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"FORBIDDEN PLANET" Blu-ray Review by Kevin Carr MOVIE: ***** (out of 5 stars) Own it on Blu-ray September 7 www.WarnerBlu.com BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: **** (out of 5 stars) Rated G Studio: Warner Bros. Back to DVD Review Home |  |
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
This classic 1956 science fiction film set a new standard for outer space adventures. It follows the crew of a 25th century flying saucer from Earth as it searches for survivors from a previous mission, the doomed Bellerophon. They land on the beautiful planet Altair-4 to discover Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) as the only remaining crew member from before. Morbius has been living on the planet with his daughter and his robot (the now-famous Robby the Robot) in peace. But the new crew’s appearance threatens their safety when it causes the return of a mysterious and invisible beast that killed the crew of the Bellerophon.
WHAT I LIKED
Having been a science fiction fan from childhood, I have seen “Forbidden Planet” many times, both on home video and projected in the theater. It is a true classic of the genre, and so many films and television shows (including “Star Trek” and “Lost in Space”) have drawn from its influence over the years. Taking a look at the film, which is more than a half-century old, it still looks fantastic, and it still captures a sense of wonder.
So many aspects of the film stand the test of time. The effects, while dated, still look pretty spectacular. The set design and production design capture the era of 1950s science fiction perfectly. And the sense of foreboding that comes with the appearance of the Id Monster still is thrilling today.
And let’s not forget how influential cast member Robby the Robot was in this film. He was easily the most famous robot for two decades before he was trumped by the droids from “Star Wars.” Robby has had such a career, it’s nice to see his not-so-humble origins here.
If you’re a fan of science fiction, you’ll do yourself a favor and pick up this new Blu-ray, which is the best presentation you’re going to get outside of a restored 35mm projected print. “Forbidden Planet” was a widescreen movie when it was made, and it holds up in that need now. There’s a reason this film is called the granddaddy of all science fiction
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
If you want to get picky about “Forbidden Planet,” you can take shots at the overt 1950s artifacts of both plot and characters. Sure, there’s blatant explanation from Dr. Morbius. Sure, there’s a tissue-thin love story between his daughter and the captain of the spaceship. Sure, the message is clear with this not-so-subtle warning about human nature.
But such are the films from that era. Even with these dated elements, “Forbidden Planet” is still an awesome film.
BLU-RAY FEATURES
All the features come from a previously released DVD, but they are still there in spades. There’s several deleted scenes accompanied by lost footage as well as excerpts from “The MGM Parade” featuring Walter Pidgeon introducing the film. Other smaller features include trailers for the film and its unofficial sequel.
And speaking of that unofficial sequel, “The Invisible Boy,” it is included in full on the Blu-ray. It’s not a great movie, but it’s neat to see where the legacy of Robby the Robot led. Additional Robby features include an episode of “The Thin Man” with him as a guest star and a documentary “Robby the Robot: Engineering a Sci-Fi Icon.”
Additional documentaries include TCM’s “Watch the Skies!: Science Fiction, the 1950s and Us” and “Amazing! Exploring the Far Reaches of Forbidden Planet.”
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Sci-fi fans the world over.
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"THE MATRIX RELOADED" Blu-ray Review by Kevin Carr MOVIE: ****1/2 (out of 5 stars) BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: * (out of 5 stars) Rated R Own it on Blu-ray September 7 www.WarnerBlu.com Studio: Warner Bros. Back to DVD Review Home |  |
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
The first of two sequels of the groundbreaking action sci-fi thriller “The Matrix” opens with a huge action sequence – Trinity blows up a building and is chased by Agents, only to be shot in mid-air as she falls. We discover this is a prophetic dream of Neo’s, and we wake up with him in the real world as he heads back to Zion after a mission. The movie continues in two parts – one in the Matrix as Neo learn more about his destiny and the return of Agent Smith, now acting freely within the virtual world; and the other in the real world as the people of Zion prepare for the assault of the machines.
WHAT I LIKED
Back in 2003, I wrote a very controversial and much maligned review of “The Matrix Reloaded,” giving it a very high rating and declaring it to be a very worthy sequel. Revisiting the film seven years later in glorious high definition on Blu-ray, I stand by that claim.
Everything I wanted in a “Matrix” sequel can be found in this movie. There’s loads of action, there’s a continuing story that doesn’t just rehash the first film. We see new characters and learn more about the mystery of the Matrix. And we get the awesomeness of Agent Smith and Neo battling back on the screen.
The reality was that this sequel had an uphill battle. We would never experience bullet-time for the first time ever again. We would never get a shocker like the one when Neo first wakes from the Matrix. We would never have the freshness of the first film without the exposition needed to explain the world further.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching “The Matrix Reloaded” on Blu-ray, and it looks fantastic. There were new elements added, including the Architect of the Matrix as well as the nods to ghosts and vampires. There are some slow moments in this film, but by the time we get to the big action sequences half-way in, it’s just as much fun as the first movie.
I was in awe watching “The Matrix Reloaded” at a press screening in 2003, and I had the same sense of wonder revisiting it again many years later.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Like most films in Hollywood, especially sequels, this movie is not perfect. It runs slow a bit in the beginning, and some of the special effects break down, which I excuse as the Wachowskis being overly ambitious. And yeah, that rave scene was just silly. But on the whole, as sequels go, this one was one of the best I’ve experienced.
BLU-RAY FEATURES
The DVD features have been imported to this Blu-ray with embedded content into the film, plus a written introduction by the directors, two commentaries, four featurettes in the “Behind the Matrix” documentary, a documentary about the “Enter the Matrix” game, 23 live-action scenes from that game, nine featurettes on the car chase, two featurettes on the teahouse fight, a music video, trailers and TV spots. Additional featurettes include five episodes of “Unplugged,” four episodes of “I’ll Handle Them” and two episodes of “The Exiles.”
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Fans of the original film who aren’t expecting the first film all over again.
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"MARS ATTACKS!" Blu-ray Review by Kevin Carr MOVIE: **** (out of 5 stars) BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: * (out of 5 stars) Rated PG-13 Own it on Blu-ray September 7 www.WarnerBlu.com Studio: Warner Bros. Back to DVD Review Home |  |
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Based on the 1960s Topps trading card series, “Mars Attacks!” is Tim Burton’s take on the classic alien invasion movies. Told with its tongue firmly in its cheek, the movie starts with the arrival of Martian flying saucers. The President, the media and the average American learns to deal with the new visitors, and soon they learn whether they are friendly or not. As the Martians are on the rampage, a few humans are able to fight against them, hoping to save their planet.
WHAT I LIKED
I’ve been a huge Tim Burton fan ever since I saw “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” when I was in high school. This is one of my favorite films of his, even though it is largely forgotten and often misunderstood. This film offers a surreal look at an exaggeration of how things would transpire behind the scenes of such events. Yes, it’s over-the-top, but there’s a terrifying truth in how politicians would want to spin this or media would want to angle it.
The genius of “Mars Attacks!” is how it works on so many different levels. First, it serves as biting satire and a brilliant commentary on our political system in the information age. Second, it works as a neat little alien invasion story, tapping into the memories of the sci-fi films of the 50s. Finally, it also works as an action movie. Having come out within a year of the blockbuster “Independence Day,” “Mars Attacks!” is an unintentional sister film, giving a different take on a similar story.
“Mars Attacks!” also has one of the greatest casts assembled. Featuring Jack Nicholson in dual roles, plus brilliant smaller parts with Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Pierce Brosnan, Danny DeVito, Jim Brown, Sarah Jessica Parker and Tom Fucking Jones, “Mars Attacks!” is a great movie that holds up as satire, action and adventure today.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Not much. there are some special effects that break down, but that’s because the film is almost 15 years old. Even by today’s standards, the look and style still works extremely well.
BLU-RAY FEATURES
Sadly, there’s nothing on the disc besides the movie... the only real problem with the release.
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Fans of Tim Burton who want to see something different from his normal Gothic spin on a classic.
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"NANNY MCPHEE" Blu-ray Review by Kevin Carr MOVIE: *** (out of 5 stars) BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: **** (out of 5 stars) Rated PG-13 Own it on Blu-ray September 7 www.WarnerBlu.com Studio: New Line Cinema Back to DVD Review Home |  |
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
In 1998, New Line Cinema made a big-budget feature film based on the classic 1960s TV show “Lost in Space.” In this version, the Robinson family is a bit more dysfunctional with Penny not wanting to leave and Will’s relationship with his absentee dad a bit strained. Also, Dr. Smith is way more evil in this version than on the television series. The special effects extravaganza sees the Robinsons heading off to pioneer a new planet where Earth’s population can expand. However, sabotage sends them into uncharted areas of the universe.
WHAT I LIKED
I was never a big fan of the original TV show, so this movie didn’t slay any sacred cows for me. I’m not a fan of the cast, except for Gary Oldman, so bringing William Hurt, Mimi Rogers and Matt LeBlanc together wasn’t exactly a big deal for me.
Ultimately, “Lost In Space” was a lot of fun from a space adventure perspective. It was loaded with special effects, many of which still look great with today’s eye... well, with the exception of that Blarp thing that never quite looked more real than a Saturday morning cartoon.
Still, even though “Lost In Space” wasn’t a great film, it’s neat to watch. There’s enough action to keep me interested, and the effects look fabulous on Blu-ray.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
The breakdown in “Lost In Space” starts with the characters. There’s nothing likeable about the parents, mostly due to William Hurt’s chilly nature as an actor. The kids are brats, and the non-existent chemistry between Matt LeBlanc and Heather Graham is painful to watch.
There’s also a really muddled story, as if they were trying to cram three or four television plots into one movie. The film doesn’t necessarily run long or anything, but it’s nothing special. What kept me from scene to scene was a chance to see the new action and effects rather than what the characters were going to do next.
BLU-RAY FEATURES
The features on this Blu-ray come from the New Line Platinum Series DVD release, which was pretty extensive to begin with. There are deleted scenes, two commentaries, a featurette on the special effects and another on the future of space travel, a music video, a Q&A with the original cast and the theatrical trailer.
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Probably younger kids and people who didn’t hold the original series as sacred.
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"THX 1138: THE GEORGE LUCAS DIRECTOR’S CUT" Blu-ray Review by Kevin Carr MOVIE: ** (out of 5 stars) BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: **** (out of 5 stars) Rated R Own it on Blu-ray September 7 www.WarnerBlu.com Studio: Warner Bros. Back to DVD Review Home |  |
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
In 2004, George Lucas remastered a director’s cut of his 1971 dystopian science fiction film “THX 1138.” Based on his student film, “THX 1138” tells the story of a unit in a chilling future whose mind and body are controlled by the government. When THX attempts to escape to the outside world, he is restrained and punished by the establishment. However, he continues to dream of freedom and eventually takes his chance at it.
WHAT I LIKED
I’ve never thought “THX 1138” was that compelling of a film from a story standpoint. It’s pretty standard in terms of dystopian futures and government control. What I have always loved, however, about the film is its vision and design. Many years before Lucas redefined cinematic science fiction with the comparatively poppy “Star Wars,” “THX 1138” gave us a darker vision.
Lucas has always been about the full experience, often putting the story and characters in a secondary position. This is never more apparent than with “THX 1138” in which the characters are as much puppets of his world as they are puppets of their government.
Like “1984” and the relatively cheesy “Fahrenheit 451,” “THX 1138” reflects the general distrust of the artistic mainstream of its time. It’s pretty cool to watch, even if you’re not wild about the story. And while certain aspects of the director’s cut are overdone and look cheesy, some work quite well and are even better on Blu-ray. And even others – like the new CGI shell dwellers – look better than the dirty dwarves used in the original cut.
I can’t say I’d struggle to watch “THX 1138” again, but I recognize it as a piece of important sci-fi cinematic history.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Personally, I have always found “THX 1138” to be long and cumbersome from a storytelling perspective. Sure, it’s got a message about freedom and oppression, but Lucas works more to build atmosphere rather than tell a story. His work is more a mosaic of the experience than a character study. In a strange way, he relegates his actors to call signs and numbers as much as the characters are by the futuristic government.
Additionally, the movie is steeped in the 70s with some pretty silly styles and fashions. For the most part, the production design looks great, but the silver-faced robots look more at place at a David Bowie concert than in a feature film.
BLU-RAY FEATURES
The features on this disc are brought over from the 2004 DVD release of the director’s cut. The original theatrical cut is not available on the disc, which isn’t a big surprise considering Lucas’s desire to keep things the way he later changes them.
These features include a commentary by Lucas and writer Walter Murch, an isolated sound effects track, master sessions of several scenes, Lucas’s original short film “Electronic Labyrinth THX 1138 4EB,” the vintage featurette “Bald” in which the 70s-era actors get their heads shaved and blubber like babies about it, theatrical trailers and two documentaries: “A Legacy of Filmmakers: The Early Years of American Zoetrope” and “Artifact from the Future: The Making of THX 1138.”
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Fans of the film who are okay with the revised director’s cut.
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"A SCANNER DARKLY" Blu-ray Review by Kevin Carr MOVIE: ** (out of 5 stars) BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: ***1/2 (out of 5 stars) Rated R Own it on Blu-ray September 7 www.WarnerBlu.com Studio: Warner Bros. Back to DVD Review Home |  |
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Philip K. Dick’s semi-autobiographical tale of drugs and betrayal in a not-too-distant future is brought to life by Richard Linklater with a unique rotoscoping animation process. Keanu Reeves plays a detective who is deep undercover with drug dealers in Los Angeles. His necessary addiction causes him to come under fire in his job, and his personal relationships are also strained in the process of busting the Substance D production and distribution line.
WHAT I LIKED
I haven’t read much of Philip K. Dick, but I have seen several of the films of his work. I’ve heard that there hasn’t yet been a really faithful adaptation of his writing before, but that this is a relatively good shot. So bully for all those Dickheads out there.
The best part of this film is the look that the rotoscoping animation gives it. Sure, it’s been done before, but it is this continual special effect that makes the movie more than just an everyday drug culture film. Additionally, the science fiction elements of the scanner suit (which scrambles the wearer’s appearance) and the new drug Substance D help give a fresh perspective on this movie.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Even though I can appreciate what this film does and what it sets out to accomplish, I really wasn’t wild about the story. This is part of Dick’s original story, but I got bored with the random diversions into the long-winded conversations of the drug culture. The acting is good, and it’s always funny to watch Woody Harrelson and Robert Downey Jr. act doped up (something they have plenty of experience with in the method acting department), but it’s really quite aimless.
BLU-RAY FEATURES
The Blu-ray comes with a commentary with Keanu Reeves, Linklater, producer Tommy Pallotta, author Jonathan Lethem and Isa Dick Hackett, Philip K. Dick’s daughter. This is actually a pretty nice commentary track simply because it offers plenty of perspectives on the film, especially Dick’s daughter’s take on the whole process.
There’s also the theatrical trailer and the featurette “The Weight of the Line: Animation Tales.”
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Dickheads and fans of Richard Linklater.
