Home Video Exclusives

[JohnIan101]

Lingering Thoughts - A Comparison Part I


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

Since there is no 'Past Tense' this week I decided on something different; taking a pause. And yeah, I had to break this into two part since I'm limited to ten images pers post.

This was something I wanted to do for awhile, but not as a one time entry. Had it for years - then recently found my second comparison, that will be a future write up. Hint - it involves a mummy.

So what is this?

Back in January of 2007, I bought the two disc special edition of "The Towering Inferno" (1974) from Circuit City for ten bucks. A good deal when you count that the release came with a slipcover, a replica of the press book, lobby cards and a DVD booklet. *nods*

Up until then I hadn't really seen the movie since I was a little kid (I remember it airing on NBC as a two part event at the time) and hadn't bothered watching it again since '07. I was impressed, the interior design of 'The Glass Tower' was very swift. Effort was made to make it unique, not generic. I would like to live there, minus the whole fire and shoddy construction things.

Sure. The plot is about the gala opening of the world's tallest skyscraper, 'The Glass Tower'. The contractor came way under budget (pocketing the dough) by cutting a lot of corner (crappy and flammable materials) - a fire starts from faulty wiring, plus the sprinklers aren't working. We follow the efforts of the trapped party goers (on the top floor) and firemen trying to overcome the blaze.

Things go from bad to worse to suicidal.

The movie is 164 minutes long. Usually Irwin Allen features are pretty mindless. This had stronger characters and some brains to it, I was surprised. It's still a bit cheesy, but not like "Poseidon"; higher quality dialog.

Okay. So?

I was watching this and the opening credits catch my attention. WTF?

I've seen this before. No, not like that. I've seen this in a different movie, a Steven Spielberg classic - "Jurassic Park" (1993). I wonder if Spielberg was influenced by Allen; it is a disaster flick after all - dinosaurs run amok. Or perhaps it's an homage?

By the way, the score for both blockbusters were composed by the same man, John Williams.

Here we go...

Observations


Jurassic Park - A lone helicopter flies above the sea.


The Towering Inferno - A lone helicopter flies above the sea.


Jurassic Park - The InGen transport carries scientists Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler, Ian Malcolm; lawyer Donald Gennaro and park owner John Hammond.


The Towering Inferno - The Duncan Enterprise transport carries architect Doug Roberts.

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - March 16th, 2021


Game Of Thrones: The Complete Series (available now)
Exclusive season steelbooks collection; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $179.99

Beauty And The Beast (1991) (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $29.99

Mulan (1998) (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $32.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - March 23rd, 2021


Soul
Exclusive steelbook case; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $34.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense


[An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on November 27th, 2014 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]

Scissors - cuts paper; rock - covers sentinel; this outing we get stoned with "Gargoyles"...



"Gargoyles: Season 2, Volume 2" was released on home video on October 14th, 2014.

It streeted against "Penny Dreadful: The Complete First Season", "The Complete Mr. Peabody & Sherman Collection" and "Bronco: The Complete Second Season" (MOD).

Let me address this first; yes I know the image above is from the series' first season. I tried, really - to find a promo image for the second, could not. Bunch of fan made pixs and comic book illustrations.

This came in a did not come in a 'standard' DVD case. While it was the right size, the inside was different. Inside was a spindle for all three discs, stacked. So easy to get scratched - rotate freely, rubbing against each other.

There was no slipcover issued nor is the wraparound foiled (as was "The Complete First Season"). It came with two inserts. 1) "Disney Movie Rewards" points (I see no expiration). 2) Ad for the Disney Movie Club; four releases (DVD or BD) for a dollar with membership. Just call it their version of Columbia House Music Club, which isn't so much a scam as it is over priced titles to fulfill your contract. And yeah, got suckered - eleven cassettes for a penny. Took me nearly a year to satisfy Columbia's requirements. Never again, negative option billing hell.

- - -



This was a limited time exclusive from Wal-Mart; sold for $9.97. As said above, the case situation was awful; not the last time I came across that monstrosity. I was fortunate my discs were mint. At the time I had a genuine three disc case in waiting and migrated the release.

The national release for "Season 2, Volume 2" happened on January 13th, 2015. Sorry, don't know the retail price, probably close to $19.99, but that's speculation. At the time, this wasn't something I wasn't expecting. I was there to pick up "Penny Dreadful", found by accident - a happy accident (twenty-six episodes). This is one of a other Disney DVD exclusives in store.

Others in this limited Wal-Mart run were "Tale Spin: Volume 3", "Goof Troop: Volume 1" and "Goof Troop: Volume 2"; all four are priced the same and national street. Wait - second installment of "Goof Troop", national release came on January 27th, 2015.

At one point - all of these titles were exclusive to the Disney Movie Club. These re-releases have new wraparounds which in my opinion is superior to their club offers.



Above is the cover art for "Season 2, Volume 2" DMG version - which came out June 25th, 2013. This has gotten me looking each time I'm at the store - hoping.

What I want to find is "Kim Possible" seasons 1 and 2, which were also Disney Movie Club exclusives. AND I would love to find "Tron Uprising". I would buy them in a heartbeat. There was a seller on Ebay that's selling both Kim DMG seasons for $79.99 (free shipping). Would be all shiny if Wal-Mart did that... for much cheaper. I'm still looking when I'm at their media area in store, fingers crossed.

AND I would like to find "Gargoyles: The Goliath Chronicles" too, thirteen episodes. This doesn't have an national release nor Disney exclusive.

Sure - if you're into the show (I wasn't, still not), volume one of "Goof Troop" is an upgrade. Its original exclusive release was a single disc; the re-release has the episodes presented on three DVDs. Man, the original must have had poor bit rate.

- - - - - - - - - -

Rant.

Like most fans, bought Season One and Season Two, Volume 1 of Disney's "Gargoyles" when they came to DVD in 2004 and 2005.

Okay. I should. Don't know if this show is in syndication - there could be folks in the dark. This was a weekday, afternoon show (Monday - Friday) in syndication. It premiered on October 24th, 1994 and ran for three, half hour seasons.

It told the story of a clan of Gargoyles lead by Goliath living in the modern world trying to right wrongs and getting caught in a vast conspiracy. It began in 994 in Scotland where Goliath and his kin were cursed to become stone until the day that their castle "rises above the clouds."

Their punishment was a frame job by prejudice men who sought to ride the lands of the creatures. Jump forward to 1994, billionaire David Xanatos has bought their castle and had it rebuilt atop his New York City skyscraper. The curse is lifted - for a few hours. Each time at dawn they return to stone until night falls. NYPD detective, Elisa Maza discovered their existence, befriends and assist them.

What set this apart from so many animated shows of its time was the writing and running story lines. This was a complicated, dark series, people died - granted not on camera (you know what I mean). It wasn't just a kids' show, sure they can be entertained, but it wasn't made exclusively for them. The people here were not perfect, they screwed up royalty; their actions had serious consequences.

Another high point was the voice actors, it had Keith David, Jonathan Frakes, Ed Asner, Marina Sirtis and Kate Mulgrew among others. Alumni of various "Star Trek" (post Next Gen) series made voice appearances.

Fans like myself wondered when volume two would come out, years went by and nothing. Glad this happened, sway.

As mentioned above; what's missing is the third season. "Gargoyles: The Goliath Chronicles" aired Saturday mornings on ABC in 1996. This took away the mystery as the public at large now knows about their existence; the good and bad that follows with such knowledge. Season three was thirteen episodes.

There is no DVD release (as of yet). It's considered the bastard of the lot. I liked it, but it was a bit removed from the rest; "Goliath Chronicles" had new animators and writers. The series ended with a solid conclusion and acceptance. It had a good run and is fondly remembered like "Batman: The Animated Series", a competing TV show at the time.

- - - - - - - - - -

Footnotes.

A retooled season one of "Gargoyles" had a home video release before it streeted on DVD on December 7th, 2004.

The five episode pilot/mini-series was edited into a single program; "Gargoyles: The Movie - The Heroes Awaken". It was released on laser disc on January 31st, 1995 for $29.99 from Buena Vista Home Video (UPC# 7 86936 39366 8). This was an eighty minute presentation in CLV (full screen), two sided LD in Dolby Surround.

While researching, discovered something...



There was a VHS release (also full screen), this streeted on February 3rd, 1995 for $19.99 which included a VCR interactive board game, remember those? Above is the trade ad.

The LD is eighty minute long. The VHS is ninety minutes. I guessing this includes the animation for the game. Kinda wondering why this wasn't made available on laser disc, perhaps since it would be problematic for the game pieces. The video cassette is in a thick cardboard box to hold the interactive elements.

The laser disc cover? Just imagine the picture in the ad as the LD cover. Same difference.

If you're curious, David Xanatos is saying in the advertisement, "Stop! Move Back 4 Spaces!" and the players acting all hyper excited. Probably needed some kind of A.D.D. meds, the dad too. Well, we can hope that was the dad and not some creepy guy off the streets; 'Hey kids want to play a VCR game and later wrestle?'

- - - - - - - - - -

Tangent.

This popped on my radar, the middle of last month. That DVD cover looks mighty familiar. Indeed.



I guess the imagery was catchy enough to get repeated.

The left is the novel, "Unfed" by Kirsty McMay. It came out on August 27th, 2013; hardback. The right is a recent DVD, "College Pranks"; streeted on February 23rd, 2021. Guys do love cheerleaders, never out grow them. *nods*

There you go, not one of my bigger entries, but does get the job done. Come back here on April 14th, 2021 for another helping of... nostalgia? Collector's nostalgia?

[JohnIan101]

Target - March 30th, 2021


Wonder Woman 1984
Exclusive packaging; BD/DVD/DC combo $24.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - March 30th, 2021


Wonder Woman 1984
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $34.99

[JohnIan101]

Target - April 6th, 2021


Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar
Exclusive bonus content and packaging; BD/DVD/DC combo $17.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense


Another band new entry! This time out we get offbeat journalism in "This American Life"...



"This American Life: Season One" was released on home video on January 29th, 2008.

It streeted against "Invasion" ["Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" '08 remake], "King Of California", "Groundhog Day: 15th Anniversary Edition" and "The King Of Kong: A Fistful Of Quarters".

This release was not issued a slipcover, nor insert.

- - -

This was a limited time exclusive release from Borders.



Streeted for the store with a price tag of $15.99. Season one's nationwide release happened on September 23rd, 2008 for $19.99. Both seasons were released on home video. I'll cover the second at a future date. As you can see I scanned it before opening the DVD.

This is an adaptation of the long running NPR, award-winning radio program (and podcast) on terrestrial radio. Done for Showtime. Both seasons were six, half hour long episodes.

To give a perspective - the radio show started on November 17th, 1995 and continues today, weekly, hour long. That's a lot of content.

There was an attempt to adapt the program in 2002; as I understand a pilot was shot, but never aired. That pilot isn't here, kinda curious.

- - - - - - - - - -

Rant.

Watching, I'm reminded of a failed newsmagazine series that few even remember. "The Wilton North Report" on Fox was hosted by Phil Cowan and Paul Robins.

This Monday through Friday, hourly program aired after the nightly news; it replaced another bombed program, "The Late Show". It began on December 11th, 1987 and didn't last a month. All and all, twenty-one episodes were made and aired. But many segments were produced that never saw the light of day. Including the promo trailer.

I should, this had rage from TV critics for being malicious, hated the show. They did stories on people and places with a comic slant, often with dark humor. It would've been a hit today. Ads for the premiere had scenes from a missing piece - a sperm bank.

The doctor interviewed was so utterly giddy on all the... white gold in their possession. C'mon, that writes itself. But that segment didn't air. Could've been seen by the network as too unkind or perhaps there was a lawsuit by the company NOT to air; makes themselves look bad. Details?

A sperm bank for... eugenics, designer babies; couples selecting from donors which have the traits they want in their child. I'm not joking, the doctor they interviewed was way too happy; funny, disturbing and creepy all mixed together. I still remember his laugh all these decades later, almost maniacal.

Can barely find any info for this series, like it was buried. This did exist and was funny to hilarious. They had different reporters who did different styles: Nancy Collins and Greg Jackson did the serious stories; Wayne Satz did the whimsical stories and Paul Kassner did the satirical stories. With Jack LaLanne for health and science stories.

Would call it impartial, they gave just enough rope to let their interviewee to hang themselves.

Some were funny since it was so outlandish and the people or person involved was so sincere. Others were uncomfortable funny since all you can do is laugh - they truly believes this. Given enough time, they would've done a story on 'Flat Earthers'. Should be noted, a pre-famous Conan O'Brien contributed to segments.

Why is called "The Wilton North Report" when the hosts are Cowan and Robins?

When it was being sorted, producers had the title "Nightcap", the network didn't like it. So they went back, brainstormed for a better name. Some time later - they settled on what we have. They took the show's studio location, the "Wilton North Building"; on the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and North Wilton Place in Los Angeles. Producers thought it sounded prestigious like the "The MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour" on PBS. And it stuck.

"This American Life" is like that, but less dark. I liked it. Have both seasons. Bought them from different sellers on eBay. Season one was acquired on December 27th, 2020 for $7.52 total with free shipping. Arrived on January 7th, 2021, mint. As you can see I didn't open it until I did a scan of the cover.

- - - - - - - - - -

Void.

Haven't done one in months. And this is a short entry, okay. Welcome to Volume Six of "Dead TV Shows Not On Home Video". Since this is a large write up, just one.



"The Gates" - The dead show aired on ABC in 2010; The series centered on the Monohan family who have moved from Chicago to an exclusive gated community (can't recall where, had better weather). Nick Monohan (Frank Grillo) has gotten a job here as the new chief of police. A job that became available when the original chief disappeared. What should have been a tranquil new life isn't - friendly neighbors and manicured lawns are a disguise.

The secret unfolds once his predecessor is found dead; mangled, ripped to pieces.

Turns out this community is a sanctuary; haven for vampires, werewolves, witches and other supernaturals. Someone has broken their truce and murdered. Nick now knows and is afraid of telling his family, not because he's under threat, but because of how they would react. These folks are different, not evil (well not most). Some secrets have a way of bubbling to the surface.

The episode that stands out for me; the lycan alpha is killed by his son. Under wolf rule, the one who kills the leader becomes the new head of the pride. The problem is that the man was a drunk and an abusive husband. The kid was trying to save his mom (from a beating), accidentally killed him. He's a boy, unfit to be the new alpha. The werewolf pack is coming apart; sides being drawn. Nick is an outsider and since he has no affiliation - can mediate the dispute. He got into the mire while investigating the death.

Left with no other exit, Nick negotiates a compromise; this can't happen now. The kid is too young, but there could be another in his stead - only as an administrator, who will take the teen under his wing, teaching him how to become an alpha and to stand down when he's ready; Lukas Ford (James Preston) is respected among the pride and is voted in as surrogate, saving the wolves from a civil war.

Another part I liked was the vampire couple had an adopted child (can't conceive). The girl is now a pre-tween, the parents discover their ruse is exposed. The mother (Rhona Mitra) is panicking - how this news will destroy their family. The kid isn't scared or horrified; she's fascinated, full of questions and knew for years, kept it to herself. Thought that was sweet. The mother was embraced in the 1960s. The dad is... considerably older.

All thirteen episodes aired. It also starred Marisol Nichols (who looks like Shannen Doherty), Travis Caldwell, McKaley Miller, Luke Mably, Chandra West, Skyler Samuels, Janina Gavankar and Colton Haynes. Sadly ends on a cliffhanger.

This was the first time Haynes played a werewolf (as Brett Crezski). Once again later as Jackson Whittemore on MTV's series, "Teen Wolf" (2011).

What's depressing is that extras already exist. The ABC website had behind-the-scenes footage filmed by the cast (Gavankar seems like a fun girl) on a flip cam AND five episode commentaries; these were only available via streaming...

"Jurisdiction" (episode six; August 1st, 2010) - commentary by co-creator/executive producer Richard Hatem.

"Digging The Dirt" (episode seven; August 8th, 2010) - commentary by West.

"Dog Eat Dog" (episode eight; August 15th, 2010) - commentary by co-executive producer Gabrielle Stanton. The episode mentioned.

"Identity Crisis" (episode nine; August 22nd, 2010) - commentary by writer Scott Nimerfro.

"Little Girl Lost" (episode ten; September 5th, 2010) - commentary by consulting producer Robert Hewitt Wolfe.

Plus the site had twelve audio podcast with the stars and creators. These could be put on disc, DVD-ROM extras. And yes, I downloaded them all (podcasts). They ran from four and a half minutes to fifteen and a half minutes each. It also had mock blogs by the characters Mia Mueller (played by Devyn A. Tyler) and Nick.

If this were on The CW it would still be on the air.

- - -



Not sure when I'll do season two. But it's on my 'to do' list. And yeah, it's gonna be another short entry, not much I can do about it. Oh well. Come back here on April 29th, 2021 for another entry. A roll of the dice; could be a brand new, could. See you then.

One final thing. Yesterday was the 109th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic; hit the iceberg before midnight on April 14th, 1912. Less than three hours later it fell below the Atlantic waves and into legend.

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense


Another band new entry! This time out we get a second slice of offbeat journalism in "This American Life"...



"This American Life: Season One" was released on home video on January 20th, 2009.

It streeted against "The Express: The Ernie Davis Story", "Max Payne: Deluxe Unrated" and "Repo! The Genetic Opera".

This release was not issued a slipcover, nor insert.

- - -

This was another limited time exclusive release from Borders like with season one.



Streeted for the store with a price tag of $15.99. Season two's nationwide release happened on July 21st, 2009 for $19.99. Only two seasons were made, done.

As said in the last PT, this was an adaptation of the long running NPR, radio program (and podcast) on terrestrial radio. This show was made for Showtime. The season comprised of six, half hour long episodes.

Like the last DVD, there are no extras.

- - - - - - - - - -

Rant.

The season one entry spoke of a short lived Fox series, "The Wilton North Report" from 1987.

Very much like "This American Life", but I am wrong.

There was another, much earlier variant - not much of a difference with TWNR. I'm speaking of the NBC show, "Real People".



"Real People" ran from 1979 - 1984. Five seasons on the air and could've gone five more. It was rather cheap to produce. The show could very well be one - if not, the first reality television program.

Starting from the chair, clockwise; Byron Allen, John Barbour, Bill Rafferty, Sarah Purcell and Skip Stephenson. Not pictured is Fred Willard. Even as a child I was puzzled by Stephenson's hair. Why does an adult have a little kid's hair cut? That promo pix does not do it justice - it became his signature image. Why?

A secret. Purcell was my crush back in the day. She's so pretty.

The program? Odd people who did odd things. One of the stories burned to my memory was about the guy who wanted to live in a boat. Said screw it - built his own house boat for him and family. Just one thing. He's too inland for it to ever sit on any body of water, it sits on struts, dry.

It was funny because of his sincerity. He was so proud of this work, he made a boat. But, yeah.

The series showed their journalism and clips before a studio audience. So you got a laugh track, TV was different back then.

Popular segement involved viewers who sent in photos of bizarre happenings. This had to have happened in 1981. A photo from a drive-in marquee, a triple feature bill...

"Alien" (1979)

"Meatballs" (1979)

"Escape From New York" ('81)

I added the release year - now say the titles as a sentence. Damn, forty years later, still makes me smile. If meatballs can rain - why can't alien ones, flee the Big Apple?

Some of the segments can be found on YouTube, but only a handful. Kinda wonder if eventually Time/Life will release a remastered box set, the complete series on DVD. But one thing is certain, that box will be overpriced.

- - - - - - - - - -

Void.

Did one earlier this month. But have need for more *cough* 'caliber' filler. Welcome to Volume Seven of "Dead TV Shows Not On Home Video". You get two titles with a theme!



"Adderly" - The dead show aired in America (made and broadcast for Canadians) on CBS in 1986. This was the network's answer to the long running juggernaut that was "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson" on NBC; 11:30 pm. "Late Night With David Letterman" aired after this spy show.

The series was adapted from the novel "Pocock & Pitt" (1971) by Elliott Baker who was also the show runner. It lasted two seasons, all forty-four episodes aired, an hour long program.

Ex-spy, V.H. Adderly (Winston Rekert; V.H. is for Virgil Homer - his parents were fans of classical poets) was given a massive blow on assignment. He got captured and they mashed his left hand with a meat tenderizer. The higher ups felt he can't be an agent with one hand. And they took his dominant hand. Had to learn to be right handed.

After recovery, Adderly learns he's been transferred to a new bureau within the agency; low level assignments - that don't require active attentions... filler. He is horrified by his fate at 'Department Of Miscellaneous Affairs'. And discovering he is the only agent for DMS, that trivial. Even worse, his new boss, Melville Greenspan (Jonathan Welsh) relishes in the banality of the job. Pretty much his only relief is Greenspan's secretary, Mona Ellerby (Dixie Seatle) - who wants more than this position too, ready to inject herself into trouble.

Much to his boss' chagrin, Adderly manages to do his former job, being a spy, successfully. He's trying to prove that he can be an asset just like before. His boss' boss, Major Jonathan B. Clack (Ken Pogue) is intrigued, but doesn't move him up - no matter how much Adderly tries.

A spy show, but Adderly had no gadgets. There was no budget for them at Miscellaneous Affairs. He is left to his ingenuity to solve and get himself out of troubles. This was a hybrid; action adventure, dramedy, spy series. It wasn't shown if he completely lost his hand - with a static prosthetic or if his hand is lame, it didn't moved. He wore a leather glove on his left hand.

Season two finale, series finale; Adderly learns this was always the goal. Gen. Clack knew he needed someone outside of the system to get things done, not muddled in bureaucracy. So he created the department JUST FOR Adderly. It was so cheap compared to other departments - would fly under the radar. And knew that Adderly wanted to prove himself; so he would work any simple assignment, seek troubles, fishing out wrongs. Greenspan got his tasks directly from Clack; he didn't make the connection until told.

This was a huge game changer - had this gone to season three, V.H. Adderly would've gotten high leveled missions disguised as do-nothing jobs. Getting what he wanted in a roundabout way. The show had a long running subplot; he was seeking the man who did this to him, took his hand. Not some super villain, but a high leveled hired thug.

It was charming, funny and cool - lost to time.

- - -



"Spies" was another CBS series which didn't last long, not even a full season. There were seven episodes made, one of which was the unaired pilot. The rest were broadcast. It was a failed mid-season replacement in 1987.

This told the story of Ian Stone (George Hamilton) a one time, top spy who is getting up in years, yet behaving like nothing has changed. As in spending and breaking property like James Bond without a care. He does get his tasks completed each time. The agency is sick of him. Spends too much and doesn't care about the consequences. Kinda like Sterling Archer, but more muted. And yeah, Stone IS a social drinker too.

The agency's chairman, Thomas Brady (Barry Corbin) is getting ready to fire him. This happens as reports were being delivered by company accountant, Ben Smythe (Gary Kroeger) who is a great fan of Stone. The young agent attempts to make a case for Stone, still valuable. Tired and doesn't want to hurt his friend; assigns Smythe to Stone - be his voice of reason and accountant; ordering him to move in with his idol.

'Keep this guy's frivolity in check or both of you, lose your jobs.'

He is a low level spy, not the training nor experience for these kind of cloak and dagger scenarios. As expected Ian is ticked off having a partner, gonna stifle his style.

This or get fired, reluctantly agrees. Ben proves his worth and together they get into all sorts of global troubles. All the while keeping tabs on Stone's spending. This is like the above, a mash-up. It was a fun series too.

The unaired pilot had Tony Curtis as Stone. Don't know how I feel about that. Hamilton is debonair. Curtis is right to the point, kinda harsh. Sure it could've worked, but it works better with Hamilton. *nods*

- - -

"This American Life" season two was bought off eBay.

It was acquired on December 31st, 2020 for $10.76 total with free shipping. Arrived on January 4th, 2021, mint. I didn't open it until I did a scan of the cover. 'Cause I care for you guys. Sway! I liked it. Same as season one, more of the same and that's not a bad thing.

Okay, not one of my better Past Tenses, but it is functional, mostly. And that's fine! Come back here on May 13th, 2021 for something I'm just as clueless as you. We'll both be surprised... hopefully in a good way. *weak grin*

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - May 4th, 2021


Dirty Dancing
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $18.99

Speed
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $27.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - May 11th, 2021


The Fast And The Furious
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $27.99

Saw
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $18.99

Shrek: 20th Anniversary Edition
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $22.99

Justice Society: World War II
Exclusive packaging and figurine; 4k BD/BD/DC $33.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense


Another brand new entry! This outing we get one step below snuff clips in "The Road Movie"...



I have very few stats, this had a limited theatrical run - nineteen theaters. The motion picture opened on January 19th, 2018. Before that had screenings at various film festivals in America and Europe. No idea on its budget; had to be relatively cheap. Can tell you it didn't even register on the box office top forty. It made, during it's U.S. domestic run $13,757.00. Sorry, I have no foreign box office numbers.

The feature opened against "Darkest Hour", "The Shape Of Water", "Star Wars: Episode III - The Last Jedi" and "Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle".

This is listed as a digipak, sort of - I guess. It came in a textured slipcase with a card stock, non-snapper (you know those) inside (look at the pix below). It has a paper pocket to hold the disc. I just know this will get scratched over the next few years, not a fan of this design. Should've come in a thin case.

There was no insert, but it did - the package, came with a coupon for a website discount. I'll be honest, I did find a few more titles I'd like to get. I'll probably use it, probably buy one next month. A future write up? Yeah.

- - -

This came about (for me) when I was cleaning my external hard drive. Getting rid of stuff I no longer wanted. Freeing up a few gigs. I was in the "Trailers" folder and rewatched the trailer for it. Hmmmm? Did this come out on DVD? Did some looking and couldn't find info. Didn't give up easy. Did more digging and found the website which sold it - the official site, Oscilloscope Pictures.

More searching got me some more info which is why this is a Past Tense.

Buying from their website gets you a pressed disc. If you buy elsewhere it's either streaming or a DVD-R. Like another title which I'll cover later this month. And yeah, that makes this an exclusive.

The thing is still available, bought it.



The DVD sold for $27.99 (above image) and BD for $32.99 - free shipping, but must pay domestic (U.S.) taxes. My DVD was had for $33.99. The Blu-Ray came with a BD sized slipcover since it comes in an appropriate case.

Ordered on May 3rd and arrived on May 7th, '21. Good packaging, arrived in a cardboard box. This is a limited edition release, no idea on how many were made for each format.

Other than seeing that trailer - this was a blind buy. I had ZERO buyers remorse. Watched on the same day it arrived. It 100% met my expectations, sway; man, like watching a train wreck. Can't take your eyes off it. The original title in Russia was "Doroga" which means "Road" in English.

And for some reason this is touted as a documentary, it's not.

The collection is presented in anamorphic widescreen with English subtitles; most of the time, not necessary - easy to see what's happening.

- - - - - - - - - -

Rant.

As said above, "one step below snuff clips" - nobody is killed here. Injured sure, physically and emotionally. Before you ask; there is no supernatural footage - ghosts, cryptoids, things that don't fit - which is a shame, those footage exist. Perhaps if there's a sequel.



Holy crap this is some seriously insane sh!t. Yeah I should, take a step back.

This is a compilation of various dash cam footage from Russia. Why? In the Russian system, you must have proof or their insurance companies won't pay for damages; resulting in many of their cars having cameras recording all the time - to save their a$$es.

Now I have three gripes about the release.

1) It's barely a movie - the thing is 70 minutes long and a good chunk of it is opening and end credits to fatten it

2) There is an Oscilloscope promo trailer; showcasing clips from their releases... that are not identified. What's that? Or that? What's this? Way to go to blow your advertising. Sure titles are flashed on screen, but what clip goes to that? Damn good question.

3) The 'movie' is so short and light on extras; there should've been pages/screens for full trailers. Instead we get two; "12 O'Clock Boys" and "Bellflower", that's is - with a comment: "See More Trailers At Oscilloscope.net". Why not put a lot more on the disc? There's a lot of extra room. A LOT! Use the opportunity to promote yourself. I don't get it.



Above are some of the insanity that producer, compiler (not director) Dmitrii Kalashnikov collected.

You have a random tank show up at a service station - for a power wash. Man, that's gotta be so Russian. None of the service men blink. It's another Thursday.

Stunning footage of a car driving through a forest blaze - it goes on and on, Hell on Earth. A couple are in that car, barely seeing anything more than fire and smoke - then later see that there is another car ahead of them (shown above).

The last image is why - why you should NEVER smoke while pumping gas.

There is footage of road rage; the offending driver came at the other car with an ax! And his girlfriend looks unaffected by it. That's so Russian too. He goes back in his car, drops his tool and gets a gun - shoots at the other car. Again his girlfriend is unaffected. WTF? A truck turns over in the rain, resulting in four transformers exploding. Damn surreal, like there was a Highlander moment happening.

But of all the clips one of them has me wanting more. What's the back story here?



A driver sees a young woman in what appears to be a yellow sun dress, walking down the street; it's 9:09pm. He stops and she pops up on his hood, quite despondent - holding back tears. He gets out, asking her 'what's wrong?' A moment later an older woman approaches them.

The girl gets up, walks over the hood onto the roof and off the back. You can now see, she is bare foot. ??? The woman tells her... "We have a wedding there". She is dressed up.

Okay. What's going on?

Is she upset that her guy is getting married to another woman?

Her gal pal is marrying another woman??

Her dad is marrying a younger woman, feeling frustrated???

Why does she not have shoes on? Was she dipping her feet in a pool then fled, shoeless?

I got questions. *nods*

- - - - - - - - - -

Just Because.

Since this is a short entry, I thought I would go with some 1970s nostalgia.



What you see above are two menus from that decade - from McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken (take out). Look at those prices! Wow. Man, inflation sucks.

And there you go. You need to see this thing. It's hard to describe, the why. When you see, you'll understand. And yeah, there is some light nudity and cursing.

Come back here on May 27th, 2021 for another brand new entry - just as crazy as this title. A movie that should be more well known, don't even think it has reach cult level yet. A hidden gem. See you then.

[JohnIan101]

Target - May 18th, 2021


Raya: The Last Dragon
Exclusive lithograph cards; 4k BD/BD/DC combo set $34.99

[JohnIan101]

Best Buy - May 25th, 2021


Chaos Walking
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $29.99

[JohnIan101]

Past Tense - The Invasion Starts On Your VCR Part II


Good memories from them - buying and renting laser discs. This is where I bought the out of print DVD, "The Deep" (1977), Columbia TriStar Home Video - complete with insert. The first pressing from 1998 was a flipper; widescreen and full. When it was re-released; full screen only and pretty much the only way to find the movie on DVD today.



That was the place where I would get my free copy of "Laser Disc Image Preview", small sized, monthly, then a bi-monthly magazine that was less about articles as it was about coming titles, the ads. Good memories. Above is a page from the mag; the ad for the deluxe special editon LD box set for "The Day The Earth Stood Still" (1951). Yes it sold for $149.98 in 1995. And yes, I did buy it - still have.

And I still have my copy of "The Deep" DVD, a solid flick and quite the showcase for an in-her-prime, Jacqueline Bissett in wet tees and skin tight swimsuits. *nods* She was one of those rare women; pretty when she was in her twenties; hot when she was in her thirties, suppose she was a late bloomer. Man, would've have loved to have seen her as 1970s Catwoman if there was "Batman" '70s flick, non-campy big budget feature.

I'm telling you, Jack Palance as Batman would've been wicked. Oh frackin' yes - Don Rickles as The Joker.



Sorry - while helping one of his regulars, Allegra (Jennifer Tilly, above), Cosmo meets a woman of interest - Belinda Watson (Deborah Goodrich), she's looking for a romantic French movie. He can't find it. She leaves. But leaves with her boyfriend, Victor (Frank Beddor), he's not a nice guy.

He has set his sights on a video, a new title - "Remote Control". The VHS that Allegra had just snagged. There is a tense moment, but she wins. Not taking 'no' for answer; as she checks it out, he looks at the computer monitor and sees her home address.



These two random people set off a string of events that take Cosmo, Belinda and Georgie into a home video conspiracy.

Oh my God! What is that cop doing to that boy's as$!?!

Man, things were different back then. I have that, the feature - "Jake Speed" (1986), saw it opening day and later owned the laser disc ('86) and currently the DVD (2001). Recommended.

Aliens from the Polaris star system have set their eyes on Earth, but do not have the number to take the planet over. So they've opted to use our tech against ourselves - VHS cassettes. Reality altering videos which insert subliminal, ultra violent messages. Get all those who see it to murder each other. This is how they plan on reducing our numbers.

They named their company "Polaris Video" with star above a planet as their logo. *wink* That was a nice touch.

How are they going about it? The aliens made a black and white 1950s inspired sci-fi movie about the very thing they're doing - invasion using home video. Yeah the movie within a movie has their version of a VHS tape, making people who watch it go homicidal. Today that would be meta.

Taking a step back, I am impressed by the video shop. I can only guess they didn't bother getting rights to the tapes. Because those clearances would've made the movie impossible to include. I saw box covers for Disney, New World Pictures, Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal and 20th Century Fox.

That would not have happened - the store would have one or two studio worth of titles; shot in such away to show only those studio releases. Nope, not here. For Gen-Xers, this is a movie to pause and look about. One of the titles was the box set for "Gone With The Wind" (1939).



The film had an excellent villain in Victor; the guy looks like he's ready to come unhinged. He had an important role as the main baddie. Even having a moment where we feel sorry for him. Maybe he's not a jerk, but a victim. Nah, he's still an a-hole.

The film has good amount of gore; such as the killing spree inside a night club where that tape was playing on their big screen.

The why? Why a 1950s movie? This was the aliens first impression of us - our TV broadcasts which took decades to reach their eyes. They learned about us from our entertainments. Creating a science fiction feature seemed like a good way to get our attentions.

At that point, VHS was king - dominate format on the planet; marry the two for their scheme.



Looking at this movie today; oh man, this has got to be one of the most 1980s - '80s movies made. Wow. The fashion, the music and hues. Shook my head a few times. Yeah, those were a thing back in the day. Made me smile. Just so you know, that pix above; the background...

"Fuji" video tapes (blank cassettes) were among the top tier fuel for your VCR. They were long lasting tapes and came in a plastic slipcase, not cheap card stock. Fancy! And no, growing up I didn't have many of them to use, expensive. When I did, it was for special saves; something I wanted kept - Fuji!

In the background - the poster is for Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" (1959). This was a long watch - while it's less than ninety minutes, I paused a lot while at "Village Video". Stuff like that brought up a lot of memories. There was a mom and pops store where I'm at - they had two rooms of space; EVER wall and isle was packed. You could get lost among the titles. Man, I loved that place. After the time had ended, it became a family owned Mexican restaurant and now, it's a vacant spot. The kids today have no idea what they missed out on.



Oh man, this could be racist. All the aliens in human guise (we don't see their native form) are disguised as Asians, the foreigner. The Master Controller (Tad Horino) behind the invasion shown above. While the black and white movie made by the aliens is the means inflict homicidal urges on humans; they still need a film. The plot mirrors the events in the feature. Here at the climax, our Young Hero steals a forklift at the replication plant and drives it into (jumping off at the last moment) into a power station, setting the place ablaze; destroying the aliens plot for domination. Why not end with the aliens winning?

It is a human motion picture - need to adhere to the tropes.

The movie is also titled "Remote Control" as from the VHS info - was mock made in 1957. A bit of additional trivia. Jennifer Tilly's role was small, but she was given second billing, not Goodrich. I guess they had to show their big stars for advertising.

There is a problem I have. The finale has a scene which made sense; was shown and the characters were examining, then is forgotten since a lot was happening. That should've been a stinger after the end credits. Credits ends and we come back to the smoking rubble of their factory/headquarters - one of the aliens survived with a found prize... villainy is victorious.

That would've had more weight to it, a reward to viewers who stayed.

Madness is the gift that has been given to me.

- Disturbed

That's it. I'm happy to own this. Made me smile a lot and has a solid plot. This year, 1988; Kevin Dillon would star in another sci-fi movie, gone to classic; the outstanding remake of "The Blob". The visual effects are thirty-three years old and feel just as fresh and so unforgiving.

Come back here on June 10th, 2021 for the entry that was suppose to happen here. *nods* You'll like it. I know I did. An indie flick with big concepts, made cheap that fits.