The Good Fight: Season One
Posted in No Huddle by Jeremy Butler on March 30th, 2018
Curious what happened to Diane Lockhart after slapping the taste out of Alicia’s mouth? Well, I wish I could say that all was well, as tragedy strikes again just as she is on the cusp of retirement. That’s where we find Diane at the start of The Good Fight. I had heard rumbles about the show shortly after news that it was moving into production, the spin-off series that would focus on the powerhouse that is Diane minus Julianna Margulies’ character. More interesting was the decision to make the series only available on the CBS’s streaming service. Clearly, streaming service has become a big part of home entertainment, so naturally it was only a matter of time before the networks joined the party in order to compete.
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Archer Season 8: Dreamland
Posted in No Huddle by Brent Lorentson on March 30th, 2018
With Archer Season 9 Danger Island getting ready to debut in April, Season 8 of Archer titled Dreamland makes its way onto DVD, for many to binge and catch up before the season premiere. I have to admit it took me a while to finally give this show a chance. Last year I had the opportunity to review Season 7, and honestly, ever since I have been a fan. What’s bothered me, though, is how could the show continue following the way season 7 ends? Let’s face it; things were looking grim for the former world’s greatest secret agent, Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin), so where does the show go from here?
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Star Wars: Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 28th, 2018
“A long time ago in a galaxy far far away…”
It was exactly 40 years ago that we first saw those words flash across the screen. Star Wars was born, and it has become one of the most enduring franchises in film history. The franchise survived a long drought when it didn’t seem likely we would ever see those words again. The franchise survived the throes of George Lucas, who created it all and then went a little rogue when he finally did follow up his iconic trilogy. If The Last Jedi and the two previous films are any measurement at all, the best thing George Lucas ever did for the universe he created was to give it up.
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Exclusive Interview With Ryan Justice, Director Of Followers
Posted in Podcasts by Gino Sassani on March 25th, 2018
Upcomingdiscs was at the Tampa premier of Followers. I found the film to be quite good and a nice turn on the found footage format. Director Ryan Justice delivered and the home-field crowd stuck around to hear him and other cast and crew members. The house remained full even at 1:00 AM. The film still has the rest of the week to run in 10 cities across the nation. If you are in one of those towns I highly recommend you get yourself a seat. (Check below for a screen near you. Just click on the image to get a better view.) I’ll be covering the film in more detail in the weeks to come. I was lucky enough to be invited to hang out with Ryan and film star Nishant Gogna over beer and iced tea while they prepared for the big night. Now you can sit in on some of my conversation with Ryan Justice. Just bang it right Here.
Pitch Perfect 3 (UHD Blu-ray)(4K)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on March 24th, 2018
“I respect that you love your group, but it’s time for you to move on.”
The first Pitch Perfect movie arrived in Fall 2012 as a goofy, energetic, underdog surprise that charmed audiences with its funny jabs at (and genuine affection for) a capella music. But as the trilogy (allegedly) comes to a close a little more than five years later, the only quality that this popular, profitable franchise managed to retain from that previous sentence was “goofy.” The saucy tagline for this movie is “Last Call Pitches,” and everyone involved seems ready to hang up their pitch pipes.
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Pacific Rim: Uprising
Posted in The Reel World by Brent Lorentson on March 22nd, 2018
When Pacific Rim first came out, I had a blast with the film. It was the ultimate giant-monster-versus-giant-robot film that my inner ten-year-old has wanted to see for so long. Sure, the film had some dialog issues, but the world that Guillermo del Toro created with the film was so over-the-top and beautiful that the bad dialog was easy to forget. It knew what it was, brainless eye candy, and it delivered in a big way. Now we have the sequel coming out; del Toro is no longer at the helm, and in his place we have Steven S. DeKnight whose previous directorial efforts have been episodes from Daredevil and Dollhouse. Does the sequel hold up? Well, to put it bluntly, not even close.
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Major Crimes: The Complete Sixth Season
Posted in No Huddle by Gino Sassani on March 22nd, 2018
After six seasons I don’t really think of Major Crimes as a spinoff from The Closer. It has gone on to establish itself as a much better show than its former version ever was. We have become very comfortable with most of these characters, and the series isn’t really looking over its shoulder anymore, if it ever did. This is one of those shows that’s just easy to watch. There might not be anything groundbreaking going on here, but it feels like that old worn shirt that you love to wear because it just feels good having it on. That’s the kind of thing that can go on for many years, and it did. But Major Crimes is shutting its doors with this sixth and final season now available on DVD from Warner Brothers.
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When Calls The Heart: The Heart of Homecoming
Posted in No Huddle by Brent Lorentson on March 22nd, 2018
When Calls the Heart is already five seasons in and has been a fan favorite of the Hallmark Channel. It’s no surprise that the channel would take a chance with the show and develop a movie from the material that author Janette Oke has created. As a show that plays on the Hallmark Channel, it should come as no surprise that it is wholesome and filled with values that you don’t often find on the cable networks. In this day and age a little bit of wholesome television can be a nice change of pace; after all, for many all they see is the sex and violence that flood the airwaves. It’s hard to find entertainment that is safe for the whole family to watch. But just because it’s something for the whole family to watch, is it any good?
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The Handmaid’s Tale: Season One (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on March 22nd, 2018
“Now I’m awake to the world. I was asleep before. That’s how we let it happen…nothing changes instantaneously. In a gradually heating bathtub, you’d be boiled to death before you knew it.”
The most amazing thing about The Handmaid’s Tale — other than a powerhouse lead performance from the best actress working in television right now — is that this harrowing, suddenly timely cautionary tale about what happens when society falls asleep at the wheel is based on a story that was published more than 30 years ago. Of course, the show has a lot more going for it than impeccable timing.
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Contest – Win A $10 iTunes Card To Celebrate The Premiere Of Followers
Posted in Contests, Expired Contests by Gino Sassani on March 21st, 2018
Many of our followers know that Upcomingdiscs is headquartered in sunny Tampa, Florida. Except for the occasional hurricane, it’s a pretty bright place to live. It looks like something dark is on the way and it isn’t a storm. Tampa Bay filmmaker Ryan Justice and his crew have invaded our paradise with their new found-footage thriller Followers. The film will premier at the Movie Studio Grill at the University Square Mall Friday (March 23rd) starting at 11:00 PM. Some cast and crew will be on-hand for fans. If you’re not in the area you get a perfect chance to catch the film on-line. The powers that be are handing out TEN ($10) iTunes Gift Cards to 10 lucky Upcomingdiscs readers. You can pick up your own copy of the film when it streams March 23, 2018. I’m going to pick a new winner every day starting on Friday the 23rd for 10 days. Once you enter you are eligible for the entire run of the contest.
To win a copy of this prize, follow these instructions.
- Fill out your name and email address in the comment form below – your email address will remain private and visible only to us.
- Do not post your address as an actual comment! Instead tell us – Have you ever been a part of a local film production?
- Only those comments that answer our question will be considered.
Please – only one contest entry per person!
Winners will be notified when the contest ends and cards distributed at that time.
Friday Winner: Catesha
Sat Winner: Kathy Love
Sunday Winner: Jonnie
Monday Winner: Geraldine
Tuesday Winner: Daniel M.
Weds Winner: Mark Schreader
Thursday Winner:Vicki Wurgler
Friday Winner: Bill Norris
Saturday Winner: Paula
Final Winner: Chris Cook
Upcomingdiscs NEVER sells or shares your information with anyone. (Winners names and emails will be sent to have your prize sent to you)
Frank Serpico
Posted in No Huddle by Brent Lorentson on March 21st, 2018
I can’t think of a real life cop who is more famous than Frank Serpico. Ever since the film Serpico was released in 1973, people around the world knew the name of the cop who singlehandedly attempted to end corruption in the NYPD. Al Pacino made the character famous, and the name continues to live on in pop culture, but now we have the documentary Frank Serpico to tell the story from the man himself. The film that follows is not just about the man and his crusade against the NYPD, but it also serves as a reflection with the man 45 years following his time in the department. Back then he took a bullet for speaking out about the corruption. Have the man or ideals changed over the years? That is what the documentary sets out to find out.
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The Shape Of Water (UHD Blu-ray) (4K)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 21st, 2018
“If I spoke about it – if I did – what would I tell you? I wonder. Would I tell you about the time? It happened a long time ago, it seems. In the last days of a fair prince’s reign. Or would I tell you about the place? A small city near the coast, but far from everything else. Or, I don’t know… Would I tell you about her? The princess without voice. Or perhaps I would just warn you, about the truth of these facts. And the tale of love and loss. And the monster, who tried to destroy it all.”
A couple of years ago I talked to Joe Dante about a variety of subjects. One of them was The Creature From The Black Lagoon. Dante along with several other directors like John Carpenter had once been attached to a remake of the Universal classic.
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Justice League (UHD Blu-ray) (4K)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 21st, 2018
“We have to be ready. You, me, the others… there’s an attack coming from far away.”
The DC and Marvel rivalry can be quite fierce at times. I never completely understood the polarized fan base, however. Some of us are just fans of the genre and will welcome a good comic book movie from either and preferably both studios. When it comes to a cinematic universe, however, DC has had some real issues with trying to bring together a combined hero world. Most of the films leading up to Justice League have been dark and filled with brooding heroes.
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Tuesday Round Up: March 20, 2018
Posted in Tuesday Round Up by J C on March 20th, 2018
After last week’s jam-packed Round Up, we decided it might be a good idea to downsize. More specifically, we’ll be reviewing Paramount’s inventive satire Downsizing in 4K. (The film stars Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig, Christoph Waltz, and others.) Meanwhile, Universal does it vocal exercises in preparation for Pitch Perfect 3 (4K), the final(?) chapter in the popular aca-trilogy. Elsewhere, Fox stylishly travels back in time for Archer: Season 8 (Dreamland), while Shout! Factory goes north of the border to answer When Calls the Heart: The Heart of Homecoming.
Before you run off until next week, here’s for your customary reminder: if you’re shopping for anything on Amazon and you do it through one of our links, it’ll help keep the lights on here at UpcomingDiscs. See ya next week!
Lady And The Tramp: Signature Collection (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 19th, 2018
The yesteryears of Disney were full of classic movies, from Aladdin to 101 Dalmatians. Each of those films holds a special place in my heart due to its warmth and very colorful, cute story. Having never seen Lady and the Tramp before picking up this early copy, I didn’t know what to expect of the film. Many declare it to be one of Disney’s best, which is certainly a remark that is quite distinguished. Would Lady and the Tramp capture my emotions and heart like so many old, classic Disney films did years ago? Read on to find out.
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Tomb Raider (2018)
Posted in The Reel World by Brent Lorentson on March 16th, 2018
For some reason, adapting videogames into good films has been the nut Hollywood just can’t seem to crack. The Resident Evil series has been successful, but I wouldn’t say it really holds up to the game. Personally, Silent Hill has been the only adaption I’ve really enjoyed, and that film has divided fans as well. As for the Tomb Raider franchise that kicked off in 2001, sure it had some fun sequences. And with Angelina Jolie becoming a hot commodity at the time, it’s not too much of a surprise that it did well at the box office. Now 17 years later, the time has come for Tomb Raider to get a makeover
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Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Ninth Season
Posted in No Huddle by J C on March 16th, 2018
“I was just trying not to offend you and yet I wound up offending you, which is quite ironic.”
Six long years passed between the last Curb Your Enthusiasm episode in 2011 and the show’s season 9 premiere last fall. And yet it only takes about two minutes for Larry David — the curmudgeonly comic genius who stars as an exaggerated(?) version of himself on the long-running HBO sitcom — to utter the words above after inadvertently offending his latest unsuspecting victim. In other words, even though portions of this season feel creakier than past years, it is absolutely great to have Curb back!
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Justice League (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 15th, 2018
“We have to be ready. You, me, the others… there’s an attack coming from far away.”
The DC and Marvel rivalry can be quite fierce at times. I never completely understood the polarized fan base, however. Some of us are just fans of the genre and will welcome a good comic book movie from either and preferably both studios. When it comes to a cinematic universe, however DC has had some real issues with trying to bring together a combined hero world. Most of the films leading up to Justice League have been dark and filled with brooding heroes.
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Girlfriends: The Complete Series
Posted in No Huddle by Jeremy Butler on March 15th, 2018
Girlfriends was a sitcom that ran from 2000 to 2008 back when The CW was known as UPN. It will also probably surprise people to learn that the series was executive produced by Kelsey Grammar, as the show is quite different from Frasier. Girlfriends was not the best comedy around, but it was a very important one for several reasons; every so often it tackled real world issues such as HIV, mental illness, miscarriages, and same-sex relationships. The series, as the title suggests, also featured a predominantly female-oriented cast.
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Fear the Walking Dead: The Complete Third Season (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Brent Lorentson on March 14th, 2018
I’ve been a fan of The Walking Dead ever since the first episode aired on AMC. I’m a sucker for zombie films and the original Dawn of the Dead remains as one of my all-time favorite horror films. I mention this because when the idea came along to do a spin-off of The Walking Dead, I was stoked. But when Fear the Walking Dead first aired, I have to admit there was something about it that just didn’t hook me. So I gave up after a couple episodes. I wish I had held out just a little bit longer.
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Tuesday Round Up: March 13, 2018
Posted in Tuesday Round Up by J C on March 13th, 2018
You can’t save the world alone. You also can’t properly kick off your week without knowing what Blu-ray/4K/DVD releases are on the horizon. I’m sure you’ve probably guessed this by now, but one of the titles being released this week is Warner Bros. superstar-laden superhero smackdown Justice League, which we’ll be reviewing both on Blu-ray and in 4K. It’s also case closed for Warner as they release Major Crimes: The Sixth and Final Season. Elsewhere, Indiepix is feeling spirited thanks to Pastor Paul, while MPI Home Video delves into the life of famous cop Frank Serpico. CBS/Paramount fights The Good Fight: Season 1, and Cinedigm searches for love When the Starlight Ends. (FYI: you can win a free copy of When the Stralight Ends.) Last and certainly not least, Lionsgate shuffles into the mix with Fear the Walking Dead: Season 3.
On top of all those home video releases, we are also embarking on an adventure to review the new big screen incarnation of Tomb Raider. One last reminder before signing off for the week: if you’re shopping for anything on Amazon and you do it through one of our links, it’ll help keep the lights on here at UpcomingDiscs. See ya next week!
A Bond Unbroken
Posted in No Huddle by Jeremy Butler on March 13th, 2018
“In a SEAL platoon, then as in now, you’re there for your mates. That’s what the men fight for on the ground. They don’t fight for their country’s objective. They don’t fight for their higher headquarters. They fight for the guys left and right of their patrol order.”
Though I’m not a SEAL nor a member of this branch of service, I am still able to attest to the truthfulness of the statement. Normally, the foot soldier is not privy to the bigger picture. Without that knowledge, you must find your own reasons to fight. That signal purpose that you will end up holding onto and reminding yourself of on a day-to-day basis in order to survive the difficulties that you will face.
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Contest: Win When The Starlight Ends From Cinedigm
Posted in Contests by Gino Sassani on March 12th, 2018
Cinedigm is releasing When the Starlight Ends on DVD this week. It’s the major motion picture debut of Arabella Oz, daughter of the famous television Dr. Oz. A writer loses his muse only to find himself rewriting their time togetheer looking for a happy ending. You’ll have to separate real from fantasy with this one. To help you along, Cinedigm has sent a copy for a lucky Upcomingdiscs fan.
Contest is now closed Winner is John
Winners are notified by E-mail. If you did not get a confirmation E-mail from us, check your Spam filter and contact us. Any prize not claimed in 2 weeks will be forfeit and be placed in the end of year contests next Holiday Season.
Thor: Ragnarok
Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 12th, 2018
“Well, I tried to start a revolution, but didn’t print enough pamphlets, so hardly anyone turned up. Except for my mum and her boyfriend, who I hate. As punishment, I was forced to be in here and become a gladiator. Bit of a promotional disaster that one, but I’m actually organizing another revolution. I don’t know if you’d be interested in something like that? Do you reckon you’d be interested?”
DC has finally gotten a recent comic superhero movie right with Wonder Woman.
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A Wrinkle in Time
Posted in The Reel World by J C on March 10th, 2018
“We can’t take any credit for our talents. It’s how we use them that counts.”
Much has been made about the fact that Ava DuVernay’s A Wrinkle in Time is the most expensive movie ever directed by a woman of color, carrying a reported $103 million price tag. The good news is the filmmaker has absolutely infused her own personality and perspective into this live-action Disney spectacle. (No small feat, by the way.) The bad news is that DuVernay has taken those considerable resources and made a wildly uneven movie that, at various points, somehow manages to look both way more expensive and way cheaper than its budget would suggest.
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