2014 blu-ray/ DVD in
review-
NIGHTBREED Director's
Cut- the director’s cut is a
greatly improved version of the theatrical cut, but I don’t think you will like
the theatrical cut after seeing the vision Clive Barker had originally intended
for this Tim Burtonesque supernatural film with a set of extras unfortunately
divided between a two disc set and a three disc overpriced limited edition
(which is unfortunately sold out)
PENNY
DREADFUL Season 1- this slow burn horror series is a new take on the
old classic monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and more with Eva Green being
the prime show stealer in every scene she is in. I was convinced after her performance
during
a séance scene during the second episode.
I can’t wait for the second season and this is the rare set of a
Showtime series to include some actual behind-the-scenes extras (which I hope
they don’t exclude for future releases and do more of).
JODOROWSKY'S DUNE- the tale of one of the greatest
sci-fi movies that almost got made and this is the project which lead for many
involved to go onto greater sci-fi projects along with providing inspiration
for other movies
THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION
OF SMAUG Extended Edition-
The nine hours of extras are a treasure trove
of
behind-the-scenes making-of documentaries along with an extended edition that
improves on the theatrical cut
STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE Season 3
STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE Season 4
STAR
TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION Season Six
STAR
TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION Season 7
CBS
Home Entertainment has excelled with their presentation of the episodes of two
different STAR TREK series along with great new retrospective
documentaries. I hope they continue with
blu-ray sets of STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE and STAR TREK: VOYAGER
IRON SKY
Director's Cut- If
you’re a fan of the theatrical cut (or
you haven’t discovered IRON SKY), this edition of the movie is one for you to
check out as it is a delightful blend of political satire, comedy, sci-fi, and
acton.
NYMPHOMANIAC
Volume 1 and 2- some may hate the movie and think it is shallow, but
it is tale of a woman’s struggle with her own sexuality and you can either
watch the theatrical cut or track down the longer five and a half hour
director’s cut
THE
CONGRESS- this very loosely adapted adaptation of Stanislaw Lem’s
novel is a wonderful mix of live action and surreal animation
BANSHEE
Season 2- the second season continues to prove this is one of the
best crime action noir series that you haven’t watched yet
ONLY LOVERS
LEFT ALIVE- a different take
on the lives of century old vampires in this story of two lovers who are so far
apart and yet so close when they reunite
RADIO FREE
ALBEMUTH
This adaptation of the Philip K. Dick novel is
the closest
one has got to being faithful to the original source material instead of being
loosely based on it. The audio
commentary is worth a listen and the movie is worth watching if you’re a fan of
the legendary author’s work or looking for a different type of sci-fi movie.
COLD IN JULY- this movie gets an honorable mention
due to Don Johnson’s supporting actor turn where you hope you see him reprise
this character in the future for movie and TV
Worst of the year-
SPACE STATION 76- one of the unfunniest sci-fi
comedies I have ever seen. Avoid it and
save your money
SEE NO EVIL 2- The Soska Sisters have great
direction and a couple of great actresses in it (Danielle Harris and Katharine
Isabelle), but their direction and cast can’t save the sequel’s second half
from imploding due to a poor script
ARGENTO'S DRACULA- watch DRACULA the TV series
instead where
the Dracula actor does a much better job playing Van Helsing. Even worse,
the music video for Kiss Me
Dracula is 100 times better than this crappy movie. Dario Argento’s
worst movie
this article is (c)1-20-2015 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without
permission
