-
'Confession of a Child of the Century' Blu-ray Set for March[teaser]The drama starring Charlotte Gainsbourg is coming to Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Cohen Media Group is preparing 'Confession of a Child of the Century' for Blu-ray on March 29. Paris 1830. Betrayed by his mistress, Octave falls into despair and debauchery - the disease of the century . The death of his father takes him to the country, where he meets Brigitte, a young widow ten years his elder. Octave falls passionately in love, once more. But will he have the courage to believe in it? Includes Theatrical trailer; Interview with literary scholar Supplements have not been detailed, but the Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Confession of a Child of the Century' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 29. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Jan 5, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Shout Factory! Reveals First Ultra HD Blu-ray Titles for Late Spring/Early Summer 2016[teaser]The distributor's first batch of Ultra HD Blu-ray titles includes several IMAX films. [/teaser] Shout Factory! has revealed its initial lineup of Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs due for release in late spring/early summer 2016. The first wave of Shout Factory! Ultra Blu-ray titles will include 'Journey To Space,' 'Humpback Whales,' 'Flight Of The Butterflies,' 'Rocky Mountain Express,' 'Wonders Of The Arctic,' and 'The Last Reef: Cities Beneath The Sea.' "As the Ultra HD devices and entertainment content begin to populate the consumer marketplace this year, we are announcing our commitment to the UHD format joining industry leaders and major consumer electronics companies," stated Melissa Boag, Shout's Senior Vice President of Kids & Family Entertainment. "We look forward to presenting these awe-inspiring movies to a broad audience in the UHD format, around the same timeframe that the traditional Blu-ray™ edition hits national retail." Shout! Factory Ultra HD Blu-ray titles will feature a resolution of 3840x2160 with HDR (high dynamic range), offering four times the resolution of HD along with superior contrast and colors on supported displays. 'Journey to Space' - Produced by K2 Films, Inc. and Giant Screen Films, JOURNEY TO SPACE will both inspire a new generation of young people to dream of new horizons in space, and engender a new appreciation for the accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program among an older generation who came to take it for granted. NASA’s next era will be its greatest yet. That is the clear “roadmap” painted by JOURNEY TO SPACE. The film absolutely annihilates the perception that the space program died with the end of the Space Shuttle Program by showcasing the exciting plans NASA and the space community are working on, and the challenges they must overcome to carry out audacious missions such as landing astronauts on Mars and capturing asteroids. By using extensive interviews with astronauts Chris Ferguson (Commander of the final shuttle mission) and Serena Aunon (a new astronaut chosen for future flights), as well as a brilliant narration by film and television legend Sir Patrick Stewart, JOURNEY TO SPACE gives a sweeping overview of past space accomplishments, current activities and future plans. JOURNEY TO SPACE puts into historical context the magnificent contributions made by the Space Shuttle program and its intrepid space pioneers. It uses the most spectacular space footage – including unique views of Earth and operations in space – such as deploying and repairing the Hubble Space Telescope. It then goes on to show how the Shuttle launched and assembled the International Space Station (ISS). Together, these programs have taught us how to live, build and conduct science in space. The ISS will continue operating in space until 2024, and the film shows how it is building a foundation for the next giant leaps into space. The film concludes with a fascinating, realistic scenario of how astronauts will actually get to Mars, live there for long duration, and then return home after a two-and-a-half-year mission. JOURNEY TO SPACE is co-produced by K2 Films, Inc. and Giant Screen Films. The film is written and directed by Mark Krenzien, produced by Don Kempf, Mark Kresser and Andy Wood, executive produced by Bob Kresser and edited by Dale Beldin. 'Humpback Whales' - Narrated by two-time Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor, HUMPBACK WHALES is an extraordinary journey into the mysterious world of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring marine mammals. Set in the spectacular waters of Alaska, Hawaii and the remote islands of Tonga, this ocean adventure offers audiences an up-close look at how these whales communicate, sing, feed, play and take care of their young. Captured for the first time with IMAX® 3D cameras, and found in every ocean on earth, humpbacks were nearly driven to extinction 50 years ago, but today are making a slow but remarkable recovery. Join a team of researchers as they unlock the secrets of the humpback and find out why humpbacks are the most acrobatic of all whales, why they sing their haunting songs, and why these intelligent 55-foot, 50-ton animals migrate up to 10,000 miles round-trip every year. A MacGillivray Freeman film presented by Pacific Life, HUMPBACK WHALES is directed by Greg MacGillivray (The Living Sea, Dolphins, Everest) and produced by Shaun MacGillivray (To The Arctic, Grand Canyon Adventure). Filmed with 15perf / 65mm IMAX® cameras, HUMPBACK WHALES is written and edited by Stephen Judson (Everest, To The Arctic) with a musical score by Steve Wood (Journey to the South Pacific, To The Arctic). A One World One Ocean production. 'Flight of the Butterflies' - Produced by SK Films, FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLIES is a unique and memorable cinema experience that follows a tiny creature’s epic story of endurance on one of the most spectacular migrations on earth. On the trail of one of nature’s greatest events, we will witness, as never before, one generation from some 100 million monarch butterflies as they travel across a continent on a perilous journey of 1,000 miles or more ... and not to just anywhere, but to a remote forest on a Mexican mountaintop, a destination that was once an impenetrable mystery. The iconic monarch butterfly is a true marvel of nature. Weighing less than a penny, it makes one of the longest migrations on Earth across a continent, with pinpoint navigational accuracy, to a secluded place it has never been. Follow the monarchs' perilous and extraordinary journey and join hundreds of millions of real butterflies in the remote mountain peaks of Mexico. For the first time ever, witness the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly, inside a chrysalis, thanks to advanced MRI and micro CT scans. Be captivated by the true and compelling story of an intrepid scientist's 40-year search to find their secret hideaway, with the help of citizen scientists across North America. The award-winning production team, including Oscar® winner Peter Parks, followed the year-long migration cycle of the monarch butterflies, from Canada, through the United States to remote 10,000-foot-high peaks in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico, and back, through generations. Featuring extraordinary cinematography, the film showcases the awe and wonder of the breathtaking butterfly sanctuaries. Supported by the National Science Foundation and a high quality, curriculum-based educational outreach program, the film interweaves spellbinding natural history with an uplifting human story. The film has received consistent rave reviews in independent audience tests across all age groups. Unravel the mysteries and experience the FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLIES! 'Rocky Mountain Express' - Produced by The Stephen Low Company, ROCKY MOUNTAIN EXPRESS is the passionate undertaking of award-winning filmmaker Stephen Low, director of more than fifteen projects for the giant screen, including TITANICA, SUPER SPEEDWAY and ULTIMATE WAVE TAHITI. Kindled in childhood, Low’s love of high-fidelity cinema and his fascination with the steam locomotive have come together in this captivating cinematic experience that brings alive the magic and drama of the steam age for audiences of all ages. Exhibited in IMAX and other giant screen theaters, the award-winning film has developed an unprecedented and devoted world-wide following. ROCKY MOUNTAIN EXPRESS propels audiences on a steam train journey through the breathtaking vistas of the Canadian Rockies and highlights the adventure of building a nearly impossible transcontinental railway in the age of steam. The film weaves together spectacular IMAX aerial cinematography, archival photographs and maps, and the potent energy and rhythms of a live steam locomotive to immerse audiences in this remarkable story. The production was filmed with full 15/70 negative—world’s largest film format, guaranteeing spectacular image fidelity. Sound, too, is a vital part of the experience and the team has carefully and faithfully captured and rendered the remarkable symphony of sonic moods produced by a locomotive, matching this with an original musical score by celebrated composer Michel Cusson. 'Wonders of the Arctic' - Narrated by Victor Garber, WONDERS OF THE ARCTIC centers on our ongoing mission to explore and come to terms with the Arctic. Compelling stories are interwoven to create a unifying message about the state of the Arctic today. Underlying all these tales is the crucial role that ice plays in the lives of the people and animals who have adapted to this land of ice and snow. The Inuit and their predecessors adapted and thrived for thousands of years in what is arguably the harshest environment on earth. Today, the Arctic is the focus of intense research. Instead of seeking to conquer the north, scientists working together with the Inuit are searching for answers to some troubling questions about the impacts of human activities on this fragile and largely uninhabited frontier. WONDERS OF THE ARCTIC is a Science North and Giant Screen Films production. Presented by Giant Screen Films, the film is executive produced by Guy Labine and Brenda Tremblay; producers, Don Kempf and David Lickley; written and directed by David Lickley. 'The Last Reef: Cities Beneath the Sea' - From the creators of WILD OCEAN and PULSE, THE LAST REEF, a new immersive movie that takes you on a breathtaking journey to the heart of a coral reef, as you've never seen it before. From the creators of award-winning film WILD OCEAN, THE LAST REEF: CITIES BENEATH THE SEA is an uplifting, inspirational cinema experience capturing one of nature's more vibrant and diverse wonderlands. Exotic coral reefs, vibrant sea walls in the sub-arctic pulsating with anemones and crustaceans: these biodiversity hot spots are as vital to our lives as the rainforests. Shot on location in Palau, Vancouver Island, French Polynesia, Mexico, and The Bahamas, THE LAST REEF takes us on a global journey to explore our connection with the ocean's complex, parallel worlds. Using groundbreaking underwater cinematography, this film takes us into the heart of the reef, revealing a habitat more diverse and more colorful than you ever imagined... THE LAST REEF: CITIES BENEATH THE SEA is a production of Yes/No Productions, Liquid Pictures and Giant Screen Films. Full specs, exact release dates, and suggested list prices for Shout! Factory's Ultra HD Blu-rays have not been detailed yet. You can find the latest specs for all of the Ultra HD Blu-ray titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under PENDING. Source: Shout! FactoryPosted Tue Jan 5, 2016 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
'Slash: Raised on the Sunset Strip' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The rock and roll documentary arrives on Blu-ray on February 5. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory will be releasing 'Slash: Raised on the Sunset Strip' on Blu-ray on February 5. One of rock's most iconic figures is profiled like never before in Slash: Raised on the Sunset Strip, a revealing and insightful documentary presented by DirecTV and Guitar Center. Combining new and archival footage with personal anecdotes from the legendary musician himself, as well as many of his influences and colleagues, Slash: Raised on the Sunset Strip paints an intimate portrait of a hard rock hero's past, present… and future. Slash: Raised on the Sunset Strip is a must-see exploration of the life and career of a true guitar god. Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements will include interviews from fellow titans of rock, including Dave Grohl, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, Duff McKagan, Lemmy and Nikki Sixx. You can find the latest specs for 'Slash: Raised on the Sunset Strip' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 5.Posted Tue Jan 5, 2016 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Rock Documentary 'I Am Thor' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The heavy metal star is staging a comeback on Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Dark Sky Films is preparing 'I Am Thor' for Blu-ray on January 19. Jon Mikl Thor was a bodybuilding, steel-bending, brick-smashing rock star in the 70s & 80s whose theatrical band THOR hit the scene alongside Metallica and Kiss, but never achieved the gold record status of its contemporaries.After a brief but memorable film career saw him starring in the cult classics Rock n Roll Nightmare and Zombie Nightmare, Thor all but disappeared from the entertainment map. But ten years into retirement, and incapable of living like a normal mortal human being, Thor attempts a comeback to achieve the level of success that has eluded him his entire career - a comeback that nearly kills him.Tracing the rise, fall, and rebirth of a determined performer over the course of a career that has seen more than its fair share of highs and lows, I AM THOR paints a fascinating and sometimes unbelievable portrait of this larger-than-life icon. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'I Am Thor' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 19. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Jan 5, 2016 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Room' Starring Brie Larson Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Director Lenny Abrahamson's drama will escape to Blu-ray in March.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'Room' for Blu-ray on March 1. 'Room' tells the extraordinary story of Jack, a spirited 5-year-old who is looked after by his loving and devoted mother. Like any good mother, Ma dedicates herself to keeping Jack happy and safe, nurturing him with warmth and love and doing typical things like playing games and telling stories. Their life, however, is anything but typical--they are trapped--confined to a windowless, 10-by-10-foot space that Ma has euphemistically named Room. Ma has created a whole universe for Jack within Room, and she will stop at nothing to ensure that, even in this treacherous environment, Jack is able to live a complete and fulfilling life. But as Jack's curiosity about their situation grows, and Ma's resilience reaches its breaking point, they enact a risky plan to escape, ultimately bringing them face-to-face with what may turn out to be the scariest thing yet: the real world. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Room' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 1.Posted Mon Jan 4, 2016 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Alex Gibney's 'Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The acclaimed documentary will be downloaded to Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Magnolia will be releasing 'Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine' on Blu-ray on March 15. Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney (Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief) pulls no punches in his portrait of Apple founder Steve Jobs and his legacy. This probing and unflinching look at the life and aftermath of the bold, brilliant and at times ruthless iconoclast explores what accounted for the grief of so many when he died. Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine is evocative and nuanced in capturing the essence of the Apple legend and his values, which continue to shape the culture of Silicon Valley to this day. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 15. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jan 4, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Alberto De Martino's 'Shadows in an Empty Room' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1976 crime drama also known as 'Blazing Magnum' is planned for Blu-ray next year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scorpion Releasing and Kino will be bringing 'Shadows in an Empty Room' to Blu-ray in the new year. An Ottawa police captain searches for the person who poisoned his sister, who was attending the university in Montreal. So desperate is he for revenge that he begin to use his own brutal methods to find the killer. Soon he discovers that not everything is what he thought it was. Soundtrack by Armando Trovajoli (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Captain Fracassa's Journey). No other details have been released at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Shadows in an Empty Room' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Mon Jan 4, 2016 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Herbert L. Strock's 'Gog - 3D' Dated for Blu-ray 3D[teaser]The classic 1954 science fiction film will be getting a Blu-ray 3D release in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino will be releasing 'Gog - 3D' on Blu-ray on March 1. Newly restored in HD and 3-D! In a remote, underground research laboratory two scientists, engaged in space travel research, are frozen to death in a cold chamber when their instruments comes under the control of an unknown power. A security agent, Dr. David Sheppard (Richard Egan, The 300 Spartans) arrives at the secret space research base, home of two experimental robots to investigate the possible sabotage. Early in his investigation, Sheppard finds that the underground laboratory under the control of the Supercomputer NOVAC and experimental robots GOG and MAGOG. Herbert L. Strock (The Crawling Hand) directed this Sci-Fi/Horror classic with a stellar cast that includes Constance Dowling (Black Angel), Herbert Marshall (The Letter) and William Schallert (TV s The Patty Duke Show). Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Audio Commentary by Film Historians Tom Weaver, Bob Furmanek and David Schecter; and Trailers. You can find the latest specs for 'Gog - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 1. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jan 4, 2016 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Warner Bros. Unveils First Ultra HD Blu-ray Titles, Including 'Mad Max: Fury Road'[teaser]The studio has announced its first batch of Ultra HD Blu-ray titles, including 'Mad Max: Fury Road' and 'The Lego Movie.' [/teaser] Warner Bros. has revealed its initial lineup of Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs due for release in early 2016. The first wave of Warner Bros. Ultra Blu-ray titles will include 'Mad Max: Fury Road,' 'The Lego Movie,' 'San Andreas,' and 'Pan' Likewise, the studio plans to follow this first wave with theatrical new release titles available day and date with their initial home entertainment release, as well as a selection of catalog titles throughout the year including 'Man of Steel' and 'Pacific Rim.' "We are excited to take this next technological leap which will allow us to bring our audiences the best possible home viewing experience with crystal clear images and immersive audio," said Ron Sanders, President, Warner Bros. Worldwide Home Entertainment Distribution. "Ultra HD with HDR is the next, and most exciting, advancement in home entertainment, and with the anticipated proliferation of Ultra HD televisions in the coming years, our Ultra HD Blu-ray product offerings will truly complement the stunning capabilities of this new generation of home entertainment hardware. Warner Bros. is fully committed to releasing a wide range of Ultra HD Blu-ray titles, including both new release titles and offerings from our vast catalog." Warner Bros. Ultra HD Blu-ray titles will feature a resolution of 3840x2160 with HDR (high dynamic range), offering four times the resolution of HD along with superior contrast and colors on supported displays. In addition, select titles will also include support for Dolby Atmos immersive audio. Warner Bros. expects to have over 35 titles available on Ultra HD Blu-ray by the end of 2016. Full specs, exact release dates, and suggested list prices for Warner's Ultra HD Blu-rays have not been detailed yet, but the discs are set to debut in early 2016. In addition to Warner Bros., Sony and 20th Century Fox have both previously announced their own Ultra HD Blu-ray launch lineups. You can find the latest specs for all of the Ultra HD Blu-ray titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under PENDING. Source: Warner Bros. via PR NewswirePosted Sun Jan 3, 2016 at 08:00 PM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: December 2015Every month, dozens of Blu-rays hit shelves, littering stores with High-Def temptation. New releases, catalog titles, complete TV seasons, and elaborate box-sets all vie for attention, and with so many worthy releases targeting our wallets, choosing which discs to spend our hard earned cash on can be rather tricky. To make things a little easier, we here at High-Def Digest thought it might be helpful to bring you our top three must own recommendations for the month. From important classics to contemporary blockbusters, these are the discs that we consider to be the absolute cream of the crop. High quality releases with great video, audio, and supplements, these are the Blu-rays that are truly worth every penny. Last month we spotlighted an emotional animated adventure, a masterpiece of Japanese cinema, and a promising TV spinoff. Be sure to check out the Essential Picks for November 2012, December 2012, January 2013,February 2013, March 2013, April 2013, May 2013, June 2013, July 2013, August 2013, September 2013, October 2013, November 2013, December 2013, January 2014, February 2014, March 2014, April 2014, May 2014, June 2014, July 2014, August 2014, September 2014, October 2014, November 2014,December 2014, January 2015, February 2015, March 2015, April 2015, May 2015, June 2015, July 2015, August 2015, September 2015, October 2015, and November 2015. [teaser]For December, we're covering a groundbreaking sci-fi series, a very tiny superhero, and an impossible mission (if you choose to accept it). [/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there are some SPOILERS for the discs listed. If you only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in December, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'The X-Files: The Collector's Set' - The current golden age of TV owes a lot to several key shows that helped pave the way for the many complex, cinematic series that now flood cable networks. And hovering high atop that list like a shimmering UFO, is Chris Carter's 'The X-Files.' Balancing classic episodic storytelling with an ever-expanding conspiracy-fueled mythology of serialized plotlines, the show has had an invaluable influence on small screen narrative structure and remains a brilliant mixture of sci-fi, horror, and mystery. Alien abductions, black oil, human cloning, shapeshifting bounty hunters, super soldiers, Lone Gunmen, and an infamous Cigarette Smoking Man are all just part of what makes the show's evolving mythology so engrossing and addictive. And in in between all of these serialized bits, the writers make sure to turn in some truly memorable "monster-of-the-week" episodes as well. In fact, some of the shows very best installments are self-contained mysteries featuring creepy cases that force Mulder and Scully to question everything they think they know... even if Scully still refuses to believe. And it's this central dynamic between "believer" and "skeptic" that becomes the heart of the series, allowing the characters' relationship to evolve and grow even as little green men, parasite monsters, in-bred horrors, and the deadly effects of secondhand smoke threaten them on a weekly basis. Sure, the final two (mostly) Mulder-less seasons definitely reveal a drop in quality and the show's once compelling mythology does start to become rather convoluted as it reaches the home stretch… but when viewed as a whole, 'The X-Files' remains one of TV's very best shows. Available in a fantastic Collector's Set and as individual seasons -- all with great video, audio and supplements -- the series hits Blu-ray with the love and care that it deserves, resulting in the month's top release. Yes, the truth is indeed out there… and it's in this box-set! Buy the Blu-ray 'Ant-Man - 3D' - I love comic books. At their best, they can be just as entertaining or artistically deep as any other medium… but even I can admit that sometimes they can also be pretty damn silly. Case in point? The general premise behind Marvel's Ant-Man -- a superhero who can shrink down to microscopic size and communicate with ants. Even in a cinematic universe that already includes a talking raccoon, bringing such a character to the big screen is by far the studio's riskiest move yet, requiring just the right balance of tone to avoid a complete and utter embarrassment. Thankfully, despite some behind-the-scenes shuffling, director Peyton Reed's take on the famous pint-sized Avenger proves that good things can come in small packages. That is, as long as those good things look and act like Paul Rudd. When it was first announced that original director Edgar Wright was leaving 'Ant-Man,' I was extremely disappointed. The initial prospect of Wright getting to play in Marvel's big-screen sandbox always seemed too good to be true, and when their relationship fell apart I pretty much lost all interest in the flick. A few ho-hum trailers didn't help matters much either, and I actually ended up missing the movie when it ran in theaters. Thankfully, I've now had a chance to make up for that mistake, as the resulting film is an absolute blast. Peyton Reed's sensibilities fit nicely within Marvel's established mold and the director does a great job of balancing the movie's potentially tricky tone, resulting in a genuinely funny superhero flick that doesn't take itself too seriously or come across as unintentionally dumb. Likewise, despite the lighter mood, the emotional stakes still feel real and there is some solid character work. Hell, I even cared about the ants! Sure, this might not be one of the studio's very best efforts, but the sheer fact that the creative team somehow manages to make a film that features a tiny man riding a flying bug that isn't a laughable mess is a rather impressive accomplishment on its own. Much of this success can likely be chalked up to star Paul Rudd's limitless charm -- a charm that somehow turns Scott Lang into a perfectly believable everyman ex-con expert thief divorced-father turned superhero. A comic book heist flick marked by some creative shrinking special effects and a playfully self-aware sense of humor, 'Ant-Man' strikes just the right balance, salvaging what could have easily been Marvel's first real disaster. In fact, the flick is so entertaining that it almost makes me forget what could have been if Edgar Wright had stayed on to direct. Almost… Buy the Blu-ray 3D 'Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation' - What's a sure-fire way to keep a long-running movie franchise fresh? Well, why not replace the director with each new installment? At least, that's what seems to work for the 'Mission: Impossible' series. Taking the reins from previous filmmakers like Brian De Palma, John Woo, J.J. Abrams, and Brad Bird, franchise newcomer Christopher McQuarrie places his own adrenaline fueled stamp on the TV show turned big-screen blockbuster -- and the results are appropriately explosive. But while the man behind the camera might be different, series mainstay Tom Cruise is once again back in action… and he's found a whole slew of new and exciting reasons to constantly be on the run! Seriously, the man is a cardio beast. And as he races through exotic streets by foot and by car and by motorcycle, Cruise effortlessly reminds us why he remains one of Hollywood's most enduring action stars. In fact, he genuinely shoves it in our faces by hanging off a damn airplane! Was climbing up a towering 2,722 ft. skyscraper in 'Ghost Protocol' just not harrowing enough? Of course, Cruise doesn't get to hog all the action, and Rebecca Ferguson turns in a memorable performance as the kick-ass Ilsa Faust -- a woman so dangerous that she turns a piggy-back ride into a deadly attack. Throughout it all, McQuarrie brings an assured and exciting sense of style to the loud set-pieces while handling the plot's "everybody's gone rogue!" conceit with enough twists and turns to result in a very satisfying ride. Among the franchise's most entertaining and spectacular entries, 'Rogue Nation' ramps up the action while still giving audiences a reason to care for Ethan Hunt and his fellow IMF agents. After all, what good is seeing Tom Cruise perilously hanging from an airplane as it takes off, if viewers won't give a damn if he falls? With solid supplements, stellar video, and a powerful Dolby Atmos soundtrack, this disc is an easy mission to accept. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this December, those are our top three must own recommendations. We'll be back next month with three more essential picks, but for now, what do you think of our selection? What are your choices for December's must own titles?Posted Thu Dec 31, 2015 at 07:00 AM PST by:
