Home Video Exclusives

[JohnIan101]

Target - March 14th, 2017


Star Wars: Rogue One
Exclusive pre-order; BD 3D/BD/DVD/DC combo with bonus content and collectible lenticular packaging - free $5.00 with preorder

Passengers
Exclusive bonus disc (Blu-Ray); BD $19.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - March 14th, 2017


Passengers
Exclusive steelbook; 4K BD/3D BD/BD combo $26.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - March 21st, 2017


Sing
Exclusive steelbook; 4K BD/BD/DC combo $25.99

Ghostbusters (1984)
Exclusive steelbook; BD only $9.99

Ghostbusters II
Exclusive steelbook; BD only $9.99

Ghostbusters (2016)
Exclusive steelbook; BD only $9.99

The Da Vinci Code
Exclusive steelbook; BD only $9.99

Angels & Demons
Exclusive steelbook; BD only $9.99

Hellboy
Exclusive steelbook; BD only $9.99

Pineapple Express
Exclusive steelbook; BD only $9.99

Boyz 'N The Hood
Exclusive steelbook; BD only $9.99

Christine
Exclusive steelbook; BD only $9.99

Salt
Exclusive steelbook; BD only $9.99

- - - - - - - - - -

CDs available March 24th, 2017

"Steel Panther - Lower The Bar" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks and lenticular cover $11.99
"Paul McCarthy - Flowers In The Dirt" with exclusive 7" vinyl single $18.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - March 21st, 2017


Sing
Exclusive plush Gunter toy (for $1.99) with purchase of BD/DVD/DC combo $19.99

Assassin's Creed
Exclusive hidden dagger arm sleeve; BD/DVD/DC combo $19.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense


[An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on August 29th, 2013 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

This entry, we encounter some forest people and their plight for freedom (some in tights) in "Robin Hood"...



The motion picture opened on May 14th, 2010. It was made with a budget of $200,000,000 (estimated) and grossed over $105 million during its U.S. theatrical run. It made its money back with profits when including foreign receipts, $321.6 million. The film opened number two at the box office, the following week it dropped to number three.

The feature opened against the remakes of "A Nightmare On Elm Street", "Clash Of The Titans" along with "How To Train Your Dragon" and "Iron Man 2".

This release originally came with an embossed cardboard foil slipcover which mirrored the case's wraparound. It came with two inserts, one of which I'll address now. A digital copy instructions sheet; it expired on September 30th, 2011. The other flip side is an ad for "Get Him To The Greek" Blu-Ray/Digital Copy - buy that particular version and get 1 or 3 bonus movies streamed onto your TV and smart phone.

Correction, there was another. On the slipcover there is a sticker (which I haven't peeled). A coupon for $5.00 off if you buy "Robin Hood" with "The Wolfman" or "Green Zone" - don't know the expiration, probably under it.

- - -

Welcome back to "Agitated Movie Month". I supect there will be a third month in the future.

This feature had two exclusives, but actually it's more like one. I'll cover both.



Target had the better of the two - a bonus disc. The set streeted on September 21st, 2010 and sold for $22.99. It has a run time of 31:27 minutes. This exclusive only came with the Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo edition, not regular DVD.

The extra came inside a CD envelope inside the Blu-Ray case. As I've written in the past, I'm not into Blu. I did however buy this set and sold it, minus the bonus DVD on Ebay. I lost money, true, but not that much.

I did re-buy the movie once again that same day at Wal-Mart (for the DVD version), sorry, I can't recall the price. I want to say about the same as Target's price or slightly less. This had the other insert, Vudu info. With purchase from them - you may have two free HD movie rentals (a ten dollar value); expired on December 31st, 2010.

- - - - - - - - - -

Footnotes.

The DVD edition is presented as a "2-Disc Unrated Director's Cut" (containing both the theatrical and unrated, through seamless branching). By the way, some time back I bought a three disc set from Big Lots! (forgot what title that was) and moved my discs into the new case. *nods* With that CD envelope inside, just because.

Missing...

The Blu-Ray has a pop-up feature called, "Director's Notebook" showing production featurettes, storyboards and galleries, plus something called "Ridleygrams" which I suspect were video podcasts. The DVD is also missing "The Art Of Nottingham", a slideshow and video footage (pre-vis/storyboard and still gallery) presentation.

I am sadden by their loss. At least I can say the bonus disc has additional featurettes for DVD.

Some of the above could've fit on the DVD version.

- - - - - - - - - -

Rant.

Let me start off by saying this movie should've been call ANYTHING other than "Robin Hood". It isn't it.

That made me upset; not because of it. But because we will never get a sequel.

People were also unhappy about too, the box office reflects that. Don't look at that number with a smile; the money it made minus production cost - does not include worldwide advertising which was ridiculously expensive, profits wasn't as predicted.

"Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions."



This feature tells the story of Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe) masquerading as Robert Loxley of Nottingham, an archer who would later become the man, the myth, Robin Hood. He and his friends (future merry men) were infantry soldiers for King Richard (The Lion Heart) before he died in battle with the French.

Once back in England they find things have changed badly with their acting ruler, Prince John (Oscar Isaac) who has imposed various taxes and freedom limiting new decrees.

They decide to do something about it, but soon get caught in a conspiracy (involving King Philip Of France) and must unite their lands against a massive war on their shore. The movies ends with him, just now becoming Hood. I'm not joking.

The next film would've seen him be the legend - a feature that won't get made.

Dude, you advertise a movie called "Robin Hood" that isn't about Robin Hood!!! It's his origin story. We met the character which will become so important later; "Maid" Marion Loxley (Cate Blanchett), Friar Tuck (Mark Addy - he was also good in "A Knight's Tale" [2001] - seek it out too) and the forest people.

Hell, the Sheriff of Nottingham (Matthew Macfadyen) is barely here (a bit player). Also not joking.



With any good motion picture or story in general, you need foe that is equal or greater than the hero; not just a position of power, but also personality (not over the top). I'm speaking of the quality of self-confidence, a man not to trifle with. The character of Godfrey a.k.a. Earl Marshal (Mark Strong) is such a man. *nods* Well done, Sir Scott, you have an excellent villain here. Strong and Crowe made the movie outstanding.

What I also liked was Prince John's wife, Isabella of Angoulême (Léa Seydoux ), besides the obvious. He married a French party girl. Who must step up beyond playing to actually become responsible for her new subjects - what is best for her people? It's not obedience to her King/husband; a character growth.



That was another good point, Prince John. He straddle the part of wimpy boy king and tyrant well. He was a good baddie as well.

There was an early rumor that Russell Crowe would play two characters in the feature, Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. The idea was he was his own worst enemy - a split personality, each unaware that they're the same person.

That's actually pretty damn cool and would've made for an interesting take on legend.

*sigh*

Some have written that this film sets up Longstride as the author of the, Magna Carta; revisionist history. The document written by his father and his friends was the proto-version, burned by newly crowed, King John - believing Robin was a great threat to his sovereignty. That also made me upset.

I don't see it that way. I see him as inspiring the barons who later wrote the Great Charter.

Besides this NOT being about Robin Hood, nor should've been given that title is this a good movie?

Yes. Yes, it is. I would recommend it. I have not seen the theatrical cut, but from what I read, it was wanting.



You know, it's odd. I realize the passage of time. But I still think of actor Scott Grimes as the kid playing Brad Brown in "Critters" (1986) and "Critters II" (1988). Weird, thinking him as an adult.

- - - - - - - - - -

Just Because.



French actress Léa Seydoux is very easy on the eyes. And so huggable (among other things). The right above is quite feminine as Madelenine Swann from "Spectre" (2015); wearing a Dusty Green, Ghost Salma dress.

Curious, I did some reading - Seydoux played Charlotte LaPadite in "Inglourious Basterds" (2009); Shosannn's younger sister who was massacred along with the family (in the basement) at the start by Colonel Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz), a.k.a. the "Jew Hunter".

Indeed.

"Agitated Movie Month" has come to a close. *deep breath* Okay.



Oh yeah, I thought that was cute. Can't say where I found it online. I wander here and there. Though I'm sure it's from the United Kingdom.

Come back her on April 6th, 2017 for another trip into the land of exclusives, hint; the magical land of Orange County, CA.

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - March 28th, 2017


Fantastic Beasts: And Where To Find Them
Exclusive steelbook; 4K BD/BD/DC combo $34.99

Fast And Furious: The Ultimate Ride Collection
Exclusive key chain; BD only $59.99

- - - - - - - - - - -

CD available 03/24/17

"Paul McCartney - Fowers In The Dirt" with exclusive 7" vinyl single CD set $16.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - April 4th, 2017


Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
* Exclusive steelbook; 3D BD/BD/DVD/DC combo $24.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense - Family And The Beach Part II


A discontinuity. How old is Kaitlin Cooper suppose to be?

Marissa's little sister...



By the way, that actress was fifteen in the above left pix - just so you know. Can now be seen on The CW's "Arrow" as Thea Queen/Speedy.

In season one (played by Shailene Woodley - known for "The Divergent" franchise), she is revealed to be in the fifth grade, sent off to a private institution, "The Knightly School". But in season three we are told she (now played by Willa Holland, above) is on the verge of turning fifteen.

But if that were the case she would've been in the seventh grade during season one.

In season three, Ryan Atwood (Benjamin McKenzie) says he hadn't seen Kaitlin since she was eleven.

A further problem... as mentioned, she was fourteen, but in the episode "The Pot Stirrer" (January 26th, 2006), she celebrates her fifteenth birthday, a year later. Kaitlin Cooper should be sixteen at this point. What the frack?

Gonna to lay the whole blame on Atwood.

Still heartbroken over Marissa's death (car crash), his true love. Taylor Townsend (Autumn Reeser) was a fling.

As seen in the series finale, set in the unspecified future; Ryan is now an architect. Here at this point in his life; he stumbles onto the blueprints of a temporal displacement apparatus. How?

Rather than saying a wizard did it - this scenario:

Ryan found the plans, dusty in an unknown man's empty apartment - a complex being ready for demolition to rebuild as low income housing for the elderly. He ponders the discovery and has the machine built. It's now a matter of changing the past to bring Marissa back to life.

The question is how far?

The self-destructive path she was on would've gotten her killed at a later point. Or perhaps it already did, repeatedly - just ask Alexander Hartdegen (Guy Pearce, "The Time Machine" [2002], previous Past Tense).

He goes earlier into Marissa's life - to her childhood to prevent her broken psyche from forming. This may have been before Kaitlin born or even conceived. These changes altered her existence.

We the audience are the only ones who notice the change as we are outside of the reality being shown.



This would explain the difference in appearance of Kaitlin. Different sperm/fertilized egg = different girl - same family.

Or perhaps Ryan, masquerading as a school official; convinces Jimmy (Tate Donovan) and Julie (Melinda Clarke) Cooper that Marissa needs to see a child psychologist, which leads them to rethink about having a second child. An event which now happens a few years later than the original time line.

The implication is that he failed - Marissa remains dead. How many times did he try? And was the old man's apartment... Ryan's?

Oh yeah and at some point SkyNet becomes sentient. Not such much about Kaitlin as it is about Judgment Day. But that could fall on the feet of Andy Goode, it's all fuzzy since it has become so convoluted. *shakes fist at SkyNet*

Food for thought.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tangent.



I became aware of in December of 2013. I've seen the movie more times than I can shake a stick at, "John Carpenter's Assault On Precinct 13" (1976); an homage to Rio Bravo" (1959), if you like.

Why didn't I notice this before?

There is a scene were two of the convicts are deciding who will leave the station to get help for the under siege police precinct; through the sewer, out the street and hot-wire a car. The men, Wells (Tony Burton) and Napoleon Wilson (Darwin Joston) play a game to decide who will go on the suicide mission - the Potato Game.

The moment happens at 1:11:22 minutes.

One potato, two potato, three potatoes, four. Five potato, six potatoes, seven potatoes, more. Eight potatoes, nine potatoes - September 11. Kiss my ass and go the heaven. Y-O-U spells You. I told you, I'd loose. God damn it, we're gonna do it again.

The DVD subtitles read "Eight potatoes, nine potatoes, ten potatoes, eleven".

No.

'Ten potatos', does not sound like 'September'. I've listened to the thing several times. The men clearly say "September".

Go to YouTube, type in "Assault On Precinct 13 - John Carpenter Remix" in search. Or if you know how, "qgDtPdpo8EU". It's still there (as of writing), I checked. Uploaded on January 3rd, 2012 by lztybrn01. It's a fan made remix of the Carpenter electronic score. It's a good job. The piece includes dialog from the film - including the Potato Game at the end.

Tell me they're not saying "September".

Sure. This too.



In 2013, I watched the sci-fi action flick, "Lockout" (2012). There's a scene where our hero, Snow (Guy Pearce) give advice to person he's trying to rescue:

You're a big girl, right? Here's an apple and a gun. Don't talk to strangers - shoot them.

The first thing that popped in my head was Napoleon Wilson.

Can totally see him here.

Wilson was on death row (California) before the siege took place. He gets an offer to skip his death sentence if he volunteers for a cryogenics project; frozen for a decade and be given a pardon. To see if the technology will work - might kill him.

He takes the offer.

They broke their word; budget cuts and politics have left him in cryo for the past 103 years. It's now 2079. He wakes up with a new offer...

Criminal mastermind Alex (Vincent Regan), has overtaken the orbital prison (MS [Maximum Security] One) with hostages and access to the was - secure Government network. Anyone they'll send up to infiltrate can be ID. But Wilson pre-dates their database, he's an unknown.

Rescue the President's daughter, get a pardon. I can imagine him adjusting to future technology and seeing some things - never change.

Yes this is like another Carpenter flick, "Escape From New York" (1981). Yeah... but so is "Lockout".

- - -

Would love to see a retro-show; "The O.C." the early days, set in the 1980s when Sandy, Kirsten, Julie and Jimmy were in high school. They did a prequel series to "Sex And The City" (1998), the former CW show, "The Carrie Diaries" (2013).

I would watch that. Granted, Sandy didn't know Kirsten in high school, they met in college, but their paths could've crossed in other ways.

Did learn while researching, series creator, Josh Schwartz was toying with the idea of a spin off shows based around Anna Stern (Samaire Armstrong) and another on Kaitlin's life at boarding school. This is where things get a bit fuzzy.

Was a pilot episode made of the latter? It was suppose to have aired January 2006.

There was a musical based on the show at the Montalban Theater in Los Angeles on August 30, 2015. Not official, but supported by the show's cast and producers.

And there it is. Another time filler - fit for snackin'. I guarantee, zero nutritional value. The next PT hits the webs on April 20th, 2017 with another slice of Kalifornia.

[JohnIan101]

Target - March 28th, 2017


Fantastic Beasts: And Where To Find Them
Exclusive pop-up packaging and five character cards; BD/DVD/DC combo $24.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - April 4th, 2017


Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
* Exclusive content with five interchangable covers; 3D BD/BD/DVD/DC combo $27.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense - Family And The Beach Part I


[An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on January 9th, 2014 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

This month we venture into 'Kalifornia' *Schwarzenegger voice* and take residence in "The O.C."...



"The O.C.: The Complete Third Season" was released on home video on October 24th, 2006.

It streeted against "The L Word: The Complete Third Season", "Justice League: Unlimited - Season One", "Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea: Season 2 - Volume 1" and "Beavis & Butthead: The Mike Judge Collection".

This release originally came with a non-embossed foil box cover with digipak inside for the seven discs. There were two inserts. A fourteen page episode guide WITH air dates. Good. And a ten page booklet, various Warner Home Video television shows on DVD (including an ad for the then new HD DVD format).

- - -

There was one store exclusive - from Target, a bonus disc - it sold for $45.99. Weird, I'm so used to having a bonus disc for season sets sell for $34.99 or less. But then again, this set at that time had a retail price of $69.98. The average price for TV shows is now $59.99 or less.

Sorry, I do not have the store ad.

The bonus disc came inside the box, inside a printed cardboard sleeve. There was some confusion over what the special features would be.



These are scene specific commentaries (by series creator Josh Schwartz with executive producer Bob DeLaurentis and co-executive producer Stephanie Savage - but not all together) for two episodes. The shows are fast forwarded to particular episode moments.

The thought early on was two full episodes presented on the bonus disc with commentary. Nope. Anyhow, the exclusive also has ten deleted scenes (presentation in full screen). All and all, a total run time of 30:41 minutes.

Did not buy this when it first came out... the exclusive.

Bought my copy on release day from Wal-Mart; late 2013 when the thought popped in my head. Man, I need to get this. Looked on Amazon and was lucky - found it. I didn't pay too much, the whole season package; ended up selling the extra set. Did okay.

"The Complete Second Season" had an exclusive as well, a 2006 pocket calendar; sold from Target. This set sold for $45.99. Don't have that, not activity seeking it. But if I were to run into that calendar, a swap meet or such. And if the asking price was a couple of dollars, I would buy it.

Don't expect to see a season two Past Tense entry anytime soon.

- - - - - - - - - -

Rant.



Okay.

I'm going to leave her personal troubles out of this rant, you can read about them elsewhere.

Mischa Barton, the actress who should've thought twice. She left a hit show, believing her 'yes people' that she could do blockbuster movies. Just like Bruce Willis who left television for a successful cinema career. The thing is... he's the exception, one of the lucky few.

A decision I'm sure she regrets to this day. The show lasted one more season without her. Would it have gone to season five had she stayed? I think it would, I really do.

Post "The O.C.", Barton did "St. Trinian's" (2007), "Don't Fade Away" (2010), "You And I" (2011) and "Apartment 1303 3D" (2012) to name a few, she's done a lot of flicks. Like...

"Zombie Killers: Elephant's Graveyard" (2014). *cough*

Not the hits she expected, just lukewarm. She also did "Assassination Of A High School President" (2008), very highly recommend. Damn good little film that plays as a high school crime noir - which coincidentally co-starred Bruce Willis. Barton was the femme fatale.

Saw a recent pix of Barton while researching... ahhh. She's gotten plumper.

Back on topic, she is just one of several. Names that pops up are actors Ken Wahl and David Caruso.



Wahl was in a prosperous TV show for CBS, "Wiseguy" (1987). He played a Fed working for O.C.B. (Organized Crime Bureau). Vinnie Terranova was a infiltrator, he got himself recruited to various crime rackets, putting bad people away. It was very cool and had multi season arcs (story lines), which was a new concept then. He got too big for his britches and left after three seasons. The final season incorporated his departure, what happened to Terranova? He vanished - so did the ratings.

Wahl's big film was "The Taking Of Beverly Hills" (1991). It bombed. Story?

Think "Die Hard" with a city - NO, not like "Die Hard 3". A chemical spill forces the residents of Beverly Hills to evacuate. It's not real, it's a ploy by bitter ex-cops to loot empty city. It's up to Boomer Hayes, a retiring football player to stop them. I still remember "Entertainment Tonight" doing a story on this big budget action film. He did another theatrical flick that bombed as well, "The Favor" (1994).

The bright side, there was a story resolution, a TV movie, "Wiseguy" (1996) for ABC. It picks up years after the end of the series. This IS what happened to Terranova. It reunited the cast, most sway. Super rare, few former shows get that kind of closure. This was his final film. No, he's not dead - retired.

The man had an alcohol problem. But that wasn't the reason he left his series.

I am bummed. "Wiseguy" was an awesome show. We still don't have full seasons on DVD. What has been released had most of the music replaced, plus it is only a couple of the story arcs. The one involving Dead Dog Records (my favorite) hasn't be released due to music rights, the episodes featured lots of popular songs. One of these days the show will get a proper home video release. Hell, if they can put out "China Beach" (ABC, 1988) why not "Wiseguy"?

What set that show so apart of many TV programs (of its day and good chuck of now) is that the characters were so three dimensional. Nobody was pure evil or good. Everybody was shades of gray, especially our hero. He became good friends with the man he was trying to put away, Sonny Steelgrave (Ray Sharkey); that man's death haunts him. Yes, he was a mobster, but it should've gone done different - like Vinnie stabbed him in the back.



Next on the parade, David Caruso. He was on a the hit show for ABC, "NYPD Blue". He played Detective John Kelly. He left shortly after the second season began. 'I'm gonna be famous!' He did a few movies that barely made a blip such as "Jade" (1995) and "Cold Around The Heart" (1997).

The main difference, Caruso beat the odds and found himself on another hit series as Lieutenant Horatio Caine for CBS, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation". The man has been on the show for a decade, 2002 - 2012; ride that gravy train. *nods*

I could go on with Julianna Margulies. You get the idea.

Barton should've stayed.

But... she does have a history. 2009 - she received a 5150 from Cedars Sinai hospital in Los Angeles. The code is for involuntary hold for someone who is a danger to themselves. Later claimed her two week psychiatric detention was over her removed wisdom teeth weeks earlier.

I had infections and I couldn't eat anything except Slush Puppies for three months and I can't tell you how awful it was. Anyway, I'd had enough and I went to the hospital. I was in a lot of pain and if they feel you are depressed or a danger to yourself they can hold you on a 5150. I am terrified of needles and they wanted to pump me full of drugs and I said, "No, absolutely not. I don't want to be here", and got into a fight with the nurses and the led to my 5150.

- Mischa Barton

Nothing but Slush Puppies for three months, that does sound crazy!

Not the last 5150; January 26th of this year; she started screaming at her neighbors in West Hollywood. Rambling that her mother is a witch, the Earth is shattering among other pronouncements, such as Ziggy Stardust. Police were called in and she was taken away, voluntarily. Not before saying this...

Oh my God, it's over! I feel it, and it's angry!

Man, that has a Lovecraftian flavor; Elder Gods can be such a bitch.

The answer was sinister. The night earlier was her 31st birthday; she and her friends were out celebrating. Tests done while she was held revealed GHB in her system - someone had given her the 'date rape' drug in a drink.

This is a lesson to all young women out there, be aware of your surroundings.

Barton recovered and was released.



By the way, her character lesbian fling with Alex Kelly (Olivia Wilde) wasn't as good as it could've been. Not talking about on screen scissoring; the relationship felt forced.

Hey! Why didn't anybody make a ruckus about that???

Wouldn't it been statutory rape? Alex is an adult and Marissa is still a teen.

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - April 9th, 2017


Fast And Furious: The Ultimate Ride Collection (available now)
Exclusive key chain; BD only $49.99

- - - - - - - - - - -

CDs available now

"Steel Panther - Lower The Bar" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks and lenticular cover $11.99
"Paul McCartney - Fowers In The Dirt" with exclusive 7" vinyl single CD set $18.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - April 18th, 2017


Teen Titans: Judas Contract
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DVD/DC combo $16.99

- - - - - - - - - - -

CD available 04/21/17

"Sheryl Crow - Be Myself" with 3 exclusive bonus tracks $10.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense


[An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on January 23rd, 2014 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

Still enjoying that ocean view in "The O.C."...



"The O.C.: The Complete Fourth Season" was released on home video on May 22nd, 2007.

It streeted against "Letters From Iwo Jima", "Scrubs: The Complete Fifth Season" and "Apocalypto".

This release originally came with a non-embossed slipcover with digipak for the five discs. There were two inserts. A ten page episode guide with air dates. And a ten page booklet, various Warner Home Video television shows on DVD.

- - -



As with season three, Target had a bonus disc - this time with exclusive packaging, foil slipcover for the digipak.

Sold for $42.99.

Should be noted, the regular edition sold for $38.99 on street. Folks were upset about the price difference.

Bought mine on release day.

Do not have the weekly ad.



Bonus disc came in a printed cardboard sleeve inside.

A run time of 62:35 minutes.

That exclusive cover image was a discarded pix.

I can see why Warner Home Video rejected it.



Above is the regular box. As you can see on the Target cover - the image is quite photo shopped.

As if each were photographed separately and composited.

- - -



On November 27th, 2007 for $179.98, you could own "The O.C.: The Complete Series Collection".

The set (housed in an acrylic case - not shown) has some exclusive content. But if you already own the two Target bonus discs, it's redundant - those extras carried over. But it does offer two genuine exclusives...

A gag reel (bloopers) for season four. Saw it on YouTube, you're not missing much. Most of it feels like filler.

The second, I wish I had...

Since season two till its end - was broadcast in widescreen. Season one was full screen. This box presents season one in wide. From what I've read; remastered in widescreen. What does that mean? Did they clip from the top and bottom to make it wide? Don't know. I would like to take some screen shots and compare, but I don't own.

As with popular TV shows on home video, they get re-released. On July 3rd, 2012; season one hit stores again, now in a standard case; retailed for $49.98. I was hoping this would resolve the matter for fans who didn't buy the complete series.

Nope.

Same as the first pressing - full screen only, that was a missed opportunity.

Before you ask - each of the discs for season one (box set) have the same extras as the first pressing. The only difference is that it's now wide; same number of discs too.

The collection's twenty-eight discs are held inside pockets on each of the card stock pages (seen above). As you can image each can become scratched, it's poorly designed. Plus the materials used were cheap. The book rips and tears easily.

For that price, you would think they would use better components. Nope. Lots of folks who have have complained.

Ran into this collection a couple of times at swap meets, examined the package. Man, this was made poorly. Would've bought, but those sellers wanted too much.

Before I knew about the matter, I wanted. I recall the box at my local Best Buy; the store had three copies. Since the protective case is clear, you can see the book within (lenticular cover). Each of the (still sealed) copies were torn.

You read right, pre-damaged, guess, you could call that a bonus.

Reminds me of the mess Paramount Home Entertainment had with "The Wild Wild West" (first pressing). "The Wild Wild West: The Complete TV Series" streeted on November 4th, 2008 for $129.98. Disc storage was worse.

Nearly each of the twenty-seven DVDs were scratched. Some so bad they couldn't play. The disc were held inside two cardboard saddles. Zero effort was made to insure safety. The mock saddles didn't cover the discs all the way; DVDs were touching each other and slid. Don't believe me? Read the reviews.

Earlier this year I finally added season four; now own the entire series. But there is something I want from the terrible box. The set had an exclusive disc, the two TV movie sequels; "The Wild Wild West Revisited" (1979) and "More Wild Wild West" (1980).

I want that disc. If scratched, can send it off to a guy who does professional disc resurfacings; making it look new. Take that DVD in a CD envelope and insert into season four. Poof! Complete series.

As mentioned in the Past Tense for Déjà Vu; "The Wild Wild West" is a 1960s, steampunk show. Back when that wasn't even a term.

Created during the James Bond boom. CBS wanted a spy (gadget filled) series and a Western which all the rage. This was a mash-up (sometimes sci-fi); spies in the Old West. Season one was black and white and didn't really rely on much gimmicks.

Only season one DVD has special features, the rest are bare bones - episodes remastered. And unlike the 1999 movie of the same name was good; hell even Will Smith has pretty much disowned that.

That WWW box also came with a paperback with complete episode guide, would like to have that too.

It was re-released on May 12th, 2015 for $79.99, minus that bonus disc and guide - in a thick DVD case.

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Rant.

Back on topic.



Target bonus has all fourteen webisodes of "Atomic County"; the animated series based on the comic book within the series by Seth Cohen (Adam Brody). The episodes are short, roughly five minutes each. None of actors voiced their animated alter egos.

The gang (left to right); Kid Chino, The Ironist, Cosmolass and Lil' Miss Vixen.

Man, it's too bad there won't be any more. The character spoofs were pretty dead-on. This could've taken a life of its own. I would watch a half hour series. There was potential. As I understand, these shows were for sale on iTunes store back in the day. Don't know how much.

The Ironist, team leader; zero super powers other than his quick wit. He does however uses some gadgets to make up the difference.
Kid Chino has two indestructible gauntlets and can punch hard, real hard; has super strength.
Cosmolass (known in fictitious comic as Cosmo Girl) has a magical pink liquid she drinks from a flask she keeps. It gives her short lived blast powers and agility. But if she drinks too much of it, which she usually does, it makes her drunk and vomit - which also can be used as a projectile. She has a car, the Cosmobile.
Lil' Miss Vixen (known as Little Miss Vixen in said comic) has razor sharp credit cards that she uses like ninja stars and rides around in an invisible scooter. She's acrobatic.

You could call this season one. The episodes expanded their world with The Coalition Of Doom, the baddies. The open credits music was so perfect, "Invincible" by OK Go. It was lightening in a jar in my opinion.

Season One also featured other alter egos from the show; the characters of Anna Stern (as Punky Spitfire), Sandy Cohen (as The Litigator), Kirsten Cohen (as The Ice Queen) and Luke Ward (as All American Boy). As I wrote, there was potential for something beyond five minute installments.

Missed opportunity; no video game based on "Atomic County". Could've been sway.

Or an actual comic book.

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Just Because.



Here's Rachel Bilson as Summer Roberts dressed up as Little Miss Vixen ("The Showdown"; May 5th, 2005) and her animated alter ego.

Did not forget.

Not the first time Summer cosplayed.

For "The Best Chrismukkah Ever" (December 3rd, 2003) she was an Amazonian princess.



Dressed up as Wonder Woman. Could someone explain why there is no wide shots of her in costume? The camera pans up on a close-up. Great legs, true, but I would've like - as many others, seen her in all her glory.

Doing this Past Tense makes me want to rewatch the show. Haven't seen it in well over five years. I had missed most of season four when it first aired. Instead of watching that year, I started from the beginning to reach that point. It was nice, a good chunk of four was new to me. *nods*

Come back here for more PT tastiness on May 4th, 2017. And if you're real good, maybe in widescreen.

[JohnIan101]

Target - April 25th, 207


La La Land
Exclusive bonus disc (appears to be a DVD); BD/DVD/DC combo $19.99

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CDs available April 28th, 2017

"Mary J. Blige - Strength" with 2 exclusive bonus tracks $11.99