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  1. #106
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    The Good Dinosaur
    Exclusive online content; BD/DVD/DC combo $22.99

    - - - - - - - - - - -

    CD available Feb. 26th, '16

    "The 1975 - I Like It When You..." with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $10.99

  2. #107
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    Best Buy - February 23rd, 2016


    The Good Dinosaur
    Exclusive lenticular slipcover; BD/DVD/DC combo $24.99

    Spectre - available now
    Exclusive BD/DC steelbook $19.99

    - - - - - - - - - - -

    CD available Feb. 26th, '16

    "Tweet - Charlene" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $9.99

    "Rick Springfield - Rocket Science" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99 (available now)
    "Wolfmother - Victorious" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99 (available now)
    "Megadeth - Dystopia" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99 (available now)

  3. #108
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    Past Tense - RE Part I


    [An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on February 23rd, 2012 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

    Just like them zombies, no matter how many you put down - another one pops up. This week we get locked and loaded for one of the "Resident Evil" collections.



    "Resident Evil/Resident Evil: Apocalypse - Resurrected Edition" was released on home video on September 4th, 2007.

    It streeted against "Wind Chill", "Robot Chicken: Season Two - Uncensored" and "Desperate Housewives: The Complete Third Season".

    This release originally came with a cardboard foil slipcover which mirrored the case's wraparound. No insert(s) were issued, but there were two other items.

    First was a theater voucher to see "Resident Evil: Extinction" for free ($10.50 value for one; the window was September 21st to October 20th, 2007). The second is somewhat rare, a certificate for the theater's concession stand ($5.00 value; the window was September 21st to December 31th, 2007). I have both, still inside the case.

    - - -



    The only exclusive was from Best Buy, a bonus disc (30:53 minutes). It came in a two disc case, the third DVD inside an "EnvyPak"; think of it like a rectangular CD envelope. The top is clear plastic, only sticky on the sides on a white backing sheet. It came inside the case; same thing for the exclusive bonus disc (also Best Buy) for "Spider-Man 2" in 2004.

    I'm not a fan so much, they can be difficult - sometimes the edge of the disc become stuck on the glue. Anyhow, I have yet to transfer this set into a three disc case. It's on my 'to do' list, don't have a case. *nods* The collection sold for $14.99.

    "The Making Of Resident Evil" is a carry over from the first DVD release of RE (2002), full screen. "Resident Evil: Extinction - Special Sneak Peek" is a non-anamorphic widescreen, behind the scenes featurette.

    Was a bit difficult to obtain, I had to go twice to get one. I get there shortly after the store opened, walk to the new releases table - squat. Zero copies. Sold out, already? I ask, nope, they haven't received it. I leave.

    Once at the car it hits me, I forgot to pick up season two of "Robot Chicken". As it turns out [B]Wal-Mart[B] was only selling that online. I walk back to Best Buy; as I do, I see a UPS truck going into the rear. Hmmm... I pick up season two and wander about for ten minutes or so. I then asked for help. Another ten minutes later a box full of the exclusive sets was carried out. I pick the best of the lot and buy.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Rant.

    Let's make a fast plan, watch it burn to the ground. I try to whisper, so no one figures it out.
    - She Wants Revenge

    This film series has grown on me.

    The first movie has so minor connections to the video game it's based on - mostly in name only. If they wanted to do a true adaptation they should've gone with the novels written by S.D. Perry from Pocket Books. Quite good and authentic to the games. *nods*

    And now I'm okay with it. The movies are pure escapism with gore and action. Writer/director/producer Paul W.S. Anderson has remained consistent throughout the franchise.

    The last installment "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter" is coming out (allegedly) on January 27th, 2017; principle photography wrapped up last December. I'll buy it when it hits home video.

    To date, my favorite is the second one, "Apocalypse"; Raccoon City's undead infestation has begun. We get Jill Valentine in the flesh.



    And I must say, they did a great job turning the game character real.

    Didn't know at the time that actress Sienna Guillory played Emma (the reoccurring dead girlfriend) in the 2002 remake of "The Time Machine", a previous Past Tense.

    Valentine is what fans hoped and it works. She kicks ass and takin' names.



    And we get the Nemesis in full glory - a great foe for our heroes.

    And yeah, there's a running joke that the RE film series only exist because her husband (Anderson) is making movies for his wife, Milla Jovovich to star in.

    I can't say I disagree.



    But in this case, that not a bad thing.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Footnotes.

    Okay.

    *sigh*

    This Past Tense has become more complicated than it needs to be. But here we are...



    Researching this post I made a discovery. I was under the impression that the extras were carry overs from earlier releases. No, not true. The extras are in fact new. I just played two bonuses when I bought it and put it away.

    ???

    Why did I buy the "Resurrected Edition" if I thought it was nearly all repeats? It wasn't for the ticket or concession money.

    This set includes something different, beyond the sneak peak of "Resident Evil: Extinction" (not talking about the exclusive disc), it came with a recap of the first two movies with the missing time in between "Apocalypse" (2004) and "Extinction" - "The Evolution Of Resident Evil: Bridge To Extinction", narrated by Milla Jovovich as Alice. You don't see that happen much.



    This was done for the "Underworld" saga setting the stage for "Underworld: Awakening" (2012), a video narrated by Kate Beckinsale as Selene.

    I bought this for those two extras (and Best Buy disc). I suppose you could say, this was a novelty purchase; a double and triple dip combo. Some four years later, I discover, nope all new bonuses. A very sway realization.
    Last edited by JohnIan101; 08-30-2019 at 07:06 AM.

  4. #109
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    Past Tense - RE Part II


    Extras:

    * "The Evolution Of Resident Evil: Bridge To Extinction" featurette
    * "Exclusive Sneak Scene From Resident Evil: Extinction"
    * "Resident Evil: Diary Of An Apocalypse" featurette (full screen)
    * Zombie Dog POV Test (non-anamorphic widescreen)
    * "Undead Boot Camp" featurette (full screen)
    * "Stuntman Set Tour" featurette (full screen)
    * "Memory Retention Training" quiz
    * "Art Department" gallery (15 images)
    * "Production Photos" gallery (38 images)
    * "Publicity" gallery (9 images)
    * "Set Design" gallery (13 images)
    * "Storyboards" gallery (29 images)
    * Additional Trailer: "Resident Evil: Extinction" (2007) and "Hostel: Part II" (2007)
    * Sneak Peaks: "Vacancy" (2007), "Bobby Z" (2007) , "The Contractor" (2007), "Wind Chill" (2007), promo to "Ray Harryhausen In Color" and "Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles" (2007) - video game

    - - -

    Audio:

    * Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround (both)
    * Dolby Digital 5.1 (French dub, both)

    - - -

    Notes.

    Both films (on disc one) are presented in anamorphic widescreen and are subtitled in English and French. All the galleries are for "Resident Evil: Apocalypse".



    Left to right; "Resident Evil: Special Edition" (2002), "Resident Evil: Deluxe Edition" (2004) and "Resident Evil: Apocalypse - Special Edition" (2004).

    If you want the entire extras for films one and two you need all three releases.

    And of course "Resurrected Edition".



    This wasn't the first collection for one and two. Released on the same day as "Apocalypse" (December 28th, 2004) was "Resident Evil: Collector's DVD Box Set". It sold for $39.95. This was just a slipcover which held the 2004 edition of "Resident Evil" and the two disc set for "Apocalypse".

    I would like to get that, the slipcase - insert my titles into it.

    Yes, I'm that anal.



    History repeated on December 9th, 2008; "Resident Evil: Trilogy". It sold for $30.99. New extras? No it's a reduction actually, not a new pressing - a repackaging.

    This is a three disc set; movies one through three.

    I do not own this, nor am I interested.



    The info I found online pretty much regurgitate each other (oh man, I just pictured Big Bird). Photo from fellow enthusiast, Bassnbucks101.

    As you can see from the above pix, you get the first disc of each feature. This would be the 2002 edition of the first movie. Missing is the second disc worth of extras including the fifty minute documentary for "Apocalypse". Unless you're über anal, you shouldn't pursue this; as I wrote, you're getting less content.

    You are better off buying the individual titles which would be slightly cheaper than buying this digipack.



    I don't have all the information on this. The trilogy was re-released, part of Sony's "Multi-Feature" DVD compilations. I've ran into this a few times at Wal-Mart. This came out on May 20th, 2009 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Sorry, don't know the retail price.

    Pure speculation; I think this re-release; a budget version of the '08 collection, probably same set-up too - disc one of each title. This came with a slipcover.

    And like all popular things, this got repackaged... again.



    Released on October 4, 2015 for $14.99 was "The 4-Movie: Resident Evil Collection" from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. This is a two disc set with zero extras. Don't own this (why would I?), do not know if these are double sided discs or two movies crammed into one side, either way less content.

    Pass.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Blue Cinema.



    Back in 2007 it was reported that French pornographer, Pierre Woodman was set to make a porn parody of "Resident Evil" called "Indecent Evil", made by his studio, Woodman Entertainment. It was to be the start of a XXX trilogy.

    Filming occurred in the Czech Republic, but production halted in 2008. Unknown how much was actually lensed. It was a two fold decision. First was poor DVD sales of his products. Second was financing; Woodman's pay site was funding the project. There was a major dip in subscribers to his website, a twenty percent revenue loss.

    Why? Because people prefer watch for free the content I have produced and wait some bastard stole it here and put it on P2P!!! So why should I do "Indecent Evil" now?
    - Pierre Woodman; July 25th, 2011

    During the downtime, the star, Zilla Yoyowitch (highly improbable name) left the cast. In February of 2011 a teaser was released on YouTube. Search "Indecent Evil By Pierre Woodman" for it. It has crappy acting, poorly rendered CGI zombies and way too much green screen.

    It is uncertain when - if ever this movie will be completed. What was filmed includes (besides Yoyowitch) contract girls; Divinity Love, Caylian Curtis and Nessa Devil. As a porn fan, I can say... I'm not impressed with the female talent. Maybe it's a European thing.

    What was shot was done in hi-def on Sony's XDCAM EX.

    A shimmy and a shake away from being completed. In 2009 Pierre Woodman claimed "Indecent Evil" could get made if his website had 10,000 subscribers. I guess it never happened. No big loss.

    Boom! Another head shot.

    We got more exclusives to cover, years worth actually. Come back here on March 3rd, 2016 for a tale of robots gone amok and were not talking about Roombas nor toasters.
    Last edited by JohnIan101; 08-30-2019 at 07:10 AM.

  5. #110
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    Creed
    Exclusive steelbook; BD/DVD/DC combo $22.99

    Barbie: Spy Squad
    Free Spy Squad Pet with movie purchase - $9.99 DVD; $14.99 BD/DVD/DC combo $14.99

    Paw Patrol: Brave Heroes, Big Rescues
    Free $5.00 gift card with DVD $7.99

    - - - - - - - - - -

    CD available 03/04/16

    "Gease Live! - Soundtrack" exclusive store release $10.99

    "Elton John - Wonderful Crazy Night" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $15.99 (available now)
    "Adele - 25" with 3 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99 (available now)
    "Tori Kelly - Unbreakable Smile" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99 (available now)
    "The 1975 - I lIke It When You..." with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $11.99 (available now)
    "Sia - This Is Acting" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $11.99 (available now)
    "Carrie Underwood - Storyteller" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $11.99 (available now)

  6. #111
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    Best Buy - March 1st, 2016


    The Good Dinosaur - available now
    Exclusive lenticular slipcover; BD/DVD/DC combo $24.99

    - - - - - - - - - - -

    CD available March 4th, '16

    "Yo Gotti - The Art Of The Hustle" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99

    "Tweet - Charlene" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $9.99 (available now)
    "Rick Springfield - Rocket Science" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99 (available now)

  7. #112
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    Past Tense


    [An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on March 1st, 2012 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

    This week we found out what happened on Galactica's sister ship, Pegasus in "Battlestar Galactica: Razor".



    "Battlestar Galactica: Razor - Unrated Extended Edition" was released on home video on December 4th, 2007.

    It streeted against "24: Season Six", "The Last Man Of Earth" and "Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End".

    This release originally came with an embossed cardboard foil slipcover which mirrored the case's wraparound. The top is a flap, under it contains additional artwork featuring Rear Admiral Helena Cain (Michelle Forbes), Gina Inviere (Tricia Helfer), Admiral William Adama (Edward James Olmos), Captain Kara Thrace (Katee Sackhoff) and Major Kendra Shaw (Stephanie Jacobsen). It also came with two inserts, both advertisements.

    The first was an ad for six TV box sets; "Battlestar Galactica: Season One", "Sliders: The Third Season", "SeaQuest DSV: Season Two", "Quantum Leap: The Complete Fifth Season", "Galactica: 1980" and "Eureka: Season One". The other side of that insert is an ad for HD DVD showcasing "Battlestar Galactica: Season One" and "Heroes": Season 1".

    The second was printed on cardstock and featured various BSG related merchandise (both sides) from dog tags, posters, action figures (not the Minimates toys) and a miniature Cylon Raider.

    - - -



    The only exclusive came from Best Buy, a bonus disc - single featurette (20:04 minutes), widescreen.

    This extra came inside a two disc case for $19.99 on street. And was exclusive to the DVD version only.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Footnotes.

    There was a cover contest for it. But I'll get into that in a moment.

    This was the winner...



    The contest was held by the Sci Fi Channel. Began on August 29th, 2007.

    Can't quite recall the time frame, the length, but can say the winning picture was unveiled on September 14th, that year.

    There were three possible to chose from, but one had a major geek error.



    The number designation for Battlestar Pegasus shown above is 'Battlestar Group 75' (a.k.a. BSG 75).

    That is incorrect - as this is Galactica's group. The winning cover was altered to reflect the correct ID, BSG 62 - nerds rejoiced.

    - - -

    The DVD hit shelves, ten days after broadcast on November 24th, 2007.



    This all happened before the basic cable channel was renamed SyFy; don't get me started.

    "Razor" is included with the box set for "Battlestar Galactica: Season 4.0" (streeted January 6th, 2009).

    A subject of a future Past Tense.

    - - -



    Just so you know, ALL the webisodes are on the DVD (Unrated) as well as season 4.0 set and on complete series box set. Don't believe what Wikipedia reports, it's complete.

    There is an error on it though.

    On the end credits for "Razor Flashback" is list Edward James Olmos as "Admiral Adama", at this point in the story; two days before the second war, he was still a Captain.

    I have a complaint on casting... for the other prequel, "Blood & Chrome" (2013) they have Luke Pasqualino playing Young Adama. Nico Cortez from "Razor" did a much better job. And Pasqualino looked too young and didn't have the Olmos voice inflections.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Rant.



    This show has gone down in geekdom as one of the best sci-fi series ever made, easily on the top five. But I so remember fan rage over the major changes series show runner Ronald D. Moore made for the reboot mini-series/pilot. They were not happy before it aired (December 8th and 9th, 2003).

    It became the highest rated program (until that point) on the Sci Fi Channel. Boom! It became a series.

    Can't say it bothered me. Granted when I was a little kid when the original Galactica aired (1978 on ABC) I enjoyed it. Seeing it as an adult is cringe worthy. Cheap looking sets with hammy acting and so, so recycled effects. Plus poor teleplays. There was a great show in that mess and it took twenty-five years to get it right.

    But I'll be honest. I do miss not having an updated (non-cute) Daggit. They're suppose to be this frightful robotic guard dog - not a large, comic relief teddy bear; clearly geared towards little kids. Man, Muffit.

    Frack'n Muffit.



    I do however miss Lucifer, the IL Series Cylon who had Christmas blinking lights within a clear pointed head (its mouth lit up when it spoke). And did not know until researching that the character was voiced by actor Jonathan Harris. For the longest time I thought it was Roddy McDowall as the voice.

    The machine was the robot assistant to Count Baltar (John Colicos), assigned by the Cylon Imperious Leader.

    There was even a 1979 Mattel action figure which now can go up to $70.00 (mint in package). Back in the day was less than three bucks.

    The guy in the robot suit was dwarf, Felix Silla, better known as the guy in the suit, inside the ambuquad, Twiki (voiced by Mel Blanc) from "Buck Rogers In The 25th Century" (1979 on NBC). Which by the way would be so sway as the sci-fi franchise that Ron Moore could make anew.

    Just keep the big ass, 1970s buttons and toggle switches doing the impossible.

    Why a dwarf? In short (no pun intended) the robot character was a large puppet, person sized. The head moved, rotates. If a full sized person was inside - where would you hid the person's head? By having a dwarf inside you get more options for size and motions. I think that was a smart decision.

    Anyhow, back on topic, did learn something. Before the 2007 writers' strike, which shut down Hollywood for fourteen weeks. There was a plan by Moore was to have a major reveal - Cylon Number One, John Cavil (Dean Stockwell) was in fact Lucifer, reborn. But never happened, a casualty of the shut down.

    - - -

    One of the things that folks moan about is that Dr. Gaius Baltar (James Callis) isn't in "Razor". Yes he is - with zero lines.

    Upon discovering the old Cylon raider; Adama, Saul Tigh (Michael Hogan), Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) and Sharon "Boomer" Valerii (Grace Park) are talking about the discovery; Baltar is in the background. I guess, this falls into the blink and miss it category, as if he's an extra.

    Here's the time index on the Unrated Edition; 41:38 minutes.

    - - -

    Rape.

    As in rape-rape (on television).

    This was the first time I became aware of a dark aspect of my fandom. The folks who were totally fine with it - claimed it was quiet justified.

    'After all, she's not a real person.'



    Granted I'm taking a step back - but it's relevant since we see the events taking shape in "Razor". Image above, Helfer as Six from the mini-series.

    In the season three episode "Pegasus" (September 23rd, 2005; extended version on DVD and BD). We learn that one of the Model Sixs was captured by the Pegasus crew. The person, Gina Inviere (civilian network administrator) was tortured and repeatedly raped by both security and officers with zero guilt.

    I was reading the comments on the Ain't It Cool News thread for "Razor" where I ran into this... view.

    Let me make this clear, I'm not White Knighting. Frack that mentality, you're just trying to land tail. This is about basic morality. Some lines should not be crossed.

    Lets say they knew an attack was impending and Cain needed the info to prevent the disaster.

    While it is terrible, in that crunch for time - I can see myself turning a blind eye to torture for the intel. Too much is at stake. And yes.

    I am quite aware.

    Information from torture isn't 100% reliable. But it's something to work with; better than doing squat and allowing the attack to happen. But that's the line.

    Right there.

    Rape should not even be on the table or even considered as 'entertainment' on enemy combatants. That is beyond wrong. You've just jump back in time a couple of centuries into owning slaves and such property, the whims of the Masters and Overseers.

    So many fans, not an isolated person - found the actions acceptable and had trouble understanding why others felt it was wrong.

    Not joking.

    WTF? I do not believe these were trolls.

    *deep sigh*

    Evil comes in many forms, including those who believe themselves righteous.

    Wanna know something odd; I can't find it - that post on Aintitcoolnews, I've done numerous searches - nothing, like it never happened.

    Well, that's that.

    Sorry to end on a downer.

    Next week will have Denzel Washington doing what he does best, saving the day. Come back here on March 10th, 2016 for a look back.
    Last edited by JohnIan101; 08-30-2019 at 07:22 AM.

  8. #113
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    The Peanuts Movie: Limited Edition Gift Set
    Exclusive bonus content (DVD); BD/DVD/DC combo with plush Snoopy $19.99
    Free popcorn and medium soda at Target Café with DVD or BD purchase

    Grease Live!
    Exclusive packaging; DVD only $12.99

    - - - - - - - - - - -

    CD available March 11th, 2016

    "3 Doors Down - Us And The Night" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99

    "Grease Live! - Soundtrack" with 4 exclusive bonus tracks $13.00 (available now)
    "Adele - 25" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.00 (available now)
    "The 1975 - I Like It When You Sleep..." with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.00 (available now)
    Last edited by JohnIan101; 03-17-2016 at 02:36 AM.

  9. #114
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    Best Buy - March 11th, 2016


    CDs

    "Killswitch Engage - Incarnate" with 3 exclusive bonus tracks $11.99

    "Yo Gotti - The Art Of The Hustle" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99 (available now)
    "Tweet - Charlene" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $9.99 (available now)
    "Megadeth - Dystopia" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99 (available now)

  10. #115
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    Past Tense


    [An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on March 7th, 2012 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

    Get the talking dog and boy we need the Wayback Machine set for Denzel, he needs to stop murderer and not a chain of gentlemen's clubs in "Déjà Vu"...



    The kinda time travel motion picture opened on November 22nd, 2006. It was made with a budget of $75,000,000 (estimated) and grossed slightly over 64 million during its U.S. theatrical run. It made its money back with profits when including foreign receipts (close to three times domestic gross). The film opened number three at the box office, the following week it dropped to number seven.

    The feature opened against "Flushed Away", "Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan", "Casino Royale" and "Happy Feet".

    This release originally came with an embossed cardboard foil slipcover which mirrored the case's wraparound. It also came with a single sheet insert, chapter listing index with special features. The other side was an ad for "The Queen" (2006) and Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto" (2006). Before he got all racist.

    - - -



    There was a single exclusive from Wal-Mart, a bonus disc in its own case (side packed with the movie). This streeted on April 24, 2007 and sold for $19.96.

    The bonus disc has a run time of 46:35 minutes.

    This is pretty damn good when you combine the exclusives with the DVD bonuses; a total of 97:15 minutes worth of extras, near feature-length. *nods* Sadly this kind of thing is dying. Extras now are minor with a high lean towards fluff.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Rant.



    Did not see in the theaters, my exposure was from home video and a blind buy on top of that. I enjoyed it. Somewhat original and gets the job done.

    I should since this came and went.

    The story is about a newly formed federal crime unit which uses a computer program, "Snow White" to view events in the past. Not physical time travel, just a viewer. It can only view events (in real time) 102 hours, 3 minutes, 45 seconds and 14.5 nanoseconds. It's locked. Can't change that view scope.

    You can not set it for a specific time, but you can move it - location wise. It's quite limiting.

    Denzel Washington plays BATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) agent Doug Carlin who gets recruited into the pilot unit. This was all brought into motion because of a terrorist attack.

    New Orleans, Fat Tuesday; Sen. Alvin T. Stumpf, a ferry transporting hundreds of U.S. Navy sailors and families across the Mississippi River is sunk by a massive explosion. Massive fatalities.



    A clue on one of the bodies has them using the new machine to view on Claire Kuchever (Paula Patton) - ONE OF THE DEAD.

    We are watching her life as before it ended on that ferry. She may have know the killer in some form and holds the key to solving this case and preventing another attack. But in doing this viewing Carlin starts to wonder if there's a way to save her.

    Can you alter the past?

    And that's where I leave your appetite wetted. Do seek it out, quite good. I will spoil this, which isn't so much a spoiler.



    It was odd to see Jim Caviezel as the villain, Carroll Oerstadt. He usually plays our hero. And of course Jesus. By the way, my mom wanted to see that movie so badly, she's a Catholic.

    Saw it - never wants to see it again.

    Fine.

    'But be aware that it's quite harsh.'

    She has only seen it once (DVD) and never wants to see it again.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Footnotes.



    Director Tony Scott above.

    This movie was filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana - but had to stop production because of Hurricane Katrina. In the end, the hurricane was incorporated into the story.

    Something I wasn't aware of until researching. The screenwriters Terry Rossio and Bill Marsilii were quite upset with the final product. Scott took their script and focused on the action and less on the characters.

    That their screenplay addressed various plot hole and solve them, 'air tight'.

    I'll admit this is not perfect, but even with flaws it's quite entertaining.


    - - - - - - - - - -

    Void.

    Indeed. This is a short entry - as it was the first time around.

    And so it all goes the same as before, never quiet knowing what's beyond your door.
    - Sessomorte

    So lets talk about an old TV show...



    Before there was a Terminator, before there was a Gunslinger ("Westworld" [1973]), there was Lt. Torres...

    This was from the CBS television series, "The Wild Wild West", from the episode "The Night Of The Steel Assassin" which aired January 7th, 1966.

    Originated from season one which was in black and white.

    The plot centered on a former Union Cavalry officer, Lt. Torres (John Dehner) who nearly died in an explosion and sought revenge on those he thought did him wrong.



    I am now a superior man. There is steel in my skull. Layers of metal protecting my heart. My hands are made of steel. My muscles are wire. It is a bit difficult to look me in the face without flinching. But all in all, you have made of me, a man far superior than I was.
    - Torres speaking to his next target, retired Col. R. L. Gilbert (John Pickard) - before murdering him

    He could be shot at and still come at you. Throw you across the room like a rag doll. And could take a beating like it was nothing. Add to the mix - the man was a genius...

    Dr. Meyer: Torres? Oh yes, Torres. A remarkable man.

    Gordon: Well, according to these records; you're the remarkable man doctor - patching him up as you did.

    Dr. Meyer: Yes, I did perform the operations, that's true. But you know, he engineered, each and every one of them.

    Gordon: That's funny, there's nothing in the records about any medical training for him.

    Dr. Meyer: Self-taught. During his long period of convalescence. Yes, a really remarkable man. No, by all the rules in the book, Torres should've died in that explosion. By all the rules in the book, Torres should've died after each succeeding operation.

    . . .

    Dr. Meyer: The nature of his injuries was such that neither sedation nor any anesthesia had any effect on him whatsoever.

    Gordon: Did you operate on him with out any anesthetics?

    Dr. Meyer: After he learned to divorce himself from pain... by auto-hypnosis, hypnosis. I can tell you it's quite disconcerting to be performing an operation and have your patient commenting on your procedure. No, he had a really remarkable intellect. Do you know that he designed all the metal parts that were used in reconstructing his body?

    Gordon: Metal parts?

    Dr. Meyer: Do you know that over half the bones in his body are made out of metal?

    Gordon: The iron man.

    He plans to kill the last member of his regiment; whom he blames; cheated him on a card game that lead him to be on guard duty at the local armory during the Civil War. A Confederate cannon ball, sparked the explosion that left him in pieces. Only one man remains - the now President, Ulysses S. Grant.

    An assassination by use of two wireless controlled rockets as Grant makes a public speech in Alto Nuevo, Mexico. A brilliant mad man, indeed.

    They did a great sound effect/distortion on his voice. It reminds me of Victor Freeze's voice (by Michael Ansara) on "Batman: The Animated Series" (1992 - 1995, 1997 - 1998)

    Our heroes could NOT defeat Torres. It is gravity and a deep water hole that did him in - everything else failed.

    So?

    I can so easily imagine little Jimmy Cameron watching this as a kid and becoming inspired...



    The half face ad campaign for "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991). That image was everywhere in '91.

    All four seasons of "The Wild Wild West" is on DVD. And can be bought as a complete series set; though I'm not a fan of the packaging. Don't let the age keep you away. It's a great show which blended the spy and western genres mixed with sci-fi; set in late 1800s. In short, it was steampunk.

    Before that was coined.

    What appreciate is the model work done for the show, quite sway.

    Come back here on March 17th, 2016 for the entry of an anti-hero with shine job.
    Last edited by JohnIan101; 08-31-2019 at 04:32 AM.

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    Game Of Thrones: The Complete Fifth Season
    Exclusive bonus BD; Blu-Ray only $34.99

    - - - - - - - - - -

    CDs available March 18th, 2016

    "Gwen Stefani - This Is What The Truth Feels Like" with 4 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99
    "Jaheim - Struggle Love" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $11.99

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    Best Buy - March 15th, 2016


    Game Of Thrones: The Complete Fifth Season
    Exclusive sigil packaging (Martell, Bolton or Targaryen); BD only $37.99 (each)

    - - - - - - - - - -

    CD available now

    "Killswitch Engage - Incarnate" with 3 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99

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    Past Tense - TCOR Part I


    [An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on March 15th, 2012 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

    This week we get a shine job for twenty menthol Kools in "The Chronicles Of Riddick"...



    The motion picture opened on June 11th, 2004. It was made with a budget of $110,000,000 (estimated) and grossed over 51 million during its U.S. theatrical run. It made its money back with minor profits when including foreign receipts. The film opened number two at the box office, the following week it dropped to number seven.

    The feature opened against "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban", "Shrek 2", "The Day After Tomorrow", "Troy" and "Mean Girls".

    For this entry I'm going to be talking about the Unrated Director's Cut. This is once again another big ass entry; c'mon, you know you like it.

    This release originally came with a cardboard foil slipcover which mirrored the case's wraparound. It also came with a folding insert - all advertisements. The first is an ad for the Unrated Director's Cut of "Pitch Black" and "The Chronicles Of Riddick: Dark Fury" direct to video release. Next is an ad for "Drunken Jackasses: The Quest". An advertisement for the then upcoming Sci Fi Channel mini-series, "Earthsea" (2004). An ad for "The Chronicles Of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay" video game. Ad for the home video release of "Buck Rogers In The 25th Century: The Complete Series". And lastly one for TV Guide, subscribe and receive a free "The Chronicles Of Riddick" poster (27" x 40"). I see no expiration.

    - - -



    There was a single exclusive and it was from Best Buy, a bonus disc (65:40 minutes). This set streeted on November 16th, 2004 and sold for $16.99. It came in a two disc case.

    This was one of my early exclusives. I nearly didn't get it, not the obvious answer - did not know at the time. I went to Best Buy to buy this DVD and another. I looked about and found what I wanted, then I had a thought, a coupon?

    I returned to the front and took an advertisement, flipped through it. Nope, none there.

    That's when I found out about their offering, an exclusive bonus disc. Here's where the fun begins.



    I look at their copies. ??? Which DVDs have the bonus? Well, as it turns out - NONE of the them were labeled; no sticker on the slipcover saying 'Exclusive Best Buy Bonus Content' or something to that effect.

    I asked for assistance, they said every copy had it. No, not true. While being help, I noticed something; shaking a case, there was a jiggle. Hmmm, I shook another case, no jiggle. I took that as a clue and bought that copy. It shouldn't be like the Lottery. I wonder how many people were pissed they didn't get one.

    As it turns out, each store has roughly seventy-five copies of the two disc set. I discovered later that I was fortunate. My DVD case was a two disc holder, not all of them were, some found the bonus inside a CD envelope. As the store did with "The Day After Tomorrow" (future PT) and the remake of "Dawn Of The Dead" (Part I & Part II). What was the other title?



    Also bought that day was "Cheerleader Camp" (1988), a blind buy. I didn't care for it after seeing. Sold my copy on Ebay soon there after. Why???

    It has been released by Anchor Bay a couple months earlier, then two week before buying I found out that the feature was for sale. The owners of the movie couldn't keep up with their Screen Actors Guild residual payments. It was sold at a public auction on November 9th (2004).

    How much? I haven't a clue.

    The movie was because it might not be available for restocking for some time, concerning new ownership.



    I wanted to like it, far too cliché. I did however enjoyed "Spirit Camp" (2009); same idea, better execution... and hotter girls. Julin Jean is smokin' in her cheerleader outfit.

    Anyhow, Riddick's 'Interactive Production Calendar' wasn't explained properly. Plus there is no exit. You need to push 'menu' on the remote to get back, there isn't a button on screen. The videos are shorts most are less than forty seconds, three of them over a minute. A total of thirty-three behind the scenes vids.

    The (movie) set was so big, that they had razors to shuttle around in, some had baskets.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Footnotes.

    Nostalgia. *nods* I took those store images on release week with my then new digital cam, a Philips' "Key Ring" pocket camera. I have the 64mb version, one megapixel. It's broken now, won't hold a charge. Anyhow, as you can see from the pixs. None of the copies were labeled. That and how things used to be. Back when Best Buy had a huge DVD inventory, full shelves. Man, I miss those days.

    I own a lot of those DVDs on that shelf; "Frank Herbert’s Dune: Special Edition - Director’s Cut" (Sci Fi Channel mini-series), "The Final Countdown: 2 - Disc Limited Edition" (with lenticular cover), "Final Destination", "Decoys", "Frank Herbert’s Children Of Dune: Two-Disc Set" (Sci Fi Channel mini-series), "The Chronicles Of Riddick: Dark Fury", "The Cat From Outer Space", "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind: The Collector’s Edition", "Hellboy: Director’s Cut", "Contact: Special Edition" and "Deep Impact: Widescreen Special Collector’s Edition".

    There should be a mention. "Chronicles" hit DVD in three editions; theatrical cut - widescreen or full screen and Unrated Director's Cut, widescreen only.

    - - -



    Not enough people know that there was a prequel to "Chronicles" called "The Chronicles Of Riddick: Dark Fury" as mentioned above. This came out on June 15th, 2004 for $14.98, timed for the theatrical release. It came with a foil wraparound.

    It was a sway animated program. In the same vein that Universal did for "Van Helsing" (2004; a previous Past Tense: Part I and Part II), "The London Assignment" (2004). The anime title is a thirty-five minutes long, the bridge from "Pitch Black" (2000) to "Chronicles".

    Not a real spoiler here, the character of Jack from the first film is five years older in "Chronicles". She (Kyra) is played by Alexa Davalos. Rhiana Griffith originally portrayed Jack. For the animated short they got Griffith to reprise her role. Can you see me grinning?

    It also has Keith David back as Imam and of course Vin Diesel as Richard B. Riddick. It picks up right after the event of "Pitch Black". They take off from the desert planet and find more trouble. It also features the character of Toombs voiced by the actor who plays him in the movie, Nick Chinlund. Very cool. I enjoyed it. Wish there were more installments.

    Story?

    The skiff that Riddick, Imam and Jack are in is having a huge system failure, it's old. Things look grim, but the survivors are picked up by a luxury craft owned by Ms. Chillingsworth (voiced by Tress MacNeille). Riddick attempts to pass himself as merc William Johns. It doesn't work. Events quickly go downhill.

    Chillingsworth as it turns out is a collector, but not of paintings or antiquities, but of a different kind of art. She collects the most harden of criminals, murderers, rapists and the like - injected with a fluid that keeps them in suspended animation, posed like statues for her pleasure. In a living hell; they are static, but their brains continue to function in real time, prisoners of their own bodies.

    She wants Riddick as the center piece of her gallery. It ends with a great fight with Riddick and Chillingsworth's right hand man, Junner Front (voiced by Roger Jackson). That story could be made into a cool movie.

    The animation was done by Peter Chung. You might know him better as the animator/creator of the MTV series "Æon Flux" (Part I & Part II). He also did the animated short "Matriculated" for the other direct to video release, "The Animatrix" (2003). Chung also did the hammer head creature effect in "Pitch Black". *nods* The guy has talent.

    The bad news?

    The DVD is presented in non-anamorphic widescreen. *shakes head*
    Last edited by JohnIan101; 08-31-2019 at 04:39 AM.

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    Past Tense - TCOR Part II


    Now just flat out bragging...

    Back in 2004 I bought an oddity off Ebay; can't recall the price. A CD single in an envelope - one song. The printed text on sliver reads: "The Chronicles Of Riddick: Dark Fury: Junkie XL Remix". It's 6:43 minutes long. In short, the song in the end credits.

    A techo tune with dialog from the anime is by Junkie XL (a.k.a. Tom Holkenborg). You know, for such a simple song, it's quite catchy. I still remember having it on loop for a couple of hours when I received it. I'm still not sick of it. I remember being in the shower that weekend with the worlds "fall back, everyone fall back!!!" haunting me.

    Too much info?

    Anyhow, that CD now resides inside that three disc case. Three? I'll get into that in a few.

    So what was that disc? An exclusive?

    I couldn't answer it back in 2012 and can't today. This could very well just be a Universal Studios promo item and nothing more. It's the best answer I can give.

    - - -

    Back in 2004 writer/director David Twohy wrote a pilot for the Sci Fi Channel, expanding on the Riddick universe. But it wasn't picked up or filmed. It would've made for a cool series. But I guess they spent their wad on the then series "Battlestar Galactica".

    A series?

    No - a series based on the missing time of Kyra/Jack; her lost, five years. I can see why they didn't - she died in "Chronicles". Don't give me that look - the movie has been out for nearly twelve years.

    It didn't die (TV show); more about it in a few.

    - - -

    Since were talking about it...



    The above image is from the June 19th, 2003 issue of "Newcastle Herald" (Australia). The person is Rhiana Griffith. You see, Griffith tried to win back her role of Kyra for "Chronicles".

    What happened? Studio wanted a more known actress, Alexa Davalos was already on TV (The WB series, "Angel") and someone similar to Alyssa Milano. As I understand Diesel wanted Griffith, but didn't have the clout to make it.

    In case you're curious, she's eighteen in that picture. Griffith was thirteen when she did "Pitch Black". She took three weeks of freestyle martial arts (karate training, kick boxing and sparring) to get into condition for the audition.

    Her instructor was Renhshi Peter Kirkwood, his own self defense called "Kaizen Ryu".



    Davalos above. I saw an image of her from 2007 (age 22), Griffith still looks like she's in her mid teens.

    Was Davalos the better decision? I honestly don't know.

    By the way, Amber Tamblyn also auditioned, she too took some training, kickboxing.

    - - -



    I knew the traps that other sequels have fallen into; about kinda replaying the same thing over and over again. So I said, I think the key to it is not to do the expected. Don't go back the same planet. Don't meet the same creatures. Don't even let it be a creature movie. Could we change genres and yet keep the same tone and keep the same characters? I think that was the inspiration for the approach. And the, metamorphoses between "Pitch Black" and "The Chronicles Of Riddick".
    - David Twohy (director and screenwriter)

    Something not too known, before "Chronicles" was green lighted. There was another tale trying to make it before cameras, an unproduced sequel to "Pitch Black". Screenplay was written by David Hayter (revised by Akiva Golsman). It had Riddick being tracked down by a retriever named Guerin and his female merc recruit, Kira in New Chicago. Night eyes is found fighting familiar hammerhead creatures for profit in the city's underground scene.

    A very angry Riddick is blackmailed into accompanying Guerin and his mercenaries back to Harcades Six where some years ago a commercial transport vessel (Hunter-Gratzner) crash landed on the desert planet. Guerin desires to retrieve a very valuable object, that may have survived the impact.

    Like with "Aliens" (1986), a well armed group find themselves defending their lives from the sonar seeing hammerheads. The object is "Star Trek" like, Genesis-type device for planetary terra forming. Not original at all. Once again it's night time on the planet.

    The salvagers discover the ruins of a once technologically advanced city. They encounter a new breed of creatures that are hunting the mercs off. One of these animals is apparently smarter than the others and is stalking Riddick. These new creatures are actually the evolved aliens who created the former metropolis.

    And obviously Kira isn't who she appears to be, duh. The script finishes with the retrieval ship picking up survivors and the stalking creature going one on one with Riddick inside (like "Aliens"). And of course the surviving mercs double-crossing Riddick and the other salvagers.

    Part of me want to see this movie. But only if they did it right. The story has potential, but needs to be way less like "Aliens". Oh well. Twohy delivered a good sequel with "Chronicles". And a helluva lot better than Hayter/Golsman penned tale.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Rant.

    I think the Lord Marshal wants to conquer all planets colonized by humans and make them Necromongers, but I was never sure that Richard B. Riddick didn't approve of that. Riddick seems more angered that there is a bounty on his head, and when he wreaks vengeance against the Necromongers, it's personal. His travails are intercut with the story of Vaako and Dame Vaako (Karl Urban and Thandie Newton) who want to overthrow the Lord Marshal, although whether they constitute a movement or just a coterie, I cannot say.
    - Roger Ebert

    I know many people didn't care for the it. It was so different. I applaud Twohy for being original. I loved it. It felt LARGE, epic. Bigger than life, as it should be; expanded the universe for these characters.



    Saw it on opening day, left the theater happy. Above are a couple of production artwork images from the triple max slam, Crematoria.

    Looking back, I'm not sure what folks wanted.

    Were they expecting Riddick to go back to the planet as in the aborted screenplay?

    Our company had a party to launch our TV division. Very exciting. MERC CITY is a show that will follow the Mercs and Bounty Hunters of the Riddick Universe. Next Month, DT [David Twohy] begins writing the next Chapter in the Chronicles of Riddick... FURIA.
    - Vin Diesel; Instagram (November 21st, 2015)

    The story continues...



    The movie is 119 minutes long, but feels like two films - the good kind. The one set in Helion Prime and on Crematoria; the great escape. The unrated version is 134 minutes; 14 minutes of restored footage. I'm rather glad this didn't follow the trend of 90 something minute features.

    Motion pictures should be two hours or longer. Have a story worth telling with the heighten budget. Not something you'd see on television. So many people desire short flicks. That destroys the whole point. It should be BIG! With a decent/good story and characters to capture your attention.

    *deep sigh*



    I want to say this happened before 2010; got curious since the theatrical is different. So I rebought it, the PG-13 version, widescreen. And moved it all into a three disc, transparent DVD case; unrated with exclusive and theatrical. Plus added the CD single (still in its CD envelope).

    - - -

    Something I should mention.

    There is another, kinda...



    In 2004 Vivendi Games released the video game, "The Chronicles Of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay"; a first person actioner. This is a prequel to "Pitch Black".

    So?

    There's a guy on YouTube named DeeALup who took the game play; edited it all into a linear movie - 124 minutes long. It's pretty sway.

    Diesel reprises his role as does Cole Hauser as William J. Johns from "Pitch Black". It also features the voice talents of Kristin Lehman, Ron Perlman, Michael Rooker, Dwight Schultz and Xzibit.



    DeeALup did the same for the game sequel "The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault On Dark Athena" (2009) from Atari. Which picks up shortly after the events of Butcher Bay. This features the voices of Michelle Forbes and Lance Henriksen.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Easter Eggs.

    Behind-the-scenes of the death of Lord Marshal (Colm Feore), full screen. It can be access through both menu options.

    Convert -> highlight "Play", press up three times; highlight 'floor plate' - ENTER.
    Fight -> highlight "Play", press left; highlight the 'holes on the blade' - ENTER.

    This kept growing and growing. Hope you enjoyed the read. Indeed.

    Return on March 24th, 2016 for a trip to a distant, but quite retro planet where nobody wears pants.
    Last edited by JohnIan101; 08-31-2019 at 04:51 AM.

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    The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
    Exclusive bonus disc (DVD); BD/DVD/DC combo $22.99

    - - - - - - - - - -

    CDs

    "Zayn Mailk - Mind Of Mine" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $12.99 (available 3/25/16)

    "Gwen Stefani - This Is What The Truth Feels Like" with 4 exclusive bonus tracks $13.99 (available now)
    "Sia - This Is Acting" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $10.00 (available now)
    "Carrie Underwood - Storyteller" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $10.00 (available now)
    Last edited by JohnIan101; 03-22-2016 at 11:25 PM.

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