Game of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Season (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on November 18th, 2016
“Does death only come for the wicked and leave the decent behind?”
Throughout its first five seasons, Game of Thrones has been relentlessly cruel to its viewers heroes in a way that shocked audiences and upended genre expectations. But as Thrones edges toward its conclusion — and as the TV adaptation becomes more unmoored than ever from the George R.R. Martin novels that inspired it — certain storytelling conventions seem to be inevitably taking over. I seriously doubt this saga will have a traditional “happy ending,” but season 6 is as close as the show has ever come to being a full-blown crowd-pleaser.
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Tuesday Round Up: November 15, 2016
Posted in Tuesday Round Up by J C on November 15th, 2016
Christmas decorations have been creeping onto store shelves for weeks now and temperatures here in the Sunshine State have begun to plummet all the way down into the high 50’s. Those are two sure signs that winter is coming. Here’s another: the latest batch of episodes from a certain wildly popular HBO fantasy series arrives this week. Game of Thrones: Season 6 highlights our latest Tuesday Round Up, but there is plenty more you should look forward to. Anchor Bay enlists in the Army of One, while Paramount boldly goes to toon town with Star Trek: The Animated Series.
On top of all that, this is also an extremely busy week in terms of theatrical releases we’ll be reviewing. Be sure to come back to the site this weekend to see if Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them recaptures the magic of Harry Potter, and whether Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk scores with fans.
Here’s your weekly 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!
Billions: Season One (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on November 14th, 2016
“What we do has consequences, intended and unintended. The decisions we make, the actions we bring have weight.”
When upcoming heavyweight contenders like Brian Koppelman, David Levien, and Andrew Ross Sorkin get together, you have reason to expect big things. And Billions is very much about heavyweights. The entire show is one big metaphor for a heavyweight prizefight. In one corner you have U.S Attorney Chuck “The Scholar” Rhodes, played by Paul Giamatti. He’s the reigning world champion with a record of 80+ to 0. In the other corner is Bobby “Axe” Axelrod, played by Damian Lewis; he could also be considered undefeated.
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Arrival
Posted in The Reel World by Gino Sassani on November 13th, 2016
“There are days that define your story beyond your life. Like the day they arrived…”
The problem is that this starts out with the kind of story we’ve seen a thousand times before. The alien invasion theme is nothing new. H.G. Wells was describing it back in the 19th Century with War Of The Worlds. Unrelated Orson Welles scared the crap out of a depression-era radio audience with the same story. Independence Day gave us a brilliantly visual story that also begins the same way: alien ships begin to take strategic positions around the world. Here we go again, right? Wrong.
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Exclusive Interview With Sheldon Renan: Director Of The Killing Of America
Posted in Podcasts by Gino Sassani on November 12th, 2016
Violence in America has been a hot topic in the news these days. But it’s not as new of a topic as you might imagine. In the 1980’s Sheldon Renan directed The Killing Of America. He put together news footage, much of which never made it to air at the time. He interviewed serial killers and investigated the stories. The documentary was never released in The United States. Now Severin is finally releasing it on Blu-ray. Of course, I just had to talk to the director and get the scoop on this one. Bang it here to listen in on my chat with Sheldon Renan.
Kickboxer: Vengeance (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on November 10th, 2016
“No rules, no ref. Just your wit and skill to keep you alive.”
Last year, Creed became a critical and audience favorite by reviving a beloved dormant franchise and re-casting its brawny original star in a supporting role as a mentor. I’m not going to pretend that 1989’s Kickboxer (starring Jean-Claude Van Damme) is anywhere near as beloved — or as good — as Rocky. But Kickboxer: Vengeance, a reboot/remake of Van Damme’s campy action favorite, hits some of the same notes as Creed…except for the part where it’s a critical and audience favorite.
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Tuesday Round Up: November 8, 2016
Posted in Tuesday Round Up by J C on November 8th, 2016
The odds that you’ll be reading a review of The Hunger Games saga on our site this week are ever in your favor. Lionsgate has given each of the four flicks in the blockbuster YA franchise — The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay: Part 1 and Part 2 — spiffy new 4K releases, so keep an eye out for what we have to say. Meanwhile, RLJ Entertainment is looking for payback with Kickboxer: Vengeance, and Showtime puts its money where its mouth is with Billions: Season 1.
One last reminder before signing off for the week (and before you head to the polls on this Election Day, if you haven’t already): 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!
Doctor Strange
Posted in The Reel World by J C on November 5th, 2016
“Heroes like the Avengers protect the world from physical dangers. We safeguard it against more mystical threats.”
Back in 2008, Iron Man was entrusted with kicking off Phase One of Marvel’s Global Takeover Cinematic Universe. The film centered around an arrogant hero brought low who builds his own costume — and essentially creates his own superpowers — by scraping together spare parts in a cave. As the years have gone by and Marvel’s brand of superheroism has proven to be infinitely more bulletproof than comic book characters who are actually impervious to gunfire, the studio has earned the right to get a little Strange.
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Hacksaw Ridge
Posted in The Reel World by Brent Lorentson on November 4th, 2016
Just when you thought you’ve seen it all when it comes to films about World War II, Mel Gibson helms a film that hits you with such an emotional wallop that I’ll say it right now: just hand the man the Oscar for this film. It’s only November; how can I be so sure of this? Well, of course there are some titles to keep an eye on as we enter award season, but I honestly can’t imagine a title coming out that can achieve what Gibson did. I’m sure by now you’ve seen the ads for the film that draw comparisons to Saving Private Ryan. It’s a bold statement, but I’m writing this to say that Hacksaw Ridge isn’t the best war film since Saving Private Ryan, it is a superior film to it as well.
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Hell on Wheels: The Final Episodes (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on November 4th, 2016
“This train don’t stop.” That’s what we’re told in an Elton John ballad. But it doesn’t matter if it’s that Midnight Train to Georgia or a freight train, you can bet the farm that it’s going to run out of track. That’s for sure, and you can expect more than a little crying over it all. The saddest news, however, is the show’s final year. You really should not even think about joining the series from this point. I suspect it will still be quite entertaining, but for the full experience you do have to start from the beginning. The evolution of the Cullen character from Civil War veteran out for vengeance to the man who we see in the fifth season is a rather nice journey to witness. So saddle up for the first four. You can find the reviews for other seasons here.
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Skiptrace (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on November 3rd, 2016
“You’re no spring chicken anymore.”
It’s been more than four years since Jackie Chan — the legendary Hong Kong superstar who has been kicking butt and scoring scoring laughs on screen since the 1970s — announced he was retiring from action movies. Sure, Chan quickly backpedaled, but I don’t know that anyone would’ve held it against the actor (who is now 62) if he’d stuck to his word. After decades of grueling injuries, Chan has noticeably slowed down. That being said, the old man still has a few tricks up his sleeve in Skiptrace.
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Star Trek Beyond (UHD Blu-ray) (4K)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on November 2nd, 2016
“Space… The final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission, to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no one has gone before.”
Every Star Trek fan knows the words by heart. For 50 years they’ve heralded the promise of something special. From the television show that couldn’t but did anyway to 12 feature films. Would #13 be the lucky one? The trailers left many of us worried that it would more than likely be unlucky.
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Tuesday Round Up: November 1, 2016
Posted in Tuesday Round Up by J C on November 1st, 2016
This week, we are boldly going where no Tuesday Round Up has gone before: November 2016! Yes, it’s a new month, and we’re excited to announce that you will soon be able to read our review of Paramount’s Star Trek Beyond, which arrives to us in spiffy 4K. And from the furthest reaches of outer space we go to…the American West. Entertainment One gets us back on track with Hell on Wheels: Season 5, Volume 2.
Even though it’s a brand new month, the same reminder still applies here: 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!
“31 Nights Of Terror” Decorations Contest Winner
Posted in News and Opinions by Gino Sassani on October 31st, 2016
Our 31 Nights Of Terror comes to an end. The decorations contest did not go as well as we hoped. There won’t be any voting because we only had one entry. The winner of a Troma 3-Blu-ray set is Paul Blacker with the following winning photo:
There is still time to enter our other many contests.
Thank you for another 31 Nights Of Terror.
“31 Nights Of Terror” The Id (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Brent Lorentson on October 30th, 2016
This is one of those titles that came along where I had no idea what to expect. I knew it was a horror title, and really that is about it. The problem with doing films in a single location, though it may save you money when it comes to the actual production, is that in return you put an added pressure on your performers and the story to not be boring and keeping the story moving. It can be done; after all, 10 Cloverfield Lane is one of my favorite films of the year, and most of it takes place in a bunker. When it comes to The Id, how did the film turn out? Well, I feel it was a victim of its own design.
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“31 Nights Of Terror” Tales Of Poe
Posted in No Huddle by Jeremy Butler on October 29th, 2016
What 31 Nights of Terror list would be complete without an addition from the master of macabre himself, Edgar Allen Poe, this time in the form of an anthology series that transforms three of his dark tales into a visual experience that will haunt you. Tales of Poe treats the audience to a front-row seat for the stories of The Tell-Tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado, and Dreams. Fair warning, these are not direct interpretations. There is some artistic license taken, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Who wants to just watch imitation when you can watch recreation, and that is exactly what Tales of Poe offers. I hope you have a strong stomach. Who am I kidding, if you are reading this, you must, because Tales of Poe pulls no punches in its tribute to the master.
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Inferno
Posted in The Reel World by Jeremy Butler on October 29th, 2016
“Mankind is the cancer of its own body. Do you love humanity enough to save it?”
I remember when I was first introduced to the character of Robert Langdon. I was a late bloomer to the story, not having read the book. My first introduction came from the film. I had just graduated high school, and instead of engaging in the customary family dinner that usually precedes the event, I opted in favor of going to the see The Da Vinci Code. That is a decision that I have never regretted. Fortunately, I didn’t need to skip anything important to see Angels and Demons, and it is a good thing, as the film missed the mark with me. Now here we find ourselves on the cusp of Langdon’s redemption with Inferno. Will the third film in the trilogy be enough to make people forget about the second one? Is Tom Hanks still convincing in what is becoming one of his most recognizable roles?
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“31 Nights Of Terror” Girl in Woods
Posted in No Huddle by Dan Holland on October 28th, 2016
Girl in Woods is a very conflicting film. The writing and direction were wonderful, as well as the setting: I have previously written about my fondness of independent horror films set in the woods (see my review of The Interior). However, the film’s post-production and the acting were not up to par with the maturity set forth by the intricate story and overall tone of the film. The film succeeds in establishing an atmosphere of fear and mania through cleverly fragmenting the narrative through cryptic flashbacks, but it fails to impress with visuals, simply because of poor quality.
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Mr. Church (Blu-ray)
Posted in Disc Reviews by J C on October 28th, 2016
“There’s a black man in our kitchen cooking eggs!”
The kitchen-bound black man in this case is Eddie Murphy in Mr. Church, which on the surface appears to be the latest in a sneakily long line of movies (Driving Miss Daisy, The Help, The Butler) where saintly, subservient African Americans enlighten their white counterparts. Those movies can be cloying at best and downright insulting at worst if placed in the wrong hands. But if done right, they can really resonate with audiences. (As evidenced by the fact that the movies I mentioned earlier were pretty big hits.) Mr. Church falls somewhere in between.
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Our Kind Of Traitor
Posted in Disc Reviews by Brent Lorentson on October 28th, 2016
When it comes to spy novelist John le Carre (Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy, The Night Manager), his books seem to produce great films and mini-series but are far from being box-office darlings. Each production of one of his novels seems to be filled with talent in front of and behind the camera. When it comes to the release of Our Kind of Traitor, despite the impressive cast it’s a film that managed to slip through the cracks and seems to have limped its way to a DVD/Blu-ray release when really it’s a film that deserves to be appreciated more on the big screen. While it may not be filled with the spectacle of special effects and explosions, it’s a film that garners some impressive performances throughout and has a story that quickly pulls the viewer in.
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Papa Hemingway in Cuba
Posted in No Huddle by Gino Sassani on October 28th, 2016
“Lets go find you a fish.”
I’ve been told enough times that it is often not a good idea to meet your heroes. It’s too often impossible for anyone to live up to expectations, particularly when they are already up on a pedestal in our minds. All humans have their flaws, and Ernest Hemingway was no exception. I never met him. He killed himself around the time I was busy being born. I often joked to my writing professors that he feared my arrival. The truth is that he had so many demons.
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“31 Nights Of Terror” Independence Day Resurgence (UHD Blu-ray) (4K)
Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on October 27th, 2016
“The countless lives we lost in the War Of ’96 did not perish in vain. They inspire us to rise from the ashes as one people of one world. For 20 years the world has seen no armed conflict. Nations have put their petty differences aside. United, we rebuilt our families, our cities and our lives. The fusion of human and alien technology not only enabled us to defy gravity and travel at unimaginable speeds. It also made our planet finally safe again.”
Not so fast there, cowboy. There would be no need for a sequel to the 1996 hit film Independence Day if the big bad aliens weren’t coming back.
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“31 Nights Of Terror” Contest: Win Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein On Blu-ray
Posted in Contests, Expired Contests by Gino Sassani on October 26th, 2016
This will be our last giveaway for 31 Nights Of Terror. We saved the classic for last. We’re giving away Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein on Blu-ray. Bela Lugosi returned to the role of Dracula for the 2nd and last time for this farce. It was also the final appearance of Lon Chaney, Jr. as The Wolf Man. It marked the end of an era and it’s going out to one lucky winner.
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 – What was the funniest horror/comedy you ever saw?
- Only those comments that answer our question will be considered.
Contest is now closed Winner is Bill Grady
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.
Who Gets the Dog?
Posted in No Huddle by Jeremy Butler on October 26th, 2016
First Impressions: a poor man’s Marley and Me. Final Impressions: a poor man’s Marley and Me. So from beginning to end my impression of the film did not change, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. In fact, that is exactly the case for Who Gets the Dog, a heartwarming tale about a poor dog caught in the middle of a divorce of a couple that see him as their child rather than property. Ryan Kwanten and Alicia Silverstone headline the cast of this story but without question the real star is Wesley, our beloved pooch. A wholesome experience can serve as a date movie or film for the whole clan.
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Tuesday Round Up: October 25, 2016
Posted in Tuesday Round Up by J C on October 25th, 2016
I won’t keep you in the dark much longer: the final Tuesday Round Up of October features one of this year’s surprise horror hits. My face lit up when I saw that Warner Bros. was kind enough to send us a copy of Lights Out, and you can already check out our review here. On top of that, we’ve already posted our takes for Suddenly (courtesy of Film Detective) and The Midnight Swim (from Passion River Films). Passion River also goes for a stroll with the Girl in Woods. Finally, Lionsgate cooks up a warm family drama with Mr. Church and gets into some action/comedy hijinks with Skiptrace.
Even though this is our last Tuesday Round Up of the spooky season, there are still plenty of thrills and chills to be had on our site. Keep checking back each day for our “31 Nights of Terror” and enter to win a free prize in our many contests. Also, 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!