Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on August 7th, 2015
"There can be no murder in paradise."
That was the stand of the Soviet Union's ruling party during the Cold War. They believed that murder was a capitalist crime. So what happens when a serial killer is killing young boys up and down the railway? That's the premise of Lionsgate's Child 44. It's based on the Tom Rob Smith novel which is part of a trilogy based on the character Leo Demidov. The story itself was based on an actual Soviet Union serial killer named Andrei Chikatilo, who is suspected of killing over 50 children in the 1970's.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on August 5th, 2015
"This ain't no place for a hero."
Strike Back follows the exploits of an elite and secret British military team called Section 20. On paper they do not exist, but they've got all the best new high-tech toys, and they're going to need every one of them. They're going after the top terrorist threats. They combine the intelligence-gathering network of a CIA-type organization with the precision strike force impact of a top Navy Seals team.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on August 4th, 2015
I Love Lucy changed the fledgling television industry in the 1950’s. This was a time when network television was less than a decade old. Most folks had never heard of television just 15 years earlier. I Love Lucy defined the concept of a sitcom. The show was driven by the very strong personalities of the cast. Desi Arnaz was considered a charismatic Latin lover by American women. Lucy played the perfect foil and found a mountain of gold to mine in strong physical comedy. So many modern shows owe their roots to this classic that it would be impossible to mention them all here. Now CBS and Paramount are bringing the show back in brand-new high-definition restored image that will delight even the pickiest fans of the show.
Posted in: No Huddle Reviews by Gino Sassani on August 4th, 2015
"In New York City on a street in the East Forties there is an ordinary tailor shop. Or is it ordinary? We enter through the agents' entrance, and we are now in U.N.C.L.E. headquarters. U.N.C.L.E. is an international organization consisting of agents of all nationalities. It's involved in maintaining political and legal order anywhere in the world."
Say Uncle. That’s U.N.C.L.E., otherwise known as the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. Starting in 1964, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was one of a flurry of shows to take advantage of the new James Bond craze. It featured many of the same elements as the super-spy films.
Posted in: Tuesday Round Up by Gino Sassani on August 3rd, 2015
Howdy partners. Gino here again. Johnny's still workin' down at that bunkhouse. Hey, you don't suppose he's down there sleeping ... Nah, couldn't be. We have a huge week of titles stampeding their way into your local video stores this week. We're going to cover most of them, so I'm going to stick with those this week.
Look for reviews of the following throughout the coming week. Shout Factory asks When Calls The Heart and reminisces with The Phil Silvers Show Season 3. CBS/Paramount declares I Love Lucy with Season 2 on Blu-ray. They are also engaged in The Affair Season 1. RLJ Entertainment scores a doubleheader with Appetites and Blackbird. You can win a copy of Blackbird by checking out our contest page. HBO faces front with The Comeback and Strike Back Season 3. Image is Burying The Ex while Lionsgate delivers Child 44 and Barely Lethal. Arc Entertainment gets into the spirit with Phantom Halo. Warner Brothers wants to get you in the mood for their upcoming Man From U.N.C.L.E. film with the original show's 29-episode First Season. Of course, Warner Brothers has already opened up the week here with The Casual Vacancy.
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on August 3rd, 2015
Our buddies over at RLJ Entertainment want you to know about their new DVD release: Blackbird. Julian Walker stars as young Randy who must find himself during a time of personal loss with others who depend on him. It's a tale about being true to who you are. We've got 2 copies to give away. Dan will be giving us his thoughts later. For now you can enter to have a copy sent to you for free.
To win a copy, just follow these simple instructions.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on July 30th, 2015
Shout Factory has brought yet another 1980's Empire Pictures horror film to high definition on Blu-ray. This is another one of those Schlock-O-Rama films that are best viewed with a group of friends. While it's certainly a step ahead of some recent entries on this list, there's plenty of fun to be had in a gathering. This release also has the advantage of just one film on the disc. Of course, I'm talking about Ghost Town, directed by Richard Governor, but did you know that Mac Ahlberg of Ghoulies and Re-Animator fame was an uncredited assistant director on the film? The man's a pretty good cinematographer, and his eye lends itself to a better-looking shoot with more atmosphere than you might ordinarily find on these things.
Posted in: Podcasts by Gino Sassani on July 30th, 2015
In August Entertainment One will be releasing 10 Cent Pistol. The film is about two brothers who deal with the L.A. underworld. What better way to make that work than casting two actual brothers in the roles? It's a great idea, and those two brothers are Damon and JT Alexander. I spent a few minutes on the phone with them both, and it was a great time. We talked about the movie, brothers, and folding your pizza. Want to know what that's all about? There are only two ways to find out. Watch the film when it releases. You can also bang it here to listen to my chat with The Alexander Brothers
Posted in: No Huddle Reviews by Gino Sassani on July 29th, 2015
It's almost upon us. After many long years and two less-than-stellar films, the original X-Files is returning to its rightful place on television. In the years since it left the airwaves, there have been many attempts to recreate its style and place in the hearts of fans. Helix was an attempt to take something that would have been a great X-Files episodes and turn it into a complete series franchise of its own. You remember the scenario. Mulder and Scully would be locked in the arctic where an ancient disease or worm would contaminate the people there. It would be up to these guys to solve the mystery and rescue what was left of the base scientists.
Posted in: Tuesday Round Up by Gino Sassani on July 27th, 2015
Howdy, Partners. Johnny's working down at the bunkhouse today, so here I am to let you know what might be causing a stampede down at your local video store. It's a slow week here on the ranch, but that doesn't mean we won't be bringing you a few things to look at. We already have the early review up for Magnolia's White God out on Blu-ray. I'll be telling you more about Sony's release of the final season of Sy-Fy's Helix. Shout offers up some more "Shlock-O-Rama" with the release of Ghost Town. I'll be sharing my thoughts on that one later, as well.
There are a few other titles of note this week. MPI circles back with Comet. Monarch declares She Loves Me Not. Section 23 delivers a 5-disc high-definition Anime collection on Blu-ray with No Game No Life. We're looking forward to hearing what you're planning to pick up this week.
