Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on September 21st, 2010
Alan Ball was pretty much an unknown to anyone but a few Hollywood insiders and fans of such television shows as Grace Under Fire and Cybill, where he wrote a mere total 10 episodes combined. When he began to shop the idea for American Beauty, he had originally conceived it as a stage production. Truth be told, he wasn't sure that there was a studio out there that would touch the awkward dark idea. But Dreamworks was still a young company with big ideas. If there was a studio out there that was going to take a flyer on a young talent with an oddball script, it was Dreamworks.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on September 21st, 2010
"The story I'm about to tell you is Camp Little Moose's darkest secret. A tale so terrifying, if your parents knew, they'd never a sent you here in the first place."
Scooby Doo has spanned generations and over 40 years. Since the 1960’s the name and conventions have become a part of the pop culture. The original cartoon series had a series of conventions. The Scooby Gang would drive around in their green Mystery Machine van and solve ghostly mysteries.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on September 21st, 2010
When Jim Henson had finally finished up with The Muppet Show, it was time to take his puppet creations in a slightly different direction. Fraggle Rock, like The Muppet Show before it, was originally produced and aired outside of the United States. With the Muppets it was England that gave the guys their break. This time it was CBS in Canada. The show did quickly find a home in the United States, this time on cable. HBO was just beginning to stretch its legs and break out of its reputation as merely a place to watch movies after their box office run was completed. The network also had a bit of a reputation as more of an adult network.
Posted in: News and Opinions by Gino Sassani on September 21st, 2010
The “Little Bit of Butters” sweepstakes launched Monday September 13th and will run for four weeks with a grand prize of $5000 Butters Pimp Cash. The sweepstakes page is located here http://www.southparkstudios.com/butters_dvd and features a selection of videos and images that give fans a deeper look into A Little Box of Butters.
Posted in: News and Opinions by Gino Sassani on September 21st, 2010
Choose your own adventure as PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SAND OF TIME comes to Blu-ray and DVD on September 14th.
In celebration of the upcoming release of PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME on Blu-ray and DVD, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has launched the PRINCE OF PERSIA SWEEPSTAKES.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on September 21st, 2010
I've seen a ton of lawyer shows over the years. Pretty much any variation that's been tried, I've likely seen at least an episode. I generally like lawyer shows. I thought I'd seen pretty much everything in the genre until The Good Wife came to me from CBS Home Video. I was surprised that the series had somehow escaped my notice the last television season. I couldn't really find anyone who had seen even an episode of the freshman drama. It was time to give it a try. Turns out that there are still a few new tricks out there in the field, and The Good Wife has done a pretty good job of grabbing my attention, as it should yours.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on September 21st, 2010
"We are pioneers and trailblazers. We fight for freedom. We transform our dreams into the truth. Our struggles will become a nation."
I was really looking forward to this release. From the moment I was made aware that it was going to be arriving here for review, I made a mental note to put it at the top of my viewing list. Fact is, I'm a history junkie, particularly American history. I taught the subject in AP and honors classes along with American Government and Law for over seven years. The History Channel is also one of my favorite places on the dial.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on September 21st, 2010
"Sherlock Holmes, the immortal character of fiction. Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he's ageless, invincible and unchanging. In solving significant problems of the present day, he remains -- as ever -- the supreme master of deductive reasoning."
In 1887, readers of the popular periodical Beeton's Christmas Annual were to receive quite a special treat. There wasn't much fanfare or hype to the event. Inside the pages of the magazine was a story called A Study In Scarlet. It was a detective story, perhaps like many published before, except for the detective himself, a certain Mr. Sherlock Holmes.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on September 16th, 2010
Tennessee Williams was both a prolific writer and celebrated personality in his day. His plays are still making the rounds of community theaters and even more than a few higher- end performance halls around the country. Songs have been written about the guy, and he's quite honestly become a bit of a mythic legend over the years. A lot of that owes, in no small part, to his huge hit A Streetcar Named Desire. The 1947 play was a huge hit on its own. The thing even snagged a Pulitzer. There hadn't been a bigger play before it, and few have reached the popularity and classic status since. Then director Elia Kazan got his hands on the material.
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on September 15th, 2010
September is Cancer Awareness Month. Most of us have been touched by the disease in our families. My Aunt Dottie is recovering from Breast Cancer. We're very proud of the courage and strength she's displayed. So, some of us have teamed up to try and help out. My wife and Upcomingdiscs webmaster, Ellen, is going to be participating in a "Run For The Cure" event here in the Tampa Bay area. Horror film director/writer/producer Robert Angelo Masciantonio (Neighbor) has generously teamed up with us to help. He is sending us an autographed DVD of his thriller Neighbor to offer as a prize. The DVD will be signed by Robert, and stars America Olivo and Christian Campbell. This contest is a little different. To win, you must first follow this link for the Race For The Cure and make a donation. I know times are tough, but even a little bit helps. Everyone who makes a donation will be entered to win the autographed copy of Neighbor. The contest ends after the race on October 2nd. Follow these instructions to participate:
Contest is open to residents of the U.S. & Canada only.
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