Written and compiled by The Film Nest guest contributor “FightinIrish” (peep him in the Comments section)
The post-Christmas Blu(e)s are in full effect, with only six new titles to bring to you, but oddly enough there are four well-known films from the past few months guaranteed to make you consider spending your hard earned cash on good cinema for your home. Only one of those films was a blockbuster, which was unexpected, while the others perhaps performed below expectations, but not due to their artistic merit. Naturally there are a couple lesser knowns, which you’ll certainly have to take the gamble to determine their quality for yourself.
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The biggest surprise and the biggest hit (cost v. income) of the year. Paranormal Activity is the new Cloverfield or Blair Witch Project, shot mainly from a first-person perspective, has no-name actors and makes you wonder if what you are watching is real. Will this film be as good a second or third time, especially at home and not in the midnight showings they had to build massive pub for the film? I’m a bit surprised that they didn’t try to squeak this one out before X-mas, but either way I’m sure it will be a big seller. The creep factor definitely will be in full effect if you watch it late at night and have your surrounds going. Here’s our review for further details.
Supplements: Unrated version with alternate ending not seen in theaters, Digital copy of theatrical version
It’s Megan Fox and it’s rated PG-13, so what can you really expect but disappointment? And don’t expect the “unrated” tag to provide you with anything. All that really means is that they added new or different scenes and never went before the MPAA to receive a rating, so I doubt you’ll all get to see any more of Fox sans clothing. There are those who did enjoy this film, especially if you understand what it’s going for. If you expect a true, scary horror film, you’ll probably be disappointed, but if you dig horror-comedy, Sam Raimi type stuff, you might get a kick from this little film. Check the review.
Supplements: Audio Commentary with Director Karyn Kusama and Writer Diablo Cody (Theatrical), Audio Commentary with Director Karyn Kusama (Extended), Deleted scenes, Gag Reel, Jennifer’s Body: The Dead Pool, Video diaries, Megan Fox is HOT, Megan Fox “Peer Pressure” PSA, Fox Movie Channel Presents: “Life After Film School” with writer Diablo Cody
Not to be confused with the musical Nine, this is the film that was a big hit or miss with fans and critics alike. What you will get is a visually impressive film, that on Blu-ray is near reference quality and the audio, with a proper setup, is hard to top and will rumble the house. Is the Tim Burton stamp of approval enough to get this in your player? Check it out and tell us. Maybe our review will temper your expectations.
Supplements: Feature commentary with writer/director Shane Acker, animation director Joe Ksander, head of story Ryan O’Loughlin and editor Nick Kenway, 9 – The Long and the Short of It, On Tour with Shane Acker, The Look of 9, Acting Out, 9 – The Original Short, U Control: Picture in Picture, Pocket Blue App
Steve Zahn is a bit of an enigma to me, a question mark wrapped in a riddle, if you will. He seems to be a very capable actor, sometimes on the verge of being one of the top guys around and yet he chooses to make crap films. Thankfully this is not one of those “crap films,” but instead a taught and suspenseful film that will have you guessing until the end. Of the films released this week, definitely the one I am most looking forward to seeing. Have our review hype you up for the experience.
Supplements: Alternate ending, BD-Live, D-Box
We all remember the first Marine film, don’t we? How could you forget the great actor that was John Cena? Well, WWE films, in conjunction with 20th Century Fox, are back for more one man army action, this time swapping out John Cena, too busy recording his latest rap record I guess, for Ted DiBiase. No, not The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase, but his son. If that doesn’t sell you on this film, then what else can I say?
Supplements: Behind-the-scenes footage of climactic fight scenes, Making of terrorist siege sequence, Profile of Ted DiBiase including interviews with Ted DiBiase Sr. and brother Brett, Inside look at Thailand film shoot, Deleted and extended scenes
This is not the horror/torture porn film Ichi The Killer by Takashi Miike, or anything related to it. This is instead a film in the vein of the Zatoichi films, this time with a female as the lead character, roaming the countryside playing her musical instrument and slicing fools when the need arises. Check it out. Doubt you’ll be disappointed.
Supplements: Not Available at this time
