http://www.thegeekcouch.com Music. Movies. Random Geekdom. Wed, 28 May 2014 13:27:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.8.11 Fiercely Independent Music. Artist interviews. Hosted by Sean C. Duregger. Sean C. Duregger no Sean C. Duregger [email protected] [email protected] (Sean C. Duregger) Sean C. Duregger Fiercely Independent Music. music, independent, rock, alternative, post rock, interviews, art, culture http://www.thegeekcouch.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/geekcouchbp.png http://www.thegeekcouch.com/category/reviews/movie-reviews/blu-ray-reviews/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/08/blu-ray-review-darkman-collectors-edition/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/08/blu-ray-review-darkman-collectors-edition/#comments Sat, 08 Mar 2014 19:22:11 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=10152 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/08/blu-ray-review-darkman-collectors-edition/feed/ 0 Darkman,Frances McDormand,Larry Drake,liam neeson,Sam Raimi | Scream Factory 2014 | 1990 | 96 min | Rated R | February 18, 2014 - *This was originally posted over at TheScreamCast.com* Video Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Resolution: 1080p Aspect ratio: 1.85:1 Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1 - Audio | Scream Factory 2014 | 1990 | 96 min | Rated R | February 18, 2014 *This was originally posted over at TheScreamCast.com* Video Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Resolution: 1080p Aspect ratio: 1.85:1 Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1 Audio English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Subtitles English Discs 50GB Blu-ray Disc Single disc (1 BD) Packaging Slipcover in original pressing Playback Region A [amazon template=add to cart&chan=default&asin=B00ESZZO4A] Listen to The ScreamCast Episode #2 featuring this title! The Movie I always wonder what the reception of Darkman would have been like if it wasn't released in the shadow of Tim Burton's Batman. Sam Raimi's comic book inspired film was somewhat of an odd thing when it released in 1990 and didn't seem to pick up speed until hitting VHS and Cable. I remember reading middling reviews in the newspaper and never gave it a chance until I bought a VHS tape from a video store's clearance rack. I've bought Darkman on every format (sans Laserdisc) since. Scream Factory's gorgeous release marks the third time in twenty years I've plunked down my hard earned cash for this film. Darkman is a classic revenge based "origin story." In 2014 it's easy to be exhausted with origin stories, but I think it still works here. What I love about Darkman is that Raimi doesn't waste any time with the origin details. He jumps right into the creation of this tortured character played by a young and then relatively unknown Liam Neeson, then thrusts this character into a standard revenge plot. Despite this tired plot formula, Darkman works in spades still today mainly because of Raimi's execution, a strong lead and a host of character actors. In fact, I'd say that the character actors elevate this film because of their ability to make me believe they are actually Darkman in disguise. These scenes stand out as my favorite moments. Raimi's visual flourishes and signatures are all over this movie and the lack of CGI is welcomed. With more "pre-CGI era" films being given the Scream Factory Treatment, I hope budding filmmakers see the importance of practical and optical effects. Everything looks top notch here in HD, from the make-up effects to some pretty great compositing. Overall, Darkman has aged really well. It's a comic book movie (kinda) with a hard edge and genuine meanness to it. Raimi's direction gives us a tight 90 minute ride bolstered by fantastic effects that hold up pretty well and fun, solid performances. Video Quality It should be noted that Scream Factory did not get access to a new master, so they are using a master from Universal that has some slight, yet noticeable DNR. However, this is the best I've ever seen Darkman and not the train wreck like we've seen on movies like Predator. This won't be on anyone's radar as a bad transfer and I'm sure most of you won't even notice. As it stands, Darkman still looks pretty great. Audio Quality Danny Elfman's score shines here. It's loud, bombastic and blends well with the dialogue and sound effects. The mix is clean and sharp, with the 5.1 surround filling the room nicely. Crank this one up. Special Features and Extras New interviews with Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand New interview with Larry Drake New interview with Makeup Designer Tony Gardner New interviews with actors Danny Hicks and Dan Bell New interviews with Production Designer Randy Ser and Art Director Philip Dagort Audio Commentary with director of photography Bill Pope Vintage “Making of” and interview featurettes featuring interviews with Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand and more… Vintage full-length interviews with Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand Theatrical Trailer TV Spots Still Galleries – Posters & production stills, Behind the Scenes, Make-up Effects and Storyboards There is a wealth of information in these special features. Unfortunately, Sean C. Duregger no 1:20:12 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/08/blu-ray-review-terrorvisionthe-video-dead/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/08/blu-ray-review-terrorvisionthe-video-dead/#comments Sat, 08 Mar 2014 19:12:26 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=10145 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/08/blu-ray-review-terrorvisionthe-video-dead/feed/ 0 | Scream Factory 2013 | 1986-1987 | 2 Movies | 173 min | Rated R | *This was originally posted over at TheScreamCast.com* Video - Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Resolution: 1080p - Aspect ratio: see individual releases Original aspect ratio: see individual rele... | Scream Factory 2013 | 1986-1987 | 2 Movies | 173 min | Rated R | *This was originally posted over at TheScreamCast.com* Video Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Resolution: 1080p Aspect ratio: see individual releases Original aspect ratio: see individual releases Audio English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Subtitles English Discs 50GB Blu-ray Disc Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD) DVD copy Playback Region A (locked) [amazon template=add to cart&chan=default&asin=B00A429Y56] Listen to The ScreamCast Episode #1 featuring this title! Life will never be the same for the Putterman family in Terrorvision. Stanley Putterman (Gerrit Graham) installs a state-of-the-art satellite dish in his backyard. Through a cosmic accident, a wayward monster's energy is beamed across galaxies, into the satellite and onto the Puttermans' television set. The Puttermans don't notice any changes, only better reception and a strange monster continually appearing on the screen. But when the monster leaps off the screen and into the Puttermans' living room, terror erupts, as it needs to feed on humans for its survival! The Movie TerrorVision is one of the many movies I remember seeing the VHS cover decades before I finally sat down to watch it. When I finally caught up with it on Netflix one night, I remember not being too thrilled with this flick. However, upon second review the light bulb in my brain clicked and I was suddenly in on the joke. At least I appreciate the film for what it is now. A cartoonish, over-the-top horror/comedy that isn't afraid to take some chances. The plot is bizarre and the characters even more bizarre. Swinging parents? A love den with oversized hot tub and near-pornographic paintings throughout the house? They built Grandpa his own storm shelter? If you're prepared for the wackiness of this flick you're in for a pretty damn fun ride. Video Quality Compared to the VHS and bootleg DVD options we've had, this 1080p HD transfer will be a revelation to fans of this flick. TerrorVision won't be mistaken for a brand new movie, but this transfer serves the original 35mm print well. Audio Quality The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 is serviceable and considering all previous releases, fans should be very happy. The sound won't shake the living room, but Scream Factory has given us a worthy upgrade to be proud of. Special Features and Extras Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Ted Nicolaou and Stars Diane Franklin and Jon Gries. This is a lively and extremely entertaining commentary. Ted Nicolaou is very candid and gives a lot of fun information about the production. Diane Franklin and Jon Gries add some flavor to the conversation. Worth checking out. Monsters on Demand: The Making of “TERRORVISION” - An all-new retrospective with Writer/Director Ted Nicolaou, Stars Gerrit Graham, Mary Woronov, Diane Franklin, Jon Gries, Chad Allen, Ian Patrick Williams, Special Make-up Effects Creator John Carl Buechler, Special Effects Artist Cleve Hall, Executive Producer Charles Band, and Composer Richard Band. A comprehensive and entertaining documentary. Poster & Still Gallery On a quiet, tree-lined street, evil has arrived in a most ordinary way, an old television set. It receives a single channel, one that not only shows the same film over and over – a horror film where zombies rise from the grave to kill – but also frees the gnarled, evil monsters….and once out, they’re not going back! They like the real world. They’ve already killed five people and want more blood…and a new family is moving into the neighborhood! The Movie The Video Dead is another flick with a kick-ass poster that is almost better than the film itself. It's not as fun and wacky as TerrorVision, so watching these back-to-back may be an interesting experience. On it's own, though, this is a criminally underseen zombie flick that has it's moments. Sean C. Duregger no 59:46 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2010/09/20/blu-ray-review-robin-hood-unrated-directors-cut/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2010/09/20/blu-ray-review-robin-hood-unrated-directors-cut/#comments Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:10:58 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=4683 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2010/09/20/blu-ray-review-robin-hood-unrated-directors-cut/feed/ 0 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2010/04/07/movie-review-i-sell-the-dead/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2010/04/07/movie-review-i-sell-the-dead/#comments Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:47:42 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=4298 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2010/04/07/movie-review-i-sell-the-dead/feed/ 0 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/11/16/movie-review-the-brothers-bloom/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/11/16/movie-review-the-brothers-bloom/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:41:03 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=3919 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/11/16/movie-review-the-brothers-bloom/feed/ 0 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/31/movie-review-all-the-boys-love-mandy-lane/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/31/movie-review-all-the-boys-love-mandy-lane/#comments Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:19:16 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=3911 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/31/movie-review-all-the-boys-love-mandy-lane/feed/ 0 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/23/movie-review-observe-and-report/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/23/movie-review-observe-and-report/#comments Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:30:40 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=3763 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/23/movie-review-observe-and-report/feed/ 0 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/09/movie-review-the-children/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/09/movie-review-the-children/#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:10:57 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=3737 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/09/movie-review-the-children/feed/ 0 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/08/movie-review-trick-r-treat/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/08/movie-review-trick-r-treat/#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:29:43 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=3722 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/08/movie-review-trick-r-treat/feed/ 0 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/06/movie-review-red-cliff-chi-bi/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/06/movie-review-red-cliff-chi-bi/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:50:26 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=3695 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2009/10/06/movie-review-red-cliff-chi-bi/feed/ 0