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  1. #511
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    Best Buy - December 18th, 2018


    Venom
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  2. #512
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    Past Tense - Galactic Deadbeat Part I


    [An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on September 4th, 2014 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

    This time out we didn't get anally probed (or DID we?) in the sci-fi classic, "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind"...



    The motion picture opened on November 16th, 1977. It was made with a budget of $19,400,870 (estimated) and grossed over $116 million during its initial U.S. theatrical run. My data is limited. Don't know what box office ranking it had when it premiered.

    The feature opened against "Pete's Dragon", "Oh, God!" and "Looking For Mr. Goodbar".

    I'm going to be talking about the "30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition". This was not a regular DVD case. It was a glossy cardboard (partly foiled) box ('Premium Packaging') which flipped open. Inside was a digipack for the three discs along with "30th Anniversary Collector's Book", a seventy-two page image tome with trivia and actor bios along with (black and white; well more like sepia) behind the scenes photos. It also came with a folded insert; Side A) Reproduction of the film's poster. Side B) "A View From Above: Feature Comparison" - a chart of detailing the differences between the Theatrical, Special Edition and Director's Cut versions.

    - - -



    There was only one exclusive from Wal-Mart, an exclusive CD set; the sticker on the front read "The Entire Close Encounters Soundtrack Inside!". It's true and false at the same time. *shakes head*

    This set streeted on November 13th, 2007 for $29.96 (DVD). It's been a decade, I can't recall if this was also available (soundtrack) for Blu-Ray and if so... the price is lost to time. Sorry.

    Anyhow, the CD has printed label which reads: "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack".

    So what's the deal?



    This is the compact disc re-release of the Arista Records title from 1988. Which was taken from the original 1977 vinyl; no remastering. It's not even the 1990 CD release from Varése Sarabande which had a bonus track.

    TRACKS

    1. Main Title And Mountain Visions
    2. Nocturnal Pursuit
    3. The Abduction Of Barry
    4. I Can't Believe It's Real
    5. Climbing Devils Tower
    6. The Arrival Of Sky Harbor
    7. Night Siege
    8. The Conversation
    9. The Appearance Of The Visitors
    10. Resolution And End Titles

    This is NOT even the better edition (also from Arista), "The Collector's Edition Soundtrack" - remastered and expanded, twenty-six tracks; released in 1998.

    I do enjoy the John Williams score, but this could've been so much stronger as I wrote above. This is the 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition, you would think they would attach the superior soundtrack to the box set.

    The CD came in a large gummied sleeve; transparent top with wax paper backing holding the disc in the center, an "EnvyPak".

    Something I have long forgotten until researching. There was a disco version of the main theme, remixed by Gene Page in 1978. Oh dear. It can be found on YouTube. Search for it or if you know how, "8BBPMSqLUdk". It's still there (as of writing), checked.

    Pew. Pew. Pew Not enough laser blast sound effects.

    And yes, it's as awful as you imagine. The 1970s was such a hit and miss decade, like throwing everything at the wall; looking to see what would stick. A lot of it did not.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Footnotes.

    So why are there three versions of this film?

    The studio, Columbia Pictures was up the creek with a very minute paddle; they knew Steven Spielberg would/could deliver a Summer blockbuster - saving them from bankruptcy. The film's budget kept ballooning, the studio ended up having to raise seven additional millions from German tax shelters, Time Inc. and EMI Music to get the feature made.

    There lies the problem. Time was running out for Columbia.

    Spielberg wanted to take his time, editing with Michael Kahn. The idea was for a Summer 1978 release; post production work was done in June '77. The plan was for a long, relaxed period to assemble his vision. Get it just right. No such luck. The studio was in panic mode.

    The creditors were at the gates as it were. They needed the film out, NOW!

    This forced Spielberg and Kahn into a mad rush job - four months; thousands and thousands of feet of footage were widdled down to 135 minutes.

    The director was not delighted with the Theatrical print. Yes, it made over $116 million (counting foreign receipts - $288 million) and did save Columbia, but it wasn't the path he wanted.

    From all the things I've read on the subject, I don't believe it was ego, but rather him wanting to do justice to the story. Spielberg went to studio asking them to finish the film, allow him to recut the feature. They agreed with one major caveat... he must show the inside the space craft. Why?

    They were going to re-release the blockbuster with new footage, calling it the "Special Edition" an orbital be-bop. Get folks to see it once again - the new marketing campaign focused on showing the public the inside of the craft.

    So in 1979 Spielberg was given $1.5 million to recut and seven weeks to shoot new scenes (most of the cast returned, minus François Truffaut who was filming another movie at the time).

    All and all, seven additional minutes were added as well as shortening the Theatrical by ten minutes. The run time is 132 minutes and had an August 1980 re-release.

    The re-release brought them back into the theaters to the tune of $15.7 million, making the overall domestic box office at $303.7 million. The Special Edition expanded the mystery and became the default viewing.

    If you wanted to see the motion picture on home video (VHS or Laser Disc) this was the only option. Until 1990, but I'll get into that in few.

    Flash forward to 1998, still not happy. Spielberg didn't want to show the inside of the mother ship. He re-re-cut the film. Bits that were exorcised from the Theatrical were reinstated and mashed with footage from the Special Edition. And the entire space ship interior as axed as he felt was unnecessary.

    This new version became known as the "Director's Cut" and in 1999 for Columbia's 75th anniversary, the film was given a limited theatrical re-re-release, that was the only time the Director's Cut was seen on the big screen. It has a run time of 137 minutes.

    Well... there IS another.

    When ABC aired the movie they did their own edit; this combined the Theatrical and Special Edition into a 143 minute program. It first aired on March 14th, 1983; the broadcast started at 7:00 pm, a four hour telecast with commercials. This is how I saw it - on TV. It was sway.

    This mash-up has never been released on home video.

    As I wrote, the Special Edition was the default, but that changed in 1990 when Criterion released a deluxe edition laser disc set.



    The three disc LD collection was presented on CAV across six sides. It was release on November 26th, 1990 and sold for $124.95. Special edition laser discs were frackin' expensive back in the day, but it was the only game in town. I only owned slightly over three hundred titles when I was collecting; from 1993 to 2002. There were tons I wanted, but their price tag was beyond what I could afford. Most of those buy were pre-internet, ordered through printed catalogs.

  3. #513
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    Past Tense - Galactic Deadbeat Part II


    The good and the bad...

    The bad first. This release presented both editions, Special Edition and Theatrical. You had to program your laser disc player to view each version. This wasn't a linear play. But rather scenes from each version in their linear order. It the first attempt at seamless branching. You had to wait for the change, up five seconds per change. And when I say program, I mean you had to tell the machine which chapters you wanted to see and their viewing order. You had to earn the viewing.

    The first release had numerous chapter problems. It wouldn't play right. So bad, that Criterion had to re-release the title. This time from a gatefold to a box to differentiate between the pressings. Most, but not all of the chapter problems were fixed.

    The good. This set included a ton of goodies, over a thousand gallery images; the UFOs, aliens, the mothership, the smoke room, mothership's underbelly, the cast, railroad crossing, Crescendo Summit, the Special Edition, production and publicity. This also included a video with Spielberg discussing Letterboxing. It also had pages from deleted scenes (which were not filmed).

    In addition to that it came with "Making Close Encounters", an interactive documentary featuring video interviews with Steven Spielberg, Douglas Trumball, John Williams and other principals. You could watch videos and skip over the galleries presented or click through them. This was a huge deal at the time.

    Criterion also released a budget LD on December 18th, 1991 for $59.95. This presented the theatrical version with zero bonus features in CLV format. A two disc set, three sides. Wait, I believe it included the trailer.

    Before you ask.

    No.

    Those extras are exclusive to the dead format; Criterion never re-issued on DVD nor Blu-Ray.

    - - -

    Important information...



    The Director's Cut, "Collector's Edition" was released on laser disc on July 14th, 1998 from Columbia Tri-Star Video. This three disc, six sided box set sold for $79.95 (presented in CAV and CLV). This is where the 140 minute documentary "The Making Of Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" originated.

    It featured the theatrical trailers, vintage 1977 featurette "Watch The Skies", deleted scenes and production archives (storyboards, production photos and publicity materials; notice, zero production artwork or conceptual art).

    This box set was the first time the movie was remastered in Dolby Digital AC-3.



    This version jumped formats on May 29th, 2001 - the two disc DVD (digipack) set sold for $24.95 from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment. This has both trailers, deleted scenes, vintage featurette and the feature length documentary - that's it.

    In researching (don't own any of the "Close Encounters" laser discs), I've encountered a discontinuity; the doc on the Collector's Edition LD reads "140 minutes" (looked at a back cover scan). But the same documentary on the Collector's Edition DVD is 1:41:36 minutes (pulled out my copy and saw the length). The Blu-Ray version is 101 minutes, the same.

    So thirty-nine minutes are missing from subsequent editions? What parts? Damn good question. Using that same scan found online, I read the tiny chapter text and compared it to the DVD doc's.

    You're not missing anything, documentary-wise. I think what they did was count all of the extras as one piece (galleries [you can play through galleries, each is a single frame; it zips by], deleted scenes and featurette), 140 minutes.

    You're welcome.

    This same documentary is on the 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition, but not as a single item, it's broken into three parts, spread across the discs (DVD edition).

    I must say, I am very disappointed that the new gallery is exclusive to the 30th BD edition. That should've have been, it should've been equal. Making it worse is that it has nine different galleries - substantial, not fluff.

    *sigh*

    If I write about that, I need to write about this. Man, I'm too anal.

    While the documentary on "Close Encounters" is intact, that isn't always the case - the transition from LD to DVD.

    The most famous exclusion happened to "Jaws" (1975).



    MCA/Universal Home Video released a mega, limited edition, laser disc box set (42583; only 10,000 made) on November 28th, 1995 for $149.98. Had to save money to buy that. It came with four discs (CAV/CLV), plus the film's CD soundtrack (John William's score; twelve tracks) and a copy of Peter Benchley's 278 page paperback novel. As well as a lavish LD sized booklet.

    A year later on November 19th, 1996 a budget version was released (#42629), minus the physical premiums; the LD number reduced to three (also CAV/CLV). This sold for $129.98 - yeah that was the budget version.

    Both special edition laser discs carried the feature length documentary, "The Making Of Steven Spielberg's Jaws". This has a run time of 2:02:48. It covered all aspects of the production, very detailed.

    When the film finally came to DVD (Universal Studios Home Video) on July 11th, 2000 ($26.98), "Anniversary Collector's Edition"; it included a highly edited version of the documentary. The run time now is an hour. As you can imagine fans were upset.

    The "Anniversary Collector's Edition" was re-release on September 2nd, 2003 (now with DTS), it sold for $19.98. No change, same carved up version of the doc.



    It wasn't until the "30th Anniversary Edition" (June 14th, 2005; Universal Studios Home Entertainment, two disc set) that the documentary was restored to its original length; sold for $22.98. Should be noted that not all of the galley images carried over from the last DVD edition, that why I have the 30th and the DTS copies.

    The full documentary also appears on the 2012, Blu-Ray/DVD combo release (August 14th, 2012), sold for $29.98. I'm still bugged that the fan documentary, "The Shark Is Still Working: The Impact And Legacy Of Jaws" (2007) wasn't put on DVD, BD only - that shouldn't be. At the very least, release it as a stand alone title on DVD.

    - - -

    Some stuff learned while writing this post.

    1) In 2007 Steven Spielberg commented that he would've changed the ending if he remade it today. Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) would not have abandoned his family to road trip with the extraterrestrials. I agree, even as little kid I thought that was just wrong - he's a deadbeat dad. 'Sorry honey, I can't make child support; I'm too busy circling Uranus'. Sure, go on your quest - find that answer, your truth. But come back when and make amends.

    Don't go joy riding with them, it will be decades or longer before you get back. At the point where you become a father or mother, the existence you had is gone. That life, it's the price you pay to be a parent. So yeah, Roy was a deadbeat dad - end of story.

    2) The UFO witnesses in India who pointed up, they were saying "Aaya Re! Aaya!" It translates from Hindi to "He has come" which sounds like an Indian XXX flick. You know, whoever is the porno equivalent of Peter North there.

    The November 2008 issue of Empire magazine (British), published the results of a worldwide poll of the "500 Greatest Movies Of All Time"; "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" ranked 59th.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Rant.



    This was Spielberg on the top of his game. No question about that.

    You build characters and mystery, the atmosphere it creates. You don't need to go for the money shot within thirty minutes (or less).

    It's suspense and having a good story to justify the effects, not the other way around.



    Indeed, go in with an open mind. Nuff said.

    The intent was an easy final 2018 entry. Then it ballooned to what you see.

    That's it folks, the end of 2018. Come back here on January 10th, 2019 for more exclusives. See you on the other side or the Upside Down if you like.

  4. #514
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    Target - December 30th, 2018


    The Predator (available now)
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    Venom (available now)
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  5. #515
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    Best Buy - December 30th, 2018


    Spider-Man: Homecoming (available now)
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    Baby Driver (available now)
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    Jumanji (available now)
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    The Equalizer (available now)
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    Christine (available now)
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  6. #516
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    Best Buy - January 6th, 2019


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  7. #517
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    Past Tense - This Is What Happens When You Play D&D That's What Televangelists Say Part I


    2019 starts with a brand new entry! Just so you won't get spoiled, the next one won't. *sad panda face*

    Our sci-fi rascals met a new friend and get into old troubles in "Stranger Things 2"...



    The series was dumped all at once on Netflix on October 27th, 2017. Yeah that poster feels like a Drew Struzan artwork. Ad created by Kyle Lambert, well done sir.

    The streaming program competed with theatrical films "Blade Runner 2049", "Happy Death Day", "Jigsaw" and "It".

    As with season one, the packaging is unique, but different. There was no insert issued.

    - - -



    There were two exclusives (overall) with different cover art, both streeted on November 6th, 2018.

    Season two is nine episodes long.

    As with season one, Target was the only store which sold the series on home video; two different box sets - BD/DVD and 4K BD/BD (red cassette tape) combos. Both sets are six discs, three for each dedicated format.

    This was $24.99 and $29.99 (4k) on street.

    Their weekly ad had upset me. As you can read, it implies that season two is Blu-Ray or 2k BD only. Doing a quick search discovered this was wrong. It is in fact a combo set. What the hell, Target?

    Like before, these cases were replicas of VHS tapes which looks great. Though this time, the packaging set-up is different. No magnets here.



    The 4k's cover is very reminiscent to the iconic image from "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" (1977; a previous Past Tense), the little boy opening the front door to be taken away by aliens. I'll leave the probed jokes to you.

    These boxes are a single piece. Now packaged as a video tape rental (inside a clamshell case) from Hawkins Video shop. You open it up to get access to the tape inside. This tape itself does not come out.

    You pull up the front to get the discs.



    These are two levels like with season one. An arm cardboard level with discs that can be pulled up, revealing another compartment under it with the other discs. Above is a shot from a fellow enthusiast with the 4k BD variant.

    Both inner tape art are the same - Sheriff Jim Hopper (David Harbour) under Hawkins in the tunnels.

    AND has the very same problem as the first season sets. Those damn foam nubs (partial overlay) that hold the discs down. It's a pain to pulled them out and put them back in, you have to fight the discs back into place.

    Doing your best not to rip out the nubs when you want to play the discs.

    As with the last; on my copy (BD/DVD combo) - I moved the DVDs on the top level. *nods*



    This year did not come with an exclusive poster. No. On the opposite side of the disc area is a pouch that has five candid behind-the-scenes cast photos. This image set is different for each combo as you can see above.

    Would like to own all ten snaps.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Rant.

    First off - let me start outside the show.

    The actress who plays Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer); need to eat more, like a lot more. Can't say if she's very skinny or flat out anorexic. Either way, not healthy looking. And yeah, I've gotten flack for saying the obvious - eat lady, eat.



    Above is Dyer with co-star Joe Keery (plays Steve Harrington), you can see that she needs more volume on her frame. You know I'm right.

    While thinkin' and writing up this entry, a thought popped in my head. Did this happened before? The gang often references their "Dungeons & Dragons" books on what is happening in town. Did the writers of those books take personal experiences and mask them up as fiction?

    Season two takes place in late October of 1984, if curious.

    As mentioned in the season one Past Tense entry (Part I, Part II and Part III); I do not have cable and no Netflix either. The same today.

    So this release is the first time I saw season two. I know there have been a lot of upset people who wanted more - felt the second year was lacking.

    I'm not one of those. I understand what they were going for.



    There are folks who were upset with the addition of Maxine "Max" Mayfield (Sadie Sink), arcade/skateboard chick. She in a way takes over the El (Millie Bobby Brown) role as the girl the gang interacts with of their own age. *nods*

    I liked her; Max has spunk and stands her ground when things go very dangerous.

    Plus being able to experiences old events as new, through her. Too bad it was short; Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) telling Max what happened to Will (Noah Schnapp) the pervious year and the chaos currently.

    Max is present since the Eleven character is on a personal journey to find her roots. Until the end of episode eight, El isn't involved in the main story line. Which upset folks too.

    And I don't have a problem with that. Have good characters and decent writing, it will be interesting. That should not be viewed as a negative. Jane's quest for answers was compelling.

    Man, the major gripe over "Chapter Seven: The Lost Sister" - many have called the worst episode of the show and in television history. I'm not kidding. WTF? It wasn't nearly as bad as some would like you to believe.

    No.

  8. #518
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    Past Tense - This Is What Happens When You Play D&D That's What Televangelists Say Part II




    Eleven goes to Chicago to locate another girl who was part of the Hawkins Lab's special projects. This is a girl we meet in the first part of episode one, then nothing till here.

    It's been pointed out that the program could've been done in a montage, rather than an episode devoted to nothing - which it wasn't.

    *sigh*

    Folks feel that the extra episode was wasted. Season one was eight episodes as will be season three.

    The girl is Kali (Linnea Berthelsen), number Eight. Different little kids were molded with different talents. El was their star since she could do what no other could. Kali's ability is to project images, she can make you see what she want you to see. El can't do that, nor was taught that ability.

    There's a scene near the end of Chapter Seven that remind me of "The Shadow" (1994). How to become invisible.

    Sure, El/Jane can remote view in real time and has powerful telekinesis. Plus discovered (season one) she could open a rift into an alternate universe.



    The next discontent was over Kali's gang of misfits. She has her crew that she provides shelter, food and money (various robberies using her skill). These members join her cause for justice - Kali is hunting all the former employees from her time at Hawkins Lab who did her harm - to kill them.

    She wants Jane to join her murder club. Which she does for awhile, till things got grave. For awhile she found home with another like her. But there was no real love, just another tool to be used.

    Kali didn't have the kind of support that El has; she even admits that. Bitter and quite jaded, the girl wants blood.

    I say discontent since some viewers did not care for her or her gang. Some saying the whole episode was nothing more than virtue signaling. *pausing*

    Okay, this is kinda true, but is not presented in that way. Which is significant. These folks were discarded by society. That kind of thing isn't singular in appearance. And that matters. So no, I had no problem with them. It is here where El gets more control over her powers and a set-up for season three.

    Another woe for some is - they feel the story told could've been done in a few episodes; meaning season two - for them is mostly filler. That and season two is a rehash of season one.

    Then some who felt the reunion between Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and El took too long to happen; end of episode eight. And was too short. Okay, I agree, but season two as said is also about El finding her roots. And the season ends with both kids now having a lot of time to spend together. Add to that, Mike wasn't much of a leader this year. That complaint I 100% agree. He spent most of his time with Will, rather than his friends or providing solutions.

    Then there's an uproar about Billy Hargrove (Dacre Montgomery), Max's sibling - who didn't serve the series, was just there... just there. This gripe I agree, mostly. But I see him as a side character and not much else. He's the reason why Max decides to join our gang. She fears her brother and doesn't want to go back home. Spending time with these outcast freaks was better. And that DID advance the story.



    The Duffer brothers (Matt and Ross) once again captured the feel of the 1980s. Watching S2 gave me so many smiles, nostalgia without being preachy or revised history for PC culture. As it should be.

    I'm glad they address a scene from season one about our missing kid, Will Byers who coughs up a slug that goes down a sink. That tiny scene sets up the whole second year and expands the series universe. Monstrous events in season one was controlled by an entity unseen... until now.

    Plus we get a big answer - why? The Shadow Monster is a universe jumper. It arrives on an Earth and consumes all life, then seeks a way to jump to the next universe to do the same. Humans are simply a resource to consume.

    It discovered our reality because El made contact with one of the beasts IT controls while remote viewing. She panicked and accidentally created a tiny rift to that dead Earth. A way to infect our world, starting with Hawkins, Indiana; sending in one of those creatures to scout and feed.

    Season two ends with the good guys winning. Indeed.

    We see the Shadow Monster, looking down, the space where his former host is occupying in our reality. It knows we exist and will try once again to gain access, plus revenge.



    I say this since so many did not understand what was shown - the last shot from the Upside Down.

    *shrugs*

    Why was that unclear? I'm being quite serious.

    Another part I enjoyed is how things were set-up for a payoff later in the season. A few of them are subtle. Others not, like Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) who screams like a girl. A jump scare that happens while the gang is Trick Or Treating. The payoff near the finale was done for laughs and works so great.

    Another good part is our heroes in the stolen car - the only one of the kids who can drive is Max and she's only driven in a parking lot. She's too small reach the pedals so boxes are duct taped to her shoes; like watching "Our Gang" in action.



    Good to see that Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) wasn't dumbed down. She continues to makes great, smart decisions - NOT a problem solver, but is the person who gets the ball rolling and keeps up the momentum; brought smiles on my face. Good mom, not a fool.

    And nice that she got a boyfriend.

    That could've been a mess, but was handled well with Sean Astin as Bob Newby. Not a cliché, he was helpful and saved our heroes when thrown into their plight. Too bad he won't be in season three. *cough cough* His guided escape inside Hawkins Lab from the demo-dogs, reminded me a lot of "Max Headroom: 20 Minutes Into The Future" (1985). Where Theora Jones (Amanda Pays) is helping, reporter Edison Carter (Matt Frewer) flee from the labyrinth and security inside the building, Network 23, via an earpiece.

    Man, it was super nice to have Matthew Modine reprise his role as Dr. Martin Brenner since he died last year - hard justice to the heel. His part was so tiny, but memorable since it was so unexpected, great touch for continuity. Quite sway.

    There you go. Come back here on January 24th, 2019 for an adult horror flick. Not like that... well, kinda. Sure.

    One last thing - the video cassette box image; who ever rented this last, did not rewind the video tape. It's the same on both editions.

  9. #519
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    Best Buy - January 15th, 2019


    Halloween (2018 sequel)
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    Spider-Man Legacy Collection (available now)
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    Spider-Man: Homecoming (available now)
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    Baby Driver (available now)
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    Jumanji (available now)
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    Christine (available now)
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    The Dark Tower (available now)
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    The Equalizer (available now)
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    Kin (available now)
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    Bad Boys I & II (available now)
    Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $24.99

    Men In Black Trilogy: 20th Anniversary Edition (available now)
    Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $29.99

  10. #520
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    Target - January 20th, 2019


    Stranger Things: Season 2 (available now)
    Exclusive VHS packaging with photo set; BD/DVD combo $10.00 (ad read ten bucks, website reads - $24.99)

    - - - - - - - - - -

    CD available 1/25

    "Backstreet Boys - DNA" with exclusive tee shirt $16.99

    "Imagine Dragons - Origins" with three exclusive tracks $10.00 (available now)
    "A Star Is Born" soundtrack with exclusive poster $10.00 (available now)
    (additional titles for sale; Best Of 2018 Music)

  11. #521
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    Past Tense


    This week we are put on notice; beware of isolated motels in "Vacancy"...



    The cat and mouse motion picture opened on April 20th, 2007. It was made with a budget of $19,000,000 (estimated) and grossed close to 19 million during its U.S. theatrical run. It made its money back with profits when including foreign receipts. The film opened number four at the box office, the following week it dropped to number eight.

    The feature opened against "In The Land Of Women", "Hot Fuzz" and "Disturbia".

    The basic edition did not come with a slipcover or any insert.

    - - -

    The film streeted on home video, August 14th, 2007, there were two exclusives. I bought both, sold the extra copy on Ebay. I lost money on that. *shrugs*



    Suncoast/F.Y.E had an exclusive cardboard foil slipcover and bonus disc. Thanks to the interwebs I found out about their exclusive. I called, queried if they had, they said - two copies. Naturally I requested they hold one for me. I get there later and see that the other is gone. I'm glad I asked one to be put aside.

    This would be the former F.Y.E, two towns away from me. Their exclusive sold for $22.99.

    Have since changed and gave the movie a two disc case. The bonus came 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. This kind of thing was mentioned before, the PT for "Resident Evil/Resident Evil: Apocalypse - Resurrected Edition" (Part I and Part II). The extra DVD has a run time of 19:44 minutes.

    - - -



    Second exclusive came from Wal-Mart - another bonus disc, but this one with its own case. Both were inside a cardboard long box, which I still have as you can see from the above scan. Man, I'm anal.

    This sold for $19.96 and came with three making-of featurettes which totaled 28:53 minutes.

    You would think that at some point someone would've said to cut back on the photoshop; the image of Luke Wilson on the bonus disc looks less than human.

    - - -

    Both exclusives are great when you consider how brief the extras are on the main DVD; deleted scenes, alternate ending and one featurette. That's it. The exclusives add forty-eight minutes of more bonuses.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Footnotes.



    This was a blind buy. I liked it, glad I didn't flush away my bucks - done that before. Sway.

    What struck me about "Vacancy" is that this movie is an adult horror. That is to say, no teens. A married couple trying to survive the night from the motel from hell.

    Smart decisions and consequences which made sense.

    A good example of stupid in horror is "The Fog", the 2005 remake. Characters just making moronic decisions to keep the plot running.



    Researching for this post I learned that Sarah Jessica Parker was to have played the wife, Amy Fox. I'll be clear, if that had happened I wouldn't have bought it. I'm glad she dropped out and was recast with Kate Beckinsale who IS a fox. Above is a behind-the-scenes pix with Beckinsale and director Nimród Antal.

    Yes, his name is Nimrod.

    I can't stand Parker, rubs me the wrong way. Have for years.

    As with the Past Tense for "Quarantine" (part of Limited Edition Horror 2016; Part I and Part II), there was a direct to video installment for "Vacancy".



    Released on January 20th, 2009 for $24.96 was "Vacancy 2: The First Cut". This should not have the number 2 in the title. This is a prequel, not a sequel.

    The events which lead the motel to be turned into a snuff film studio. Well, I say studio since they have editing equipment on site. Our heroine this time out is Agnes Bruckner as Jessica. Easy on the eyes. I remember the first time I saw her, the former ABC TV series "Alias".

    She did an episode, a victim of the conspiracy. Great show, poor finale.

    Bruckner plays a smart gal under pressure here. I'm pleased that she didn't turn into a damsel in distress. Jessica has to get out of this mess by herself. A solid, suspense flick made for allegedly $5 million. If they can keep up the quality, I would like to see another chapter. *nods*

    Extras include a commentary, two featurettes and deleted scenes; decent bonuses.

    One other thing, I'm glad that these films don't descend into torture porn. There is gore, but it's supplement the story. Plot matters.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Just Because.

    This one time It Girl made the news late last year for... being quite the mess. In fact, she went back to rehab earlier this month - Heather Locklear. At one point married to rocker Tommy Lee, before he re-married to pop icon, Pamela Anderson.



    But there was a time when she was a sought after actress in Hollywood. Her glory days from the early 1980s (above). In 1982 she was starring in two hit series at the same time; "Dynasty" (as Sammy Jo Carrington) and "T. J. Hooker" (as Officer Stacy Sheridan) for ABC. Barely getting any sleep - filming both shows each week.

    That's it folks, not one of the bigger entries. Oh well - the next Past Tense gets ready for the camera on February 7th, 2019. Come back and see how it goes down. There may include some flying. *wink*

  12. #522
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    Reign Of The Supermen
    Exclusive steelbook; BD/DVD/DC combo $19.99

  13. #523
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    Best Buy - January 29th, 2019


    Reign Of The Supermen
    Exclusive "Death Of Superman" graphic novel; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $32.99

    Reign Of The Supermen
    Exclusive "Death Of Superman" graphic novel; BD/DVD/DC combo $22.99

    Hunter Killer
    Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD combo $32.99

    The Nutcracker And The Four Realms
    Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD combo $34.99

    Halloween (2018 sequel) (available now)
    Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD combo $32.99

  14. #524
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    Thanks for this!

  15. #525
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    You're welcome, Lugox.

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