4K Digital Review of The Amateur

 

The Amateur has all the tools for a great one-man-army story but sadly fails on the execution. Rami Malek plays Charles, a CIA crytographer, who loses his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) to a terrorist attack. Charles begins to go through the evidence and with a CIA training session with Robert (Laurence Fishburne) is off to track down the terrorists. 

What starts off as a great movie is bogged down in the second act with needless rehashing of what Charles is going through. Strange story choices as well as new characters that have nothing to do, pull you out of the momentum of the film.    

Video:

The 4K UHD streaming video is a great presentation. Everything is sharp and crisp with lots of details. Another fine transfer from Disney. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos track here is practically perfect. Wait until you hear the big pool scene. The way that the sound washes (sorry for the pun) over you is phenomenal. The environmental effects are consistent and engaging throughout the movie. The score plays well in the surround channels. Dialogue is crisp and clean.

Bonus Features:

• The Team – Join the cast and crew as they reflect on what drew them to this bold project. Rami Malek shares his dual experience as both actor and producer. Director James Hawes and others discuss how the script blends emotional depth and high-stakes action.
• The World – Explore how the film’s production combined real-world locations with intricate set designs to create a visually stunning and immersive world, from the shadowy halls of CIA headquarters to the bustling streets of Europe.
• The Pool – Go behind the scenes as the talented creative team uncovers how Charlie’s ingenious plan involving the sky pool was conceived, planned and executed, blending practical effects and cutting-edge technology to deliver a show-stopping moment.
• The Score – Listen in as the composer and director talk about the challenges of creating the score’s various themes — and using unusual instruments and techniques — to bring emotion and drama to this unique thriller.
• Deleted Scenes:
• Sarah Wonders How Charlie Can Trust His CIA Bosses 
• Henderson Blasts Heller for Failing a Training Exercise
• Heller Tracks Gretchen Through Paris
• A Third Assassin Chases Heller Through the Hotel Basement
• Heller Asks Inquiline Some Personal Questions

Conclusion:

The Amateur starts off really strong and then struggles to get to the finish line. The audio and video quality is solid with some enjoyable bonus material. 

The Amateur is available on digital and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review. The review is my strictly my own opinion.*

THE SOUND OF MUSIC Celebrates 60th Anniversary on March 2 - Newly Restored and Remastered 4K to Debut This Year

 

BURBANK, CA (February 20, 2025) – This March 2, 2025 will mark 60 years since the tunes of Rodgers & Hammerstein brought theatrical hills alive with the cinematic treasure The Sound of Music. This year, fans of all ages will experience the heart-warming sights and sing-along sounds of the classic film in a beautifully restored and remastered version to be released in 4K image resolution, courtesy of the precise work endeavored by the Walt Disney Film Restoration team. Over the course of 9 months, the restoration team oversaw digital scanning of preserved film footage and expert clean-up efforts to correct any dirt, warping or other issues encountered. “Our team is honored to care for and re-deliver this classic film to audiences around the world so they can enjoy it in all its originally intended visual and audio glory,” says Kevin Schaeffer, Director, Restoration & Library Management. Weaving artistic skills with innovative technology in a process more delicate than the petals of an edelweiss, the 60th anniversary restoration of The Sound of Music sings with both vibrant color and resounding melody, sharing the cinematic legacy anew for generations to come.

“This enhanced version of The Sound of Music is a testament to the enduring power of this iconic masterpiece. As we enter the 60th year, the restoration will safeguard our beloved classic for generations to come,” says Imogen Lloyd Webber, who oversees the Rodgers & Hammerstein brand as EVP Marketing and Communications for Concord Theatricals and Originals.
 
“The Walt Disney Company couldn’t be a better partner to bring to life an amazing international celebration of The Sound of Music’s enduring and meaningful impact on culture,” adds Sophia Dilley, EVP of Concord Originals.

In this true-life story, Julie Andrews lights up the screen as Maria, a spirited young woman who leaves the convent and becomes a governess to the seven unruly children of Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). Her warmth, charm and songs soon win the hearts of the children and their father. But when the threat of war rises, Maria is forced to attempt a daring escape with her new family. A five-time Academy Awards®-winning classic, and one of the most successful movie musicals of all time, The Sound of Music features unforgettable Rodgers & Hammerstein treasures like “Edelweiss,” ”My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” and “Do-Re-Mi.”
 
Watch for future announcements on the rollout of 60th anniversary celebration for The Sound of Music and brush off your do-re-mi skills in the meantime!

4K Digital Review of Alien: Romulus

 

The Alien franchise has been one of my favorites for years. The combination of sci-fi and horror has captivated me for decades. While the more recent takes on the franchise have been less than stellar, Alien: Romulus is a return to form. While it is a standalone film set between the first two movies, it pays homage to the first three movies while carving out its own narrative. 

The story takes place on a remote mining planet. A group of young colonists are joining an expedition to salvage a space station and use it as their opportunity to escape from their livelihood. Little do they know that the station was once a bio-lab where deadly experiments took place. As the station comes back online, so do the creatures that that were meant to be left behind.

Director Fede Alvarez creates an atmosphere that fits the aesthetic of when the original movie was made. It doesn't feel like a harsh leap in technology. It feels rough and gritty like the original movies. Alvarez sets the tone perfectly. The young cast also helps with stellar performances. Led by Rain (Cailee Spaeny), the entire cast is solid and do not try to recreate the performances of any other actors in the franchise.

Video:

The 4K Digital transfer here is stunning. It intensifies everything from the close-ups of the Xenomorphs to the claustrophobic interiors of the space station. The shadows are inky black and the details of the station are crystal clear. The sharpness of the video adds to the intensity of each scene and only adds layers to the creepy atmosphere. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos track only adds to the the terror. The sound design is immersive from the acid blood dripping around you to the shrieks of the creatures stalking their prey. The film's score adds to the tension and fear.

Bonus Features:

Return to Horror: Crafting Alien: Romulus

• The Director’s Vision – Discover how one of today’s greatest horror directors, Fede Alvarez, collaborated with master filmmaker Ridley Scott to craft a new, heart-pounding chapter in the Alien franchise.
• Creating the Story – Learn what inspired the story of Alien: Romulus and see the many easter eggs from previous Alien installments that you may have missed.
• Casting the Faces – Meet the stars of Alien: Romulus as they take us inside the hearts and minds of their characters. Explore the parallels between Rain and the iconic franchise heroine, Ripley, and learn how filmmakers brought back a face from the past.
• Constructing the World – Explore the massive, practical sets of Alien: Romulus that hearken back to the futuristic style established in the '80s and get up close and personal with a hoard of practically built facehuggers, chestbursters, and xenomorphs.

Inside the Xenomorph Showdown – Experience the film’s climactic zero-gravity sequence from every angle as filmmakers break down what it took to make the moment spectacular. From sets and performances, to wirework, stunts, and VFX, see how it all came together.

Alien: A Conversation – A special conversation with Ridley Scott and Fede Alvarez for the Alien 45th Anniversary theatrical re-release.

Alternate / Extended Scenes – Check out scenes that didn't make the final cut.

*Bonus features may vary by product and retailer

Alien: Romulus is now available on digital and on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD on December 3rd.

Conclusion:

Alien: Romulus delivers all of the tension, fear and horror that one expects from an Alien movie. The 4K Digital release only heightens all of these to another level. Extremely detailed video and exceptional audio make this the definitive way to experience the movie. A welcomed addition to your movie library. 

4k Review of Kinds of Kindness

 

Kinds of Kindness is available on digital and out on Blu-ray and DVD on October 8th.

The movie features three stories, starting with a man trying to take control of his life, a policeman whose wife was missing-at-sea has returned and seems like a different person, and a woman who is determined to find a person with a special ability and destined to become a spiritual leader. 

Now, the films of Yorgos Lanthimos have an acquired taste. Some of his films stay within the realm of understanding while others are offbeat and require some patience to understand the perspective. Kinds of Kindness is far from being offbeat. There is little to no setup to what is happening as you sit there and try to figure out what is unfolding. And as we have come to expect from Lanthimos, this film uses sexuality to help the story. If you are not a fan of graphic nudity and sexual situations then this is a movie to avoid. While the film will more than provide a lot of discussion, the pay off at the end isn't worth the very long runtime. At times it is a tough film to watch and definitely not a film for everyone. 

Video:

The streaming 4K presentation is nearly perfect here. Color reproduction and skin tones are practically flawless. The blacks and shadows are inky and stand out when combined with mixed content.  

Audio:

The audio mix is very front heavy as to be expected with this type of movie. Dialogue, music and sound effects are crystal clear. There is very little use of the surround channels but when utilized create an enveloping experience. 

Bonus Features:

Featurette

• It Takes All Kinds: The Vision of Kinds of Kindness

• Join cast and crew for a behind-the-scenes look at this unique triptych story written by Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou. See how the sets, costumes, cinematography and music amplify the film's themes, and discover — maybe — what RMF stands for.

 

Deleted Scenes

• Robert ignores the SatNav

• Liz isn't recognized

 

Conclusion:

Kinds of Kindness is another bizarre and perplexing film from Yorgos Lanthimos. The 4K Digital version features excellent video and audio along with a few bonus features. The film is definitely not for everyone but I do recommend it for Lanthimos fans or those that enjoy different types of films. 

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment solely for the purpose of review and the review is strictly my opinion*

Alien: Romulus Invades Digital Retailers on Oct. 15 and Terrorizes on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on Dec. 3

 

The legendary Alien franchise gives birth to an all-new terrifying sci-fi horror thriller when 20th Century Studios’ Alien: Romulus arrives to digital retailers (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home) on October 15 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on December 3.

Director Fede Alvarez takes the phenomenally successful Alien franchise back to its iconic roots in the next jaw-dropping installment heralded by critics as “sheer terror” (Brian Truitt, USA Today) and “utterly breathtaking” (Andrew J. Salazar, Discussing Film). Alien: Romulus is Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes™ and has already thrilled audiences at the box office, becoming the second highest grossing film in the Alien franchise globally.

Alien: Romulus is the start of a new chapter with a brand-new story unlike any other Alien movie that came before it, featuring all-new creatures and characters that are “tense enough to grab you by the throat” (Owen Gleiberman, Variety). Fans can delve deeper into the Alien franchise with all-new exclusive bonus features, including featurettes with filmmakers Fede Alvarez and Ridley Scott, behind the scenes content, and alternate and extended scenes. The 4K UHD will be available in a collectible limited edition SteelBook® with custom artwork and packaging.

The original 1979 sci-fi thriller, Alien, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Fans can experience the terror in a 2-Movie Collection digital bundle (Alien & Alien: Romulus) on October 15 in 4K UHD, HD and SD.

Bonus Features*
Return to Horror: Crafting Alien: Romulus

• The Director’s Vision – Discover how one of today’s greatest horror directors, Fede Alvarez, collaborated with master filmmaker Ridley Scott to craft a new, heart-pounding chapter in the Alien franchise.
• Creating the Story – Learn what inspired the story of Alien: Romulus and see the many easter eggs from previous Alien installments that you may have missed.
• Casting the Faces – Meet the stars of Alien: Romulus as they take us inside the hearts and minds of their characters. Explore the parallels between Rain and the iconic franchise heroine, Ripley, and learn how filmmakers brought back a face from the past.
• Constructing the World – Explore the massive, practical sets of Alien: Romulus that hearken back to the futuristic style established in the '80s and get up close and personal with a hoard of practically built facehuggers, chestbursters, and xenomorphs.

Inside the Xenomorph Showdown – Experience the film’s climactic zero-gravity sequence from every angle as filmmakers break down what it took to make the moment spectacular. From sets and performances, to wirework, stunts, and VFX, see how it all came together.

Alien: A Conversation – A special conversation with Ridley Scott and Fede Alvarez for the Alien 45th Anniversary theatrical re-release.

Alternate / Extended Scenes – Check out scenes that didn't make the final cut.

4K Digital Review of Kingdom of The Planet of The Apes

 

Kingdom of The Planet of The Apes is the fourth movie in the reboot series of Planet of The Apes. This movie takes place hundreds of years after the events of the first three movies. Caesar, who led the apes to freedom, is remembered as the savior of the apes and humans are now struggling to survive. The film opens with a recap of the last three films and sets up the story for this one. We meet a new set of apes with a young ape named Noa (Owen Teague), being the focus. We learn that the apes have separated into different clans and Noa discovers that not all clans are as peaceful as his. One such clan is ruled by Proximus Caesar (Keven Durand), who proceeds to destroy the village that Noa lives in. Noa escapes and is joined by the wise elder Raka (Peter Mason). They travel to attempt to avenge the village and Noa's family when they come across a human they name Nova. They are shocked when they find out Nova speaks and they all find out they are after Proximus. 

Video:

As to be expected, the digital 4K image is stunning. The green and browns of the forests are rich, glossy, and shiny. In fact, all of the landscapes here are gorgeous. The blacks are deep and inky. The amazing digital work o the apes here are some of the best work ever done and shines in 4K. 

Audio:

The Atmos track is is superb as it takes full advantage of all the speakers you have. The audio mix envelops you into the world. Wait until you hear the roar of Proximus Caesar and his followers in the arena. Then, wait until you hear the bass as the large bunker doors open. The sounds of the hooves of the horses as Noa and Nova try to get away from Proximus' soldiers will test your rear channel speakers. Dialogue is crystal clear from the front channels and the score encompasses you. Another solid audio mix from Disney, 

Bonus Features:

Documentary

●      Inside the Forbidden Zone: Making Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Join director Wes Ball, cast and crew as they expand the Planet of the Apes legacy for a new generation. Travel to the outdoor production in Australia, train at Ape School, and discover the practical and motion capture techniques in building a breathtaking Kingdom.

 

14 Deleted/Extended Scenes with optional audio commentary by director Wes Ball

Conclusion:

Kingdom of The Planet of The Apes is a solid entry in the franchise. I cannot wait to see where they are going from here. Stunning video and audio round off this movie. I wish there were more bonus features and an audio commentary. A solid addition to your library.

Kingdom of The Planet of The Apes is now available on digital and home video.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of review. The review is entirely my own opinion.*

“ALIEN: ROMULUS” TEASER TRAILER AND POSTER

 

The teaser trailer and poster for a truly terrifying cinematic experience from producer Ridley Scott and director/writer Fede Alvarez, 20th Century Studios’ “Alien: Romulus,” is here! “Alien: Romulus” opens exclusively in theaters nationwide August 16, 2024.  

 

The sci-fi/horror-thriller takes the phenomenally successful “Alien” franchise back to its roots: While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe. The film stars Cailee Spaeny (“Priscilla”), David Jonsson (“Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy”), Archie Renaux (“Shadow and Bone”), Isabela Merced (“The Last of Us”), Spike Fearn (“Aftersun”), Aileen Wu. Fede Alvarez (“Evil Dead,” “Don’t Breathe”) directs from a screenplay he wrote with frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues (“Don’t Breathe 2”) based on characters created by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett. “Alien: Romulus” is produced by Ridley Scott (“Napoleon”), who directed the original “Alien” and produced and directed the series’ entries “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant,” Michael Pruss (“Boston Strangler”), and Walter Hill (“Alien”), with Fede Alvarez, Elizabeth Cantillon (“Charlie’s Angels”), Brent O’Connor (“Bullet Train”), and Tom Moran (“Unstoppable”) serving as executive producers. 

4K Digital Review: The Abyss

 

A nuclear submarine has crashed in a deep trench on the ocean floor after an encounter with an unidentified object. A team of Marines are sent to an underwater research station to mount a savage operation.

Captain Bud Brigman (Ed Harris) isn't thrilled to have a bunch of Marines onboard his station and even less thrilled when the company sends his ex-wife Lindsey (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) to oversee the operation. They find the submarine and all is well until Lindsey sees the unidentified object. Once everyone is convinced that it indeed extraterrestrial and not Russian, tension rises as both sides want to handle the situation differently. 

The Abyss is a pure adventure of exploring the deep ocean and the fear and then joy of meeting extraterrestrial life for the first time. The film is one of my favorites and is just as thrilling today as it was when it first came out in the 1980s.

Video:

The 4K upgrade is fantastic here. Fine details such as facial shots are crisp and clean. The grain is definitely reduced and at times things look too smooth. But for a film that is 34 years old, the transfer looks great. 

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio mix is also fantastic here. The dialogue is front and center and crystal clear. The surround channels create the claustrophobic feel of being deep underwater. The sounds of the metal underwater station straining against the pressure of the water to the sounds of the roar of the water rushing in and people being overwhelmed by it with envelope you. 

BONUS FEATURES (NEW):

• Deep Dive: A Conversation with James Cameron – An exclusive new sit-down with James Cameron as he revisits the origin of the project and addresses some of the myths behind the production.
• The Legacy of The Abyss – Discover the lasting legacy of The Abyss with stories from James Cameron and the crew about how and why the film continues to have an impact on filmmaking today.

ADDITIONAL BONUS:

• Under Pressure: Making The Abyss – The original documentary about the infamous production of The Abyss, with candid commentary by the actors and crew.
• Archives
  
• Deepcore Timelapse – Watch this production timelapse of the Deepcore set being created.
• Videomatics Montage – Watch a montage of behind-the-scenes production videomatics.
• Montana Bridge Flooding – See behind-the-scenes footage of the Montana bridge flooding.
• Engine Room Flooding – See behind-the-scenes footage of the engine room flooding.
• Surface Shoot Montage – Watch a behind-the-scenes montage of the surface shoot.
• Crane Crash Shoot – Check out behind-the-scenes footage of the crane crashing sequence.
• Visual Effects Reel – Watch a reel of visual effects progressions to see how they were developed for the film.
• Miniature Rear-Projection – Watch behind-the-scenes footage of how production used rear-projection techniques on miniatures.
• Motion Control Timelapse – Watch this production timelapse of the motion control technology being used.
• Teaser Trailer
• Main Trailer
• Reviews Trailer
• Still Gallery – Presented here are extras as they appeared in the “Imaging Station" on the Special Edition DVD release of The Abyss, along with the trailers. Since their original presentation has been preserved, resolution and clarity will vary from element to element.

Conclusion:

The Abyss is one of my favorite adventure films and it is finally available in a beautiful 4K release. The video and audio are fantastic. The wealth of bonus material is nearly overwhelming. A solid addition to your library.

The Abyss is available on digital and will be released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on March 12, 2024.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the sole purpose of review and the review is strictly my own opinion* 

4K Digital Review: True Lies

 

Harry Tusker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a secret agent but has his wife Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis) convinced he is an ordinary computer salesman. Stuck in a marriage that has lost its spark, Helen meets a used car salesman (Bill Paxton) who tells her he is really a secret agent. This gives Helen some much needed excitement in her life. When Harry finds out, he decides to have some fun with the two of them, which leads to a real terrorist plot. 

 

Video:

True Lies has never looked so good! The 4K restoration is almost too good at times. Colors are bright, textures look crisp and clean, and skin tones looks realistic. The film looks as if it were shot yesterday. A wonderful restoration by Disney.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio mix is fantastic. Dialogue is crisp and clean through the front channel. Sound effects including the action pieces are immersive and surround you, bringing you into the action. Another great job by the folks at Disney.

Bonus Features:

• Fear Is Not an Option: A Look Back at True Lies (43:28) – Unveil the explosive behind-the-scenes secrets of TRUE LIES with the cast and crew as they share untold tales of daring stunts, cutting-edge technology, and the comedic genius that brought this spy-thriller to life.
• Archives: Script, Artwork, Marketing – Dive into the production secrets of True Lies with these exclusive behind-the-scenes documents and more.
• Theatrical Trailer (2:17)
• Original Script
• Storyboards
• Blueprints
• Unit Photography
• Location Photography
• Poster Gallery

Conclusion:

The 4K restorations looks stunning and the audio mix will make you think this is a newer James Cameron movie. The brand new documentary is fantastic. While I still wish there was an audio commentary, True Lies and it's 4K restoration deserves a place in your library.

True Lies is available on digital and will be available on 4K Ultra HD on March 12, 2024.

*The film was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the sole purpose of the review and the review is strictly my own opinion*

4K Digital Review: Aliens

 

Aliens is James Cameron's sequel to Ridley Scott's wildly popular and intensely scary Alien movie. We pick up after the end of Alien where Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) had escaped the Nostromo with her life and then spent the next 57 years in hibernation sleep in her escape pod. The escape pod is picked up by a savage ship and when Ripley awakens she discovers that everything and everyone she loved has died. 

The company that Ripley worked for is still thriving and very upset that she had destroyed a $43 million spaceship despite what she told them about an alien species they encountered on LV 426. Ripley also learns that there are colonists on LV 426 and there has been no incident from the supposed alien species in 20 years. At the same time, a scouting party runs into the same alien spaceship that the Nostromo did 57 years ago and proceeds to wipe out the colonists on LV 426.

Communications is lost with LV 426 and the company sends a ship full of Marines and include Ripley as a consultant. The Marines are ambushed by the aliens and are now cut off from their escape route and drop ship. The survivors now have to survive the night and hope they can get to a second drop ship and get off the planet before it is too late. 

Video:

The 4K scan is interesting to me. While it isn't perfect, the sets and machines looks incredible, it's the faces that look weird and fake. The skin tones look almost like putty at times. So, the image isn't completely horrible, just problematic.

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos mix is fantastic as per the norm for Disney. The dialogue is crisp and clean as usual. The surround sound is very effective in all the action pieces. The cries of the aliens and the laser blasts envelope you. The large mech mover that Ripley uses provides some of the best surround audio of the movie as it adds weight to the scene.

Bonus Features:

• 
  James Cameron Introduction – A message from writer/director James Cameron introducing the Special Edition version of the film.
  
  2003 Audio Commentary by James Cameron and the Cast and Crew-Special Edition – 1990 Special Edition Commentary by James Cameron and the cast and crew.
  
  The Inspiration and Design of ALIENS – For the 30th anniversary, writer/director James Cameron reveals new insight into his own inspiration and the design elements for Aliens.
  
  2003 Audio Commentary by James Cameron and the Cast and Crew – 1986 Theatrical Version Commentary by James Cameron and the cast and crew.
  
  Isolated Scores
  ● Final Theatrical Isolated Score – This isolated track presents, as accurately as possible, James Horner's music score in its final form following extensive reworking during the post-production process.
  ● Composer's Original Isolated Score – Although there are a few instances where the length of individual sequences was changed slightly after the music was recorded, this isolated score track presents, as accurately as possible, James Horner's original intentions.
  
  Superior Firepower: Making Aliens – Immerse yourself in the world of ALIENS with 11 fully-loaded featurettes that deconstruct all that went into making this sci-fi thriller, from casting to creature design to post-production and everything in between.
  ● 57 Years Later: Continuing the Story
  ● Building Better Worlds: From Concept to Construction
  ● Preparing for Battle: Casting and Characterization
  ● This Time It’s War: Pinewood Studios, 1985
  ● The Risk Always Lives: Weapons and Action
  ● Bug Hunt: Creature Design
  ● Two Orphans: Sigourney Weaver and Carrie Henn
  ● Beauty and the *****: Power Loader vs. Queen Alien
  ● The Final Countdown: Music, Editing and Sound
  ● The Power of Real Tech: Visual Effects
  ● ALIENS Unleashed: Reaction to the Film
  
  Superior Firepower: Making Aliens Enhancement Pods – Supplemental video pieces to complement Superior Firepower: Making ALIENS.
  
  ● Without Sigourney Weaver
  ● Origins of Acheron
  ● Building Hadley's Hope
  ● Cameron's Design Philosophy
  ● Finding an Unused Power Plant
  ● Cameron's Military Interests
  ● Working with Sigourney Weaver
  ● The Importance of Being Bishop
  ● Paul Reiser on Carter Burke
  ● The Paxton/Cameron Connection
  ● Becoming Vasquez
  ● On Set: Infiltrating the Colony
  ● Props: Personal Light Unit
  ● Simon Atherton Talks Weapons
  ● Praising Stan Winston
  ● Test Footage: Chestburster
  ● Fighting the Facehugger
  ● Test Footage: Facehugger
  ● Stan Winston’s Challenge
  ● Test Footage: Queen Alien
  ● Stan Winston's Legacy
  ● Cameron's Cutting Edge
  ● Sigourney Weaver's Triumph
  ● Re-Enlisting with Cameron
  ● From Producer to Stunt Double
  
  Pre-Visualizations: Multi-Angle Videomatics
  • Angle 1: Videomatic
  • Angle 2: Videomatic/Final Shot Comparison
  • Audio Commentary by Miniature Effects Supervisor Pat McClung
  
  Direct Access to New/Additional Scenes From Special Edition
  ● Ripley's Daughter – Burke informs Ripley that her daughter died two years ago.
  ● Van Leuwen's Verdict – Van Leuwen reads the findings of the court of inquiry.
  ● The Colony/The Jordens' Discovery – The colony is bustling with life and activity. Newt, along with her brother and parents, come upon the Derelict ship.
  ● Burke's Answer – At Ripley's apartment, Burke explains why he's making the trip to LV-426.
  ● INT. Sulaco – Establishing shots of the interior of the Sulaco before the crew awakens from hyper-sleep.
  ● Hudson's Hubris – As they descend in the drop ship to LV-426, Hudson boasts about their advanced weaponry.
  ● False Alarm – Hudson and Vasquez detect motion in the colony, only to find it is pet hamsters.
  ● Ripley Pauses – As she enters the colony, Ripley hesitates for a moment.
  ● The Sentry Guns – Hicks reveals they have robot sentry systems. While examining the colony blueprints, Ripley and Hicks discuss where to place the robot sentries.
  ● Fire in the Hole – Hudson and Vasquez set up the UA 571-C remote sentry weapons and following a quick test, seal the tunnel.
  ● Last Line of Defense – The Sentry Guns dutifully scan the tunnel for incoming targets.
  ● Newt's Questions – Newt quizzes Ripley about the fate of her parents.
  ● Hudson's "Ant" Theory – Hudson speculates on how the Aliens are organized and reproduce.
  ● The Aliens Attack – The Sentry Guns unload on multiple targets.
  ● The Aliens Retreat – Under withering fire from the sentries, the Aliens are temporarily repulsed.
  ● First Name Basis – As Ripley departs the drop ship to try and rescue Newt, she and Hicks share their first names with each other.
  
  Deleted Scene: Burke Cocooned - Long one of the most sought-after lost moments from the entire ALIEN Anthology, this scene depicting Carter Burke's fate is now revealed.
  
  Deleted Scene Montage - This collection of scene extensions and omitted moments represents the remainder of deleted scenes not appearing in either the Theatrical Version or the Special Edition.
  
  Still Galleries and more
  • Original Treatment by James Cameron
  • Storyboard Archive
  • The Art of ALIENS
  • Cast Portrait Gallery
  • Production Image Galleries
  • Continuity Polaroids
  • Weapons and Vehicles
  • Stan Winston's Workshop
  • Colonial Marine Helmet Cameras
  • Video Graphics Gallery
  • Weyland-Yutani Inquest: Nostromo Dossiers
  
  Post-Production Aftermath
  • Image Galleries
  • Laserdisc Archives
  • Main Title Exploration
  • Theatrical Trailers
  o Teaser Trailer
  o Theatrical Trailer
  o Domestic Trailer
  o International Trailer

Conclusion:

Aliens is still one of the best sci-fi films around. While the video isn't perfect, the audio is and the ton of bonus material make this a must have for your collection.

Aliens is available on digital and on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on March 12, 2024.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the sole purpose of review and the review is strictly my own opinion*

4K Digital Review: The Creator

 

Gareth Edwards wrote and directed The Creator, a film about the emergence of AI. At first, we embrace AI, but then the AI turns against us and sets off a nuclear explosion. Now fifteen years later man is at war against the machines. Humanity has forced the remaining robots and their sympathizers into the East using a massive floating weapons platform called NOMAD. John David Washington plays Joshua, a special force spy sent into the find Nirmata (creator of the AI machines). As Joshua gets closer to finding out who Nirmata is, he falls in love with Maya (Gemma Chan).

After a devastating attack and Maya is lost, we move forward five years. We find Joshua is retired but discovers that Maya is alive. The AI are also close to creating a weapon that can destroy NOMAD. The military wants to use Joshua to find the weapon and destroy it before it can be used. But the weapon turns out to be an AI in the form of a child. This child can control technology and also knows where Maya is. Joshua must choose whether to follow orders or his heart.

Fantastic sets, action pieces, great acting make this one of my favorite movies of 2023. In the end the movie asks who is more human, the humans or the machines? 

Video:

The Creator looks stunning as there was no green screen used in the entire production of the movie. Everything was filmed on location. The wizards at ILM then created the sci-fi feel to the film. So, there is a real texture to everything. Even the way Edwards used a digital grain to create a seventies vibe to the look of the film looks amazing. Colors were muted on purpose to let the grays and blues dominate, but primary colors really shine through.  

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos audio mix is solid. It is totally immersive and full of environmental effects. The action sequences have a lot of heft to them with lots of bass when bombs and missiles go off.  The dialogue is front and center and the score is nicely mixed in. 

Bonus Feature:

True Love: Making The Creator (55 Mins)
Join director Gareth Edwards and crew for nearly an hour look behind the scenes. Hear from actors about the filming experience, and learn about the production's documentary-style approach, the innovative camera and lighting work, and much more.

Conclusion:

The Creator is one of the best films of 2023. A wonderful story on what is love, what is family, filled with solid acting, an amazing score, beautiful set pieces and a fabulous documentary make this a must have to your film library. 

 The Creator is now available on digital and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD.

*The film was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the sole purpose of review and the review is strictly my opinion.*

4K Digital Review: The Boogeyman

 

Based off of a classic short story by Stephen King, The Boogeyman starts in a horrific manner with a baby's murder. We then cut to the Harper family who is dealing with the loss of their mom. The father, Will Harper (Chris Messina) is a therapist, trying to reconnect with his teenage daughter Sadie (Sophie Thatcher) and the youngest Sawyer (Vivien Lyra Blair). To add to their problems is Lester Billings (David Dastmalchian) who comes to Will to talk about a being who killed his kids. 

Will's daughters start seeing a mysterious being in the house. The sisters work together to figure out what is happening and if they can get rid of the monster. But they get brought into a nightmare and now their lives are on the line.

For a PG-13 movie, you get a solid jump scare movie with little gore. The Boogeyman looks at fear and paranoia based upon grief. A solid horror movie that will make you think if the monster was real or just a way to show how people overcome fear and grief.

Video:

The 4K digital stream video is a solid transfer. For a film that is very dark, even in the daytime shots, the black levels and details are rich and inky. There are a lot of blue and gray filters throughout the entire movie. The black levels show off incredible detail. The HDR and Dolby Vision enhancements also help showcase the details in the dark. 

Audio:

The Dolby 5.1 track is solid and goes hand in hand perfectly with the fine video transfer. The front channels provide crystal clear dialogue. The surround channels will go into overdrive when you hear the monster moving around the room. An aggressive audio track is perfect for this type of movie.

Bonus Features:

• Into the Darkness Featurette – Open the door into the dark world of The Boogeyman as the cast and crew share how the terrifying tale, based on Stephen King's classic short story, was crafted.
• Outtakes – It’s not all just jump scares and bumps in the night. Join the cast for some lighthearted fun in the outtakes.

Conclusion:

The Boogeyman is a solid popcorn, jump scare monster movie. The solid video transfer and audio track really stand out here. A couple of short bonus features round out this release that will be a fun popcorn watch or a welcome addition to your library as a Stephen King fan.

The Boogeyman is now available on digital and on Blu-Ray and DVD October 10th.

*The movie was sent to by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the sole purpose of review and the review is entirely my own opinion*