08/09/11 Recommended New Releases

Nothing caught my eye in the way of DVD/Blu-ray releases this week, but for the Mortal Kombat fans out there, the fourth (and perhaps final?) DLC character has been released today: Freddy Krueger. He is available on both the Playstation Network and Xbox Live for $4.99 or 400 Microsoft Points, respectively; if you purchased the season pass on Xbox Live, there is no additional charge for Freddy. Moreover, if you were a Playstation user who was on the fence about the characters, there is a bundle pack of all the DLC characters available for $14.99 (which mirrors the deal that Xbox users received with the season pass option, albeit after all of the content was released).

Also, once again there is a required Compatibility Pack that includes two free alternate costumes: a 'Retro' costume for Cyber Sub-Zero (essentially a palette swap for the 'Klassic' MK3 costumes previously released for the other cyborg characters, Sektor and Cyrax) as well as Sub Zero's MK3 costume (unmasked). Please note that for Playstation users, the Compatibility Pack comes in the form of a required update when the game boots this time instead of appearing with the DLC content in the Playstation Store (Xbox users will still acquire the Compatibility Pack from the Game Marketplace). What follows is a vignette for Freddy as well as his MKast episode and a trailer for the two costumes from the latest Compatibility Pack, courtesy of Netherrealm Studios:













 

07/19/11 Recommended New Releases

This week is rather scant on new releases, but there are a few decent tidbits of news for the video gamers out there. In future updates, I intend to incorporate more news concerning the video game world in addition to my regular list of new release films, so this is essentially a glimpse of things to come.  Also, don't forget that Barnes & Noble is having a 50% off sale on the Criterion Collection right now through August 1st. Last week I provided a list of five recommendations for the sale, and later this week I will provide another five.

Now, on to the lone recommended DVD release for the week:

Small Town Murder Songs (Ed Gass-Donnelly, 2010) - When the body of an unidentified girl is found by the lake in a small town, an aging police officer named Walter (Peter Stormare) is called upon to head the town's first murder investigation in decades. When he finds his prime suspect in the current boyfriend of his ex-lover, Walter struggles to cope with a haunting past that resurfaces amid tension within the community.

Format: DVD - Only available on DVD. Barnes&Noble.com has it listed for $21.58 (and some stores may be carrying the title as well, albeit at a slightly higher price). Amazon has it for $24.49.








Next up, there is a novel hitting shelves today that I have been anticipating for quite some time - Bioshock: Rapture by John Shirley - a prequel to the [rather phenomenal] video game, BioShock. The official synopsis:

"It's the end of World War II. FDR's New Deal has redefined American politics. Taxes are at an all-time high. The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki has brought a fear of total annihilation. The rise of secret government agencies and sanctions on business has many watching their backs. America's sense of freedom is diminishing . . . and many are desperate to take there freedom back.

Among them is a great dreamer, an immigrant who pulled himself from the depths of poverty to become one of the wealthiest and admired men in the world. That man is Andrew Ryan, and he believed that great men and women deserve better. And so he set out to create the impossible, a utopia free from government, censorship, and moral restrictions on science--where what you give is what you get. He created Rapture---the shining city below the sea.

But as we all know, this utopia suffered a great tragedy. This is the story of how it all came to be . . .and how it all ended."


Both Barnes&Noble.com and Amazon have the hardcover edition for $16.83. You can save an extra 15% ordering through Barnes & Noble by using the coupon code T9P8A9P (expires 7/31), making it $15.30 after tax. Both retailers also have a paperback edition available for $9.60.



Moving on, the latest DLC character for Mortal Kombat - Rain - is available today on the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. If you purchased the season pass available exclusively for the latter, you can download Rain at no additional cost. Otherwise, he is $4.99, or $400 Microsoft Points. Also, as is customary with the DLC characters, another required Compatibility Pack accompanies the release - and as usual there are two free alternate costumes included: Klassic MK2 outfits for Kitana and Jade. What follows are two trailers for Rain, courtesy of Netherrealm Studios:






For those still eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the Mortal Kombat: Legacy web series, the episode will debut at the San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) on July 21st. It has also been confirmed that along with the episode, the fourth DLC character for Mortal Kombat will be revealed (I still have my money on Reiko). Following its premiere at the SDCC, the episode will appear on Machinima this Sunday, July 24th; I will include the episode with my weekly update on Tuesday, July 26th.


Also, the collector's edition for the forthcoming Batman: Arkham City has been revealed:

Along with the game, which releases on October 21st, the $99 collector's edition comes with:
-A custom Batman statue (which appears to have a compartment on the base for storing the game case).
-A collectible art book.
-The Batman: Arkham City soundtrack (which appears to be in the form of a voucher for a digital copy).
-Vouchers granting early access to DLC content (the Iceberg Lounge challenge map and The Dark Knight Returns skin for Batman).
-A copy of Batman: Gotham Knight (a collection of six animated shorts that came out back when The Dark Knight hit theaters, bridging the gap between Batman Begins and its sequel) on DVD.


Lastly, those who have already flocked to see the new Harry Potter film in theaters may have noticed that a teaser trailer for the much-anticipated Batman sequel, The Dark Knight Rises (July 20th, 2012) was attached. Well, Captain America: The First Avenger hits theaters later this week, and attached will be a teaser trailer for the upcoming Spidey reboot, The Amazing Spider-man, which will release on July 3rd, 2012. If you have yet to see the teaser for The Dark Knight Rises, then have a gander courtesy of the YouTube channel for machinima.com:

07/05/11 Recommended New Releases

Surprisingly enough, considering it is a holiday week, there are a handful of new releases worth checking out. That $5 Best Buy coupon I keep mentioning is still valid throughout the entire month of July, so be sure to put it to good use. Here's what we have hitting shelves today:

13 Assassins (Takashi Miike, 2010) - This jidaigeki epic from the renowned Takashi Miike, which had been receiving widespread critical acclaim while traversing the festival circuit, is actually a remake of the 1963 Eiich Kudo film about a group of thirteen samurai who band together to assassinate the corrupt Lord Naritsugu. It is the first of two jidaigeki remakes by Miike, the second being Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai, which is a remake of the 1962 Masaki Kobayashi film Harakiri (a personal favorite of mine). There has been some discontent due to the Magnet release only containing the international cut of the film, which runs 15 minutes shorter. While it would have been nice to have the original cut, all of the deleted scenes are included as a supplemental feature.

Format: Blu-ray - Normally I would not recommended the Blu-ray version of a Magnet release (which generally means identical supplements across both formats), but it is on sale at Best Buy this week for $17.99. Throw a $5 coupon into the mix and you can snag it for $12.99.

Hobo with a Shotgun (Jason Eisener, 2011) - At the end of my review for The Rite back in January, I mentioned that I would love to see Rutger Hauer in a more prominent role again, as lately the talented actor has been popping up in many minor supporting roles. It would seem that Jason Eisener knew about this wish, and brought it to fruition with this throwback to low-budget exploitation films of the 1970s and 80s. Hauer stars as the titular homeless vigilante armed with a shotgun.

Format: Blu-ray - Once again, it is a Magnet release, but given that the Collector's Edition DVD is on sale for the same price as the Collector's Edition Blu-ray at Best Buy ($17.99), I opt for the superior format - especially when there's a $5 coupon at my disposal to make it only $12.99.

Of Gods and Men (Xavier Beauvois, 2010) - I had the opportunity to see this film in a theatrical setting near the end of May, as the trailer - along with an overwhelming amount of critical acclaim - piqued my interest. After the screening, I decided that it was a meditative film experience; one that will leave the viewer wrapped in thought long after the credits role. The film is based on the true story of a group of Trappist monks stationed in a poverty-stricken Algerian village who must decide whether to stay or leave when a hostile Islamic terrorist group grips the region in fear. What I admired most about Of Gods and Men was that it was a not heavy-handed film in a political sense, but instead an engaging drama largely void of such unnecessary bias.

Format: Blu-ray/DVD Combo - Sony Pictures Classics is at it again with their expensive combo pack as the only option. Best Buy is not carrying the title in stores, so using a $5 coupon on the $26.99 sale price is out of the question. Amazon, however, is offering it for the same price (tax free and with free shipping, to boot).

Gettysburg / Gods and Generals Limited Collector's Edition (Ronald F. Maxwell, 1993 & 2003) - Maxwell's Civil War epics were released on Blu-ray last month, but Independence Day was just around the corner, so a boxed set of  the two films was held off until this week. Along with the Director's Cut of Gettysburg (17 minutes longer) that had previously been available on DVD, the beefy Director's Cut of Gods and Generals (61 minutes longer) that made its debut (only on Blu-ray) in June is also present. Furthermore, the boxed set also includes additional supplements such as 24" X 36" Civil War map created by National Geographic, a 40-page photo book of Civil War artifacts, a 150th Anniversary commemorative coin, and a 32-page extract from the TIME illustrated history book.

Format: Blu-ray - Though you can buy the individual films separately, it does not cost much extra to opt instead for this impressive boxed set. Amazon has it on sale for $55.99. However, if you were wanting these re-releases on DVD, there is a DVD version of the boxed set as well, on sale for $47.99 at Amazon (which, to clarify, is the only way to obtain a DVD version of the Gods and Generals Director's Cut).

Transformers Japanese Collection: The Headmasters (1987) - In the U.S., the original Transformers animated series (commonly referred to as "Generation 1," or "G1") was canceled in the beginning of its fourth season, right after the initial three-part episode titled "The Rebirth," which introduced several new characters - including the Headmasters. Takara, the Japanese producers of the Transformers toyline, picked up the show and kept "G1" running across three more series. The first of these was subtitled The Headmasters. Taking place one year after the two-part "The Return of Optimus Prime" episode (which concluded season three), Takara ditched the premise for the Headmasters set up in "The Rebirth," taking the concept - along with the series as a whole - in a radically different direction. Now, for the first time, Shout! Factory, the company behind the recent re-release of the U.S. Transformers "G1" seasons, is bringing Takara's continuation of the series stateside. The other two series, Transformers: Super-God Masterforce and Transformers: Victory, are slated for release in the near future.

Format: DVD - Only available on DVD. Shout! Factory had intended to release a boxed set of all three Japanese series today as well, available only via their website until after all three individual releases have hit store shelves. However, last week they sent an e-mail to all those who had pre-ordered, informing them that they had to cancel all pre-orders due to a production delay that is anticipated to last eight to ten weeks. The listing for the boxed set has also been removed from their website for the time being. Best Buy is selling The Headmasters series for $24.99 this week, but you should be able to have them match the Wal-mart.com price of $19.86. Depending on the mindset of the Customer Service Rep. you deal with, you may be able to combine a $5 coupon with the price match (I was successful with this, personally), making it just under $15 before tax.


I should note that starting July 12th, all Criterion Collection titles will be 50% off at Barnes & Noble (60% in-store if you have a membership with them). In addition to my regular update, next week I will provide a list of recommended titles for this sale.


Finally, the new DLC for Mortal Kombat hits Xbox Live and Playstation Network today. You can download Kenshi for $4.99 (or 400 Microsoft Points; if you purchased the season pass on Xbox Live, you can download him at no additional charge), and the required Compatibility Pack update includes the Klassic Costumes for Smoke and Noob Saibot. Here is another piece on Kenshi, from the MKast Series, along with the series entry for Skarlet below it.

06/28/11 Recommended New Releases

June wraps up with a hell of a bang this week. Don't forget to use and abuse the Best Buy coupon to save $5 on any Blu-ray or DVD priced $14.99+ (includes sale items!), as it sure to help while obtaining some of the titles hitting shelves today:

The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy [Extended Edition] (Peter Jackson, 2001, 2002 & 2003) - A legendary modern trilogy that requires no introduction, fans were coping with a mixture of disappointment and outrage in April of 2010 when the trilogy finally arrived on the Blu-ray format - but only the theatrical cuts. Now, just over a year later, the much-adored, much longer extended cuts are available on Blu-ray in one nifty boxed set loaded with hours upon hours of special features.

Format: Blu-ray - Obviously, right? The more pertinent question with this release is where to buy it. Best Buy has it on sale for $69.99 this week (and you can use that nifty $5 coupon to make it a little cheaper). Amazon has it for the same price, making the Best Buy coupon pretty much irrelevant for this release considering the fact that you will still have to pay sales tax at Best Buy. Personally, as much as I was anticipating this release, I will be holding off until it goes on sale for a bit less - perhaps Black Friday.

Sucker Punch (Zack Snyder, 2011) - Most film enthusiasts I encounter either love Zack Snyder or hate him; I just so happen to be one of the former. His latest visual treat is about a young girl, Baby Doll (Emily Browning), who is placed in a mental facility and scheduled to be lobotomized by her abusive stepfather. In an effort to cope with her grim fate, Baby Doll retreats into an alternate reality created by her boundless imagination.

Format: Blu-ray/DVD/DC Extended Cut - The combo pack includes the extended cut of the film on Blu-ray as well as the theatrical cut on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy; the extended cut adds runs seventeen minutes longer. It appears to be on sale at most retailers for $22.99 this week, though it can be had a little cheaper at Best Buy with the $5 coupon.

Barney's Version (Richard J. Lewis, 2010) - An excerpt from the official synopsis: "Based on Mordecai Richler's prize-winning novel--his last, and arguably best--Barney's Version is the warm, wise, and witty story of Barney Panofski (Paul Giamatti), a seemingly ordinary man who lives an extraordinary life. A candid confessional, told (as its title implies) entirely from Barney's point of view, the film spans four decades and two continents, taking us through the many highs, and a few too many lows, of our hero's long and colorful life."

Format: Blu-ray/DVD Combo - Another Sony Pictures Classics release, which means that the combo format is the only option. It seems to be retailing for roughly $29.99 most places (only a dollar less on Amazon). If your local Best Buy is carrying it (the one here in Wilmington, NC is), the $5 coupon will certainly help a little.

Max Manus: Man of War (Joachim Rønning & Espen Sandberg, 2008) - Set during Nazi Germany's WWII occupation of Norway, the film recounts the true story of the courageous saboteur, Max Manus (Aksel Hennie).

Format: DVD - Music Box Films is the distributor, which generally means one can expect very few supplemental features. The case is no different here, and the Blu-ray sports nothing extra. Unless you have a MovieStop in your area (which is selling the DVD for $22.99), your chances of spotting the title on store shelves outside of a Barnes & Noble are slim none. While B&N usually has higher prices, they are currently running a Buy-2-Get-1-Free special on all movies, which makes it a sensible option. Alternately, Best Buy has it available online for $24.99, and Amazon has it for $26.99.

3 Backyards (Eric Mendelsohn, 2010) - a meditative film that offers a glimpse into the lives of three different individuals on an autumn day in Long Island: a man (Elias Koteas) who decides not to go home and deal with his failing marriage when his flight out of town is canceled, opting instead to check into a hotel; a bored housewife (Edie Falco) who is all too excited when she discovers that her new neighbor is a popular actress; and an eight-year-old girl (Rachel Resheff) who misses her school bus while playing with her mother's bracelet, and decides to walk to school on her own

Format: DVD - Only available on DVD. I do not know of any retailers carrying the title in-stores, but you can acquire it from Amazon for $22.49.







Finally, it appears the the next DLC character for Mortal Kombat, Kenshi, will be arriving next Tuesday, July 5th. Here is a trailer courtesy of Netherrealm Studios:



I, for one, am ecstatic.

06/21/11 Recommended New Releases

Another solid week of releases, and it is one that can surely benefit from the Best Buy coupon I mentioned last week: Save $5 on any DVD/Blu-ray priced $14.99 and up. On to the movies:

The Adjustment Bureau (George Nolfi, 2011) - Loosely based on the Philip K. Dick short story, Adjustment Team; starring Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and Michael Kelly. You can read my review of the film here.

Format: Blu-ray/DVD/DC Combo - The Blu-ray version of the film includes an exclusive feature (a 33-minute, interactive behind-the-scenes featurette), is BD Live-enabled, and comes with the DVD and a Digital Copy of the film. It is on sale at most retailers for $22.99 this week, though you can save an extra $5.00 with the Best Buy coupon provided at the top of this post.

Unknown (Jaume Collet-Serra, 2011) - Based on the French novel, Out of My Head by Didier van Cauwelaert; starring Liam Neeson, January Jones, Aidan Quinn, Diane Kruger, Bruno Ganz, and Frank Langella. You can read my review of the film here.

Format: Blu-ray/DVD/DC Combo - The Blu-ray version has an exclusive feature (though it is only 5 minutes in length), and includes the DVD version of the film as well as a Digital Copy. It is on sale for $22.99 this week, but can be had for a little cheaper with the Best Buy coupon.

Kiss Me Deadly (Robert Aldrich, 1955) - The Criterion Collection brings us this adaptation of the Mickey Spillane novel. Ralph Meeker stars as Mike Hammer, a private detective whose decision to pick up a hitchhiking woman one night has dire consequences.


Format: DVD - As I have mentioned in the past, I prefer my Criterions on DVD. The supplements are the same for both formats, and the DVD is significantly cheaper at $19.99 via Amazon (Best Buy does not carry the title in stores). If you have a MovieStop in your area, it is on sale for the same price as Amazon this week.

Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story (Jeffrey Shwarz, 2007) - a documentary about legendary showman William Castle, whose five-decade career included a slew of low-budget thrillers promoted by innovative gimmicks designed to enhance the theatrical experience. Joe Dante's 1992 comedy, Matinee, stars John Goodman as a character inspired by Castle.

Format: DVD - Only available on DVD. I do not believe it is being sold in stores anywhere, but Amazon has it for $17.99.











Finally, I will wrap up this update with a mention of the first downloadable character add-on for Mortal Kombat, which was released today for Xbox 360 and PS3 users. You can purchase the new character, Skarlet, for $5.00 (400 Microsoft points). For Xbox 360 users, however, the better option is to purchase the "Mortal Kombat Season Pass," which is priced at $15.00 (1200 Microsoft points). With the season pass, you will get Skarlet, as well as three other fighters as they are released in the future: Kenshi and Rain in July, and another fighter in August whose identity has yet to be revealed. Furthermore, with Skarlet comes Klassic Costumes for Cyrax and Sektor. Klassic Costumes for Smoke and Noob Saibot will accompany the July content, and two more unrevealed costumes will come with the August content. So, $15.00 now, and you will be able to download these fighters and costumes at no additional cost as they are released (essentially getting four for the price of three). This Xbox 360-exclusive deal is meant to compensate for PS3 users receiving an exclusive fighter (Kratos) and his stage, so they will wind up shelling out an extra $5.00 to acquire all the fighters. A fair trade-off, in my opinion. Anyways, my money is on the mystery fighter being Reiko, but we shall see soon enough...