four sections: “Halloween Town,” “Christmas Town,” “The Real World,” and “Posters.”

Finally, the Teaser/Trailer is offered, as well as a Digital Copy of the film. The film is also D-Box motion code enabled for the handful of people that have that odd technology.

Final Thoughts

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a classic, no doubt about it. The Blu-ray Collector’s Edition has finally given the film a proper technical treatment. Coupled with loads of entertaining special features, this is a must-own title.

Release Date: August 20th, 2008
Running Time: 83 minutes

The Film

Stoner comedies have a long, and varied, history. From Up In Smoke, to Half Baked, to Pineapple Express, these comedies change with the times, but tend to follow a pair or group of more or less innocent stoners on wacky adventures. Resurrected from the depths of forgotten films, Dude, Where’s My Car? is a PG-13 stoner movie–an oxymoron that becomes evident as the movie fails to fully embrace the genre due to the rating restrictions.

The film stars Ashton Kutcher and Sean William Scott, at the height of their popularity, as the laid back partying pair Jesse and Chester. They wake up one morning and Jesse’s car is missing! To make matters worse, there were presents in the car for their girlfriends. With no memory of the previous night, the pair has only two clues to follow: a matchbook from a strip club, and a hell of a lot of pudding in the fridge. They embark on an adventure to find the car, slowly learning about their previous nights’ exploits as they come across aliens, money, and two really ticked off girlfriends.

Dude, Where’s My Car? is an irreverent, inane comedy. The main characters are more exaggerated stereotypes than real individuals. Part of what I enjoy so much about Harold & Kumar and Pineapple Express is the reality of the characters that allows you to form a connection. I don’t care what happens to Jesse and Chester. They are so dimwitted, and the whole film is far too over the top and stylized. This could work, except the story is neutered by a PG-13 rating. Not being able to go balls-out with this type of insane comedy only hurts the product in the end. If you’re not going to have strong lead characters, then the gags better be something new and crazy. That’s not the case here.

Dude, Where’s My Car? isn’t awful, it’s just at the bottom of the stoner movie barrel. Take the money you would spend on this Blu-ray and go see Pineapple Express.

The Disc

The video is presented in a 1080p, 1.85:1 High Definition transfer. The colors are natural, but a bit dull. The black levels are also inconsistent. The detail is good, but far from the high level that Blu-ray is capable of showing. In short, it is a wholly ordinary transfer.

The audio is offered in an English DTS HD 5.1 Master Lossless audio track, as well as French/Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with English/Cantonese/Korean/Spanish subtitles. The surrounds are used to portray only the most basic atmospheric effects. The audio does fill up the soundstage, but the bass remains weak. Dialogue also has balance issues. You don’t need a perfect track for a simple comedy, but I still feel like more effort could have been put into this one.

The Extras

Only the Trailer and Previews are offered.

Final Thoughts

Compared with another film like Pineapple Express, Dude, Where’s My Car? is a little base and inane for my tastes. With an average technical transfer and no real special features, I’d only recommend upgrading to the Blu-ray if you are a hardcore Scott or Kutcher fan.

Release Date: August 19th, 2008
Running Time: 109 minutes

The Film

Street Kings was one of those films where the preview just didn’t look good. It was muddled and generic. However, the pedigree of the director/writer/actors made me think that maybe there was something to it. It turns out I was right. Street Kings doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but strong performances and a chaotic, action-filled pace make for a damn good time.

Directed by David Ayer, Street Kings is a film in the vein of Training Day or Narc. It is an inner-city, grimy crime drama/action film full of corruption, violence, and pissed off characters. Keanu Reeves stars as Tom Ludlow, a detective on the Vice Special Unit who has problems with drinking and tends to shoot first and ask questions later. The movie opens with him rescuing two kidnapped twins, and massacring their captors in the process. His superior officer, Captain Wander (Forrest Whitaker) praises his work, but soon informs Tom that his former partner is ratting out his methods to Internal Affairs, specifically Captain Biggs (Hugh Laurie).

Ludlow’s life gets far more complicated when his ex-partner, the same one ratting on him, is executed in a shootout. Ludlow was on scene, making it look like he organized the hit. However, Wander and the unit have his back and bury all the evidence against Ludlow. Everyone tells Ludlow that they will take care of him, and to just let it go. To keep things politically correct, Wander stations Ludlow at the complaint department while things cool down. Meanwhile, a rookie detective (Chris Evans) is investigating the murder. Ludlow can’t let it go; he can’t let the cop killers walk. Against the advice of numerous colleagues, he pairs with the rookie and makes it his mission to find the killers, and take care of them once and for all.

Street Kings is absolutely formulaic, but it’s very well done. The atmosphere and characters in LA are built from the very beginning. Keanu Reeves, bloated and beaten up, turns in an impressive performance as the life-worn cop hell bent on delivering his own brand of justice. Likewise, Whitaker is powerful and intimidating as his ambitious superior. Coupled with stark violence and well-written street dialogue, the mood of Street Kings is intoxicating. You will probably see the twist coming miles away, but it doesn’t take away from the undeniable energy of the film.

The Disc

The video is presented in a 2.40:1, 1080p High Definition transfer. The slick transfer features incredible detail, especially in the close ups which don’t do the actors any favors. The gritty, dark look is perfectly portrayed. Colors are stylized and dulled a bit, as opposed to oversaturated and popping, but they are very appropriate. The black levels are deep and free of shadow crush. Lastly, the print is clean, and there are no compression artifacts.

The audio is offered in an English DTS HD Master Lossless audio track, as well as French/Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with English/Spanish/Cantonese/Mandarin/Korean subtitles. The aggressive, pulsating score hits you with heavy bass rumbles from the hip-hop. Realistic sound effects and directional separation draw you into the atmosphere, and when the bullets start flying it gets very hectic. In fact, it’s almost too aggressive. The dialogue is crisp, and only gets muffled in a few instances.

The Extras

Commentary is offered with Director David Ayer. He is a good speaker with a lot to say which makes for a solid commentary.

“Under Surveillance: Inside the World of Street Kings” is a Blu-ray exclusive picture-in-picture video commentary featuring text trivia, interviews, and production footage.

15 Deleted Scenes and 9 Alternate takes are offered. While some of the character moments are interesting, all of these scenes would have interrupted the blistering pace of the film.

“Street Rules: Rolling with David Ayer & Jaime Fitzsimons” is a 17-minute tour of the real-life LA locations that inspired the look of the film.

“L.A. Bete Noir: Writing Street Kings” is a 5-minute piece on the writing of the screenplay.

“Street Cred” is a generic, 4-minute piece on some of the minor characters in the film, and the dangerous underbelly of LA.

A number of quick vignettes and behind-the-scenes featurettes are offered: “Crash Course,” “Heirs to the Throne,” “Inside Vice Special Unit,” “Training Days,” “In Training,” “Car Rig,” “Squibs,” and “On Set.” These explore a wide variety of topics, such as casting, actor training, stunts, and more.

Two EPK, fluff making-of featurettes are offered: “HBO: First Look” and “City of Fallen Angels.” Some of the actor interviews are fun, but for the most part the information presented here is far less interesting than in the other featurettes.

The disc is rounded out with an Inside Look at the upcoming film Mirrors, Previews, Theatrical Trailers, and a Digital Copy of the film.

Final Thoughts

Street Kings surprised me. It’s not the most original film out there, but it’s an intense ride that’s fun while it lasts. With an excellent technical showing and loads of special features, I have to recommend at least renting this one if you are a fan of dark crime action.

Release Date: September 2nd, 2008
Running Time: 143 minutes

The Film

When I first heard they were making a Transformers movie my immediate reaction was concern over how they could achieve the effects. Slowly I began to read more and more about the film, culminating with a trailer that put my fears to rest. While it may not be the film that every die-hard fan hoped for, Transformers is unlike anything you’ve ever seen and an excellent beginning in what is sure to be a phenomenal franchise. The long-awaited Blu-ray version of Transformers does not disappoint: it is hands-down the best Blu-ray disc yet.

I can certainly relate to the screenwriters behind the film—how do you approach writing a live action story about such a heralded franchise? Their decision, and I found it to be perfect, was to essentially make the film about a boy and his first car. Shia LeBeouf stars as Sam Witwicky, a kid who works hard and final gets his first car—a beat up Camaro that seems to have a mind of its own. With his newfound wheels all he wants to do is drive around and impress the local hot girl, Mikaela (Megan Fox), who happen to be a gear head. However they soon find themselves under attack from an evil cop car that transforms into a humongous robot! As it turns out a group of organic robots known as the Decepticons have launched an attack on Earth in hopes to find the location of a device known as the All-Spark that would let them destroy their enemies, the Autobots. Luckily for Sam his Camaro just happens to be Bumblebee, an Autobot soldier. He meets up with Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, and they explain that the location of the All-Spark is hidden in the glasses of Sam’s grandfather who had actually discovered the frozen remains of the Decepticon leader, Megatron. What ensues is a robot free for all with the All-Spark as the prize.

First let me talk about what is amazing about Transformers. For one, they got the transformations down to a science. The child in me literally got chills when I saw Optimus Prime transform for the first time. This is the type of movie where you will want to watch every action sequence in slow motion because there is so much going on you cannot process it all in one sitting. I am talking about serious, balls-to-the-wall, Michael Bay action with countless explosions, car wrecks, buildings falling apart—you name it.

Since a film cannot survive on effects alone, I have to give praise to Shia. He is one of the most natural, likable actors I have seen in a long time and he brings a Tom Hanks quality to the film that makes you actually enjoy scenes that don’t have any giant robots in them. The script is also littered with insider references and a tongue-in-cheek attitude that keeps things from getting too bogged down.

On the opposite side, perhaps there is too much going on. There is a whole portion of the film dealing with some military personnel and a series of computer genius’ trying to crack the Decepticon code and figure everything out. Seeing as we know the whole story from Sam’s perspective, this seems a little redundant. That’s not to say it isn’t interesting, there are at least two attack sequences featuring those secondary characters that are pretty insane.

I don’t know what type of film the haters were expecting. If nothing else the action sequences and transformation effects warrant a viewing. Coupled with, in my humble opinion, a very enjoyable storyline, I have to say that Transformers was one of my favorite movies of 2007.

The DVD

The video is presented in a 2.35:1, 1080p High Definition transfer. This is absolute reference disc quality—the best video transfer I have seen on the format. This film was tailor made for Blu-ray, and was the film I was most looking forward to seeing in HD. Blacks are completely dark without crushing detail. The colors are amazing in every respect, from the sheen reds and blues of Optimus Prime, to the desert scenery of Qatar. The level of detail is insane, especially in the transformation sequences. In fact, the clarity and depth of the detail was so high that I actually noticed things I never have before in over four viewings of the film. With no color banding, grain, or compression artifacts, Transformers is as good as it gets on Blu-ray.

The audio is offered in an English Dolby Digital 5.1 TrueHD Lossless audio track, as well as French/Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with English/French/Spanish/Portuguese Subtitles. Again, this is reference disc stuff. It is a hectic, explosive track that is perfectly clear and balanced. All of the surround speakers are utilized to maximum effect, whether it is through creating atmosphere, or bringing the battle scenes into your living room. The highs are crisp and clean, and the lows give heavy rumble without being overpowering. The clarity, reality of sound design, and mix balance combine for a truly theatrical audio experience.

The Extras

The 2-disc Special Edition contains all of the special features from the DVD Special Edition, as well as some Blu-ray exclusives.

Commentary is offered by Director Michael Bay. While some people cannot stand to hear Bay talk, I think he found a good balance of information and self-love. However, casual fans will benefit more from the featurettes.

The majority of the special features are split across three sections, and have a number of featurettes that can be viewed together or separately.

“Our World” is the first chunk and features four parts. “The Story Sparks” is an 8-minute piece on the origins and development of the film and features a number of solid interviews. “Human Allies” runs 13 minutes and focuses on the cast. “I Fight Giant Robots” is a 14-minute piece on the military character training and the experts brought on board to supervise. “Battleground” runs 14 minutes and focuses on the action scenes and how they were brought to life.

“Their War” is the second section and again has four parts. “Rise of the Robots” is a 14-minute segment on the original series and characters. “Autobots Roll Out” is a 20-minute piece on the real life car companies that contributed their vehicles to the film. The 14-minute “Decepticons Strike” is the same idea but for the bad guys. You would think these would simply be advertisements for the car companies, but there was actually more thought put into it than I had realized. Finaly, the 17-minute “Inside the All-Spark” covers the CGI of the film.

“More Than Meets the Eye” is the final main section and contains three pieces. “From Script to Sand: The Skorponok Desert Attack” is a 9-minute examination of the sequence using storyboards, on-set footage, and more. “Concepts” is a short reel of concept art. Lastly a gallery is offered with the Teaser and two Trailers.

The following special features are new to the Blu-ray set.

The “Heads Up Display” (H.U.D.) offers picture-in-picture video commentary, as well as pop-up text trivia. It has a nice balance of being informative, but not overly intrusive.

Lastly, Transformers is BD-Live capable, unlocking an “Intelligence Mode” that will let you download additional content if your player is Profile 2.0 compatible.

Final Thoughts

Transformers is the definitive Blu-ray experience. If you could only own one disc to show off the power of the format, this is the one. Simply put, if you own a Blu-ray player, you need to own Transformers.

Release Date: August 26th, 2008
Running Time: 568 minutes

The Show

Prison Break haunts me. I feel like no matter what time of the television season it is, I can’t get away from it! It’s all coincidence of course, but the series certainly has a presence. Getting back to the core idea of the show, Prison Break: Season Three marks a positive turns in the direction of the series, made even better through High Definition.

The first season of Prison Break thrilled audiences with a high-octane season culminating in an elaborate escape from incarceration. The second season focused on the two Scofield brothers on the run, and in my opinion, lost some steam. I never knew how they would continue the story of a show called Prison Break after they got out of jail, and the second season wasn’t bad, it just lacked the tension of the original. Sensing this, the cast and crew shifted gears and brought the series back to its roots by giving Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) a new, more dangerous Panamanian prison to break out of called Sona.

Michael’s Brother Linc has been exonerated from the crimes he was accused of, and sent to death row, for. Instead of a happy brother reunion, Michael is framed by a mysterious organization called “The Company” and sent to Sona prison. The Company plans to use Michael’s skills to break out an inmate named Whistler. Michael has to cooperate or his girlfriend, Dr. Tancredi (Sarah Wayne Callies), and Linc’s son will be killed. New alliances must be formed, new plans must be made, and once again, Michael Scofield has to break out of prison.

Sona prison is quite different from Michael’s previous experience in that 1) he doesn’t have a map of the place, and 2) Sona prison is actually run by the inmates. Michael’s first prison break involved getting caught on purpose in order to break his brother out from the inside. Now, his brother Linc (Dominic Purcell) is on the outside, and Michael is more alone than ever. Despite being a short season due to the writer’s strike, Season 3 revived the series because it once again became all about the escape, and the stakes associated with that. For a show that probably should have been one-time mini-series, Prison Break continues to show surprising longevity.

The Discs

The video is presented in a 1.78:1, 1080p High Definition transfer. The brown/tan heavy color palette comes through very naturally, enhancing the gritty, dirty feel of the season. Likewise, a certain amount of stylistic grain adds a raw feeling to the video without taking away from numerous grimy details. The only thing that bothers me even a little is that the black levels aren’t as deep as they could be. Other than that, the transfer is solid.

The audio is offered in an English DTS 5.1 HD Master Lossless Surround Sound, as well as French/Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with English/French/Spanish subtitles. This is a very active mix, especially across the front channels. Directional audio moments are impressive, as is the atmosphere created across the channels. The overall mix is balanced and impressive for TV. If I have one criticism, it’s that the mix is standard in all its effects, not providing anything really unique for the series.

The Extras

“Season 3: Orientacion” is a 17-minute featurette that was aired before the premiere as a very general overview of the series.

“Breakout” is a 13-minute featurette on the production and filming of the pivotal breakout episode, “Hell or High Water.”

“Featurette: Director’s Takes” is a 40-minute piece with directors Kevin Hooks, Bobby Roth, and Milan Chevlov discussing the production of various scenes throughout the season.

“Between Takes” is 11-minute of behind-the-scenes footage with cast members discussing what they do between shooting scenes. It is a cool look at life on the production of a TV show, but is nothing too revelatory.

The special features are rounded out with a Bonus Episode of The Unit.

Final Thoughts

Against the odds, and a writer’s strike, Prison Break: Season Three managed to retain its quality and deliver another thrilling season. Who knows how long the formula can continue before the series jumps the shark, but for now fans will have plenty to enjoy on this Blu-ray set.

Release Date: August 26th, 2008
Running Time: 101 minutes

The Film

Relationship comedies are tough sells because audiences simultaneously want to see something new, but also want to be comforted with a certain amount of predictability. Often used as date films, the familiarity of it all is what draws many couples to the theatres. What Happens In Vegas doesn’t fail as a film by any means, it just doesn’t find that necessary balance of ingenuity and tested formula to be very memorable.

The film stars Cameron Diaz as the gorgeous, hip, successful Joy McNally. After her fiancé, Mason (Jason Sudeikis), dumps her, Joy heads to Vegas with a friend for some therapy drinking. There she meets up with Jack Fuller (Ashton Kutcher), a bum of a man content with wasting his life and avoiding any sort of real responsibility. After a night of partying, they wake up married. The two immediately begin arguing and realize they couldn’t be more opposite: her uptight, mannered nature doesn’t fit at all with his sloppy outlook on life. They break up, but not before Jack hits $3 million in a slot machine. Joy then takes Jack to court to get half the money, since they haven’t annulled the marriage yet. The judge responds to their ludicrous situation by forcing them to live as a married couple for six months before they can figure out how the money will be split.

What Happens In Vegas didn’t appeal to me for a number of reasons, but mainly due to the fact that two main characters didn’t have anything concrete to draw them together to begin with–the whole plot results from a drunken marriage. Likewise, the idea of a judge forcing them together for six-months seemed like a very unrealistic plot turn aimed at getting as many sitcom moments out of the story as possible. Having said all that, the actors seemed to have a good time with the material, so fans of the two should get enough laughs to at least warrant a rental.

The Disc

The video is presented in a 2.35:1, 1080p High Definition transfer. The contrast is pumped up to accentuate the vibrancy of Vegas. This enhances the primary colors, but is detrimental to the reality of the flesh tones. The black levels are decent, but crush details in the shadows. While the print is clean and free of compression errors, the level of detail is merely average. Overall the transfer is a decent Blu-ray, but leaps and bounds away from something as revelatory as Transformers.

The audio is offered in an English DTS 5.1 HD Master Lossless Surround Sound, as well as French/Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with English/Cantonese/French/Korean/Mandarin/Spanish subtitles. The surrounds are used to create some lively Vegas atmosphere. The music could have been cranked up a notch, though the bass does provide some nice rumbles in the soundtrack. Dialogue is clear and balanced with the mix. From a sound design standpoint, the mix is dull, but retains a level of clarity that is standard with comedies on Blu-ray.

The Extras

Commentary is offered with Director Tom Vaughn and Editor Matt Friedman. Unfortunately this is a very dry track that takes the wrong tone in providing a very technical discussion of the production. The only part I found mildly interesting was when they were discussing the necessary cuts to get a PG-13 rating.

“Sitting Down with Cameron and Ashton” is a 9-minute, completely insubstantial interview with the two stars.

“DVD Extra Time with Zach Galifianakis” is a spoof interview with Galifianakis giving director Vaughn a hard time. Likewise, “From the Law Firm of Stephen J. Hater, Esq.” is a fake commercial starring Rob Corddry.

Six Deleted/Extended scenes run 7 minutes and don’t offer anything substantial. A Gag Reel runs 3 minutes and has a few decent laughs.

“Bottoms Up!” is a Blu-ray exclusive “drinking game” similar to the “I’ve Never” game.

Lastly, an Inside Look at the upcoming “Marley & Me” is offered, as well as a Digital Copy of the film.

Final Thoughts

What Happens In Vegas is pretty standard romantic comedy, not offering anything spectacular, but not a complete waste of time either. It would make a good rental for couples who are fans of Diaz and Kutcher.

Release Date: August 19th, 2008
Running Time: 394 minutes

The Show

Few franchises achieve the iconic status that the Terminator films have earned. With strong characters, ground-breaking effects, and a unique vision of the future, the films are some of the best representations of sci-fi action ever put to celluloid. Having such a rich world and mythology, the opportunity has always existed to expand upon the franchise. Terminator - The Sarah Connor Chronicles: The Complete First Season is not only successful as a Terminator product, but is simply good television. The Blu-ray version of the set begins to blur the line between television and film, displaying both the technical prowess of format, and the evolution of high-budget television.

The film picks up a few years after T2. Sarah (Lena Headey) and John (Thomas Dekker) are living their lives under fake names as they are still wanted fugitives hunted by Agent James Ellison (Richard T. Jones). Things have settled down and they have a semblance of a normal life. However, after Sarah has a nightmare about a terminator killing John, and then her boyfriend Charley (Dean Winters) proposes, she realizes they have gotten too comfortable in their situation. They pack up and disappear over night to start yet another new life.

In their new location, John begins school and hits it off with a pretty girl named Cameron Phillips (Summer Glau). Things seem fine until a substitute teacher named Cromartie takes roll call and tries to execute John. He’s a terminator. As it turns out, Cameron is also a terminator, but a new, different kind capable of understanding more emotions, and even eating. Cameron saves John and explains to Sarah and him that they didn’t stop Judgment Day—someone else builds Skynet. Realizing that they were found at the new location in less than two days, Cameron decides to take drastic measures to save the Connors. Under the guise of holding up a bank, she takes them to the vault where there is a time machine and a nuclear gun capable of destroying Cromartie. Cameron activates the machine, and Sarah blasts Cromartie to hell just before they are whisked to the future.

The trio arrives completely naked on an LA freeway in 2007. They are in the future where no one is after them. Cameron explains that there are resistance fighters sent back from the future to help with the war, as well as terminators sent back to stop those fighters and ensure the creation of Skynet. Armed once again with a mission, to stop the genesis of Skynet, the series officially commences. What they don’t know, however, is that parts of Cromartie’s body were also blown through the time machine, and he begins the process of rebuilding himself so he can complete his mission—kill John Connor.

First and foremost the acting is really impressive. Headey’s Sarah Connor is simultaneously a tough-as-nails leader, but also retains a femininity and vulnerability rarely seen in the films. Dekker’s John is a perfect blend of a normal, hormonal teenager, but he still has a weight of the world, literally, on his shoulders. The dynamic between the mother and son is explored in great detail. John wants to have a normal life, but Sarah is always in full-blown protection mode, leading to many clashes between the two. Brian Austin Green is also introduced as Derek Reese, one of the resistance fighters. His character gives us the perfect look into the future and the attitude of people living in a war-torn world, fighting for their very existence against the machines. The hidden fact that he is actually John’s uncle adds another rich layer to the character dynamics.

The action and effects are incredible; some of the best I have ever seen in a television series. The violence, while censored compared to the R-rated films, is still very hectic and brutal. We also get to see a lot more of the future and cool technology throughout the season, adding more depth to the mythology. The show plays out like a mini-action film every episode, making for an adrenalin-fueled, extremely fun series. I only wish the season wasn’t cut short due to the writer’s strike.

It has to be noted that the events taking place in The Sarah Connor Chronicles exist on an alternate timeline from those in T3. Initially, this really annoyed me as I wanted it to be canon for the franchise, but if you can get past this fact and accept it as its own entity, it really isn’t an issue. Whenever you have a franchise dealing with time travel, things get so muddled anyway. Who knows, maybe they will eventually end up tying it in with the films.

The 3-disc set contains all 9 episodes from the first season: “Pilot,” “Gnothi Seauton,” “The Turk,” “Heavy Metal,” “Queen’s Gambit,” “Dungeons & Dragons,” “The Demon Hand,” “Vick’s Chip,” and “What He Beheld.”

The DVD

The video is offered in a 1.78:1, 1080p High definition transfer. The Sarah Connor Chronicles was made to be watched in HD. The action-packed series has a very theatrical look that is enhanced through the excellent amount of detail present in the transfer. Colors and flesh tones are accurate. Black levels are deep and rich. Neither the dark blacks nor bright whites crush out detail. There is a bit of grain that enhances the theatrical feel of the show, but there are no compression artifacts. Overall it just looks incredible considering it is television and not a $100 million summer blockbuster.

The audio isn’t offered in an uncompressed, HD track. It is the same as the DVD, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The only available track is English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with English/French/Spanish Subtitles. I was blown away by the surround usage considering this is a television show. It is a very active mix, constantly throwing action across all of the channels. The mix is balanced as well, never drowning out the various sound elements. It isn’t as multi-dimensional as a theatrical action mix or as crisp as a lossless audio track, but it is definitely one of the better television efforts I have heard on home video.

The Extras

The special features are identical to the DVD release with no Blu-ray exclusives.

Commentary is offered on “Pilot” with Josh Friedman, James Middleton, David Nutter, and Summer Glau; “The Turk with Josh Friedman, John Wirth, Lena Headey, and Thomas Dekker; and “What He Beheld” with Ian Goldberg, Summer Glau, and Brian Austin Green. The commentaries are more scene-specific with the participants providing plenty of anecdotal information regarding the production rather than tons of background information. They are good tracks, and worth a listen if you really dug one of these episodes.

“Creating the Chronicles” is a 3-part, 40 minute documentary that covers the history of the show from the conception to production. It has a ton of cast/crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and more. It is a complete, in-depth piece that is far more informative than any of the commentaries.

“Terminated Scenes” are a collection of deleted scenes split across all three discs. They are mostly character moments that would interrupt the high octane pace of the show.

“Cast Audition Tapes” shows auditions for Lena Headey, Thomas Dekker, and Richard T. Jones. Acting buffs will appreciate these, but personally, I thought seeing one for Summer Glau would have been the most interesting and revealing.

“Summer Glau Dance Rehearsal” shows off the Summer’s well-documented dancing abilities.

Also offered are Storyboard Animatics from the pilot, a Gag Reel, and an extended version of “The Demon Hand.”

Final Thoughts

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles is one of the best shows to check out in High Definition. The high level of action is just suited for the Blu-ray format. There’s no denying that I really dig the show, despite its odd alternate timeline. Having seen both the DVD and Blu-ray versions of the set, there’s no doubt that Blu-ray is the definitive way to watch the series.

Release Date: August 19th, 2008
Running Time: 212 minutes

The Film

Oliver Stone is a gifted, eclectic filmmaker who has never shied away from tough material. Whether it is JFK or the upcoming W., Stone has always made his political voice heard. The Nixon: Election Year Edition’s Director’s Cut offers a deep, and at times muddled, look at one of America’s most notorious leaders.

The film begins in 1973 as Nixon’s presidency begins its inevitable downward slide. Nixon (Anthony Hopkins) listens to a series of taped conversations that will fuel the fire that burns his legacy. Oliver Stone then presents a series of loosely connected memories and flashbacks to paint the story of the man and president, from his childhood to the Watergate scandal. The problem with this type of storytelling is that, if you are not familiar with the events of Nixon’s life, the narrative comes off as disjointed and hard to follow, often skipping months or years between scenes. Rather than trying to piece everything together in a timeline, it is better to watch each section as an isolated moment aimed at showing you another layer of Nixon. The result is a compendium of scenes that parallel Nixon’s troubled mind while trying to unlock the secrets and nuances of his personality.

Loaded with stellar performances and a ground-breaking mish mash of filmmaking styles, Nixon is an uncensored look into the creative mind of Oliver Stone. Never one to compromise his vision, Nixon represents everything that is great and not so great about Stone’s direction. The dedication and research that is apparent shows his passion for the material. On the flip side, Stone tries to cover so many different moments that may have flowed together in his head perfectly, but to an audience it can be difficult to follow.

The Director’s cut runs over three-and-a-half hours, 28 minutes more than the theatrical cut. Stone has indulged himself and spliced back in footage that may seem unnecessary, but fits the style of the film. As a film of moments rather than one concise narrative, extending and adding scenes just fleshes out the character more. However, if you’re not a fan of the film this can bring the experience to excruciating lengths.

The Disc

The video is presented in a 2.40:1, 1080p High Definition transfer. It is difficult to judge due to the vast amounts of different film stock, lighting effects, and other technical choices made by Stone. In general, the level of detail is very good. The black levels aren’t the darkest I’ve seen, but they don’t crush out the details either. Colors and flesh tones are accurate, and the transfer is free of compression errors.

The audio is offered in English PCM Uncompressed 5.1 Surround Sound, as well as English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with English/French/Spanish subtitles. I found the track to be inconsistent, but that may also be a stylistic choice. At times the surrounds are quite active with effects and ambiance, but other times they seem underused. Dialogue can also get drowned out. Is it a bad mix? No, it just doesn’t live up to the full potential of Blu-ray.

The Extras

This set is an example of the perfect amount of special features. It’s not loaded with extra content, but what is offered is all worthwhile.

Two Commentary tracks are provided by Oliver Stone. I don’t know why this was necessary. Stone is always a passionate speaker, but I believe these could have been combined into one more comprehensive commentary.

“Beyond Nixon” is an all-new 35-minute documentary featuring interviews with historians, politicians, and more all discussing Nixon and the film.

10 Deleted Scenes are offered with introductions by Oliver Stone. These can be watched together for a total of 58-minutes. Most of these scenes have been put back into the director’s cut.

Oliver Stone’s appearance on “The Charlie Rose Show” runs 55-minutes and contains a detailed discussion of the film.

Lastly, the original Theatrical Trailer is offered.

Final Thoughts

Nixon is a stylish, potent, and flawed film. The Election Year Edition Director’s Cut may be too dense for the casual viewer, but fans of the film are treated to the most complete, and technically sound, version of the film.