Thursday, February 11, 2021

The Stand (2020) Final Episode and Overall Miniseries Review

I just finished The Stand. The last episode with a new Coda written by Stephen King was to me, the best episode of the nine part series. At the end the episode is a combination of the conclusion from the updated  book that was omitted from the original miniseries and something heroic for one of the characters to do that brings a sense of closure and yet brings things full circle too. Director Mick Garris, who helmed the original 1994 miniseries has a cameo here. I love his long white hair look he sports now.




For me personally, I liked the 1994 original more, but I am glad somethings did not have to be reviewed twice. I also thought that miniseries still suffers from the fact that you’ll lose a lot in terms of character that Garris and King were able to bring out in less time than this new adaptation. I never felt I got to know.who the new characters were mostly because the actors can only work with so much based on what they are given in the script and I felt if you’re not familiar with the book or the original mini series, you are missing out on a lot. However if you read the book and/or saw the original miniseries you can look at this and sort of fill in the blanks. However something like this should stand on its own without being familiar with either the book or previous miniseries. No pun intended on my use of the word Stand in the preceding sentence.. 

Anyway I am still glad I saw it and will probably get it on Blu-ray to add to my Stephen King miniseries abd feature film adaptation collection. Don’t know when or if it’ll be coming out anytime soon, butt for what it was I like the original better than this one because some of the  choices that were  implemented  I simply disagreed with and feel some of the most important scenes were left out completely when they should have been included from my humble point of view. Overall The Stand (2020)  was OK, but it could have been so much better. 


(C) Copyright 2021 By Mark A. Rivera

All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Legendary Comics Announces Monstrously Exciting Godzilla vs. Kong Publishing Program

 GVK-v010016 R5_Cision1.jpg

Credit: (l-r) GODZILLA battles KONG in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure “GODZILLA VS. KONG,” 

a Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures release. Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures.

 

 

The robust offerings include all-new prequel graphic novels, two children’s books, a behind-the-scenes art book, a novelization, and a special anthology of past stories, set to debut in March 2021

 

 

LOS ANGELES, February 10, 2021 – In anticipation of the March release of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures epic action adventure Godzilla vs. Kong, Legendary Comics announced today an exciting companion publishing program that will allow fans to dive deeper into stories relating to the upcoming cinematic showdown between two of the most beloved pop culture Titans of all time—the great Godzilla and the mighty Kong! The Godzilla vs. Kong publishing program will feature: two new epic prequel graphic novels; an anthology featuring past fan-favorite comic series; two endearing titles for young readers—an original children’s picture book and a young children’s board book; an official behind-the-scenes art book; and a novelization that takes readers deeper into the worlds of Monarch, the Titans, and more. Each title will set the stage for this not-to-be-missed battle royale.

 

“As with previous installments in the Monsterverse franchise, Legendary Comics is excited to expand the story universe by paving the way for the cinematic clash with two prequel graphic novels that will tell separate tales of our favorite Titans,” said Robert Napton, Senior Vice President of Legendary Comics. “We are also expanding our publishing offerings with our first-ever children’s book and board book, and are thrilled to be working again with Insight Editions and Titan Books on an art book and novelization that will offer exclusive content, taking readers deeper into the world of Godzilla and Kong.”

 

Godzilla Dominion—the prequel graphic novel written by Greg Keyes (the Age of Unreasontrilogy; three New York Times bestselling Star Wars novels in the New Jedi Order series) with art by Drew Edward Johnson (DC’s Wonder Woman, Supergirl; Legendary Comics’ Godzilla Aftershock)—will feature a unique story that picks up after the events of the film Godzilla: King of the Monsters, where the Titans have risen and the reign of Godzilla has begun. As told entirely from Godzilla’s point of view, the graphic novel brings new insights into the King of Monsters: his habitats, ancient rivalries, encounters with new Titans, and other challenges. As his new era of dominance is tested, a coming confrontation with another Kinglooms. Available on March 30, 2021 and to pre-order at: http://bit.ly/2NjCUXG. 

 

A sequel to the graphic novel Skull Island: Birth of Kong and a prelude to the film Godzilla vs. Kong, the upcoming prequel graphic novel,Kingdom Kong, will follow a group of highly skilled military pilots gathered together on Skull Island to see who has ‘the right stuff’ to take on a dangerous mission into the hollow earth. One of the pilots, Audrey, is haunted by the memories of a monstrous clash with one of Godzilla’s titanic rivals that left deep scars. When Skull Island is attacked by Camazotz, a bat-like Titan, Audrey must to come to terms with her inner demons, and finding his home newly threatened, Kong must rise to face this usurper that would plunge the world into perpetual night. Kingdom Kong is written by Marie Anello (Shout Out) with art by ZID (Legendary Comics’ Skull Island: The Birth of Kong; Trick ‘r Treat: Days of the Dead; Spectral: Ghosts of War). Available on March 30, 2021 and to pre-order at: http://bit.ly/2Z5PRqs.

 

Kong finds himself in the center of a charming and enthralling children’s book, Kong & Me, by New York Times’ bestselling author Kiki Thorpe (The Never Girl early chapter book series) with illustrations by Nidhi Chanani (Pashmina; I will be fierce). Young fans will be able to follow along as the mighty Titan and his new pal spend a day of fun and adventure exploring the many wonders of Skull Island—proving that friendships come in many sizes and no matter how different we are, no one is too big or small to find a true friend. Available on March 30, 2021 and to pre-order at: http://bit.ly/3jEsZrq. 

 

The engaging and family-friendly board book Godzilla vs. Kong: Sometimes Friends Fight (But They Always Make Up), from Insight Editions and featuring art from illustrator Carol Herring, features heartwarming lessons and introduces the beloved Godzilla and Kong characters to a younger generation. Making new friends isn’t always easy for kids. That is equally true for two giant monsters, where small misunderstandings can easily blossom into enormous conflicts. This book provides tips on how to be a good friend by using these two Titans to show young kids how to behave in familiar situations…but on a much larger scale. Available on April 6, 2021 and to pre-order at: http://bit.ly/3a9geCe. 

 

New York Times’ bestselling author Greg Keyes returns once again to the Monsterverse with Titan Books’ Godzilla vs. Kong: The Official Movie Novelization, taking readers deeper into the worlds of Monarch, the Titans, and so much more. Humanity fights for its future as Godzilla and Kong embark on a path of destruction that will see the two most powerful forces of nature on the planet collide in an all-out war. Available on April 6, 2021 and to pre-order at: http://bit.ly/3jJNtzm. 

 

For new readers wanting to discover the backstories of Godzilla and Kong for the first time or fans revisiting their favorite adventures, the Monsterverse Titanthology Vol 1 brings the previously released graphic novels, Skull Island: The Birth of Kong (2017) and Godzilla: Aftershock (2019), together in one legendary volume for the first time ever. Available on May 11, 2021.

 

Godzilla vs. Kong: One Will Fall, The Art of the Ultimate Battle Royale—from Insight Editions and written by Daniel Wallace with a special foreword by director Adam Wingard—takes fans behind-the-scenes revealing how this monstrously epic film was brought to the screen. The deluxe book will feature a dynamic selection of exclusive concept art, pre-production materials, on-set photography and insight from the filmmakers, making it the ultimate guide to an iconic movie showdown. Available on May 21, 2021 and to pre-order at: http://bit.ly/373GcFj. 

 

 

RELEASE DATE SCHEDULE:

 

March 30, 2021:

  • Godzilla Dominion (the graphic novel prequel from Legendary Comics)
  • Kingdom Kong (the graphic novel prequel from Legendary Comics)
  • Kong & Me (Legendary Comics’ first children’s book)

April 6, 2021:

  • Godzilla vs. Kong: Sometimes Friends Fight (But They Always Make Up) (the young children’s board book from Insight Editions)
  • Godzilla vs. Kong: The Official Movie Novelization (from Titan Books)

May 11, 2021:

  • Monsterverse Titanthology Vol 1 (from Legendary Comics)

May 21, 2021:

  • Godzilla vs. Kong: One Will Fall, The Art of the Ultimate Battle Royale (the official art book from Insight Editions)

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Just Announced - Supernatural: The Fifteenth and Final Season AND Supernatural: The Complete Series Coming to Blu-ray & DVD 5/25



 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 


The Longest-Running Genre Series in U.S. Television History 

SUPERNATURAL: 
THE FIFTEENTH AND FINAL SEASON
On Blu-rayTM and DVD May 25, 2021

Includes Exclusive Bonus Content featuring Two All-New Featurettes, Deleted Scenes, a Gag Reel and More!            

SUPERNATURAL: THE COMPLETE SERIES 
On Blu-rayTM and DVD

Features All 327 Episodes and Countless Hours of Bonus Content from Every One of the 15 Seasons Plus a 68-page Collectible Book!
Available Day-and-Date

Facebook: @WarnerBrosEnt
Instagram: @warnerbrosentertainment
 
BURBANK, CA (February 9, 2021) – After fifteen incredible seasons, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment marks the end of an era with the release of Supernatural: The Fifteenth and Final Season and Supernatural: The Complete Series. Both sets will be available on Blu-ray & DVD May 25, 2021. 

Supernatural: The Fifteenth and Final Season contains the final 20 epic episodes from the landmark series’ final season, as well as a bonus disc loaded with over two hours of special features including the special retrospective episode Supernatural: The Long Road Home. Also on the bonus disc, and exclusive to Blu-ray and DVD, are two all new featurettes, deleted scenes and a gag reel. The set is priced to own on DVD for $44.98 SRP ($49.99 in Canada), and on Blu-ray which includes Digital Copy (US only) for $49.99 SRP ($54.97 in Canada). 

Supernatural: The Complete Series contains all 327 thrilling episodes from the phenomenal series, as well as countless hours of bonus features from all 15 epic, not-to-be-missed seasons. Fans who purchase the Complete Series will also receive a 68-page Collectible Book filled with new images from the beloved series, set designs and letters to the Supernatural Family from both Eric Kripke and Robert Singer. The Complete Series is priced to own on DVD for $329.99 SRP ($369.99 in Canada), and on Blu-ray for $359.99 SRP ($399.98 in Canada), representing a substantial savings over purchasing all fifteen seasons individually.

Carry on with the thrilling and terrifying journey of the Winchester brothers in Supernatural: The Complete Series. Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) face everything from demons to vampires, ghosts, angels and pagan gods. And with the help of the fallen angel Castiel (Misha Collins), they discover that every threat they vanquish opens a new door for evil to enter.

Supernatural has spawned several novels, magazines, comics, games and even an anime series! Starring Jared Padalecki (Friday the 13th, Gilmore Girls) and Jensen Ackles (Smallville, My Bloody Valentine) as Sam and Dean Winchester, the fifteenth season also starred Misha Collins (24; Girl Interrupted) as Castiel, and Alexander Calvert (Arrow, The Edge of Seventeen) as Lucifer’s son, Jack. Produced by Kripke Enterprises, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television, the long-running series was created by Eric Kripke (Revolution, Timeless), and executive produced in its final season by Robert Singer (Timecop, Lois & Clark), Andrew Dabb, Robert Berens (Doom Patrol), and Brad Buckner & Eugenie Ross-Leming (Lois & Clark). 

With Blu-ray’s unsurpassed picture and sound, Supernatural: The Complete Series and Supernatural: The Fifteenth and Final Seasonwill be released in 1080p Full HD Video with DTS-HD Master Audio for English 5.1. Both Blu-ray sets will feature a high-definition Blu-ray and a Digital Copy (US Only) of all episodes.
 
FINAL SEASON BONUS DISC SPECIAL FEATURES
  • Supernatural: The End of the Road (New)
  • Supernatural: Family Don’t End in Blood(New)
  • Gag Reel (New)
  • Deleted Scenes (New)
  • Supernatural: 2019 Comic-Con Panel
  • Winning Baby: A Supernatural Giveaway
  • Winchester Mythology: Midwestern Heroes
  • Supernatural: The Long Road Home – Special Retrospective Episode

DIGITAL
Supernatural is also available to own on Digital. Digital allows consumers to instantly stream and download all episodes to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices. Digital movies and TV shows are available from various digital retailers including Amazon Video, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu and others. A Digital Copy is also included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs for redemption and cloud storage (US Copy Only).

SUPERNATURAL: THE COMPLETE SERIES BASICS
Release Date: May 25, 2021
Presented in 16x9 widescreen format
Running Time: Feature: Approx. 13,716 min
Enhanced Content: Approx. 3226 min (Bonus Disc: Approx. 164 min)
DVD Price: $329.99 SRP ($369.99 in Canada)
Blu-ray Price: $359.99 SRP ($399.98 in Canada)
86 Discs (85 DVD-9s +1 DVD-9 Bonus Disc) / 58 Discs (57 BD-50s +1 BD-25 Bonus Disc)
Audio: English (5.1)
Subtitles: ESDH, French, Spanish
 
SUPERNATURAL: THE FIFTEENTH AND FINAL SEASON BASICS
Release Date: May 25, 2021
Presented in 16x9 widescreen format
Running Time: Feature: Approx. 843 min
Enhanced Content: Approx. 179 min 
DVD Price: $44.98 SRP ($49.99 in Canada)
Blu-ray Price: $49.99SRP ($54. 97 in Canada)
5 Discs (DVD-9s +1 DVD-9 (Bonus Disc) / 4 Discs (3 BD-50s +1 BD-25 Bonus Disc)
Audio: English (5.1)
Subtitles: ESDH, French, Spanish

Thursday, February 4, 2021

sci-fi action epic COSMOBALL today, on digital & Blu-ray March 23

 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

COSMOBALL

 

The Breathtaking, Family-Friendly Sci-Fi Action Epic

Materializes on Digital, Blu-ray™ & DVD March 23

 

Includes an All-New English Dub!

 

 

PLANO, TEXAS (February 4, 2021) – Life on earth is desolate after a brutal intergalactic war, brightened only by a dangerous, high-flying sport ... but no one knows that at each match, four gifted humans are fighting furiously to ensure the survival of humankind in the action-packed, sci-fi thriller COSMOBALL, debuting on Digital, Blu-ray™ and DVD March 23 from Well Go USA Entertainment. Top-notch visual effects result in a breathtaking, family-friendly sci-fi film from Director Dzhanik Fayziev (The Turkish Gambit,August Eighth).  COSMOBALL stars Evgeniy Mironov (Spacewalk, The Lenin Factor, Space Dogs), Evgeniy Romantsov (Petropolis, Nu), Viktoriya Agalakova (The Bride, Mermaid: The Lake of the Dead, Rasputin), Maria Lisovaya (Guests) and newcomer Ivan Ivanovich in the post-apocalyptic superhero “space opera.”

 

Synopsis: 

COSMOBALL, directed by Dzhanik Fayziev (The Turkish Gambit, August Eighth), takes place after an intergalactic battle that destroys Earth’s moon and causes worldwide devastation, leaving the human race desolate and clinging to survival. The film follows four athletes with the rare ability to teleport, which makes them the only humans capable of playing “cosmoball,” a dangerous sport requiring unimaginable speed, reflexes, and courage. While the rest of the world religiously scans the sky to catch the high-flying tournaments, no one suspects that with each match, they are actually witnessing four young humans fighting furiously to ensure the survival of humankind.

 

Country of Origin:    Russia

 

COSMOBALL  has a runtime of approximately 115 minutes and is not rated.

 

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Cecil B. DeMille's THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH debuts on Blu-ray March 30th



Newly Restored Best Picture Academy Award®-Winner Makes Its Blu-ray™ Debut

 Latest Title in the Paramount Presents Line Debuts March 30, 2021

 

Legendary director Cecil B. DeMille’s grand spectacle THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH arrives for the first time on Blu-ray as part of the Paramount Presents line on March 30, 2021from Paramount Home Entertainment.

 

A two-time Academy Award-winner*–including Best Picture and Best Writing, Motion Picture Story–THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTHcaptures the thrills, chills and exhilaration of the circus.  Featuring three intertwining plotlines filled with romance and rivalry, DeMille's film includes spectacular action sequences, including a show-stopping train wreck. THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH also boasts a sensational cast, including Betty Hutton, Cornel Wilde, Charlton Heston, Dorothy Lamour, Gloria Grahame, and James Stewart. 

 

Newly restored from a 4K scan of the original negative, this essential movie of the Golden Age of Hollywood packs action, romance, laughs and treachery into an epic only DeMille could create, resulting in one of 1952’s biggest hits.

 

The limited-edition Paramount Presents Blu-ray Disc™ includes the newly restored film in collectible packaging with a foldout image of the film’s theatrical poster and an interior spread with key movie moments.  THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH Blu-ray also includes a new Filmmaker Focus with film historian Leonard Maltin, exploring the making of the film and its reception, as well as access to a Digital copy of the film.

 

About Paramount Presents

This collectible line spans celebrated classics to film-lover favorites, each from the studio’s renowned library.  Every Paramount Presents release features never-before-seen bonus content and exclusive collectible packaging.  There are 14 additional titles available in the Paramount Presents collection: Fatal Attraction, King Creole, To Catch a Thief, Flashdance, Days of Thunder, Pretty In Pink, Airplane!, Ghost, Roman Holiday, The Haunting, The Golden Child, Trading Places, The Court Jester and Elizabethtown.

The Alienist: Angel of Darkness - Stalking Your Streets on Blu-ray & DVD on May 18, 2021



”Sometimes all you want is a really compelling murder mystery with high production value and compelling characters, and in that way The Alienist: Angel of Darkness delivers.” – Collider

“This is a complex crime story with enough twists and turns to keep even the most experienced genre addict on their toes.”– Film International

THE ALIENIST: ANGEL OF DARKNESS
A LIMITED SERIES

Stalking Your Streets on May 18, 2021
When the Blu-ray™ & DVD Become Available!

BURBANK, CA (February 2, 2021) Follow the trail – find the killer! Get ready to test your investigation skills with TNT’s award-winning psychological thriller as Warner Bros Home Entertainment brings more plot twists and shocking turns with the release of The Alienist: Angel of Darkness on Blu-ray and DVD on May 18, 2021. Uncover the secrets and go on an edge-of-your-seat journey with all 8 episodes from the second season, plus enjoy the captivating extra features including a season 1 recap, behind-the-scenes featurettes, a set tour, and series overview! The Alienist: Angel of Darkness is priced to own at $24.98 SRP for the DVD and $29.98 SRP for the Blu-ray, which includes a Digital Copy (US Only). The Alienist: Angel of Darkness is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.
 
It is June 1897. A year has passed since Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a pioneer in forensic psychiatry, tracked down the brutal serial killer John Beecham with the help of a team of trusted companions and a revolutionary application of the principles of his discipline. Kreizler and his friends--high-living crime reporter John Schuyler Moore; indomitable, derringer-toting Sara Howard; the brilliant (and bickering) detective brothers Marcus and Lucius Isaacson; powerful and compassionate Cyrus Montrose; and Stevie Taggert, the boy Kreizler saved from a life of street crime--have returned to their former pursuits and tried to forget the horror of the Beecham case. But when the distraught wife of a Spanish diplomat begs Sara's aid, the team reunites to help find her kidnapped infant daughter. It is a case fraught with danger since Spain and the United States are on the verge of war.

The Alienist: Angel of Darkness stars Daniel Brühl (Rush), Luke Evans (Midway), Dakota Fanning (Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood), Douglas Smith (“Big Little Lies”), Matthew Shear (Mistress America), Robert Ray Wisdom (“The Wire”), Ted Levine (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), Melanie Field (Heathers) and Rosy McEwen. The series is produced by Paramount Television Studios, with Anonymous Content's Rosalie Swedlin, showrunner Stuart Carolan, director David Caffrey, writer Alyson Feltes, Pavlina Hatoupis, Ben Rosenblatt, Eric Roth, and Cary Joji Fukunaga serving as executive producers.
SPECIAL FEATURES 
  • Inside the Alienist: Building the World
  • Walking the Set 2.0 with Luke Evans
  • Kreizler Season 1 Recap 
  • Dressing a Modern Woman 
  • Series Overview

8 ONE-HOUR EPISODES
  1. Ex Ore Infantium
  2. Something Wicked
  3. Labyrinth
  4. Gilded Cage
  5. Belly of the Beast
  6. Memento Mori
  7. Last Exit to Brooklyn
  8. Better Angels

 DIGITAL
The Alienist: Angel of Darkness is also available to own on Digital. Digital allows consumers to instantly stream and download all episodes to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices. Digital is available from various retailers including Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu, PlayStation, Xbox and others. A Digital Copy is also included in the U.S. with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs for redemption and cloud storage.

Monday, February 1, 2021

BEST PICTURE ESSENTIALS 10-MOVIE COLLECTION arrives on Blu-ray March 23



Own 10 Best Picture Academy Award® Winners in One Spectacular Blu-ray™Collection

 Oscar®-Winning Classics Spanning Nine Decades Arrive in New Collection March 23, 2021

 

Revisit 10 of the most celebrated films in cinema history, together for the first time, in the BEST PICTURE ESSENTIALS 10-MOVIE COLLECTION, arriving on Blu-ray March 23, 2021 from Paramount Home Entertainment.

 

A must-own set for film fans and ideal entertainment in preparation for this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, the BEST PICTURE ESSENTIALS 10-MOVIE COLLECTION includes an array of landmark films, each of which earned the prestigious Best Picture Oscar. 

 

Along with access to a digital copy of each film, the Blu-ray collection includes the following in high definition:

 

·       Wings (1927)

·       My Fair Lady (1964)

·       The Godfather (1972)

·       Terms of Endearment (1983)

·       Forrest Gump (1994)

·       The English Patient (1996)

·       Titanic (1997)

·       American Beauty (1999)

·       Gladiator (2000)

·       No Country For Old Men (2007)

 

These 10 unforgettable films feature star-making and award-winning performances from actors including Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson, Tom Hanks, Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Kristin Scott Thomas, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Javier Bardem, and more.