Regardless of which side you take on the subject, nothing is going to stop George Lucas from continuing to change his Star Wars films. Today's Blu-ray releases feature the latest versions with more "enhancements" to both the original trilogy (Episodes IV-VI) and the prequel trilogy (Episodes I-III) alike. Fortunately, fans get the choice of picking up the entire
Star Wars saga in one Blu-ray release, or each trilogy individually. If you're waiting to purchase
Empire as a single release, don't hold your breath.
For the
Star Wars Blu-ray review , staff reviewer Casey Broadwater commented, "I don't think anyone expected this release of The Complete Saga to be free of controversy. But come on. It's Star Wars. On Blu-ray. This is a once-in-a-technological-generation event, and if your hatred of George Lucas' revisionist tinkerings keeps you from enjoying some of your favorite films in high definition, you're missing out." He continues, "The films have never looked or sounded better— Episodes III-VI are particularly impressive—and they come with a fantastic collection of special features."
Not all superheroes are created equally, and it just happens that today's Blu-ray release of
Thor falls on the side of "meh". Featuring enough special effects and post-production polish to make it worthy of summer blockbuster fame, the film falls short in the story department, resulting in a film – much like other summer blockbusters – that makes a ton of cash, but fades quickly from public awareness.
Staff reviewer Martin Liebman commented in his
Thor Blu-ray review , "The story of Thor is one of recycled plot standards and thematic indifference, but the picture still works as an extraordinarily fun ride and a showcase of digital movie magic. The film is superficially defined by its breathtaking backdrops -- most of which aren't real -- and the exemplary performance of lead Actor Chris Hemsworth, who manages to give shape to a relatively flat character." He continues, "Paramount's 2D Blu-ray release of Thor delivers steady 1080p video, a first-class DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless soundtrack, and a better-than-average assortment of extra content."
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena is a prequel series to
Spartacus: Blood and Sand, the popular Starz series where sex and violence defined just how far premium channels can push the envelope. There isn't a lot new here, which is to say that the prequel series follows the same motions (and features the same gratuitous sex and violence as
Blood and Sand. Fans of the original series will feel right at home, but those who didn't enjoy it will want to avoid this release as well.
For the Blu-ray
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena Blu-ray review , staff reviewer Martin Liebman commented, "Fans will enjoy this a great deal -- it's more of the same, basically, minus star Andy Whitfield
[Ed: Andy Whitfield passed away this past Sunday after a tragically short battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma] -- and newcomers should probably start here just for the linearity of the story, though the purist might have a hard time making that choice. Fortunately, there's no debate about the quality of Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release. "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena" features a stellar technical presentation and a nice assortment of extras.
And finally,
Citizen Kane is being released today. Go buy it already!