Thursday, October 24, 2013

Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol [HD]


Wait Until You See the Car
I won't be cliche and tell you that your mission, should you choose to accept it... You know the rest.

Without a doubt, this is the best of all the Mission Impossible movies, including the original. Over the years, the MI franchise had become something of a cartoon of itself. So, it seemed appropriate that Brad Bird should be chosen to helm MI4 Ghost Protocol. As the Oscar winning director of the Incredibles, he made animated cartoons seem very real. Now, he's made Mission Impossible real again. He's injected a fresh breathe of confidence, humor and camaraderie into a series that sorely needed it. He's not only re-invigorated the franchise, he's re-invigorated Tom Cruise's career as an action star. With this movie, Tom is back on top.

You'll notice that there is a lot of the Incredibles in MI4 Ghost Protocol. That's not only because of Brad Bird's influence, but because the Incredibles was a humorous homage to action films. You could say it's the IMF meets the...
5 star movie but 3 star blu ray disc
I think there are several reviews already with the same complaints but I just thought I would add my voice to the chorus.

No spoilers.

The Movie- 5 Stars
This movie has a ton of "hands-down" moments. Among them:
- Probably one of the best pure action movies I have ever seen. Yes, the plot is silly, but this is not a movie you walk into expecting it to change your perspective on life. It's just a fun and exciting movie which puts a very nice spin on the tired franchise with the Murphy's Law conundrums. Part of the fun is watching how Tom Cruise and team find their way around everything that the plot throws at them. One of my favorite sequences in MI3 was the Italy scenes where a daring heist is carried off flawlessly. In this movie, you have tons of heist scenes where absolutely nothing goes right and the movie still manages to find that tricky signature balance between action/plausibility/humor that carries the viewer from scene to scene with bated...
Updated for Blu-ray-Well made thriller from director Brad Bird ("The Incredibles") bodes well for his future as a director
UPDATED FOR BLU-RAY:

A couple of things about the Blu-ray edition 1) Paramount has done a stunning transfer with nice depth, clarity and detail. Skin tones look quite nice as do textures. The audio is VERY active with a great losslss 7.1 mix.

Be aware however that the sequences shot in IMAX format are NOT presented in the wider aspect ratio for the film (unlike, say, "The Dark Knight"). Also this includes a code for a Ultraviolet "copy" which means you'll have to stream the film rather than upload it to your portable device. There's also a code for itunes as well if you go that route.

The special features are good for the two disc editions but I am a bit disappointed that we don't get a feature length commentary track from Brad Bird and tom Cruise but we do get Bird's commentary for the deleted scenes and alternate opening sequence for the film. We also get featurettes on the dust storm sequence (a truly amazing sequence in a film filled with them) as...
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The House of Eliott, Series 2


The House of Eliot - Series 2
I greatly enjoyed both Series 1 and 2. The costumes are spectular. The plot can be a little tedious at times, but there is an impressive cast of different characters coming and going throughout the series. It's also pleasantly predictable, so a lot of fun. My only complaint is that the last episode is a mild cliff hanger, and later episodes aren't available. My compliments to amazon.com for carrying these reviews. It was the only place I found that indicated that there are more episodes to come on DVD. Not even the BBC.UK website provided that information! Thanks, Amazon and volunteer reviewers!
a gem!
I rediscovered this after a long time. This is a great series.I had never seen this in its entirety and look forward to seeing the third and fourth which I understand is not out yet.Its a gem, love the storyline and costumes.,so authentic looking and of the period,even the dialogue.I wish there were more of this genre.
The House of Eliott
I thoroughly enjoyed Seasons 1, 2 and 3 of the House of Eliott. The acting was fantastic, the dresses magnificent and the locations, as with most English mini-series, marvelous. My only complaint is that it doesn't end!! THere is no closure to this. As you approach the last chapter of Season 3 you start to wonder how they are going to wrap it all up in the little time that is left, and - oh surprise! - things are left unsettled and you feel that you need one more season to see how things worked out for everyone! Is there any chance that there is a Season 4 out there somewhere????
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Lost Girl: Season Three


Keeps getting stronger
Unlike some shows that lose steam after a couple of seasons, Lost Girl apparently improves with age. Having firmly established its mythology in seasons 1 & 2, season 3 introduces important new characters and delves deeper into the background of some of the central characters, including a visit to Bo's past. If you are a fan of Vex, you'll certainly enjoy the first couple episodes of the season. Bo and Kenzi continue to face down new enemies with their usual panache, although it seems they are separated more often in season 3 when confronting what needs to be dealt with.

The introduction of expansive lore and imaginative minor characters with each episode never ceases to amaze; the all-fired creativity of the show's world is largely unparalleled in television today, and remains among Lost Girl's greatest assets. I rarely rate a TV show with 5 stars, but in the case of Lost Girl it's hard to find a downside, other than scripts that sometimes could be a bit tighter. Season 3...
Love this season
Before this show, I hadn't really gotten into Canadian shows. I loved lost girl. I love the mythology, the story line, the strong female protagonist and basically everything else. It is beautifully shot, the actors and actresses are amazing (and sexy and funny), and the storyline is riveting!

I think this season really hit the shows stride. More of the politics and history was brought out, and Bo continues to be challenged. Bones- Linda Hamilton guest stars!
More Doccubus Please!
I am a huge fan of the Canadian series "Lost Girl". I love fantasy and sci-fi and Lost Girl takes it to the next level with snappy dialogue and well developed characters as well as a great 'love is love' message and a cool vibe about acceptance all around. The setting is the unseen world of the Fae (both light and dark) and the interactions they have with humans. The protagonist is a Succubus, a Fae that feeds on human sexual energy (way to bury the lede!) This is season 3 and season 4 is just around the corner. I hope they get renewed again.
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The Right Stuff (30th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]


The Greatest American Epic
The fact that "The Right Stuff" lost the Oscar for best picture to "Terms Of Endearment" is beyond me; this movie should have won. The fact that it wasn't a hit at the box office back in 1983 is also beyond me. We are talking about what I think it's the best American epic in all the sense of the word.
It's strange that a Venezuelan-born like me should talk about a movie like this, but I feel that "The Right Stuff" should have been a classic -well, it is for me. The story of the "Mercury" astronauts is portrayed marvelously by Philip Kaufman's direction, showcased beautifully by Caleb Deschanel's stylish photography, and supported by an incredible cast including Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Barbara Hershey, Sam Shepard, Pamela Reed, Kim Stanley, and Veronica Cartwright.
In fact, I remember when I was watching that movie at home, and my late father asked me if a man that appeared on the screen was astronaut John Glenn because he looked...
Pushing the Envelope of Space!
'The Right Stuff' is one of the most glorious adventure films ever made, a story of incredible heroism, poignant romance, gripping drama, and broad humor...and amazingly, it has actually happened in our lifetimes!

This is a tale of test pilots, 'pushing the envelope', proving the sound barrier couldn't constrain mankind's reach for space. Leading the way is plain-speaking Chuck Yeager (portrayed by Sam Shepard with Gary Cooper-like charm), a Beeman's gum-chewing cowboy with a passion for his feisty wife (the beautiful Barbara Hershey), and hot planes. Not even a broken rib could hold him back when an opportunity to fly the X-1 was offered. His record-breaking flight could fill a movie by itself...and this is just the BEGINNING of the story!

Jumping ahead a few years, Yeager is joined by a new breed of test pilots, whose total love of flight challenges their relationships, and is the true measure of how they define themselves. Among them are 'Gordo' Cooper (Dennis...
It takes more than rocket fuel to attain escape velocity
Weighing in at three+ hours, "The Right Stuff" gives us a fantastic insight into the embryonic stages of humanity's journey into space. It is a personal disappointment to me that our species hasn't done more with the opportunities that space travel has given us.

Based on Tom Wolfe's history of the space program, the film takes us through the early stages of American space exploration. It starts with Yeager's historic speed record when he broke the sound barrier and finishes at the end of the Mercury program. For this reason I think "Apollo 13" makes a good sequel to "The Right Stuff" as it concerns itself with the subsequent Apollo program.

The cast is outstanding and they mostly offer strong performances. For much of the film Sam Shepard gets center stage in his role as Chuck Yeager. However since Yeager was never allowed the opportunity to join the space program the second half of the film focuses on the seven...
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Magic City: The Complete Second Season


"No use cryin'"
Save MAGIC CITY! After two 8-episode seasons, the STARZ network decided to pull the plug on the Miramar Playa and all our friends inside. Are you kidding me?

Containing NC-17 sex, light-R violence, lush cinematography, killer acting and a loving, golden-oldie music-track, the saga of Ike "The Shark" Evans and Ben "The Butcher" Diamond is hands-down one of the greatest gangster-dramas ever. No kidding. Hell, they even got James Caan on-board. Give it up for Mitch Glazer, the Miami native who created this sparkling period-piece of sun, skin, sin, betrayal and blood. Let's all say it together: THE SHOW MUST GO ON!
great series
How sad and unfortunate that this series was cut short. Loved the story line, music, and clothes. It was thrilling while beautiful to watch.
story lime pretty weak,,miscastings etc
my review personaly?? after watching season one i found the show was a bore and was surprised it wenton for second season,,was moe green kinda ripp off great nude scenes but you as far as the characters?? you dont care for them at all,
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Secret Life of Walter Mitty


Not a Review, a Plea
This has always been a lifelong favorite of mine. The cast includes a sinister Boris Karloff. But, did you know that Boris Karloff played not only a sinister doctor, but also was made up by Jack Pierce as the Frankenstein Monster! That footage of Karloff as the Monster, was actually filmed yet removed prior to release! The scene took place in an office setting with the Monster trying to operate a typewriter. This film fan's dream, is to see this Technicolor footage placed in the supplementary section of the DVD release,at the very least. Hopefully the powers that control the wonderful films of Sam Goldwyn, will give us all that cinematic gift.
Danny Kaye at his best!
Possibly the best film that showcases Danny Kaye's many talents, but would love to see a blu ray release for it instead.

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Dexter: The Complete Final Season [Blu-ray]


FAIL
"Dexter" went from being one of the greatest shows on television to one of the worst. And it pains me to say this, but the series finale was quite possibly the worst in TV history. Seriously. The "Seinfeld" finale is golden compared to this one.

I feel that "Dexter" went steadily downhill after Season 4, which admittedly was so freaking fantastic that it would be next to impossible for anything else to measure up. However, Season 8 was by far the worst of all. The Dr. Vogel plot was weak and a terrible way to wrap up what was once a great series. Let's just get to the finale, which is the absolute worst thing about this season. (Warning: massive spoilers ahead.)

1. I had this feeling that Deb's character would meet an unfortunate end, but it really seemed unnecessary here. Does everyone in the show have to be miserable at the end?

2. Hannah is now raising Harrison in Argentina. Really? Would it have been so awful to have Dexter flee Miami and at least...
From Walking in Full Sunlight...
...to drowning in pure darkness.

It's been six months since Debra murdered LaGuerta to save his brother. While Dexter is living the high life, free from all clouds of suspicion, Debra has quit the force and is now working as a bounty hunter.

Dexter's concluding words in the last season, "We all make up our own rules" takes centre stage.

With the one constant relationship, the one unconditional support in his life gone, Dexter's tenuous grip on familial support is gone. Dexter must step up to the plate lest his sister go off the deep end in more ways than a few.

The dark secrets behind Harry's Code are revealed. Dexter is fleshed out in profound, minute detail.

Perhaps the strongest component of this powerful finale are the sheer quantity of challenging moral dilemmas the characters and viewers are confronted with. Without spoiling anything, I'll simply finish by saying that there is more here than in a thousand introductory ethics...
Do over!
You must be a Dexter fan to forgive the writers for this season. I wish they could do a do-over.
Too bad Debra had to die - I thought that was pretty lame and soooo predictable. When she was in the hospital I thought there was hope the series wouldn't go that route. But then: Disappointment!
The biggest disappointment was Dexter leaving his son with a serial killer!! Really?!?!
All the setup with Dr Vogel led me to believe that Dexter would find he could say good bye to his dark passenger but instead he gave in to "I destroy everyone I love". Boo-hoo!
Still, i'm gonna miss ya, Dexter!
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Breaking Bad: The Complete Series (+UltraViolet Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]


Why You Should Watch "Breaking Bad" - Plus List of Blu-Ray Special Features
As I write this, I am anxiously awaiting the final set of episodes of "Breaking Bad". This is my favorite TV show. And though I'm excited to see how it all ends, I'm also sad thinking it won't be back next year. If you've always watched the show, or if you've just found it recently (I discovered the show on DVD before getting hooked in Summer 2011), you know how great the show is. You don't need convincing - rarely has a show had this much universal acclaim (a 9.4 on IMDb, a 99/100 on Metacritic, 3 Emmy wins for Drama Actor and 4 Nominations for Best Drama Series, etc).

This review is more for the people who have not seen the show. First of all, let me say that it's not too late - you can catch up with the entire series on DVD/Blu-ray, and all the prior seasons of the show are also available on Netflix. If you watch one episode per day, you would finish in under 2 months. Of course, it will probably take a much shorter period of time - I dare you to try watching just...
Special Features specs
BREAKING BAD: THE COMPLETE SERIES Barrel Set Special Features Include:

No Half Measures: Creating the Final Season of Breaking Bad - An all-new, exclusive two hour documentary that chronicles the filming of the final eight episodes.
Additional bonus features include all previously released featurettes and retail exclusives:

Bad Memories - Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul talk about the show ending and some of their favorite moments.
Bryan Cranston: Director - Go on set with Bryan Cranston as he directs the first episode of the season entitled "Blood Money."
Scene Envy - The Cast tell us which scene they wish they could have been in.
Shocking Moments - The stars reveal the moments that shocked them most.
From Walt to Heisenberg - From high school teacher to deadly meth dealer, watch as Walter White quickly transforms into Heisenberg.
How Will It End? - At the beginning of the season, the cast was asked to give their thoughts on how they...
A FULL BARREL
The Xmas present to top all Xmas presents.

This collection contains all six seasons of the truly brilliant Breaking Bad series. Strictly speaking there are only five seasons. But the last Series 5 was broken up into Parts 1 and 2. For convenience here I shall refer to the last Season 5 (Part 2) as "Season 6".

Slight unavoidable spoiler follows - if you have not seen "Season 6" please look away now!

What a clever idea to have the entire collection of this truly outstanding series packaged in one of Walt's black barrels. As regular viewers will know, Walt stashed all his money in seven black barrels before burying them in the New Mexico desert.

With "Season 6" Breaking Bad entered the Guinness Book of World Records for being the most critically acclaimed TV show ever. It received a whopping score of 99 out of 100 on a global critical scale. It overtook the previous holder of the record ("The Wire") which had a score of 98 out of 100...
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The Great Muppet Caper And Muppet Treasure Island: Of Pirates & Pigs2-Movie Collection [Blu-ray]


Great purchase
I purchased this set because I remembered Muppet Caper as a child and really wanted to get my hands on my long time favourite movie. It was just as i remembered and what made it even better I had Treasure Island to see for the first time. It comes with 2 tins filled with muppet stickers, note pad, pencils and sharpener (i gave these to my 2 kids...they love it.) Great purchase!!
The Great Muppet Caper / Muppet Treasure Island
I'm excited to finally own all the theatrical Muppet films on Blu-Ray.
I personally believe that 'The Great Muppet Caper' should be featured on the left side, and the Muppet Treasure should be on the right, so they go in order by release. Nonetheless, I'm not bothered it is a double feature because I can get both films for the price of one, which is actually very low considering the Muppet Movie is the same price and that's only for one film.
The disc (assuming it's a single disc, this is Disney) will include the following special features:
- The Tale of the Story Beyond the Tail, a making-of look at Muppet Treasure Island
- Muppet Treasure Island Audio Commentary
- "Frog-E-Oke" sing-along
- "Let the Good Shine Out"
- A preview of Muppets Most Wanted
and if Disney re-uses the 2005 DVD releases in this set, then
Muppet Trasure Island DVD should feature Widescreen + Fullscreen prestentaion and Pepe Profiles: Fozzy Bear; and the Great Muppet...
My Dream 2-Movie Team
Aside from 'Disney's The Muppets' released in 2011, 'Muppet Treasure Island' and 'The Great Muppet Caper' are two of my favorite Muppet movies. I also liked 'The Muppets' Christmas Carol' and 'The Muppet Movie'...'Muppets From Space' is so-so, but for some reason I couldn't seem to get into 'The Muppets Take Manhattan' (I never even seen the full movie).
The way I see it, this combo pack was released so they could have all the prior theatrical Muppet movies on Blu-ray format, before 'Disney's The Muppets Most Wanted' is released in 2014. For me personally, this double feature is a 'dream team' since I loved both movies and the price is 'affordable' for my budget...I just might have to consider the Blu-ray versions of the other four Muppet film I don't have on Blu-ray, since I have 'Disney's The Muppets' on Blu-ray combo pack and all the other Muppet films on DVD. For some reason, if I like something I tend to (as I call it) 'Upgrade' if I can to the next home media format they...
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Shameless: The Complete Third Season


Great Show! It gets better every year!
Shameless is a must see show, and it gets better each season. The whole cast delivers great performances each week. William H Macy is the perfect fit for the role of Frank Gallagher, and he is always hilarious. The rest of the cast great too: Emmy Rossum, Jeremy Allen White, Steve Howey, Joan Cusack...If you do not watch this show, you are missing out on one of the best current television shows.

Also, why doesn't this show get more award recognition? Shameless is just as good as any show on TV. It would just be nice to see them get some recognition for their excellent work.

Can't wait for Season 4, January 2014!
Television's most underrated series
The last fifteen years or so have been referred to by many as the golden age of television, and I can't help but agree - what was once a (mostly) simplistic, juvenile medium has finally grown up and has given us some great stuff to chew on. The Wire, Breaking Bad, Deadwood, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under and a handful of others have captured me the same way that great film or literature does - if not more so. I, like many others, become attached to these characters in a way that only long-form narratives can provide.

As someone who constantly reads about, writes about and discusses these types of series on the internet, Shameless wasn't even on my radar. No one ever brings it up in "greatest series" discussions and the critical reception, while mostly positive, isn't exactly overwhelming. I had seen the pilot episode around the time it premiered and wasn't impressed (and *still* not impressed with it, to be honest), so I avoided the show for years despite my girlfriend's...
One of the best shows on tv
Honestly season 3 just may be my favorite season of Shameless so far! If you loved the first 2 seasons then you'll definitly love this one, and this is definitly a must buy when it gets released. I'm not gonna put any spoilers in my review, but Shameless continues to be a brilliantly written show and Shameless season 3 has plenty of drama, laughs, and top notch storylines. The acting from the whole cast is outstanding. There's not a bad actor in the bunch. You know how great William H Macy and Emmy Rossum are. It doesn't even need to be said at this point, but there are 2 other standouts this season imo. Jeremy Allen White as Lip and Noel Fisher as Mickey Milkovich. Noel Fisher finally becomes a regular this season and I couldn't be more happy. He completely transformers into Mickey Milkovich, and even if his content up to this point is less than most of the others he steals every scene he's in. For example, during the season finale he gets maybe 2 minutes of screentime overall, but...
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