Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on October 26th, 2010
"A boy comes running up, and he asks: 'what exactly is the ocean?' 'What is the sea?' You could hit him with a lot of statistics and Latin names. But the answer isn't something you'll find in a book. To really know what the ocean is, you have to see it for yourself. You have to hear it. And taste it. You have to feel its power. To really know the ocean, you have to live it."
And live it you will with Disney Nature's latest entry into their award-winning series of natural documentaries. Walt Disney Studios is no stranger to the world of nature.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on October 26th, 2010
A&E and History have combined for some of the best educational as well as entertaining programs over the years. Many of those shows have taken close looks at the various civilizations and empires throughout world history. Most of these shows take a look at these civilizations from the inside outward. We're not talking the litany of facts and accomplishments that we've seen on hundreds of documentaries as well as our old high school textbooks. These programs look at the day-to-day life of these cultures and peoples. The accomplishments here are the ones that affected everyday life within these empires.
Posted in: Podcasts by Gino Sassani on October 22nd, 2010
The Ghost Whisperer has just released its 5th and final season on DVD. I had a chance to talk with Ian Sander, part of Sander/Moses Productions. Together with his wife Kim Moses, Ian help to guide the successful series from its conception through 106 episodes and 5 years. It was a wonderful chat. Bang it here to listen in on my conversation with Ian Moses
Check out Ian Sander and Kim Moses at Sander/Moses
Posted in: Podcasts by Gino Sassani on October 21st, 2010
Many of you might have noticed that our review of the comedy film Alien Autopsy brought with it a lively conversation in the comments. We heard from a couple of guys who have been dealing with the 1995 hoax since that time. Needless to say, they have some pretty strong opinions. Here at Upcomingdiscs, we welcome this kind of dialog. So, I invited Mark Center to talk about his feelings about all things Alien Autopsy. It was a great conversation. Now you can listen in. Bang it here to listen to my conversation with Mark Center
You can also follow Mark and his Mulder-like search for the truth at: Beyond Roswell
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on October 21st, 2010
“Mentalist: Someone who uses mental acuity, hypnosis, and/or suggestion. A master manipulator of thoughts and behavior.”
I remember fondly Simon Baker’s last television series, The Guardian. It wasn’t exactly a great or groundbreaking show, but it chugged on somewhat quietly for five seasons. It didn’t seem like anyone was really noticing this quality show.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on October 21st, 2010
Perry Mason did it for lawyers. Marcus Welby did it for doctors. From 1969 to 1976 and beyond, Robert Young was the face of the television doctor. The actor was so identified with his part that he dealt with fans and their medical questions his entire life following his portrayal of Marcus Welby. In those days there wasn't a medical doctor on the planet, real or fictional, who was more recognizable than Welby. The show pretty much wrote the book on the television medical drama. It doesn't matter if your a fan of House, ER, Grey's Anatomy, or any of a hundred other medical dramas that have come and gone since that time, each of those shows owes more than a little of its existence to Marcus Welby, MD.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on October 21st, 2010
Bo Burnham is one of those very young up-and-coming comedians that will either turn you completely off or make you very happy that you made his acquaintance. I think I'm one of those rare folks who finds himself in the middle after watching this hour-long performance.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on October 19th, 2010
"Born with a steering wheel in his hand and lead in his foot, he is the Nightrider, cruising at the speed of fright! This is the Nightrider, and we ain't never coming back. I'm a fuel-injected suicide machine..."
Long before Mel Gibson's troubles involved real-life police officers and a bad case of "foot-in-mouth disease” that has made him his own worst enemy, Mel had more dramatic enemies to deal with. The unknown Australian actor was only 22 years old when he starred in the Outback production that would put both Mel Gibson and his native Australia on the filmmaking map.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on October 19th, 2010
A&E has brought together a collection of television episodes from three British series that have featured prominently on the network over the years. The shows each feature one of the greatest detectives in literature. The long-running shows have used the original literary works as the basis for most of the episodes. But long before they were played on television, we knew who they were. The exploits of Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple, and Hercule Poirot have engaged the minds of mystery lovers for nearly a century now. For the first time, you have the wonderful opportunity to enjoy them at your own leisure,
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on October 19th, 2010
Mention the name Roger Corman and several things spring instantly to mind: boobs, blood and gore. The man has been the king of the low-budget film since the 1950's. His movies often graced the screens of drive-ins all over the country. There wasn't an idea in the movies that Corman didn't try to exploit at one time or another. He also gave some of the most successful and influential filmmakers their start in the business. People like James Cameron and Martin Scorsese started in the Roger Corman factory.
