New Blu-ray Reviews

The Universe: Our Solar System Blu-ray Movie  

A&E Home Video | 2006-2010 | 470 min | Unrated | Aug 24, 2010 | Jeffrey Kauffman

Ten episodes of The Universe are spread over two discs, including: "Secrets of the Sun," "Mars: The Red Planet," "The End of the Earth: Deep Space Threats To Our Planet," "Jupiter: The Giant Planet," "The Moon," "Spaceship Earth," and" The Inner Planets: Mercury & Venus."

Documentary

Journey Into Amazing Caves Blu-ray Movie  

IMAX

Image Entertainment | 2001 | 40 min | Not rated | May 05, 2009 | Kenneth Brown

Journey into Amazing Caves is a visceral, suspenseful expedition with a new breed of scientists who boldly explore places once thought off-limits to human presence, let alone IMAX cameras. Join Dr. Hazel Barton and Nancy Aulenbach as they travel to unique and forbidding ice caves in Greenland, underwater caves in the Yucatan, terrestrial caves in the Grand Canyon and other spectacular locations. You will wriggle through tiny, twisting passages, swim through flooded underground vaults, drop into gleaming blue labyrinths of ice, and enter a world so extreme the microscopic creatures who live there are called extremophiles. For those compelled to push their limits in the world's most hostile environments, the risk of fatal danger and thrill of new discovery are the everyday factors that make cave exploration such an awe-inspiring experience. Narrated by Liam Neeson, with music by The Moody Blues.

Documentary / Nature

Stardust Blu-ray Movie  

Paramount Pictures | 2007 | 128 min | Rated PG-13 | Sep 07, 2010 | Martin Liebman

In the sleepy English village of Wall, young Tristan Thorne promises the prettiest girl in town that he will bring her back a fallen star. Now Tristan must cross a wall between the village and a mysterious kingdom lit by unending magic and unfolding legends of which he will quickly become a part.

Adventure / Family / Fantasy / Romance / Comic book / Coming of age

Lebanon: The Soldier's Journey Blu-ray Movie    

Metrodome Video | 2009 | 94 min | Rated BBFC: 15 | Aug 23, 2010 | Dr. Svet Atanasov

Depicting 24 hours in the life of four Israeli paratroopers at the outset of the 1982 Lebanon invasion, the film follows the soldiers on a mission to clear a Lebanese area of hostile fighters. Filmed almost entirely from inside the tank in which they are travelling, the film follows the men as they cope with the deteriorating state of the tank, the stress, intense heat and cramped conditions inside, the occasional failure of the communication equipment, navigational problems and the inevitable quarrelling.

Drama / War / Foreign

The Phantom Blu-ray Movie  

Vivendi Visual Entertainment | 2009 | 180 min | Unrated | Sep 07, 2010 | Jeffrey Kauffman

Chris Moore is an urban daredevil who gets his kicks racing across rooftops. When a secret organization approaches him with proof that he is actually son of a legendary international crime fighter called The Phantom, he is thrust into a world he never knew existed – a world of exotic islands, secret lairs, and a heritage that borders on royalty. Re-imagined and re-loaded, this classic superhero is upgraded for the 21st Century with a new, state-of-the-art costume and a newly formed rivalry against some of the most techno-savvy villains to ever terrorize the world! It’s explosive action and nonstop adventure from start to finish as The Phantom comes to life!

Action / Adventure / Comic book

Wonderland Blu-ray Movie  

Lionsgate Films | 2003 | 104 min | Rated R | Aug 31, 2010 | Jeffrey Kauffman

On July 1, 1981, LAPD responded to a distress call at Wonderland Avenue and discovered a grisly quadruple homicide.

Crime / Drama

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Blu-ray Movie  

Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy

Disney / Buena Vista | 2010 | 116 min | Rated PG-13 | Sep 14, 2010 | Kenneth Brown

Set in the mystical lands of Persia, a rogue prince and a mysterious princess race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time -- a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world.

Action / Adventure / Fantasy / Romance

Harry Brown Blu-ray Movie  

Sony Pictures | 2009 | 103 min | Rated R | Aug 31, 2010 | Martin Liebman

Set in modern-day Britain, 'Harry Brown' follows one man’s journey through a chaotic world where drugs are the currency of the day and guns run the streets. A modest law-abiding citizen, Harry Brown is a retired Marine and a widower who lives alone on a depressed housing estate. His only company is his best friend Leonard. When Leonard is murdered by a gang of thugs, Harry feels compelled to act and is forced to dispense his own brand of justice. As he bids to clean up the run-down estate where he lives, his actions bring him into conflict with the police, led by investigating officer DCI Frampton and Charlie Creed-Miles.

Crime / Drama / Thriller

Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes Blu-ray Movie  

Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy

Warner Bros. | 2010 | 50 min | Not rated | Oct 26, 2010 | Kenneth Brown

Fun is elementary when cat-and-mouse cutups try to outsleuth the great detective! <br><br> Jewel heists around the city of London befuddle Scotland Yard, and the beautiful singer Red is framed for the crook. Only the legendary Sherlock Holmes can find the real thief with the help of his assistant Dr. Watson -- and of course, Tom and Jerry. But finding clues and cracking the case will be elementary compared to keeping the peace between these raucous rivals as they scamper, scurry, scoot and speed along the streets, alleys and rooftops in the name of justice. Familiar friends Tuffy, Butch, Droopy and many more cleverly round out the motley crew of characters and possible suspects in this brilliant fusion of classic detection and energetic animation!

Animation / Family

Goldberg Variations Acoustica 3D Blu-ray Movie  

Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray

AIX Records | 2010 | 53 min | Not rated | Aug 16, 2010 | Martin Liebman

This is the world's first 3D Music Album, the first Blu-ray 3D disc with Dolby TrueHD, the first Blu-Ray 3D disc with multiple mixes and only the second Blu-ray 3D disc to be commercially available.

Music

Hard Candy Blu-ray Movie  

Lionsgate Films | 2005 | 105 min | Rated R | Aug 31, 2010 | Jeffrey Kauffman

A smart, charming teenage girl, Hayley probably shouldn't be going to a local coffee shop to meet Jeff, a 30- something fashion photographer she met on the Internet. But Hayley's ready to have fun, and soon she's mixing screwdrivers at Jeff's place and stripping for an impromptu photo shoot. It's Jeff's lucky night--until his vision blurs and he passes out. Turns out Hayley isn't as innocent as she looks.

Drama / Thriller / Psychological thriller

Moonwalker Blu-ray Movie    

Michael Jackson

Warner Bros. | 1988 | 93 min | Rated BBFC: PG | Jun 03, 2010 | Dr. Svet Atanasov

You know his music. You've seen his movies. Now see Michael Jackson as you've never seen him before in Moonwalker, a magical, musical, feature-length adventure that takes you to the moon and back with the most well-known entertainer on the planet. A true collector's treasure, Moonwalker combines Michael Jackson's greatest videos with rare clips from his early days in the Jackson 5 and live concert and Grammy performances. Also included is a wild adventure film written by Michael Jackson himself, allowing a rare and unique glimpse into the creative mind of this musical genius. Look for cameo appearances by Joe Pesci, Mick Jagger, Sean Lennon, Elizabeth Taylor and others!

Action / Fantasy / Music

Rick Steves: Italy through the Back Door Blu-ray Movie  

Perseus | 2002-2010 | 300 min | Not rated | Aug 17, 2010 | Jeffrey Kauffman

For the first time on Blu-ray, this special collection of Rick Steves' TV shows takes you on a high-definition trip to Italy. . .through the back door.

Documentary

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition & Borodin: Symphony No. 2 Blu-ray Movie  

EUROARTS | 2007 | 91 min | Unrated | Aug 31, 2010 | Jeffrey Kauffman

A true celebration, ushering in the New Year with one of the finest orchestras and greatest conductors in the world.

Music

Amazon Blu-ray Movie  

IMAX

Image Entertainment | 1997 | 39 min | Not rated | May 05, 2009 | Kenneth Brown

Explore the mysterious Amazon through this Academy Award-nominated film. Amazon celebrates the beauty, vitality and wonder of the rapidly disappearing rain forest. Filmmakers overcame many difficulties to photograph this rarely seen tropical landscape and present it with all the visual power associated with IMAX. Narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Linda Hunt, this unique collaboration between an American scientist and a tribal shaman on a mission to find rare medicinal plants will amaze and astound you.

Documentary / Nature

NCIS: Los Angeles - The First Season Blu-ray Movie  

Paramount Pictures | 2009-2010 | 1029 min | Not rated | Aug 31, 2010 | Kenneth Brown

The Office of Special Projects (OSP) is a clandestine division of NCIS and is located in Los Angeles, California. They go deep undercover to capture criminals that are threatening national security. They have access to the latest technological developments. The team includes G Callen, the chameleon; Sam Hanna, Callen's partner and a surveillance expert; Kensi Blye, the adrenalin junkie and Nate Getz, the psychologist to help the team with the mission and their own mental health. Together with the woman who manages their special technical equipment, this team will do whatever is necessary to get the job done.

Crime / Drama / Mystery / Thriller

The Burmese Harp Blu-ray Movie    

ビルマの竪琴 / Biruma no tategoto / Masters of Cinema

Eureka Entertainment | 1956 | 116 min | Rated BBFC: 12 | Aug 30, 2010 | Dr. Svet Atanasov

At the close of World War II, a Japanese army regiment in Burma surrenders to the British. Private Mizushima is sent on a lone mission to persuade a trapped Japanese battalion to surrender also. When the outcome is a failure, he disguises himself in the robes of a Buddhist monk in hope of temporary anonymity as he journeys across the landscape – but he underestimates the power of his assumed role.

Drama / War / Foreign

City Island Blu-ray Movie  

Blu-ray + Digital Copy

Starz / Anchor Bay | 2009 | 104 min | Rated PG-13 | Aug 24, 2010 | Martin Liebman

Meet the Rizzos, a family that might get along a lot better if only they could tell each other the truth. Dad Vince is the worst offender. But since the prison guard won't even admit that poker night is in fact acting class, how's he ever going to explain about his illegitimate son? His daughter works as a stripper when she's supposed to be in college, while young Vinnie Jr has a secret sexual fetish that involves a 24-hour webcam and the family's 300-pound neighbour. Vince's wife Joyce is the family's rock, but it's been a year since she enjoyed intimacy with her husband, and it's no surprise she thinks poker night spells A-F-F-A-I-R. When former prisoner Tony enters the Rizzos' lives, Joyce begins to suspect that the handsome young Tony isn't who Vince says he is. City Island is a funny, touching and smart family tale about the secrets of the past catching up with the lies of the present, and accepting that nobody's perfect - least of all your loved ones

Comedy / Drama

The Good, the Bad, the Weird Blu-ray Movie  

Joheunnom nabbeunnom isanghannom

IFC Films | 2008 | 130 min | Rated R | Aug 17, 2010 | Casey Broadwater

Set in 1930s Japanese-occupied Manchuria, three Joseon mounted bandits get their hands on a treasure map, only to be pursued by the army of national independence, who believe that the outlaws have a map for a new railway to be built by the Japanese army.

Action / Adventure / Comedy / Western / Foreign

Machine Gun McCain Blu-ray Movie  

Gli Intoccabili

Blue Underground | 1969 | 96 min | Not rated | Aug 24, 2010 | Martin Liebman

After serving 12 years behind bars for armed robbery, tough guy Hank McCain finds himself the pawn of a ruthless mob runt's rebellion against a high level don. When McCain discovers that he's been betrayed and abandoned by his new employer, he retaliates with a high stakes Las Vegas casino heist that erupts into all-out war on the streets of Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. Not blood, nor lust, nor wedding vows can come between McCain and his money...or his machine gun.

Action / Crime