Posted in: Disc Reviews by J C on September 2nd, 2015
“You got the St. Louis blues, the Chicago blues, the gin house blues, the “my man done left me” blues...they all the same song, ain't they?”
By now, anyone who's seen a musical biopic realizes these films also whistle a pretty similar-sounding tune. The bad news here is that Bessie is no exception, rushing from one familiar Troubled Artist Beat (hardscrabble childhood, rise to stardom, substance abuse, troubled marriage, etc.) to the next. The really good news is that this HBO biopic of “Empress of Blues” Bessie Smith is elevated by some truly powerhouse performances.
Posted in: Tribute by Gino Sassani on September 1st, 2015
"One … two… Freddy’s coming for you, three… four… better lock the door, five… six… grab your crucifix, seven… eight better stay up late, nine....ten … Never Sleep Again."
Our nightmares just got a little less vivid on Sunday. That's because we've lost the man who has so expertly painted them for almost 40 years. Of course I'm talking about Wes Craven. For most of my life he was the Master of Horror.
It didn't start with Freddy Krueger. I guess you could say it began with 1972's The Last House On The Left. But it was certainly Freddy Krueger and A Nightmare On Elm Street that made Wes Craven a household name, and one that more than a few folks likely cursed over the years for disturbing their dreams.
Posted in: No Huddle Reviews by Gino Sassani on September 1st, 2015
There was a new cowboy in Dallas, and he wasn’t throwing touchdown passes. But Walker was almost gone before he could really get started. After just four episodes, the show’s production company suffered financial collapse, and the show was rescued at the last minute by CBS Productions, who would continue to run the show for its nearly decade-long run. For nine years Norris brought us the ultimate Texas Ranger in a formula cops-and-robbers show. The show often became a parody of itself but maintained a solid viewership throughout. Hell, Norris even sings the theme song.
Posted in: Random Fun by Archive Authors on September 1st, 2015
Popular opinion and so-called critical opinion often seem to careen off cliffs like lemmings in increasingly unpredictable ways guided by whims and subtle shifts in the proverbial winds. I find myself shocked by things praised and things condemned. Sometimes I feel like a little boy who sees a naked emperor while everyone else is shrieking how much they love the new elegant ensemble. In this case, I'm seeing a lovely presentation while there are many who are whining.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on September 1st, 2015
"Once upon a time, there was a majestic king, who lived with his noble brother in a colorful kingdom where music and art were celebrated. The king did not foresee having a child, but he lived in an enchanted land where all things were possible. In time, he was blessed with a beautiful baby daughter for whom he wished only peace and happiness. Still, the king had demons who pursued him."
If you're a fan of The Vampire Diaries, you need no introduction to Klaus Mikaelson and his family of original vampires.
Posted in: Tuesday Round Up by J C on September 1st, 2015
What a lovely day! The 3D Blu-ray for Mad Max: Fury Road leads a stacked pack of 23(!!) new releases that we’ll be reviewing here at UpcomingDiscs, breaking a record set way back in…ok, it was two weeks ago. Fortunately, we’ve gotten a pretty good head start: you can already read our takes on CBS/Paramount's The Originals: Season 2 and Hawaii Five-O: Season 5, Anchor Bay’s Lost After Dark and Felt, Lionsgate’s Panic 5 Bravo, Image Entertainment’s Run Hide Die, Shout! Factory's Out of the Vault: Halloween collection, and IndiePix’s Falling Star. CBS/Paramount will also hop on The D Train, sting us with Scorpion: Season 1, offer up a Good Kill, introduce us to Madame Secretary: Season 1, and (roundhouse)kick butt with a Walker: Texas Ranger 4-Film Collection.
In addition to Mad Max, Warner Bros. presents a bloody good dose of The Vampire Diaries: Season 6. You won’t have to visit a website far, far away to read about Star Wars — Rebels: Season 1 from ABC/Disney, which is also turning over the keys to Castle: Season 7. Anchor Bay attempts to avoid The Curse of Downer’s Grove, HBO sings the blues with Bessie, A&E Home Video saddles up for Texas Rising, and Comedy Central Studios intimidates with I Am Dale Earnhardt. Last but not least, Entertainment One rises to The Surface while XLrator Media goes for a Five Star rating.
Posted in: No Huddle Reviews by Gino Sassani on September 1st, 2015
"Book 'em Danno."
It's been 30 years since we last heard that phrase. Still it persisted in the modern lexicon along with the term Five-0, which is still shouted in high-crime areas in cities all over the country whenever a police presence is felt closing in on the bad guys. Hawaii Five-0 ended in 1980. That's when Tom Selleck took over the sets and production crew on Hawaii to work as Magnum P.I. until 1988 when it all closed down for good -- or did it? Wouldn't you know it, the show has been resurrected and become the hottest drama on television.
Posted in: No Huddle Reviews by Archive Authors on September 1st, 2015
by Dustin P. Anderson
This DVD contains some of the scariest episodes of classic Nickelodeon animated TV shows. Hey Arnold! follows a young boy living in a city trying to deal with the day-to-day troubles an elementary-grade child would be dealing with. The Angry Beavers is about a sibling duo of beavers; the cool, sophisticated Norbert and his hyperactive brother Daggit. Ahhh! Real Monsters tells us the story of monsters going through “Scare School” (this series came way before Monsters University) under the strict thumb of The Grumble.
Posted in: No Huddle Reviews by Dan Holland on August 31st, 2015
Sometimes films can move at a rather slow pace, but have a tremendous payoff. In many cases, this pacing pattern is identified by cinephiles as a “slow burn.” How slow the “burn” actually is depends solely on the director’s choice; some can be a little too slow for the amount of “burn” it provides at the film’s climax. Felt had no such problem with either of these concepts. The film is slow, yes, but its pacing fits so well with the devolving psyche (the “burn”) of the main character.
Posted in: Contests by Gino Sassani on August 31st, 2015
Our good friends over at Entertainment One are releasing The Surface on DVD this week. Lake Michigan is the setting for this tale of two men lost in the violent waters who will have to work together if they hope to survive. Sean Astin and Mimi Rogers star along with Chris Mulkey. We've got 2 copies to give away to a couple of lucky stiffs here at Upcomingdiscs.com.
To win a copy, just follow these simple instructions.








