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'War of the Arrows' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Award-winning writer/director Kim Han-Min ('Handphone,' 'Paradise Murdered') will unsheath the lavish historical action epic this February on Blu-ray. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA is working on 'War of the Arrows' for Blu-ray on February 21. The film was honored four times at the 2011 Daejong Awards, including Best Actor (Park Hae-il) and Best New Actress (Moon Chae-won), and picked up five trophies at the 2011 Blue Dragon Film Awards, including Best Actor (Park Hae-Il), Best Supporting Actor (Ryoo Seung-Ryong), Best New Actress (Moon Chae-Won) and the Audience Choice Award for Most Popular Movie. Set in 1636, the second Manchurian invasion of Korea rages chaos, as villages are attacked by overpowering Manchurian soldiers. The Manchurians kidnap childhood sweethearts, Ja-in and Seo-Goon on their wedding day. In an effort to save his sister, Ja-in’s brother Nam-Yi sets out to defeat the enemy and save his sister and other Korean victims with only 1 bow. Specs have yet to be revealed, but the release will be a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and supplements will include Actor and director interviews, The Making of War of the Arrows featurette, deleted scenes, and theatrical trailers. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'War of the Arrows' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 21.Posted Wed Dec 14, 2011 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Top 5 / Bottom 5: Jack Blackby Aaron Peck [teaser]'Kung Fu Panda 2' comes to Blu-ray this week. Besides the easily relatable characters and their soft plush look, which is perfect for merchandising, much of the success of the 'Kung Fu Panda' franchise can be laid at the feet of its star voice: Mr. Jack Black.[/teaser] Black has been in his share of stinkers over the years. Most of the time he seems like an actor who will simply do whatever script is thrown at him as long as he can make fake guitar noises and say things like "Skiddly-whompit!" every so often. He's also been in some very good, memorable movies. So let's take a look back at Jack Black's acting career and see if we can define his best and worst movies. The Best 'King Kong' I know that some people hate 'King Kong' and that's fine. For me, however, Peter Jackson's 'King Kong' film was a surprise. Not only was I gobstruck by the action and special effects, I was also amazed that Black was able to pull off this somewhat dramatic role. No "Skilddley-deeshes" or anything like that. He plays his part straight forward and nails it. It was one of those casting decisions that beforehand I was really apprehensive about it. "Jack Black is going to be in an action movie as a dramatic character? Nonsense!" Somehow it worked though, and 'King Kong' turned into a great, underrated epic of a movie. 'Kung Fu Panda' The first 'Kung Fu Panda' movie was a delight. Usually famous voices in animated movies don't really do much for me (be honest, how many people really remember that they're listening to Angelina Jolie whenever Tigress speaks?). However, the character of Po is completely built around Black's manic nature. Not too many cartoon characters really take on the characteristics of the people voicing them, but Po certainly does. 'The Muppets' Yes Black has a bit-part in the movie and, yes, he does just play himself, but 'The Muppets' is too good a movie to have on your resume to not list it here. This was one of the best movies of the year, really. Black's role in it is funny too. Kidnapped by the Muppets he's forced to host their telethon for them while tied to a chair. Oh, and let's not forget that he's in a Drummers Anonymous group with Animal. Great, great movie all around. If you haven't seen it you're surely missing out. 'School of Rock' 'School of Rock' follows the tried and true comedy formula. Throw an outsider into an unusual situation. Watch him connect with people he wouldn't normally connect with. A rift in the second act thrusts them apart, only for everyone involved to find their way back and live happily ever after. If it's so generic on paper then why is 'School of Rock' even on this list? Well, it's because of Black's interaction with the child actors in the movie. He's over the top, but he's allowed to be because he's teaching a classroom full of kids. It's simply the perfect setting for Black to be his audacious self without looking like a tool. Now where's our Blu-ray edition?! 'Tropic Thunder' This movie made me laugh. A lot. Besides Robert Downey, Jr. pulling off one of the bravest performances of recent memory (he put on blackface and people thought it was funny, if you can get laughs and you're not offending entire groups of people, you know you're doing something right) My favorite part of this movie was Black's character. The way they introduce him is genius. Showing him in an Eddie Murphy-like role playing a dozen characters in the same movie, all obese and all with flatulence problems. 'Tropic Thunder' really is a fantastic comedy. The Worst 'Gulliver's Travels' This one was simply unbearable. They took many of the scenes from the book but forgot the underlying theme of social satire. So, when Jack Black pees on a community of tiny people to put out a fire it's nothing more than Jack Black peeing on a community of tiny people to put out a fire. There's no commentary there other than, "Hardy har har, he just peed on a bunch of tiny people." Without the social commentary this movie is juvenile at best. It's made all the worse because it actually has a great cast including Emily Blunt and Jason Segel. It's still a miserable movie experience though. 'The Jackal' I'll always count 'The Jackal' as one of my guilty pleasures, but I'm willing to admit that it's not a great movie all the same. I always get a chuckle of Jack Black early on in his career getting his arm blown off by a maniacal Bruce Willis wielding a remote control giant gun of death. 'Nacho Libre' I live in Utah where Jared Hess and his style of bland, weirdo comedy really go over well with the townsfolk. Conversely, with me Hess' brand of filmmaking is the cinematic equivalent of nails on a chalkboard. You have to be a certain kind of person to find what he does funny and I just don't. I remember sitting in 'Nacho Libre' bored out of my mind wishing it would end so I didn't have to endure any more. Jack Black gets to make up his own songs, but that's about the extent of this movie's comedy. 'Shallow Hal' The premise is utterly disgusting and repulsive. It would like you to think that it's message is a good one: Beauty is only skin deep, but by the fourth or fifth fat joke you realize that this was simply a misguided way for the Farrelly brothers to make fun of obese people. It doesn't help that the movie is so obvious about its motives that there's no imagination required. This is actually getting a Blu-ray release in January. 'Year One' Did anyone see this unfunny travesty. Let's keep this short and sweet. Watch 'History of the World, Part 1' again. That should keep you from ever wanting to experience this one. Agree? Disagree? Let us know where you'd rank Black's films by clicking on the link below and making your voice known in the forums.Posted Tue Dec 13, 2011 at 01:15 PM PST by: -
'The Skin I Live In' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The Spanish thriller from acclaimed Academy Award-winning director Pedro Almodóvar ('Volver') is coming to Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony will be bringing 'The Skin I Live In' to Blu-ray on March 6. In the film that almost looks to be a bizarre cross between 'Vanilla Sky' and 'The Human Centipede,' Antonio Banderas stars as an obsessed plastic surgeon. The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include Q&A with Pedro Almodóvar and On the Red Carpet: New York Premiere featurette. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $45.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Skin I Live In' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 6.Posted Tue Dec 13, 2011 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'London Boulevard' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]William Monahan's crime romance will be paroled on Blu-ray this Valentine's Day. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony says 'London Boulevard' will have a Blu-ray release on February 14. Colin Farrell stars as an ex-con hired to look after a reclusive young actress (Keira Knightly) who finds himself falling in love, which puts him in direct confrontation with one of London's most vicious gangsters (Ray Winstone). The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and the only supplement is The Making of London Boulevard featurette. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $35.99. You can find the latest specs for 'London Boulevard' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 14.Posted Tue Dec 13, 2011 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Five Element Ninjas' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1982 action flick also known as 'Super Ninjas' is coming to Blu-ray next week. [/teaser] In a recent announcement to retailers, Tokyo Shock says 'Five Element Ninjas' for Blu-ray on December 13. When a quintet of nasty ninjas -- hell-bent on world domination -- nearly massacres an entire clan, its lone survivor must take the path of revenge. He meets up with an old master well-versed in the ways of the ninja. Now armed with secret knowledge and newfound friends, he must battle the awesome power of the Five Element Ninjas, who harness the powers of gold, wood, fire, water, earth. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Five Element Ninjas' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 13.Posted Tue Dec 13, 2011 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
HDD Spotlight Bargain: 'The NeverEnding Story' Blu-ray $5.49 at Amazon[teaser]The classic family adventure is now under six bucks at Amazon! [/teaser] Amazon is offering 'The NeverEnding Story' for $5.49 (73% off suggested list price). You can check out our review for this Blu-ray here. Click here to add this fine film to your Blu-ray library!Posted Tue Dec 13, 2011 at 07:53 AM PST by: -
'The Pool Boys' Blu-ray Announced[teaser] The boys will be cleaning more than just pools in this raunchy comedy coming to Blu-ray just after Christmas. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Entertainment One says they will be bringing 'The Pool Boys' to Blu-ray on December 27. Alex Sperling (Brett Davern), Harvard-bound valedictorian, loses his summer internship and heads to Los Angeles to work for his charming and successful cousin Roger (Matthew Lillard). Unfortunately, Roger isn't quite the accomplished businessman he's made himself out to be -- he actually dropped out of Harvard, and now works as a pool boy. After a series of mishaps force Alex and Roger to squat in the mansion of one of Roger's clients, they join forces with Laura (Rachelle Lefevre, 'Twilight'), a local escort, to start an escort business. And, as the "business" quickly grows, the boys find themselves trapped in the middle of "how did I get here?" situations -- from showdowns with shotgun-wielding celebrities to bar mitzvahs and sadistic lesbian businesswomen. Sounds classy. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include cast and crew interviews and a virtual lapdance. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Pool Boys' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 27.Posted Tue Dec 13, 2011 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Transformers Prime: Season One' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]All 26 episodes of the hit animated series' first season will "roll out" on Blu-ray this March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory will release 'Transformers Prime: Season One' on Blu-ray on March 6. From Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, the writing team behind the megablockbuster Transformers feature films, and executive producer Jeff Kline comes an all-new series of sophisticated adventures for the Autobots, Decepticons and their human allies that boasts stellar computer animation and an impressive voice cast including Adam Baldwin ('Chuck'), Clancy Brown ('Lost'), Jeffrey Combs ('Re-Animator'), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson ('G.I. JOE: Retaliation'), John Noble ('Fringe'), Tony Todd ('Final Destination') and Gina Torres ('Firefly'). 'Transformers Prime' deepens the epic mythology of both the Autobots and Decepticons, while starting fresh for a new generation of fans. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Arcee, Ratchet, Bulkhead, and many others are back to "roll out" against Megatron's latest attempt to conquer Earth. And Megatron proves to be more powerful than ever, having acquired a rare element that allows him mastery over life itself. 'Team Prime' may be few against the Decepticon hordes, but they find increased strength via bonds forged with three human teenagers. Make no mistake, 'Transformers Prime' delivers heavy metal action, and nail-biting suspense - but it also takes the human drama to levels as yet unseen by the franchise. Specs have yet to be detailed, but the 4-disc set will include: original "making of" special, audio commentaries, featurettes, animatics, and more! -- Including a 96-page Transformers: Prime prequel graphic novel by IDW Publishing! Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $64.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Transformers Prime: Season One' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 6.Posted Mon Dec 12, 2011 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'Meatballs' Blu-ray Wal-Mart Exclusive?[teaser]Is the classic 1979 comedy heading to Camp Blu-ray in February?[/teaser] According to this Wal-Mart listing, it looks like Lionsgate may be getting ready to release 'Meatballs' on Blu-ray on February 21. Bill Murray, star of "What About Bob?", "Scrooged", "Ghostbusters", and "Stripes" is an off-the-wall head counselor in this riotous send-up of summer camp, directed by Ivan Reitman, the producer of "Twins", "National Lampoon's Animal House" and "Ghostbusters". Murray is Tripper, the most creative activites director in the whole North Woods, who guides a fun-seeking collection of lovable campers and libidinous staff members through the unique pleasures of a coed summer experience. The wildest summer Camp North Star ever had begins quietly with a runaway camper, an accidental blackout and Tripper's amorous attack on a female counselor. Insanity builds with the most hilarious Parent's Day on record, a scary overnight canoe trip, and the Olympiad - a traditional competition between North Star and the rich kids of neighboring Camp Mohawk. A talented, high-spirited cast, an unlikely romance, and a gang of warm, wicked, wonderful campers are all part of the fireside recipe for "Meatballs": mix togeter outrageousness, irreverence and hysterical fun...and take home a comedy smash. Specs and supplements have yet to be detailed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $14.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Meatballs' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 21.Posted Mon Dec 12, 2011 at 11:00 AM PST by: -
'Transformers: Dark of the Moon - 3D' Dated for Blu-ray 3D[teaser]Michael Bay's third 'botsploitation flick is getting the Blu-ray 3D treatment in late January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount has revealed 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon - 3D' is coming on January 31. Shia LaBeouf returns as Sam Witwicky to aid the Autobots who learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the Moon, and race against the Decepticons to reach it and to learn its secrets. The release will be a Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy, but specs, supplements, and suggested list price are still undetermined at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon - 3D' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 31.Posted Mon Dec 12, 2011 at 10:00 AM PST by:
