Space Battleship Yamato finally arrives officially in the US on April 29, 2014!

I love Space Battleship Yamato AKA Starblazers and have been waiting for the 2010 Japanese live action feature film to make an official American debut for years. It has been available as a Japanese import, but pricey compared to domestic films. Now Funimation will be distributing the hit film with an English dubbed soundtrack. I have no other information about the title other than a street date of April 29, 2014. I hope the original Japanese Language Soundtrack will be included too. The film beautifully captured the epic animated space opera and covers key events from it too.

(C) Copyright 2014 By Mark Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

The Universe In 3D: A Whole New Dimension Blu-ray 3D and Blu-ray Combo Disc Review.

The Universe is one of my favorite continuing series on History. I used to watch it with a notebook and pen at my side to take notes because the show is filled with knowledge that I like to think of as gold. However I cut the cord on cable a long time ago with the exception of high speed internet because that is now a necessity in life just like having a telephone. As streaming TV has become more popular between popular devices like ROKU and Apple TV as well as smart HDTVs in general, consumers are no longer as dependent upon cable TV. Yet despite these choices, Blu-ray Disc is still the best way to view high definition content in the home and the addition of Blu-ray 3D as a screening option adds an entirely new viewing experience that you cannot get anywhere else.

Lionsgate Home Entertainment's The Universe In 3D: A Whole New Dimension presents three fantastic episodes of the popular series in both 2D and Blu-ray 3D on one dual layered MVC encoded full resolution L/R Eye 1080p/24fps 16 by 9 widescreen (1.78:1) aspect ratio presentation and the image quality for these episodes are simply fantastic. An enveloping English DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround Soundtrack is also included complete with a DTS-HD MA 5.1 Channel calibration program to test speaker placement and performance. English Subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired and Spanish Language Subtitles are also encoded onto the Blu-ray Disc as options.

The three episodes are all from 2011 and cover the diverse topics like the realities and dangers of a human piloted mission to Mars and the discoveries that may be awaiting scientists there. This episode covers the necessity of recycling everything for survival on Mars, including feces as a means of lining a space between the inner wall and hull of a pressure tight rover to protect the astronauts inside from radiation. Feces absorbs dangerous forms of radiation released by solar flares, which the planet Mars offers no defense against because it lost it's protect magnetic layer of atmosphere long ago. 

The next episode covers the seven worst days on planet Earth, which include a planetary collision that formed our moon, a super volcano that caused a mass extinction on such a scale it is referred to as The Great Death and the bacterial cause for an ice age long ago. The final episode covers the mystery and points of view shared between physicists and theologians on whether or not the creation of the universe proves the existence of a creator or can be explained away by the laws of physics.

The episodes can be viewed individually or via a "Play All" option regardless if one chooses to view the episodes in 3D or 2D. There are no directly related extra value features outside of trailers for the upcoming History movie Houdini, starring Adrien Brody, Big History, narrated by Bryan Cranston, Ancient Aliens as well as trailers for sci-fi films available on Blu-ray from Lionsgate that include The Darkest Day and Knowing.

The Blu-ray interactive menus are well rendered and easy to navigate. The Universe In 3D: A Whole New Dimension is available on Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray Combo Disc now at retailers on and offline courtesy of Lionsgate Home Entertainment.

(C) Copyright 2014 By Mark Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

Modern Rhapsody.

Translated into English, this painting is called Modern Rhapsody by Salvador Dali, who is mentioned several times as a point of reference in my book The Final Arbiter.

Directed By Spike Lee Starring Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen & Sharlto Copley OLDBOY Available March 4 on Blu-ray™, DVD & Digital

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

“Rivetingly intense”

 ~ Owen Gleiberman, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

 

 “A punch to the gut.”

 ~ Germain Lussier, SLASHFILM

 

“Riveting. Mind-blowing. Josh Brolin gives the performance of his career.” 

~ Joel Amos, MOVIEFANATIC.COM

 

Directed By Spike Lee

Starring Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen & Sharlto Copley

OLDBOY

Available March 4 on Blu-ray^™, DVD & Digital

Bonus Features Include Three Featurettes, & Extended & Alternate Scenes

 

 

CULVER CITY, CALIF. (Jan. 22, 2014) –Academy Award^® nominee Josh Brolin (Best Supporting Actor, Milk, 2008) stars as a troubled advertising executive who finds himself kidnapped and held in an inescapable room in the thriller OLDBOY, available on Blu-ray^™, DVD and Digital HD UltraViolet^™ March 4 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. In this gritty tale of vengeance from critically-acclaimed director Spike Lee (Inside Man), Joe Doucette (Josh Brolin) is abruptly kidnapped and framed for the murder of his wife. After being held hostage in solitary confinement for 20 years, Doucette is released without explanation and struggles to reacclimate himself until he crosses paths with a caring social worker (Elizabeth Olsen) and sets out on an obsessive mission to find out who imprisoned him. He soon realizes that the real mystery is why he was set free. The cast also includes Sharlto Copley (Elysium), Michael Imperioli (The Call), JamesRansone (Red Hook Summer) and Pom Klementieff (Sleepless Nights).

 

 

Fans can explore the making of the film in two behind-the-scenes featurettes on the Blu-ray and DVD, including “The Making of Oldboy,” detailing the fight choreography in the film, and “Transformation,” taking fans on an in-depth exploration of Doucette’s character. The Blu-ray exclusively features alternate and extended scenes, a short promo spot including clips from the workout video in the film, and “Talking Heads,” an additional featurette providing overview of the OLDBOY story line.

 

Synopsis:

OLDBOY is a provocative, visceral thriller that follows the story of Joe Doucette, a man who is abruptly kidnapped and held hostage for 20 years in solitary confinement, for no apparent reason. When he is suddenly released without explanation, he begins an obsessive mission to find out who imprisoned him, only to discover that the real mystery is why he was set free. The remake of the cult classic 2003 Korean film of the same name is directed by Spike Lee from a screenplay by Mark Protosevich. The film was produced by Roy Lee, Doug Davison and Nathan Kahane, with Joe Drake, John Powers Middleton and Peter Schlessel serving as executive producers.

 

 

Blu-ray & DVD Bonus Features Include:

·         Two Featurettes:

o   “The Making of Oldboy”

o   “Transformation”

 

Blu-ray Bonus Features Include:

·         Alternate & Extended Scenes  

·         “Talking Heads” Featurette

·         Workout Video Promo

 

OLDBOY has a run time of approximately 104 minutes and is rated R for strong brutal violence, disturbing images, some graphic sexuality, nudity and language

Downton Abbey: Season 4: 3-Disc Set Blu-ray Disc Review

Downton Abbey is the highest rated drama in PBS television history, reaching a record 24.1 million viewers during the broadcast of the third season in 2013. It also had the highest Twitter buzz for any program broadcast on public television. The show is a co-production between Carnival, which is a division of NBCUniversal International Television Productions and MASTERPIECE, a staple of quality drama on PBS going back decades. The series has garnered ten Emmys(r) two Golden Globes(r) and a coveted Screen Actors Guild Award(r) for the ensemble cast.

The fourth season has already begun to air on PBS, but those on the American side of the Atlantic, who want to know what happens this season before broadcast viewers, will be able to pick up the complete fourth season of the UK Edition of Downton Abbey on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 on DVD and Blu-ray Disc as well as Digital Download, but all versions are sold separately. Then those who purchase the season on January, 28, 2014 can watch the finale more than three weeks before it premieres on MASTERPIECE on PBS.

The fourth season opens six months after the events of the third season finale and basically deals with the theme of new beginnings and moving on as new cast members are introduced and returning and new guest stars make appearances including Academy Award(r) winning Actress Shirley MacLaine and as her playboy son, Paul Giamatti. and James Fox. New cast members include Harriet Walter, Gary Carr, Joanna David, and Tom Cullen. The season begins in 1922 and explores some of the cultural changes that impact our characters in the world of Downton Abbey and this is reflected in subtle costume changes with skirts being raised just a little bit higher and men of financial means dressing in a new stylish formal wear. The idea ties into the series' themes as while the people of Downton Abbey still cling onto a 19th century Victorian sensibility, the 20th century is creeping in and opening new doors as opportunities that include African British Actor Gary Carr as a Jazz Singer whose success has allowed him to rub elbows with British Society. In addition there is a beautiful opera performance by a renowned opera singer, who was honored to be asked to appear on Downton Abbey just as much as the cast and crew were honored to have her. Both are mutual fans. 

The drama with the support staff as it parallels the drama of the upper class reminded me a bit of the Merchant Ivory film, The Remains Of The Day. It is clear after watching the fourth season of Downton Abbey that cast members may come and go like any soap opera, but for now anyway, Downton Abbey seems eternal.

PBS Distribution presents the fourth season of Downton Abbey on Blu-ray Disc with beautiful 1080p/24fps high definition video and English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo Sound and English Subtitles for Deaf and Hearing Impaired encoded as an option for all nine episodes. The back of the packing states 1080i as the Blu-ray Disc broadcast resolution, but my Blu-ray player and TV listed the content as 1080p/24p.

The episodes can be viewed in sequence via a "Play All" option or individually according to the viewer's preference.  Additional information on Downton Abbey and PBS can be found at PBS.org as a text menu selection informs the viewer and each episode has chapter listings too. The interactive menus are elegant and easy to navigate.

One caveat I have about this set is the overdoing of sponsor commercials at the beginning of each disc when a user presses play for the first episode of each disc and after the credits of the final episode on each disc as well. I understand and respect that contributors like Ralph Lauren and Viking Cruises help make programs like Downton Abbey possible on PBS, but as far as I am concerned if I buy a film or TV show on Blu-ray Disc or another home video format, I should not be subjected to commercials twice for each of the three discs in the set. Not even Buena Vista piles on the self promotion like this and this is not PBS commercials for PBS home video releases, these are literally adverts that aside from one on the first disc, should not be exploiting the consumer by appearing another five times on the set. It is ridiculous and a turn off I hope PBS will address with future releases because that kind of repeat advertising does not make me want to buy Ralph Lauren clothes or take a Viking cruise. 

Over thirty minutes of bonus materials are found on the third disc and they are presented in full HD as well and include a look at how the cast gets ready for day of production from arriving early in the morning and eating breakfast and then going into makeup and more (13:27). Then there is a making of the fourth season featurette (12:22), which is supported by interviews with the new cast members (9:22). A Visit Britain advert (:32) wraps up the bonus materials within this Blu-ray Disc Set.

Downton Abbey: Season Four: Original UK Edition: 3-Disc Set on Blu-ray Disc will debut on January 28, 2014 at retailers on and offline courtesy of PBS Distribution.

(C) Copyright 2014 By Mark Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

Hannibal Second Season Trailer.

The eagerly awaited second season premiere of the NBC television series Hannibal is on February, 28, 2014. NBC and Lionsgate has released a trailer for the second season, which can be viewed on YouTube by clicking on the link below. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVhl6WgMTGw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

The midseason premiere poster and episode trailer for The Walking Dead are now online.

The trailer for the midseason premiere episode of the hit AMC original television series The Walking Dead has debuted online and this is the poster for it above and below is a link to the trailer on YouTube. Enjoy.

http://youtu.be/C8jilCMCP2Q

If 2014's Oscar-nominated movie posters told the truth.

My colleague in Coventry sent me this link. Neither my colleague nor I have anything to do with this website.

http://www.theshiznit.co.uk/feature/if-2014s-oscar-nominated-movie-posters-told-the-truth.php

Omaze and the Make-A-Wish® foundation announced today a once-in-a-lifetime experience giving one very lucky fan and a guest the extremely rare opportunity to visit the Star Wars Mecca: George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch!

It may be a while before Star Wars fans are given the chance to travel to Tatooine; however, Omaze and the Make-A-Wish® foundation announced today a once-in-a-lifetime experience giving one very lucky fan and a guest the extremely rare opportunity to visit the Star Wars Mecca: George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch!   

In addition to a private VIP tour of the famed facility, they'll also get a personal meeting with legendary director George Lucas. If that wasn't enough, Omaze will then fly them to Nerdist Studios in LA, where they will get to hang with Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill.

By going to omaze.com/starwars, fans are able to donate $10 to enter for a chance to win.  The best part about it? This experience is not going to the highest bidder in a charity auction. Anyone can enter to win by heading over to omaze.com/starwars, and donating.

We would love if you could tell your audience about this amazing opportunity!   Mark Hamill has kicked off this campaign and will be releasing future videos around this experience.

“As a gesture of gratitude to all you amazing Star Wars fans out there, I’d like to offer the chance for you to capture your very own ultimate Star Wars moment,” said Hamill.   "You and a friend will visit George and I at Skywalker Ranch and Nerdist Studios and chat about the history of Star Wars…Wookies and all.  Do it now.  Force yourself!”

Additionally, there are other incentives for fans to enter. For example, a $100 donation will earn a limited edition Star Wars shirt only available during this campaign and digital video thank you from Mark Hamill, while a $2500 donation will get a Luke Skywalker Force FX Lightsaber Collectible signed by Mark Hamill.

Omaze is a new online charity platform that gives anyone the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences that also support social missions.  Why should life’s most amazing experiences only be accessible to a select few?  Omaze works with studios, talent, and nonprofits to generate significantly more money and awareness for deserving causes, and all who choose to donate could share the chance to live out dream experiences. (You may have heard of their recent work with the cast of Breaking Bad, where Aaron Paul helped raise $1.7 million through Omaze for anti-bullying nonprofit The Kind Campaign, by giving donors the opportunity to win a trip as his personal guest to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery screening of the Breaking Bad finale.) 

Every entry made towards this particular Star Wars experience will benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.  Through their work and effort they are able to grant a wish every 38 minutes in the United States. 

The Following: The Complete First Season on Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet HD Digital Copy Review

Of the new series to premiere during the winter of 2013 portion of the 2012-2013 television season on Fox, The Following, starring Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy and created by Kevin Williamson ended up being among the best along with NBC's Hannibal, which started later, but despite the slight premise similarity, ended up being two very different and equally engaging thriller programs.

Broadcast television is in some cases following the model of programming associated with premium cable channels with several shows on Fox and NBC ironically enough following a 12,13 or more episode season and if renewed, returning the next season either in the summer, fall, winter, or spring for a new series of episodes. CBS followed the same formula for Stephen King's Under The Dome during the summer and it is a trend that I hope will continue especially in light of the increased amount of people who have cut the cord and now rely on a combination of free over the air broadcast channels mixed in with streaming television both on demand and live through services like ROKU. 

The Following stars Kevin Bacon as a former FBI Agent with skeletons in his closet that is drawn back into service when a cult following a killer (James Purefoy) he put away kidnaps his stepson and eventually his wife. The son is actually the son of the killer, who was a brilliant novelist and professor with expertise particularly on the works of Edgar Allen Poe. When his following attacks, the works of Poe are often referenced and soon the Agent discovers he is in a game of cat and mouse with a manipulator whose followers are writing their own  "chapters" in a book the killer is writing and only the author knows the endgame.

Warner Home Video presents The Following on Blu-ray Disc within a large multi disc blue BD case that includes all fifteen episodes on three dual layered Blu-ray Disc and the episodes look incredible in 1080p full HD with enveloping English, French and Spanish Language DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround Audio with English Subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired and French, Spanish, Swedish, Dutch, Norwegian and Danish Language Subtitles encoded as options.

There are also four dual layered DVDs containing 16 by 9 enhanced standard definition presentations of all 15 episodes with English 5.1 and Portuguese Language Dolby Digital Surround Soundtracks coupled with English Subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired and Chinese, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Korean and Thai Language Subtitle choices. There is also an insert with a limited time only code for an Ultraviolet HD Digital Copy as well.

Bonus features include an extended version of the pilot as well as featurettes regarding the creators of the series and companion shorts on the characters, production and an audio commentary for the season finale as well as deleted scenes among the extra value content. 

The second season of The Following will premiere on Fox on Sunday, January 19, 2014. Please check your local broadcast listings for time and to confirm the premiere date just in case a change occurs. The Following: The Complete First Season is available now at retailers on and offline courtesy of Warner Home Entertainment.

(C) Copyright 2014 By Mark Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

THE FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER announces details for Martin Scorsese Presents: Masterpieces of Polish Cinema

The Polish Film School is one of the best film schools on the planet. It is where we got Roman Polanski from and when I was an undergrad in film school, my professor for Directing, Sound Techniques and one on one tutorials on Screenwriting that helped prepare me for my continued studies in the graduate MFA in Creative Writing program at the University was a graduate of the Polish Film School as well.

Being half Polish myself, it is with great pride I post this press release.

         Masterpieces of Polish Cinema 

There are many revelations in the “Masterpieces of Polish Cinema” series and whether you’re familiar with some of these films or not, it’s an incredible opportunity to discover for yourself the great power of Polish cinema, on the big screen in brilliantly restored digital masters.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

21-film series debuts on February 5 with Opening Night screenings of Andrzej Wajda’s MAN OF IRON and Krzysztof Zanussi’s CAMOUFLAGE and includes classic films by Jerzy Kawalerowicz, Krzysztof Kieslowski and Andrzej Munk, among others

 

New York, NY (January 6, 2014) – The Film Society of Lincoln Center announced today the schedule for Martin Scorsese Presents: Masterpieces of Polish Cinema, a 21-film series created and organized by Scorsese’s non-profit organization, The Film Foundation in partnership with Propaganda Foundation, DI Factory and CRF, distributed by Milestone Films in cooperation with Janus, featuring classic works from some of Poland’s most accomplished and lauded filmmakers, spanning the period from 1957–1987. Curated by Scorsese from a selection of new digital restorations, the series premieres at the Film Society, February 5-16, and will travel to 30 cities this year. Each film will be presented in brilliantly re-mastered and newly subtitled DCPs.

 

“Poland has long been home to one of the richest national cinemas, and the period surveyed in this program was an especially fertile one,” said Dennis Lim, the Film Society’s Director of Cinematheque Programming. “We are proud to be partnering with the Film Foundation and Milestone to launch this major national tour. Handpicked by Martin Scorsese, this is an extraordinary selection of films, ranging from classics to rarities, all worthy of discovery and re-discovery.”   

 

Highlights include the Opening Night presentation of Andrzej Wajda’s Palme d’Or winner and Academy Award-nominee MAN OF IRON (1981) about the workers’ strike in Gdańsk that led to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and Krzysztof Zanussi’s CAMOUFLAGE (1976), a comic story of a contentious relationship between a young linguist and an associate professor; Alexander Ford’s BLACK CROSS (1960), a blockbuster (and the most-viewed Polish film in history) set against a backdrop of medieval battles; Wojciech Has’s mystical film adaptation of THE SARAGOSSA MANUSCRIPT (1964), a prize-winner at the Edinburgh and San Sebastian film festivals; Andrzej Munk’s EROICA (1957), a look at the contrast in lives between that of a street-wise bon-vivant and those of righteous Polish officers incarcerated in a German camp during WWII; and Zanussi’s 70s philosophical essay on film incorporating animation, experimental techniques and documentary footage, THE ILLUMINATION (1972).

 

Other notable films include Jerzy Kawalerowicz’s MOTHER JOAN OF THE ANGELS (1960), NIGHT TRAIN (1959), PHARAOH (1965), Krzysztof Kieslowski’s BLIND CHANCE (1981) and A SHORT FILM ABOUT KILLING (1987), Wajda’s ASHES AND DIAMONDS (1958), INNOCENT SORCERERS (1960), THE PROMISED LAND (1974) and THE WEDDING (1972), and Zanussi’s THE CONSTANT FACTOR (1980).

 

The genesis of Martin Scorsese Presents: Masterpieces of Polish Cinema began in December 2011 when Scorsese received an honorary doctoral degree from The Polish National Film, Television, and Theatre School in Łódź, Poland. While there Scorsese met with the Polish organizer of the series, Jędrzej Sabliński—a digital restoration expert now with DI Factory, which provides data processing to motion picture studios and filmmakers. They both discussed the progress of digital film restoration in Poland and how The Film Foundation could help. In the months following his visit, the idea of a North American tour of a series of restored Polish classics came together, with 21 titles selected by Scorsese from the list of digitally restored films. The Film Foundation executive director Margaret Bodde worked with Sabliński to develop the program and recommended Milestone Film as the North American distributor for the series.

 

  Tickets and a discount package for the series will go on sale Thursday, January 16. Single screening tickets are $13; $9 for students and seniors (62+); and $8 for Film Society members. Discount packages start at $30; $24 for students and seniors (62+); and $21 for Film Society members. Discount prices apply with the purchase of tickets to three films or more. Visit FilmLinc.com for more information. The official website also contains at this address: http://www.mspresents.com/

 

Masterpieces of Polish Cinema FILMS & DESCRIPTIONS

 

Opening Night Selection

CAMOUFLAGE (Barwy ochronne) (1976) 101 min

Director: Krzysztof Zanussi

The shallowness and cynicism of the academic milieu and the hypocrisy of idealism are depicted in the relationship between a young linguist and a diabolical associate professor. A universal story by one of the renowned contemporary Polish directors.

Wednesday, February 5 at 6:00PM – Krzysztof Zanussi will attend the screening.

Friday, February 7 at 7:30PM

 

Opening Night Selection

MAN OF IRON (Człowiek z żelaza) (1981) 153 min

Director: Andrzej Wajda

Wajda’s Palme d’Or-winning, Oscar®-nominated masterpiece follows the workers’ strike in Gdańsk in August 1980 that led to the formation of the Solidarity trade union.

Wednesday, February 5 at 8:30PM

 

ASHES AND DIAMONDS (Popiół i diament) (1958) 103 min

Director: Andrzej Wajda

At the end of WWII, a young Polish resistance soldier reaches a crossroads when Nazi rule is replaced by a communist regime that is not what he and his compatriots have been fighting for.

Sunday, February 9 at 6:45PM

 

AUSTERIA (1982) 107 min

Director: Jerzy Kawalerowicz

On the first night of WWI, refugees seek sanctuary from the Russian army in a country inn owned by a Jewish family in this intimate drama set against the turbulence of history.

Sunday, February 16 at 9:00PM

 

BLACK CROSS (Krzyżacy) (1960) 173 min

Director: Aleksander Ford

In this historical blockbuster, the tragic love of Zbyszko and Danusia plays out amidst the Polish-German conflict that lead to the battle of Grunwald.

Monday, February 10 at 8:00PM

 

BLIND CHANCE (Przypadek) (1981) 123 min

Director: Krzysztof Kieslowski

Kieślowski explores the autonomy of human choices by presenting three alternative versions of the life of 20-year old Witek, whose whole future depends on whether he can catch a train.

Friday, February 14 at 9:30PM

Sunday, February 16 at 2:00PM 

 

THE CONSTANT FACTOR (Constans) (1980) 91 min

Director: Krzysztof Zanussi

A young man who dreams of climbing the Himalayas finds himself compromising his ideals when he takes a job at an international trade company in Zanussi’s award-winning Cannes hit.

Tuesday, February 11 at 9:15PM

Saturday, February 15 at 9:00PM

 

EROICA (1957) 85 min

Director: Andrzej Munk

Munk contrasts the absurd life of a street-wise bon-vivant with a somber picture of righteous Polish officers incarcerated in a German camp in his ambiguous two-part wartime symphony.

Friday, February 7 at 9:45PM

 

THE HOUR-GLASS SANATORIUM (Sanatorium pod Klepsydrą) (1973) 124 min

Director: Wojciech Has

Holocaust themes augment this adaptation of Jewish author Bruno Schulz’s visionary and poetic reflection on the nature of time and death, which won the Jury Award at Cannes.

Friday, Feb 14 at 7:00PM

Sunday, Feb 16 at 4:30PM

 

THE ILLUMINATION (Iluminacja) (1972) 93 min

Director: Krzysztof Zanussi

One of the most interesting works of 1970s Polish cinema. A young provincial man comes to the capital to study physics and must tackle life’s universal questions in this philosophical essay comprising animation, experimental methods and documentary footage.

Friday, February 7 at 2:30PM

Thursday, February 13 at 6:30PM

 

INNOCENT SORCERERS (Niewinni czarodzieje) (1960) 88 min

Director: Andrzej Wajda

In 1950s Poland, two young people meet in a bar and go from small talk to bed, but as dawn approaches what seemed to be a meaningless episode in their lives gets more complicated.

Sunday, Feb 16 at 7:00PM

 

JUMP (Salto) (1965) 105 min

Director: Tadeusz Konwicki

In this Polish Western, a man on the run seeks refuge in a ghost town halfway between dream and reality, whose desperate inhabitants can’t decide if he’s a prophet or a common liar.

Sunday, February 9 at 9:00PM

THE LAST DAY OF SUMMER (Ostatni dzień lata) (1958) 62 min

Director: Tadeusz Konwicki

A man and a woman who cannot communicate meet on an empty beach in this subtle tale of a confrontation of two lonely people from which a true closeness cannot result. The film was awarded the Grand Prix in Venice for documentary and short films, as well as the Grand Prix of the EXPO in Brussels and the First Prize of MFF in London.

Monday, Feb 10 at 6:30PM

 

MOTHER JOAN OF THE ANGELS (Matka Joanna od Aniołów) (1960)  110 min

Director: Jerzy Kawalerowicz

A young, virtuous exorcist is sent to a mysterious monastery inhabited by beautiful nuns who are said to be possessed by demons in this thrilling and philosophical portrait of human vice.

Saturday, February 8 at 9:00PM

Tuesday, February 11 at 7:00PM

 

NIGHT TRAIN (Pociąg) (1959) 98 min

Director: Jerzy Kawalerowicz

A subtle game of emotions between two travelers—changing from mutual aversion to closeness without hope of a future—plays out amidst the human microcosm of a night train.

Sunday, February 9 at 4:30PM

 

PHARAOH (Faraon) (1965) 152 min

Director: Jerzy Kawalerowicz

This epic production, complete with huge battle scenes and stunningly choreographed musical pieces, focuses on a young Ramses XIII as he takes over rule of the ancient Egyptian empire.

Friday, February 7 at 4:30PM

Sunday, February 9 at 1:00PM

 

THE PROMISED LAND (Ziemia Obiecana) (1974) 170 min

Director: Andrzej Wajda

Wajda’s fascinating portrait of the industrial city of Lodz during the birth of gritty 19th century capitalism is also a tale of the strength of masculine friendship.

Saturday, February 15 at 1:30PM

 

THE SARAGOSSA MANUSCRIPT (Rękopis znaleziony w Saragossie) (1964) 183 min

Director: Wojciech Has

Based on one of the greatest works of world literature, a mountain-crossing turns into a sequence of supernatural and frightful events for the skeptical Alphonse van Worden.

Wednesday, February 5 at 2:00PM

Saturday, February 8 at 5:30PM

 

A SHORT FILM ABOUT KILLING (Krótki film o zabijaniu) (1987) 86 min

Director: Krzysztof Kieslowski

The paths of three men—a cabbie, a lawyer, and a killer—cross on a somber March day in this psychological and ethical study of murder that launched Kieślowski’s international career.

Thursday, February 13 at 8:30PM

TO KILL THIS LOVE (Trzeba zabić tę miłość) (1972) 92 min

Director: Janusz Morgenstern

As Neil Armstrong lands on the moon, two young Poles kept out of university by communist quotas discover love and life in a big city, dreaming of an independence they cannot enjoy.

Saturday, February 15 at 7:00PM

 

THE WEDDING (Wesele) (1972) 107 min

Director: Andrzej Wajda

Characters from all walks of life come together at a 19th century wedding party and things take a turn for the uncanny when ghosts from their pasts mingle with the joyful celebrations.

Saturday, February 15 at 4:45PM

 

PUBLIC SCREENING SCHEDULE

 

All screenings in the Walter Reade Theater unless otherwise noted

165 West 65th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam)

 

Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center (EBMFC)

144 West 65th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam)

 

Wednesday, February 5

2:00PM                        THE SARAGOSSA MANUSCRIPT (183 min)

6:00PM                        CAMOUFLAGE (106 min)

8:30PM                        MAN OF IRON (153 min)

 

Thursday, February 6

No Masterpieces of Polish Cinema screenings

 

Friday, February 7

2:30PM                        THE ILLUMINATION (93 min)

4:30PM                        PHAROAH (152 min)

7:30PM                        CAMOUFLAGE (101 min)

9:45PM                        EROICA (85 min)

 

Saturday, February 8

5:30PM                        THE SARAGOSSA MANUSCRIPT (183 min)

9:00PM                        MOTHER JOAN OF THE ANGELS (110 min)

 

Sunday, February 9

1:00PM                        PHARAOH (152 min)

4:30PM                        NIGHT TRAIN (98 min)

6:45PM                        ASHES AND DIAMONDS (103 min)

9:00PM                        JUMP (104 min)

 

Monday, February 10

6:30PM                        THE LAST DAY OF SUMMER (62 min)

8:00PM                        BLACK CROSS (173 min)

 

Tuesday, February 11

7:00PM                        MOTHER JOAN OF THE ANGELS (110 min)

9:15PM                        THE CONSTANT FACTOR (91 min)

 

Wednesday, February 12

No Masterpieces of Polish Cinema screenings

 

Thursday, February 13

6:30PM                        THE ILLUMINATION (93 min) **(EBMFC)

8:30PM                        A SHORT FILM ABOUT KILLING (86 min) **(EBMFC)

 

Friday, February 14

7:00PM                        THE HOUR-GLASS SANATORIUM (124 min) **(EBMFC)

9:30PM                        BLIND CHANCE (123 min)       **(EBMFC)

 

Saturday, February 15

1:30PM                        THE PROMISED LAND (170 min)

4:45PM                        THE WEDDING (107 min)

7:00PM                        TO KILL THIS LOVE (92 min)

9:00PM                        THE CONSTANT FACTOR (91 min)

 

Sunday, February 16

2:00PM                        BLIND CHANCE (123 min)

4:30PM                        THE HOUR-GLASS SANATORIUM (124 min)

7:00PM                        INNOCENT SORCERERS (88 min)

9:00PM                        AUSTERIA (107 min)

 

It is nice when the people you write about are kind enough to drop a quick kind note back.

The folks at Star Trek: Phase II sent me a quick note, which felt good. Thank you guys. Note below:

From all of us, thanks Mark!

Download episodes, including their latest, "Kitumba," which I reviewed as well, scroll down the posts to read, and cut and paste the link below to view and download Star Trek: The New Voyages: Phase II.

http://www.startreknewvoyages.com/?category_name=episodes&orderby=title&order=desc

From My Book The Final Arbiter.

"Changes of form. Change of sight. Colors melting... Blending into each other to create new sensations and stimulations like the painter, Dali."

--From The Final Arbiter

By Mark Rivera.

(C) By Mark Rivera.

All Rights Reserved.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/1461040515?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links

More To Enjoy Than Not & Thank You James Cawley!

Okay, here is my quick no spoilers review of the first of two new episodes to be released this year of Star Trek: Phase II. The episode entitled "Kitumba" was based on a two-part script written in 1977 for the Phase II series, but was revised into one hour and five minute long episode, which ironically might be close enough to what two parter without commercials will soon be on television for an hour long series with adverts. 

The swan song for James Cawley is Captain Kirk is honorable and the performances from the series regular actors, who have been with Mr. Cawley producing the series with a goal of fleshing out the final two seasons of Star Trek: The Original Series with the animated series taken into consideration so as to show the transition toward the Star Trek: The Motion Picture setting and look is admirable. 

Occasionally some of the Klingon makeup just looks bad and I did not like one visual reference made because it seemed as though it were placed as an after thought to keep some kind of continuity with Star Trek Into Darkness, which is in it's own separate universe. There is a verbal reference to an event in Abrams' Star Trek, which I did not like either because it conflicts with what we know of Kirk's childhood from The Original Series. However it is not beyond the possibility that something like what is referenced did happen in the original timeline. Fans will discover little Easter egg references related to events from Star Trek: Enterprise and things set up to follow in the twenty fourth century television programs too.

Where the episode seemed a bit hampered was in the use of non professional actors and extras to portray the Klingons. Some are just plain awful and I found myself squirming at certain sights within a pub setting. Yet there are moments of good old Star Trek camp that seemed refreshing. I am mixed on the pacing because of the nature of the episode. To go into that further would to be risking more spoilers. However and as a whole there is more to enjoy than to cringe at in this episode of Star Trek: Phase II and the link to watch it for free on YouTube is below. Please cut and paste it into your browsers if it is not active so one can view the episode.

This series is made not for profit, but for admiration and love of an American sci-fi television classic. Nothing could be more sincere and of all the fan film productions out there, this is the only one I have found to truly cross the boundary into professional with enough support, participation and cooperation from those involved with Star Trek professionally that I personally consider it part of my own imaginary Star Trek cannon and what better complement could a reviewer give to a production such as this. Thank you. Big thanks to James Cawley and everyone involved with Star Trek: Phase II for your labor of love. May you all Live Long and Prosper in the knowledge that your mission has been a success.

Episodes can be viewed at www.startrekphase2.com and please donate to the production if you can. Thank you again.

(C) Copyright 2014 By Mark Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/419hNYe2OaY

Found Footage Can Still Be Scary Fun With Banshee Chapter!

Inspired by both H.P. Lovecraft's short story From Beyond as well as the 1980s shlock cult adaptation directed by Stuart Gordon, Banshee Chapter takes the basic concept while acknowledging Lovecraft's story in the dialogue and tells the tale of a journalist looking for a close friend from college after he mysteriously disappears shortly after taking an experimental drug secretly used on MKUltra tests subjects that he wishes to write a novel about. Her search leads her to the home of a counter culture maverick author who may have provided the drug for her friend to experiment with. Not long after arriving at his home, they both experience strange phenomena and otherworldly creatures that appear to be aware of them. The search culminates at the site of the experiments where they make contact with extra-dimensional beings.

The film was produced by Actor Zachary Quinto and stars Michael McMillan, Katia Winter, Ted Levine, and Jenny Gabrielle. While this is a "found footage" film, I found the story to be both scary with some nice make your heart jump in your chest moments and some creepy scenes where what you don't see is just as frightening as what you do and the film does give enough reasonable clips of the creatures, which are sentient and malevolent. Basically I was left wanting to know more and at the same time feeling satisfied with what I did see since to have the alien agenda completely explained in a film like this would spoil the imaginative horror in one's mind that can never be matched by any concrete reasoning or full disclosure. I found myself completely sympathetic with the lead in the film too. In one scene, after revealing the truth of what she discovered she adds that she wishes she didn't know. After seeing this film you will concur with her. Everyone in the film delivers competent performances and the story for the most part holds together well though after some scrutiny you may find yourself going over the events of the film in your mind trying to figure out at what point did certain things occur, which I cannot divulge due to spoilers, to carry the action through to it's conclusion.

A neat indie Sci-Fi Horror Chiller, Banshee Chapter is playing in select theaters now or can be rented through video on demand services like iTunes. A DVD video release is due to follow tentatively in February.

(C) Copyright 2014 By Mark Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH, VOL. 1 New York Q&A on Friday, January 10th and Saturday, January 11th!

New York Q&As at Village East Cinemas!

Join Lloyd Kaufman and cast & crew for Q&As at Village East Cinemas on Friday January 10^thand Saturday, January 11^th;

Moderated by cast members of Science Channel’s “Oddities!”

Come celebrate Troma Entertainment’s 40^th Anniversary with Troma founder Lloyd Kaufman along with the cast and crew of Troma’s newest “Tromasterpiece” RETURN TO NUKE ‘EM HIGH, VOL.1 at special Q&As after the 8pmshows on Friday, January 10^th andSaturday, January 11^th at New York’s Village East Cinemas. The Friday January 10^th event will be moderated by Evan Michelson and Mike Zohn from the Science Channel show “Oddities!”

Fans will have a chance to hear about, and ask questions, regarding the making of the latest release from the world’s leading independent film company!

Schedule:

Friday, January 10, 2014 – Q&A after the 8pm show

Evan Michelson & Mike Zohn – Moderators;

Lloyd Kaufman, Writer/Director/Producer;

Justin Martell, Producer;

Stars Asta Paredes, Catherine Corcoran, Vito Trigo and Clay von Carlowitz

Saturday, January 10, 2014 – Q&A after the 8pm show

Stars Asta Paredes, Catherine Corcoran – Moderators;

Stars Vito Trigo and Clay von Carlowitz

Location:

Village East Cinemas

189 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

212-529-6799

www.villageeastcinema.com

RETURN TO NUKE ‘EM HIGH, VOL. 1 is Lloyd Kaufman’s latest Tromasterpiece. A hilarious, thoughtful sci-fi event film with themes ripped straight from today's headlines: the contamination and degradation of the world's food supply, rampant bullying and LGBTQ love triumphing over prejudice and violence. The film -- a revisiting of Troma's 1986 Class of Nuke 'Em High -- is in the same vein as other classics such as Class of 1984, Rock 'n' Roll High School and Carrie, but it's seen through the unique vision of Lloyd Kaufman and the Troma Team.

  

Welcome to Tromaville High School, where, unfortunately, the glee club has mutated into a vicious gang of Cretins. Chrissy and Lauren, two innocent lesbian lovers, must fight not only the Cretins, mutants and monsters, but also the evil Tromorganic Foodstuffs conglomerate. Can they and Kevin the Wonder Duck save Tromaville High School and the world?

Come celebrate Troma’s 40 years of creating some of the most revered – and reviled – films of all time!

Theatrical trailer for "Return to Nuke 'Em High: Vol. 1":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XCKyYSkF4Q

Star Trek: Enterprise Season Three Blu-ray Disc Set Review

Star Trek: Enterprise is the last in the long line of Star Trek TV programs  and movies officially produced and licensed by what is now CBS Paramount Television before J.J. Abrams and company created an alternate Star Trek timeline so that they would not be locked into the established continuity of Star Trek and yet borrow and reference whatever they chose from Star Trek's rich mythology.

The third season of Star Trek: Enterprise was different from the first two seasons in many ways. For starters the restored Star Trek title was put back into the the series. The first two seasons were originally broadcast simply as Enterprise. Even the series opening song "Faith Of The Heart" was sped up a bit to reflect the urgency of the series new tone while keeping the mix of archival footage and Star Trek produced scenes to give the viewer a sense of the timeline from our early twenty first century present to the mid twenty second century setting of the show, approximately 150 years into the future when the episodes first aired and one hundred years before the time of Kirk and Spock as an approximate end point for the series.

The first two seasons of Star Trek: Enterprise suffered from too much referencing things other Star Trek shows had already explored or dramatized with little to no dramatic effect on the overall storyline. However with the third season of Star Trek: Enterprise, what had been developed that worked from the first two seasons gave the third season the backbone to create a season long story arc set up from the second season finale.

In the second season's chilling finale, a mysterious and deadly race of aliens called the Xindi sprang from the far reaches of the galaxy and attacked Earth, massacring millions of people.  With another more catastrophic attack looming, Archer and the Enterprise crew are forced to undertake a life or death mission into the Delphic Expanse, a perilous and frightening place where even the known laws of physics do not apply, to seek out the Xindi and save the Earth. 

The third season premiere quickly establishes that six weeks have passed since the devastating attack on Earth by the Xindi. The Enterprise has entered the Delphic Expanse in with an eye toward stopping their next offensive at any cost. Captain Archer (Scott Bakula) is following a lead to the Xindi on a desolate mining outpost where he hopes to gain the coordinates to the Xindi Homeworld. Trip (Connor Trinneer) has been suffering from nightmares about his sister’s death. This lack of sleep could eventually hurt the mission since his role in engineering is pivotal to the ongoing functionality of the ship. So Dr. Phlox (John Billingsley) arranges for Trip to undergo an intriguing and intimate Vulcan cure for Trip’s vivid nightmares of his sister’s death with the help of Vulcan Sub Commander T’Pol (Jolene Blalock.)

After some bartering with the local administrator of the mining facility, The Captain and Trip are finally introduced to their first live Xindi, who looks far more human than the corpse recovered on Earth after the first attack. When they attempt to leave with the Xindi back to the shuttle pod, they discover it is a trap. Warships are heading toward the Enterprise with the intention of disabling the ship and taking the crew back down to the planet to work as slave labor. Meanwhile a council of the various Xindi species is already aware that the Enterprise has entered the Delphic Expanse and has sent out a scout to deter their mission. So from here are the seeds of action, loss, love, desperation, hope, tragedy, and eventual help and cooperation are planted that grow far beyond this storyline and in fact impact the series' fourth and final season, which no one can deny was Star Trek: Enterprise' best and thus the show can be looked back fondly as truly ending when it was in it's prime, something few television series can claim credit for doing regardless of the reasons.

Off all of the releases of Star Trek on Blu-ray Disc, Star Trek: Enterprise was the only shot shot natively in 16 by 8 as opposed to (1.33:1) and broadcast in high definition, making it practically tailored made to be viewed on Blu-ray Disc and the results are clearly apparent with it's  beautiful 1080p/24fps high definition (1.78:1) widescreen presentation that looks superior to both the original high def television broadcasts and viewing the standard definition DVD discs up converted to 1080p/60hz on an upscaling DVD player or Blu-ray Disc player. 

I realize purists will not like this, but I love watching Star Trek in high definition widescreen so much that I wish the option was available on the other shows even if it means some shots might have to be digitally altered to accommodate the matting of the image because on the high def extras found on other Trek television Blu-rays, widescreen clips of scenes from the classic shows are often presented in 1080p and they look great.

A new theatrical English DTS-HD MA  5..1 Surround Soundtrack is provided for all twenty two season three episodes spread across six Blu-ray Discs within the Elite Blue BD case and there is a German Dubbed 5.1 Surround Soundtrack as well as French and Japanese Language Dubbed Stereo Surround Soundtracks encoded for each episode along with English Subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired and German, French, Dutch and Japanese Language Subtitles encoded as options.

There are also a lot of new high definition and archival extra value features carried over from the original DVD sets in standard definition. More than I can possibly expound upon completely, but I can touch upon the bulk of the new stuff and note the old. On disc one for the episode "The Xindi," the text commentary by Mike and Denise Okuda is provided and two short mission logs from the DVD releases covering "The Xindi Saga" beginning and Enterprise Moments from season three are also provided.

Disc two features a brand new audio commentary by David Livingston and David A. Goodman on "Impulse" along with an archival text commentary by Mike and Denise Okuda for the episode too. Another audio commentary by Mike Sussman and Tim Gaskill recorded in 2008 for "Twilight" has been carried over from the previous DVD release. 

Disc three includes both a new audio commentary by David A. Goodman and Chris Black on "North Star" as well as an earlier recorded audio commentary for the same episode with Mike DeMeritt. Writer Manny Coto recorded two audio commentaries for the episode "Similitude." The new one is shared with Actor Connor Trinneer while the previous one was a solo commentary with Coto. Deleted scenes for that episode and "Chosen Realm" from the DVD release wrap up the bonus features on disc three.

Disc Five features a brand new audio commentary by David A. Goodman, Chris Black and Connor Trinneer for the episode "The Forgotten" and standard definition deleted scenes from the episode "E2" as in "E

Squared"

The final disc has the most extra value content, including all of the newly created video material for this Blu-ray Disc release. A brand new audio commentary by Chris Black and Andre' Bormanis is provided for the third season's penultimate episode, "Countdown" as well as an archival text commentary by Mike and Denise Okuda. Then there are four interesting brand new retrospective documentaries included on the final disc.

The first three are really parts of a larger feature length documentary although the parts can only be viewed individually. Under the heading "A Time Of War" are part one, "Call To Arms" (28:07), which features brand new interviews with Scott Bakula, Branon Braga, Rick Bernan, and Seth MacDonald. This gives more of the point of view of the producers and creative crew as well as the lead Star's perspectives on the direction the show had gone down from the first two seasons and the necessary changes made to develop Star Trek: Enterprise into the show it evolved into by the fourth season. Basically the consensus is that season three was where Star Trek: Enterprise found it's unique voice.  

The second part entitled "Front Lines" (29:51) gives the cast perspective with interviews that include a frank Jolene Blalock, who basically seems rather subdued and just goes out of the way to tell viewers not to go school just for modeling and acting since the likelihood of success is so slim. I can applaud her for being honest about her feelings. She reveals that she was just twenty two years old when she appeared on Star Trek: Enterprise and I think she means to tell young people that what happened to her and to be able to work in two tough careers steadily doesn't happen often.

Other cast members who participate in the documentary include Conner Trinneer, John Billingsley, Linda Park,  Dominick Keating, and Anthony Montgomery. One insight from a cast member was if the show went from the pilot to season three and then the fourth season was the second, the series would have exceeded what fans wanted and had the potential to be the most innovative Star Trek yet since they would have future seasons open to explore beyond what viewers expected.

The third part "Final Conflict" (28:36) continues with more cast and crew interviews, including Manny Coto, and brings the entire triple feature to a truly comprehensive and retrospective summary of Star Trek: Enterprise' third season. An additional featurette entitled "Temporal Cold War: Declassified" (20:17) brings the entire multi season story arc into focus from the first season through the early part of season four with interviews with recurring cast members that include Matt Wilson, John Fleck and Scott MacDonald.

Archival footage carried over from the DVD extra features that include a profile on Conner Trinneer, Director Roxann Dawson, behind-the-camera with Marvin Rush, Enterprise Secrets, Outtakes, a Photo Gallery and three NX-01 Files wrap up the bonus features included within this set. 

The interactive seamless menus are well rendered and easy to navigate. Star Trek: Enterprise Season Three is  the definitive home video presentation of the TV series on Blu-ray Disc and is a must add to any sci-fi and Star Trek fan's home video collection. It is available now as of January 7, 2014 at retailers on and offline courtesy of CBS Paramount Home Entertainment.

(C) Copyright 2014 By Mark Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

Last Vegas Arrives On Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack On January 28, 2014 From Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

“A once-in-a-lifetime cast makes this a must-see movie event.” –Pete Hammond, Movieline

 “A totally fun and new take on Vegas!” –Rachel Smith, FOX 5

Starring Academy Award^® Winners

Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline & Mary Steenburgen

LAST VEGAS

 

Available Jan. 28 on Blu-ray^™Combo Pack*, DVD* & Digital

With Writer & Director Commentary, & Six Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes

 

 

CULVER CITY, CALIF. (Jan. 6, 2014) – Director Jon Turteltaub (National Treasurefranchise) brings together a legendary all-star cast for the box office hit LAST VEGAS, available Jan. 28 on Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack* and DVD* from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Academy Award^® winners Michael Douglas (Best Actor, Wall Street, 1987), Robert De Niro (Best Supporting Actor,The Godfather: Part II, 1974; Best Actor,Raging Bull, 1980), Morgan Freeman (Best Supporting Actor, Million Dollar Baby, 2004) and Kevin Kline (Best Supporting Actor, A Fish Called Wanda, 1988) star as four 60-something-year-old friends who take a break from their day-to-day lives to throw a bachelor party in Las Vegas for their last remaining single pal. The cast also includes Academy Award^®winner Mary Steenburgen (Best Supporting Actress, Melvin and Howard, 1980), as well as Romany Malco (Think Like a Man, TV’s “Weeds”) and Jerry Ferrara (TV’s “Entourage”).

 

Fans can go behind-the-scenes with in-depth bonus materials included on the LAST VEGASBlu-ray Combo Pack and DVD, including filmmaker commentary with director Jon Turteltaub and writer Dan Fogelman. Also included are three featurettes exploring the film’s storyline and character arcs -- “It’s Going to be Legendary,” “Four Legends,” and “The Flatbush Four.”  Three additional featurettes on the supporting cast and filming in Las Vegas are available exclusively on the Blu-ray Combo Pack, including “Shooting in Sin City,” “Ensemble Support,” and “The Redfoo Party,” which breaks down the pool party scene hosted by musician Redfoo of LMFAO.

 

*Blu-ray ComboPack Includes DVD & Digital HD UltraViolet™

*DVD Includes UltraViolet™

 

Synopsis: 

Billy (Michael Douglas), Paddy (Robert De Niro), Archie (Morgan Freeman) and Sam (Kevin Kline) have been best friends since childhood. So when Billy, the group’s sworn bachelor, finally proposes to his 30-something-year-old girlfriend (of course), the four head to Las Vegas with a plan to stop acting their age and relive their glory days. However, upon arriving, the four quickly realize that the decades have transformed Sin City and tested their friendship in ways they never imagined. The Rat Pack may have once played the Sands and Cirque du Soleil may now rule the Strip, but it’s these four who are taking over Vegas.

 

Directed by Jon Turteltaub from a screenplay by Dan Fogelman, LAST VEGAS wasproduced by Laurence Mark and Amy Baer, with Nathan Kahane, Jeremiah Samuels and Lawrence Grey serving as executive producers.

 

Blu-ray Combo Pack Bonus Features Include:

§  Three featurettes:

o   “Shooting in Sin City” – Explore the grand scale re-creation  of present day Las Vegas and shooting techniques used to capture its young vibe

o   “The Redfoo Party” – Dive into a fun pool party scene showcasing Redfoo of LMFAO and the cast

o   “Supporting Ensemble” – Get an introduction to the outrageously funny, stellar supporting cast members and special guest cameos who helped make the film a comedic hit

 

Bonus Features on the Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD Include:

§  Filmmaker Commentary with Director Jon Turteltaub & Writer Dan Fogelman

§  Three Featurettes:

o   “It’s Going to be Legendary” – A behind-the-scenes look at the production of the film with commentary from the main cast

o   “Four Legends” – A look at the ensemble main cast and their insights on working with one another on such a comedic film

o   “The Flatbush Four” – A candid glimpse at the character arcs of the four main characters in the film

 

LAST VEGAS has a running time of about 105 minutes & is rated PG-13 for sexual content & language.