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Beyond the Blu: March 2012
Tue Mar 06, 2012 at 03:30 PM ETTags: Beyond the Blu, Dick Ward, Fun Stuff (all tags)
by Dick Ward
There's a line that separates fans from fanatics. Movie fans already have the Blu-rays of their favorite flicks pre-ordered and are ready to watch them as soon as they come in. Fanatics need more. They need collectables, information and maybe a few other weird things as well. Beyond the Blu is your guide to the kind of periphery that the truly obsessed - and I mean that as a compliment - just can't live without.
'The Muppets' is one of those few movies that surpassed my expectations. It was as true to the Henson era Muppets as I had hoped and funnier than I imagined, and I'm a nut for the Muppets. So is Kevin Clash, the man behind Elmo. His difficult journey and eventual success are chronicled in the moving documentary 'Being Elmo,' which is available for preorder on Amazon and is streaming on Netflix now. It gives you more than just the story of Kevin Clash - it gives you a look into everything going on behind the Muppets, including some really touching moments with Jim Henson.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
I don't know a tremendous amount about 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.' I know it's a pretty dark book series and probably a pretty dark movie, but that's about all. Oh, and I know, or at least feel safe in presuming, that there is a girl in the movie that has a dragon tattoo. You could do the obsessed fan thing and get a "fer real" tattoo to match, but if you're not feeling that crazy, get yourself a henna kit and create a temporary version.
I first saw the musical version of 'Little Shop of Horrors' when I was pretty young and the only thing in the world that I wanted afterwards was an Audrey II of my very own. Sadly, they don't exist. Actually, that's not sad at all - that plant was going to take over the world and eat everybody. Still, I ended up getting myself the next best thing, a venus fly trap . Plants that eat meat? It's just plain cool.
Before 'The Room,' before 'Birdemic' and before 'Manos: The Hands of Fate' there was 'Plan 9.' It's the first movie hailed as "so bad it's good" and is required viewing for anyone with a love of terrible flicks. 'Plan 9' was never featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000, but it did end up getting love from Rifftrax - Kevin, Bill and Mike from MST3K - a few years back. You can watch the movie with Rifftrax commentary streaming on Amazon or shell out for the DVD version of the ridiculously funny live show, featuring guest stars Jonathan Coulton, Rich "Lowtax" Kyanka and Veronica Belmont. I strongly recommend the live version - the jokes are essentially the same but the energy is so much better.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' is one of the most quotable movies there is, and still one of the most oft referenced anywhere that nerds gather. You've got the Knights Who Say Ni, the rude Frenchman, Sir Robin's bard and countless other characters that just can't be forgotten. There's also, of course, the killer rabbit, which is available in plush form. Get the plush and display it on your shelf with your other collectables. Take it out of the house if you must, but don't be that guy that goes up to everyone at work and pushes the rabbit up against people's necks and pretends that it's eating them. Seriously, everyone hates that guy. Well, I hate that guy. You know who you are.
I freaking love Iron Maiden. They're consistently good - well, not during the Blaze Bayley days, but I just pretend those albums don't exist - and they continue to put on some of the best live shows I've ever seen. Bruce Dickinson at 53 still runs and jumps around a massive stage and retains his incredible voice. He's essentially the opposite of another metal frontman who managed to run out of breath after one lap back and forth across the stage and then completely miss his notes. I'm not naming any names. Yes I am, it's Axl Rose.
There's so much cool Iron Maiden memorabilia out there, but I'm partial to the Eddie figures that have been released over the last few years. The latest is, as is fitting with the new album, Final Frontier Eddie. The coolest, and the one I wish I had picked up before the price skyrocketed, is The Trooper Eddie, complete with a battle-worn Union Jack. So cool.
Wizards: 35th Anniversary Edition
Being crazy enthusiastic about any of those other titles is one thing, but if you're a ridiculous fan of 'Wizards' then you're some kind of super nerd. That's not an insult - that's an honor. The movies of Ralph Bakshi are unique and some of the most creative ever made. Get some insight into the man and his films in the book Unfiltered: The Complete Ralph Bakshi, written by Jon M. Gibson who went on to create iam8bit, a production company specializing in videogame and pop culture art.
Beyond the Blu - January 2012
Tue Jan 31, 2012 at 02:16 PM ETTags: Beyond the Blu, Dick Ward, Fun Stuff (all tags)
by Dick Ward
Sure, the normal fans can get the special edition Blu-ray and call it a day, but some of us are cut from a more obsessive cloth. We don't just want the movie and the commentary and the special features. We want even more. We want memorabilia and books and even things that are only tangentially related. That's what Beyond the Blu is all about - the cool and weird stuff you can pick up with your brand new Blu-rays. This installment focuses on the movies released last month. Yeah, a touch later than usual, but with CES and all it's been a busy month!
Sure, it wasn't a great movie, but 'Real Steel' had some very cool things going for it, like robots. Robots fighting one another. It's also not a 'Transformers' movie, which is an added bonus. Sadly, we don't yet have our own fighting robots, but we can pretend we do by picking up some classic Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots to play with. If a hot date asks why you have them, just tell them it's for when your nephew comes over to play. Or just explain how awesome it is. The former seems like a safer bet.
This probably isn't breaking news, but Charlie Kaufman is awesome. He was going layers deep into weirdness with movies like 'Synecdoche New York' before Nolan got all ham fisted with the idea. He also wrote the incredible 'Adaptation,' wherein Nicholas Cage plays Charlie Kaufman, who is struggling with writer's block in trying to adapt a book. The movie was inspired by Charlie Kaufman's struggle with writer's block while trying to adapt a book. The dreaded inability to create helped the screenwriter in this case, but few of us can get away with completely ditching our assignment to write about writing our assignment, so Overcoming Writer's Block is for us.
Remember how I said the word "tangentially" in the intro? This is what I'm talking about. 'Dutch' was one of my favorite movies when I was a kid and the last time I saw it, the flick still held up. A lot goes on in the movie, including a cameo by Arnold Palmer, inventor of the Arnold Palmer, which you can totally drink while watching this movie. When he wasn't revolutionizing the way we see iced tea and lemonade, Arnold Palmer likes to play golf.
Twister / Poseidon / The Perfect Storm
It's not a great three pack, but 'The Perfect Storm' at least borders on good. There's a nice little speech or two in there and George Clooney does his whole "being unreasonably handsome" thing, so it's worth a watch. If you want a better insight into the story though, check out the book ' The Perfect Storm: a True Story of Men Against the Sea.' Don't feel like reading? The audiobook is read by Stanley Tucci.
Se7en / Copycat / Taking Lives
There are two other movies in this three-pack, but 'Se7en' stands out from the pack. Despite the whole number in the name thing, it's an excellent film and the score was created by none other than the great Howard Shore. Shore's music for 'Se7en' is good, but his most celebrated work to date is for the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. If you're a Shore fan, check out the ' Lord of the Rings Symphony.' It's not a symphony, technically, but it's still awesome.
Above the Law / Under Siege / Under Siege 2
I love Steven Segal. I'm not afraid to say it - the man makes damn entertaining movies. I trend to his newer faire, which is so bad as to be hilarious, but the old flicks are worth checking out too. Point is, you can't love someone - idolize them even - without wanting to be them. I've got long hair so it's easy for me, but for those that don't, get yourself a Steven Segal ponytail. You know you want to.
Friday the 13th / Nightmare on Elm Street / Freddy vs. Jason
If you're picking up this three-pack then, well, you're doing something wrong. Unless you absolutely need all the movies in the series, there's no reason to buy, rent or even watch these flicks for free. Instead, pick up the original 'Nightmare on Elm Street' and the original ' Friday the 13th.' You'll be glad you did.
Beyond the Blu: October 2011
Mon Oct 24, 2011 at 03:45 PM ETTags: Beyond the Blu, Dick Ward, Fun Stuff (all tags)
by Dick Ward
Because Halloween is almost here, this month's installment of "Beyond the Blu" focuses on the stuff you need to put the finishing touches on your costume or just give you a last minute idea of what to get. It's also been edited down to be extra spooky, coming in at exactly six hundred and sixty six words long. Pretty spooky, eh?
Costume accessories that you'll only wear once are kind of a bummer, so try playing a more conservative Batman this year and pick up a utility belt that has uses outside of simply playing dress-up. And hey, let's face it - as iconic as the yellow utility belt is, it doesn't make a lick of sense for a character who bases his fighting style on stealth.
There are very few adult costume possibilities that leap to mind when thinking of 'The Goonies.' Pretty much anyone over the age of 20 is either vile or unmemorable but there's one exception to the rule - Sloth. The mask is a given, but if you really want to go full on Sloth you're going to need his trademark Superman shirt and those classic red suspenders. And if you're staying home and giving out candy in that outfit, you'd better be giving every single kid that comes to the door a Baby Ruth.
Costuming is all about the little details - the stuff that separates the good from the great. So if you're going as Jules Winnfield you need to know Ezekiel 25:17, you need to be able to inform people that Marcellus Wallace does not in fact look like a bitch and you damn sure better have a wallet that says "Bad Mother F*cker."
Jurassic Park Ultimate Trilogy
Sure, you can dress as Malcolm or Alan Grant, but those are barely costumes. Gennaro is a wimp and Robert Muldoon's shorts are just a bit too short. You want yourself a good costume? Go as Dennis Nedry. Kids come to the door and don't greet you with the customary "Trick or Treat" and bam - "Uh uh uh, you didn't say the magic word!" Then when they finally do, you pull the candy out of a fake Barbasol can. Bonus points if the candy is cryogenically frozen. Don't take it too far and start giving out dinosaur embryos though. They make cute pets when they're young, but they grow up fast.
Captain America: The First Avenger
I love Captain America. He's one of my favorite superheroes and constantly battles with a few others for the top spot. He's just not that exciting to dress as. You're not going to look right in the outfit and your shield just won't be cool enough. On the subject of S.H.I.E.L.D. though, you could go as an absolutely badass Nick Fury in the officially licensed coat from Marvel. That's assuming you have the nuts to go as a Samuel L. Jackson character. If not, there's always the Hasselhoff version.
There isn't a lot of anime that I've allowed myself to get sucked into recently. Not because I don't like it, just because a series that runs a few hundred episodes with half of those being filler takes up a lot of time. 'Naruto' completely captured me though. Kids and adults will both be going out as Naruto and Sasuke and Sakura and the usual assortment, but I would absolutely love to see some more Kakashis out there. Get yourselfthe vest and a black half-mask and you're most of the way there.
Have I seen 'The Last Circus?' No I have not. But I've seen the trailer and it blew my mind with its complete awesomeness, thanks especially to the clown near the end that looks like some sort of deformed version of the Pope wielding sub machine guns. Pope hat, check. Scary clown mask, check. Bandoliers, check. The Uzis and the apparent blood thirst are up to you.
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Beyond the Blu: September 2011
Mon Sep 12, 2011 at 01:15 PM ETTags: Beyond the Blu, Dick Ward, Fun Stuff (all tags)
I've got posters on my wall, action figures on my shelves, framed autographs, and memorabilia from the films themselves. A true fan never stops collecting, even when the item in question is only tangentially related to the thing they love. Hell, I have a Katy Sagal CD in my collection - I have 'Futurama' to thank for that one.
For people out there like me, here's a list of some cool, interesting, or just plain weird stuff that you can pick up to go along with your September Blu-ray purchases. There's plenty of film recommendations this month and a bit of costumery to boot.
by Dick Ward
Even people that don't care for 'Trigun,' and those that shun anime in particular, have to admit that Vash the Stampede has a unique, classic cool look. There are a few things that make Vash Vash, but the hardest to replicate are those crazy yellow tinted bent up glasses of his. Lucky for cosplayers and fans of awesome eyewear, you can pick a pair up on Amazon for about $40.
A comedy classic! It's also a movie that dares to ask the question "Do you like movies about gladiators?" Well if you do, there's a great one coming out this month on Blu-ray. That's right, none other than 'Ben-Hur.' I mean, you should own 'Ben-Hur' anyway, but it's even more for the creepy connection with 'Airplane!'
Terry Pratchett’s Going Postal
If you're a fan of the 'Going Postal' miniseries that was created for British television then you're wrong. You obviously watched it incorrectly somehow. That, or you never actually read the book. If you haven't, buy it and read it now. Unlike the TV movie, it's actually witty and funny and interesting. You know what, just go buy any Pratchett book. Then read it, love it, and go buy more.
Chris Hemsworth - better known as "that dude who played Kirk's dad" - made a pretty good Thor, maybe the best ever. There aren't a lot of competitors in the category, but you can't call "Kirk's dad" the best without considering Vincent D'Onofrio, who rocked out the part of Thor in the late 80s flick 'Adventures in Babysitting.'
The obvious pickup for 'Scarface' fans is the poster that plasters the wall of every dorm room in the world, right next to the John Belushi "College" poster and something of the New York skyline. I know a lot of people who love 'Scarface,' but the ones I know with that poster tend to be either wannabe thugs or, worse - bros. If you're a bro who loves 'Scarface' and you're already going to get really annoying about it with posters and shirts, why not just go all the way and get a 'Scarface' style beer pong table.
Halloween is coming up and it's time to find a costume. You don't want to be a slutty nurse or a slutty maid or a slutty ladybug or whatever else costume makers can throw a short skirt and low cut top on. A sexy costume is fine as long as it's got some class. Try Audrey Hepburn's outfit from 'Breakfast and Tiffany's'. It's not too hard to put together - hair up, black dress, heels, gloves and a cigarette holder. It may not be perfect, but honestly, how many people at your Halloween party are going to get the reference?
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, God said "let there be lips," and there were. And they were good. In sixth grade I caught my first glimpse of a movie that would soon turn into an obsession. 'Rocky Horror' is that kind of movie - the kind you watch over and over again. Truly obsessed fans will also dip into the spiritual sequel 'Shock Treatment.' It's actually pretty decent if you're into campy musicals and it features Little Nell as the incredibly sexy Nurse Ansalong. And remember, the sun never sets on those who ride into it.
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Beyond the Blu: August 2011
Tue Aug 16, 2011 at 08:25 PM ETTags: Dick Ward, Beyond the Blu, Fun Stuff (all tags)
by Dick Ward
You've preordered some new Blu-rays and you can't wait for them to arrive. We know the feeling - the anticipation can be downright difficult to handle. But just the Blu-rays isn't enough for you. You want more. You want collectables, clothing, knick knacks and stuff that's just plain weird. And you want it now!
When I think of 'Nightmare Before Christmas' my mind goes straight to the incredibly cool soundtrack. Well, to be completely honest, my first thoughts are headbutting everyone who refers to it as a Tim Burton movie - it was directed by Henry Selick! Still, the soundtrack is absolutely fantastic. The tribute album 'Nightmare Revisited' may be even better. If for nothing else, you need to pick this up for Marilyn Manson's version of "This is Halloween" and the brilliant job that The Polyphonic Spree did with "The Town Meeting Song."
We've started with a pair of cult classics, but while it's fairly easy to pick up as much 'Nightmare Before Christmas' themed clothing as you could ever want with one quick stop at Hot Topic, The Big Lebowski didn't get the same treatment. Still, with this Little Lebowski Urban Achievers bowling shirt you can double up a bit on movie references while not being too obvious. The effect is pretty subtle and very cool.
Some movies are remembered by a single line that ties the whole thing together or just represents an iconic moment. "I am your father," "Here's looking at you kid," and "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn," are among them, but 'Good Will Hunting' doesn't have anything even close to as cool. Instead, folks remember "How do you like them apples?" It's a shame, but if you're a fan the best thing you can do is embrace it and enjoy some gourmet chocolate covered caramel apples. How do you like them apples? Probably pretty well - they look delicious.
Alright, so chances are you're not going to be frozen and then reawakened in the future to fight a blond Wesley Snipes, but there's always the chance that you'll be delivering pizza and get frozen on accident or even just fall through a rift in space time. Point is, you're going to need to be prepared. Avoid the embarrassment of having to ask about the shells on the first day and revealing yourself to be a total noob by bringing some travel toilet paper along with you. Keep it with you at all times - you never know when you might end up.
Ahh 'Wayne's World.' It's the film that helped to define a generation. Wait, define isn't the right word. Entertain maybe. Anyway, it's a great flick and despite a few silly things they let slip in there - why is Cassandra amazed by a whammy bar? - the movie is amazing. So hey, you want to celebrate the release of 'Wayne's World?' Get yourself a gun rack, regardless of whether or not you own a gun, let alone many guns that would necessitate an entire rack.
So you got yourself that gun rack from 'Wayne's World' and you need something to put in it? How about a Colt 1911 Airsoft pistol that's based on the same gun that Rick used throughout the first 'Mummy' movie. If you've never played around with an Airsoft gun you really should. It's like Nerf but it hurts like crazy and you could probably seriously shoot someone's eye out. It's still a lot of fun. (Dick Ward and High-Def Digest do not condone whatever it is you get up to with this thing. Seriously, don't tell anyone I said how fun these things are.)
Dexter: The Complete Fifth Season
Good ol' 'Dexter.' The show is yet another one of Showtime's runaway hits and an unabashed success. There are a few iconic things in the 'Dexter' universe, but perhaps nothing as memorable as the shirt he wears for his kills. The Dexter Kill Shirt is a perfect addition to a Halloween costume, a good but confusing look for a night out or something to wear around the house while catching up on season five. (Dick Ward and High-Def Digest do not condone murder, but duh.)
Beyond the Blu - December 2010
Wed Dec 15, 2010 at 08:15 PM ETTags: Beyond the Blu (all tags)
For a certain kind of fan, and many of us here at High-Def Digest are among them, just owning the Blu-ray of a treasured movie isn't enough. We need posters, memorabilia and more. "Beyond the Blu" is designed to help you out with the desire for acquisition for yourself, or even as a last minute Christmas gift for a loved one.
Alice in Wonderland
Tim Burton's take on the classic story of 'Alice in Wonderland' is a very different tale than Lewis Carroll's, but many of the characters from the books make an appearance in the new story. The Mad Hatter is there of course, as are the White Rabbit, Tweedledum and Tweedledee. The chessboard theme reappears too, which lets you go one of two ways. For those with the more direct approach in mind, you can pick up an incredibly well made 'Alice in Wonderland' chess set. If a more creative approach is your preference, you can grab a giant chess board and recreate 'Alice' in your own backyard.
Avatar 3D
'Avatar' is the highest grossing film in the history of the medium, and it spurred on a revolution of 3D. Sure, you can watch all the behind the scenes features on the Blu-ray, but what if you want more? Instead of stalking James Cameron or painting yourself blue, take the next logical and socially acceptable step. Get yourself a plane or bus ticket to Seattle and check out the sure to be fascinating 'Avatar' exhibition that's opening at the Science Fiction Museum on June 4th of 2011. You've got plenty of time to plan.
Battlestar Galactica: Razor
The best kind of movie memorabilia is the kind that only fans will really pick up on. A big poster with the 'Battlestar Galactica' logo works fine if you're in a dorm room, but if you're keeping a little classy, you'll want to stick with something more subtle. Something like these absolutely stunning 'Battlestar Galactica' propaganda posters. They're stylish, they're subtle and at $50 for the set of five, they're none too expensive.
Futurama: Volume 5
'Futurama' is a show that's about a lot of things - killer space bees, robot devils, planets of Amazonian women lead by a femputer - but at the heart is the acknowledgement that work sucks. Whatever your job, you can spruce it up with some great Futurama tin signs and posters. The best among these are a poster that declares "You're not paid to think," and a sign that supports your right to "Choose your own dead-end job."
Inception
Any fan can pick up the collector's edition 'Inception' Blu-ray, but if you really want to get deep into the subject matter explored in Christopher Nolan's movie you're going to have to read. The Steven LaBerge book "Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming" is part explanation of the phenomenon and part guide to creating the experience for yourself. Best of all, you won't have to put up with any new-age mumbo jumbo. LaBerge, a psychophysiologist, was the first to publish a peer-reviewed article on the subject and approaches the subject from a purely scientific perspective.
Resident Evil: Afterlife
Say what you will about 'Resident Evil: Afterlife,' there's one thing that can't be understated. Albert Wesker is the coolest villain ever. What makes him so cool? Well it's not his awful moral code - that's what makes him a villain. The thing that makes him cool is undoubtedly his completely bitchin' set of shades. Sadly, the sunglasses worn in the movies were custom made for the film, but nine out of ten cosplayers agree that the square version of the Oakley Whisper is as close as you're going to get.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
It's hard to be a 'Twilight' fan, especially if you're past the age that a Team Edward shirt with sparkly hearts on it is appealing. Most 'Twilight' related gear is incredibly tacky, but we found something that's actually pretty cool. It's not an exact replica, but this Cullen baseball jersey just might be the coolest piece of 'Twilight' swag out there. It's subtle, it's something you can wear outside of the house and it's something only true fans will get. It's the kind of thing we dig.
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Beyond the Blu - November 2010
Tue Nov 09, 2010 at 06:05 PM ETTags: Beyond the Blu (all tags)
Beyond the Blu is a new feature here on High-Def Digest for those folks who want more than just the movie. The people with bumper stickers and action figures, with posters and props - the hardcore fans. Each week we'll take a look at some of the things you can pick up with your Blu-rays to show off your true fandom.
The Goonies
If you're a huge 'Goonies' fan you've probably already picked up the 25th Anniversary Collector's Edition Blu-ray, but what if you want more than that? Sure, you could get a T-shirt or an "I Love Chunk" bumper sticker like every other fan, or you could get a replica Copper Bones Skull Key. Only 2,000 of these were made and they were only available at the 2007 Comic-Con, so you know you'll be one of the few who have one. As one user review says, "It will not get you dates, but it will get you into caves!"
Sound of Music
There's a lot to sift through when you're looking for cool 'Sound of Music' swag. Collectable plates may not be your style, and chances are high that you've already picked up one of the many karaoke CDs available. So think a little bit outside the box and pick up some goat marionettes to recreate a scene from the movie on your own. They're fairly typical marionettes though, so you'll have to put that creepy makeup on yourself.
Doctor Who: The Complete Fifth Series
When you're a geek - and if you're a fan of 'Doctor Who,' you're definitely a geek - it's required that you own at least a few geeky things. If you're feeling a little more traditional, pick up a replica of the 5th Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver. If you're feeling a little nuts, you can pick up a suspenders,bowtie, and fez - the whole Matt Smith package.
Avatar: Extended Collector's Edition
You've seen ' Avatar ' in theaters and at home, you've picked up the McDonald's toys and maybe you even own a Leonopteryx figure with a 20 inch wingspan. If you want to take things to the next level, consider a replica of Jake Sully's Na'Vi dagger. But what if, like some, you think the humans were in the right? Get yourself a replica of the massive knife that Colonel Quaritch used while in his AMP suit.
Metropolis
Just owning the 'Metropolis' Blu-ray puts you on a level apart from most folks. But why stop there? As a 'Metropolis' fan, you're required to own a copy of the legendary poster, so you may as well grab one that's 27 inches by 40 inches, perfect to hang on your door. Want to broaden your horizons? Take a look at the similar but different 'Metropolis' anime, based on the 1949 manga of the same name.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
If you somehow haven't seen 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,' you really should. Then you'd know how cool it is to own the box set of Scott Pilgrim Comics, or the ultra-cool Sex Bob-Omb t-shirt. If you want to get a little bit obscure, you could always pick up the same Smashing Pumpkins shirt that Michael Cera is wearing in the movie.
Clash of the Titans - 3D
The new 2010 version of 'Clash of the Titans' may not have lived up to the expectations set by the original, but the release of a non-animated 3D movie is something to celebrate. You can do it with this incredibly cool poster featuring the Kraken, or an amazing 12 inch tall Perseus figurine. Of course, if you want to go old-school and represent the original, there's nothing better than a nine inch Bubo.
That wraps it up for this installment of Beyond the Blu. Come back next month for the cool, the unique, and the downright strange things available to pick up along with your Blu-rays.
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