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Top 5/Bottom 5: Steve Buscemiby Aaron Peck Steve Buscemi is now the star of one of HBO's most popular and elaborate shows. On 'Boardwalk Empire' Buscemi plays Enoch "Nucky" Thompson. He may appear to the people of Atlantic City to simply be the city treasurer, but in reality he's an underwold crime kingpin making a killing in bootlegged liquor sales. Buscemi is the right man for the job. He's unassumingly dangerous. He doesn't look like he could destroy you, but when he starts talking there's no doubt that he'd make you pay. [teaser]Buscemi has been in his fair of stinkers over the years. Pretty much any time he teams up with Adam Sandler you know you're in for a crappy Buscemi experience. On the other hand, whenever Buscemi teams up with the Coen Brothers, you know you're likely in for a great movie and performance. Let's take a look at Steve Buscemi's career and see if we can narrow down his top five and bottom five movies shall we?[/teaser] The Best 'The Big Lebowski' I'm on record, somewhere, as saying I don't get the big deal about 'The Big Lebowski.' I know just about everyone loves the movie, but I personally don't have that abiding love for it as most people do. That's okay though, because I can admit that it's a very competently made Coen Brothers movie and as I looked over Buscemi's filmography I couldn't find a movie that should bump 'The Big Lebowski' out of the top five (although, 'Barton Fink' and 'Miller's Crossing' came very close). I don't hate the movie, far from it, it's just not on my list of favorite movies of all time like it is with so many other people. 'Fargo' Another Coen Brothers movie and another memorable performance from Buscemi. Not only does he do a great job as Carl he also provides for one of the most memorable death scenes in all of cinema. I know it's not actually him being fed into that wood chipper, but still, whenever you think of Buscemi, doesn't the wood chipper scene jump right to the front of your mind? 'The Messenger' No one saw 'The Messenger' and that's a shame. I saw it at Sundance and thought it was a fantastic, realistic story of what it must be like to be the soldiers that have to go tell families that their loved ones have died on the battlefield. Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson play the two soldiers tasked with the somber duty. Buscemi isn't in the movie for very long, but his appearance is commanding. He plays a distraught father who takes his rage out on these two messengers. If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing this movie, seek it out. 'Monsters, Inc.' 'Monsters, Inc.' remains one of Pixar's best movies and Buscemi was the perfect voice for the slithery villain Randall. His voice brought just enough unease to the character to create a very believable cartoon villain. 'Reservoir Dogs' Quentin Tarantino's early classic is still remembered as one of his best. And who can forget the performance Buscemi gives as Mr. Pink? His rants are still some of the most memorable scenes of that movie. The scene that always sticks out in my mind is when he lays into Mr. White when they fight about taking Mr. Orange to the hospital. The Worst 'Armageddon' It's big, dumb, and uses Buscemi in a "Gee look at how crazy I am" role, which is never where his talent really flourishes. I know that 'Armageddon' may be on people's guilty pleasures lists, and that's fine, but there's no real denying that it’s a bloated, melodramatic mess. 'G-Force' For every classic like 'Reservoir Dogs' an actor like Buscemi still, for some reason, gets roped into doing a voice for a CGI hamster in a movie like 'G-Force.' Granted Buscemi's part in the movie is actually the funniest the movie gets, but that's like saying those pieces of corn are the best part of that turd. 'Grown Ups' Every time Buscemi teams up with Sandler I shudder. Such a great actor under used, and usually exploited because he looks unusual. I really wish he'd stop doing movies like 'Grown Ups' with Sandler. 'I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry' Another bit part in another Adam Sandler movie, sigh. Here Buscemi plays an investigator who is trying to find out if Sandler's marriage to Kevin James is legit. Just typing that sentence makes me quiver. I still can't un-see that movie. 'Mr. Deeds' Last, and definitely least, is Buscemi in yet another Adam Sandler movie playing a character literally called Crazy Eyes. Need I say more? What are your Buscemi top and bottom fives? Please let us know how you'd rank Buscemi's illustrious acting career in the forums. Click on the link below and make your voice known.Posted Mon Jan 16, 2012 at 02:05 PM PST by: -
'American Pie,' 'American Pie 2,' and 'American Wedding' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The first three films in the raunchy comedy franchise are coming to Blu-ray in March! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is working on 'American Pie,' 'American Pie 2,' and 'American Wedding' for a Blu-ray release on March 13. All three boundary-pushing comedies starring Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, and Eugene Levy currently hold at least a 6 star rating on IMDb.com. Specs have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'American Pie,' 'American Pie 2,' and 'American Wedding' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under March 13.Posted Mon Jan 16, 2012 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Vizio Launches a Google TV Powered Blu-ray Player and Streamer[teaser]Both will be shipping in 2012 with prices yet to be announced.[/teaser] Remember when Vizio was a brand that home theater enthusiasts scoffed at or just plain ignored? This year's CES really goes to show that those days are behind us. They may not be the highest rated company around, but they're definitely not slouches when it comes to cool new products. Their latest Blu-ray player, for example, handles 3D movies, boasts Vizio Internet Apps, and comes with a QWERTY remote. Oh, and the VBR430 also packs the Android powered Google TV platform which gives you access to thousands of apps, the Chrome web browser and a glut of content. If you've already got yourself a Blu-ray player but you still want Google TV you can check out the VAP430 streaming player. It offers the Google TV platform of course, but a few other bonuses like HDMI inputs with pass-through functionality so you can hook whatever you like up to the streamer and switch sources without having to change the channel. Both the Blu-ray player and streamer will be available this year, but pricing hasn't been announced for either. Source: PR NewswirePosted Mon Jan 16, 2012 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'Battle Royale: The Complete Collection' Blu-ray $19.99 at Amazon![teaser]The controversial Japanese action films that inspired 'The Hunger Games' is now available for pre-order at sixty percent off at Amazon! [/teaser] Amazon is currently offering 'Battle Royale: The Complete Collection' for $19.99 (60% off suggested list price). 'Battle Royale: The Complete Collection' - In 2000, director Kinji Fukasaku unleashed 'Battle Royale,' his violently poetic epic about an innocent group of Junior High students forced by the government to hunt and kill their classmates for sport. It was nominated for 10 Japanese Academy Awards®, launched a global phenomenon, and banned from screens by frightened civic groups and distributors across America. Three years later, the equally disturbing sequel – featuring a new class, new rules, and a brutal terrorist plot by the first film’s young survivors – triggered its own tragic firestorm around the world. Now for the first time ever, you can see it all: Experience the entire Battle Royale saga on 4 discs that forever blasts open one of the most potent, shocking and savagely influential sagas in motion picture history. The 4-Disc set includes three Blu-ray discs: 'Battle Royale: Director's Cut' with 1080p video and Japanese Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (English 5.1) soundtracks, 'Battle Royale: Theatrical Cut' with 1080p video and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtracks (English and Japanese), and 'Battle Royale II: Revenge Director's Cut with 1080p video and a Japanese Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack with optional English subtitles. Click here to preorder this title available on March 20.Posted Mon Jan 16, 2012 at 10:46 AM PST by: -
HDD TV Deal of the Week: 'Archer: Season One' and ' Archer: Season Two' Blu-ray $19.99 Each at Amazon[teaser]Save fifty percent on the animated spy spoof on Blu-ray this week at Amazon! [/teaser] The online retailer is now selling 'Archer: Season One' and 'Archer: Season Two' for $19.99 (50% off suggested retail price). At ISIS, an international spy agency, global crises are merely opportunities for its highly trained employees to confuse, undermine, betray and royally screw each other. At the center of it all is suave master spy Sterling Archer, whose less-than-masculine code name is "Duchess." Archer works with his domineering mother Malory, who also is his boss. He also has to deal with his ex-girlfriend, Agent Lana Kane and her new boyfriend, ISIS comptroller Cyril Figgis, as well as Malory's lovesick secretary, Cheryl. Click here to order Season One and here for Season Two and this offer is available now through January 21.Posted Mon Jan 16, 2012 at 10:33 AM PST by: -
'Immortals' and 'Immortals - 3D' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The Greek mythological slugfest from visionary filmmaker Tarsem Singh ('The Cell,' 'The Fall') is coming to Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D in March. [/teaser] As previously reported, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has working on 'Immortals' and 'Immortals - 3D' and now both titles look to be heading to stores on March 6. From the producers of '300,' Mark Canton, Gianni Nunnari, and Relativity’s CEO Ryan Kavanaugh, 'Immortals' explodes off the screen with action-packed battles, mythological adventure and an all-star cast including: Henry Cavill ('Superman: Man of Steel'), Luke Evans ('Robin Hood'), Kellan Lutz ('Twilight'), Isabel Lucas ('Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'), Freida Pinto ('Slumdog Millionaire'), Stephen Dorff ('Public Enemies'), John Hurt ('Hellboy') and Mickey Rourke ('Iron Man 2'). In this epic tale of vengeance and destiny, power-mad King Hyperion (Rourke) threatens to destroy all of humanity on his maniacal quest to obtain the ultimate weapon – the legendary Epirus Bow that gives the power to unleash war on both Heaven and Earth. But Theseus (Cavill), a heroic young villager chosen by the gods, rises up to stop Hyperion’s brutal rampage. With supernatural help from the beautiful oracle Phaedra (Pinto), Theseus embraces his destiny and leads a fierce band of warriors in a desperate fight for the future of mankind. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include deleted scenes and It’s No Myth. Blu-ray exclusive supplements include Alternate Opening – Young Theseus, Two Alternate Endings - This Is Our Last Embrace & Theseus Kills Hyperion, Caravaggio Meets Fight Club: Tarsem’s Vision, and Immortals: Gods & Heroes (Graphic Novel). Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $39.99 and the Blu-ray 3D is $49.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Immortals' and 'Immortals - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under March 6.Posted Mon Jan 16, 2012 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Like Crazy' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance is planned for Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount has revealed 'Like Crazy' will be released on Blu-ray on March 6. Called “crazily inventive and totally irresistible” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone), the touching, beautiful and romantic drama 'Like Crazy' from director Drake Doremus expertly captures the thrilling exuberance and heartbreaking fragility of first love in “the rare love story that honestly conveys the giddy joys and sorrows of two people besotted with each other” (Claudia Puig, USA Today). Featuring “star-making performances” (Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times) by the incandescent Felicity Jones—who was given Breakthrough Awards by the National Board of Review and the Gotham Awards, as well as a Special Jury Prize at Sundance for her performance—and the terrifically earnest Anton Yelchin—who received a Spotlight Award at the Hollywood Film Festival and Special Recognition for a Breakthrough Performance at the Hamptons International Film Festival— 'Like Crazy' explores how a young couple faces the very real challenges of being apart…and of being together. The Blu-ray/DVD/Ultraviolet Digital Copy combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Commentary by director Drake Doremus, editor Jonathan Alberts, and cinematographer John Guleserian & deleted/alternate Scenes with optional commentary. Suggested list price for the release is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Like Crazy' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 6.Posted Mon Jan 16, 2012 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
'Cinema Verite' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The drama that earned Academy Award® nominee Diane Lane ('Unfaithful') an Emmy® nomination for her performance is coming to Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, HBO is preparing to release 'Cinema Verite' on Blu-ray on April 24. When reality became entertainment, everything changed. "Packing an emotional punch that's as surprising as it is eloquent" (The Wall Street Journal), 'Cinema Verite' is the compelling behind-the-scenes story of the revolutionary 1973 PBS documentary series An American Family which catapulted an ordinary family to notoriety and captivated audiences with the launch of a new television genre - reality TV. Fascinating and illuminating, 'Cinema Verite' stars an amazing ensemble cast. Along with Lane, the film features Academy Award® and Golden Globe® winner Tim Robbins ('Mystic River') and Golden Globe® and Emmy® winner James Gandolfini (HBO's "The Sopranos"). Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini directed a script written by David Seltzer. Specs have not been set yet, but supplements include The Making of Cinema Verite and audio commentary from directors Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini and star Diane Lane. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is set at $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Cinema Verite' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 24.Posted Mon Jan 16, 2012 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Deal of the Week: 'Gettysburg / Gods and Generals: Limited Collector's Edition' Blu-ray $36.49 at Amazon[teaser]Amazon's Blu-ray deal this week is for the ultimate Civil War buff! [/teaser] The online retailer is now selling 'Gettysburg / Gods and Generals: Limited Collector's Edition' for $36.49 (57% off suggested retail price). This set includes the Director’s Cut version of both films, hours of rich and insightful bonus content, photo book of Civil War artifacts, 32-Page booklet extracted from TIME The Civil War: An Illustrated History, Historical Battlefield Map and Commemorative Coin. Click here to save nearly sixty percent and this offer is available now through January 21.Posted Sun Jan 15, 2012 at 07:23 AM PST by: -
The Bonus View is Giving Away 20 Blu-rays During Sunday Night's Golden Globes Live-Blog!!!I know you sit around waiting anxiously for the next edition of the Bonus View Digest. Well, here we are again, but this time we've got a mega-special announcement. This coming Sunday The Bonus View will be alive with activity. Normally, we're silent on Sundays, but we'll be live-blogging the Golden Globes on the 15th and we hope that you'll join us. Oh and there's more! We'll be having TONS of giveaways! [teaser]Last year we had tons of fun during our live-blogging events. The Oscars were a blast and we gave away a bunch of free Blu-rays to other chatters. This year the live-blogging Golden Globes event will be even bigger. We're giving away 20, count them 20, Blu-rays to all of you who will be joining in on the chat with us. Not only will you be able to chat with us live and get showered with our unfiltered wit, but we're also showering you with prizes galore. How could your Sunday night get any better?[/teaser] So, we hope you'll join us for our live-blog on Sunday. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you all there. Josh and Aaron will be there running things and hoping to make the chat go as smoothly as possible. It should be a lot of fun. Don't miss it, or you'll miss your chance at scoring some free movies along with missing out on some great camaraderie between writers, readers, and movie buffs. Besides the impending live-blogging event – which everyone is coming to, right? – we had a lot of fun at The Bonus View this week. Check out some of the highlights below. Blu-ray News Josh covered the weekly look at the new Blu-rays hitting store shelves this week. This was the week to pick up hot films like 'Moneyball,' and 'Killer Elite.' Also, 'Boardwalk Empire' hit Blu-ray this week, which should have HBO fans in a buying frenzy. With Uncovered, Aaron discussed some of the newly released artwork for upcoming titles like 'Immortals,' 'J. Edgar,' and the highly anticipated 'Bond 50' anthology. Aaron also returned to his popular feature Off The Shelf where he revisits movies that have been sitting on his shelf for a while. This time he rewatched the stop-motion favorite 'Coraline' and observed 20 random things about it. Theatrical News There was no shortage of theatrical news this week, starting off with a trio of reviews from Luke Hickman. He reviewed 'Joyful Noise,' 'Contraband,' and the unsettling drama 'We Need to Talk About Kevin.' Luke also covered 2011's Biggest Box Office Bombs. E discussed the very unfunny, and might I add depressing trailer for 'The Three Stooges' in this week's Trailer Park. This week's Mid-Week Poll also had to do with going out to the cinema. We asked you which critically acclaimed movie of 2011 was your favorite film. The conversation has grown to one of the most popular threads on the site. Weigh in with your opinion now. Home Theater News Watch out for those supposed 3000 hour rated projector bulbs. In the post 507 Hours Josh found out the hard way this week that these bulbs may not last as long as they're supposed to. If you don't feel like hitting the theater this weekend and would rather check out what you can stream into your home check out our weekly Netflix Stream and VUDU posts. If you're looking for a recommendation, Josh recommends an erotic thriller starring Rob Lowe (I know, sounds awesome right?) in his VUDU Diaries post called 'Bad Influence.' That's it for this week. Be sure to join us this Sunday at 8:00pm EST/5:00pm PST for our live-blogging coverage of The Golden Globes. Remember, we're giving away at least 20 Blu-rays during the telecast so you're odds are very good when it comes to winning. So join us for a night of fun, laughs, and contests. We hope to see you there! And by there, I mean right here!Posted Fri Jan 13, 2012 at 11:40 AM PST by:
