THE PLOT THUS FAR

You can collect the entire library of Scholastic Storybook Treasures and read along on screen with your favorite classic children’s stories, brought vividly to life on DVD.

THE RED HEN (Written and illustrated by Rebecca Emberley and Ed Emberley, narrated by Walter Mayes) Filled with humor and sparkling illustration, this is the classic story of Red Hen and her adventures in baking.

BREAD COMES TO LIFE (Written and illustrated by George Levenson, narrated by Lily Tomlin) Watch each step of how to bring bread to life, from the sowing of the seeds to the shaping and baking of the bread dough.

HOW DO DINOSAURS EAT THEIR FOOD? (Written and narrated by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague) These mischievous dinosaurs show that burping, spilling and playing with one s food are not the best ways to enjoy a meal.

ARNIE THE DOUGHNUT (Written and illustrated by Gerald McDermott, narrated by Michael McKean) When Mr. Bing buys Arnie in a doughnut shop, Arnie realizes he must persuade Mr. Bing that a doughnut can be more than just a sweet snack.

WHAT WE THOUGHT

“The Red Hen” leads off four food themed Scholastic book adaptations. If you’ve seen one, then you know the format. However, the films are made and broken by the strength of the narration. Michael McKean and Lily Tomlin shine in their offerings, but most of the comedians actually find a solid footing with the material. I’m not familiar with most of the material, but I haven’t been 4 years old in 28 years. That might be the reason.

The DVD comes with an easy to follow cake recipe and a read along. The A/V Quality is pretty standard for the last few releases. Still, what do you expect? Scholastic knows what works for your kids. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to young fans.

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!

THE PLOT THUS FAR

The life story of legendary flying pioneer and Congressional Medal of Honor winner, Jimmy Doolittle. Famed flyer Charles Lindberg, considered Doolittle the greatest flyer that ever climbed into an airplane. Winston Churchill called Doolittle’s life unparalleled in recorded history. General George Patton said Jim Doolittle was the only true warrior he had ever known. They were all right!

WHAT WE THOUGHT

“Wings of a Warrior” is a very low budget project. However, the honest effort of love shows what works well for this kind of story. Some might say that Gardner Doolittle is biased being a relative, but he provides proper historical context for his war hero relative. We get to see how a man defined in his early years by missed success, takes chances to become a legendary war hero. Much attention is paid to the Tokyo raid, as it should. Honestly, it did just as much as the atomic blasts to break the Japanese war effort.

The use of archival footage was a necessity. However, I felt like a Doolittle relative should have had access to more momentos. Plus, what’s with the hyper focus on Doolittle’s kid killing himself in the 1950s? It feels like a tacked-on moment that takes focus away from the war years. Oh well, I still loved it.

The DVD comes with a bonus interview. It’s nice to have that bit of historical perspective from one of Doolittle’s surviving relatives. It’s a solid documentary, but I would’ve loved to have had a commentary. The A/V Quality is on par with past standard definition documentaries. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.

RELEASE DATE: 12/03/2013

THE PLOT THUS FAR

THE SMASHING PUMPKINS have created one of the most acclaimed bodies of work in musical history having sold more than 30 million albums, and
won multiple Grammy Awards in the process. Formed in Chicago in 1988, they released Gish, their influential and platinum debut in 1991, which was
followed by albums including the nine-time platinum Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness and the four-time platinum Siamese Dream, as well as the
platinum certified 1998 album Adore. The pivotal group’s many hits defined the alternative music era and continue to resonate on modern rock radio,
influencing a whole new generation. The PUMPKINS returned in 2007 with their acclaimed sixth album Zeitgeist. They have since remained on the cutting
edge of music and technology with various online releases. In June 2012, the band released their acclaimed album Oceania, via Martha’s Music/EMI
Label Services/Caroline Distribution. Marking THE SMASHING PUMPKINS’ 7th studio record, it is ‘an album within an album,’ part of their 44-song workin-
progress Teargarden By Kaleidyscope. Oceania entered the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart at #4 and earned the #1 spot on the Independent Albums
Chart.

At Barclays Center, the Pumpkins’ singer/guitarist Billy Corgan, guitarist Jeff Schroeder, drummer Mike Byrne and bassist Nicole Fiorentino performed their acclaimed OCEANIA CD in full, followed by classics and deep cuts from their body of work for the second half of the show. The Pumpkins were backed by visuals prepared by Evans, whose most recent project was assisting Roger Waters on the newest staging of ‘The Wall.’ The OCEANIA: LIVE IN NYC package is directed by Milton Lage and was produced by Rock Fuel’s Barry Summers. This Blu-ray edition can be viewed in either 3D or 2D.

Setlist:

1. Quasar
2. Panopticon
3. The Celestials
4. Violet Rays
5. My Love Is Winter
6. One Diamond, One Heart
7. Pinwheels
8. Oceania
9. Pale Horse
10. The Chimera
11. Glissandra
12. Inkless
13. Wildflower
14. Space Oddity
15. X.Y.U
16. Disarm
17. Tonite Reprise
18. Tonight, Tonight
19. Bullet with Butterfly Wings
20. The Dream Machine
21. Hummer

Encore

1. Ava Adore
2. Cherub Rock
3. Zero

WHAT WE THOUGHT

“Oceania” is a loaded Smashing Pumpkins feast for fans. Most of the music seems like new stuff or Zwan era Corgan. But, most of that comes with the territory that Corgan is Alternative Rock’s David Byrne. That being he pissed off all of his friends and bandmates, but still controls the name of the band. That junk aside, it’s a pretty straight forward disc. You get what works and when it works…it’s golden.

The Blu-Ray comes with no special features. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 master audio track is right for the live setting and it takes me back to Mellon Collie in 1996. However, the 1080p transfer seemed a little garish at points. Maybe, I’m not used to the bright lights of stage shows anymore. Still, it’s well worth a purchase.

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!

THE PLOT THUS FAR

A trio of bodybuilders in Florida get caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong.

WHAT WE THOUGHT

“Pain & Gain” is set in the ’90s in Miami and although they had a few fluorescent colors and jean shorts, they didn’t give us quite as much topical humor as I was expecting. But the film still suits the times – with a sort of choppy but glamorous look. Rumor has it that Michael Bay used more longer takes than any of his previous films. I haven’t seen any of his recent movies, so I wouldn’t know, but this one is way more geared towards the crime-riddled plot and the comedic writing than any action that the director is known for.

This will be an entertaining film for some, probably disgusting for most, but this is an important film. At its core, this is a film about seizing the American dream and asking its audience to accept it or get lost. The film is so in your face and cruel, it demands a reaction. Michael Bay has always brought out strong feelings with cinephiles. People argue about how good and/or bad he is. He may be both, but he is the type of film maker who always brings a reaction to his viewer. The sign of a true artist. Here is a film that has so much to say regarding murder, America, greed, image, and just making it in this life; yet it’s disguised as just a regular “movie”. This is the type of movie you could sit down with your best buddies while you’re drinking beers, farting, laughing, and giggling. Pain & Gain deserves so much more. This is the American Dream on steroids.

However, there is a strange obsession with male genitalia – jokes about real ones, and many shots of fake ones to go along with a few characters’ denial of and hatred of homosexuality. I’m not sure what the point of that was. Perhaps that was part of what really happened. Unfortunately, as the narrator says, this is a true story. These muscleheads really are trying to get their piece of the American pie, the stupidest way they know how. It’s also too long – a straight forward crime comedy has no need to be over two hours long.

The Blu-Ray comes with a Digital HD copy and a ton of new featurettes exclusive to this edition. What I kind of like is how the bitrate on the disc is maxed out just like the first release. The 1080p transfer is one of the strongest of the year. Plus, you have a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 master audio track that has given my theater a workout. The special features provide a proper context for the crimes that the film is based on. However, I would’ve loved a commentary or a documentary to properly frame the material. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.

RELEASE DATE: 12/03/2013

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Over 3 Hours Of The Myth And Memory of J.F.K. The Man Who Captivated A Nation!

A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on. John F. Kennedy

Fifty years after his death, John F. Kennedy s life, legacy and youthful vigor continues to intrigue and enthrall an entire nation! Relive and introduce, to younger generations, the compelling story of this unforgettable leader and the inspired dynasty he left behind. Insightful and concise this 8 part documentary series covers JFK s life from barely surviving birth to the tragic events in Dallas on November 22, 1963. Remembered for his charisma, sharp mind and quick wit this series explores the early years of WWII hero and respected Senator up through the 1960s Presidential race against Richard Nixon. From his inspirational Inauguration speech to his final days in Dallas and all points in-between, the story of the man who gave the nation a sense of pride and confidence is presented in this unforgettable collection. Journey through the pivotal moments that created one of America s most beloved, influential and controversial figures through 8 programs that commemorate the man and the myth that is John F. Kennedy.

CONTENTS:

Program 1: Early Years
John F. Kennedy s life through his election as the 35th President of the United States.

Program 2: For All to See
The 1960 Presidential election and the many obstacles, including familial and religious, that Kennedy needed to overcome to win the United States Presidency.

Program 3: New Frontiers
The beginnings of John F. Kennedy s presidency.

Program 4: Doomsday Averted
The Bay of Pigs and The Cuban Missile Crisis, to his proudest achievements, the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Program 5: A Wall of Words
The origins of Soviet-American tensions in the divided city of Berlin from the final days of World War II up through the time of John F. Kennedy s Presidency.

Program 6: War Within & Without Part 1
Civil Rights, from his record as a senator up though the transformation near the end of his life that would help inspire the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Program 7: War Within & Without Part 2
The events in Southeast Asia that eventually led to America s war in Vietnam.

Program 8: Camelot And Beyond
His health and private life, marriage and family, the myth of Camelot, and finally, his assassination and legacy.

Bonus Disc Contents:

1. Kennedy Vs. Nixon Debate
2. Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
3. Funeral Service of President John F. Kennedy
4. Vietnam! Vietnam! by John Ford

WHAT WE THOUGHT

“JFK: A New World Order” is a stacked release of material that seems to have gone into the public domain. The quality of the footage shifts greatly between chapters. Still, I like what Mill Creek is trying to do by presenting a clear history of the man and his impact as President. For people that already know the history of the matter, this is a refresher course. What I do enjoy is how the sheer depth of material is enough to educate kids. They just need a means to smartly direct them through what they’re observing.

The Blu-Ray comes with a DVD copy, bonus footage and a John Ford film about Vietnam. The A/V Quality is strong with a supportive 1080p transfer and a Dolby audio track. The Dolby track doesn’t get much back channel action. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to fans of JFK.

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!

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A man and his puppets in space watching cheesy movies…sounds crazy, no? But here on the Satellite of Love, you might say each one of us is a captive audience, watching gifted writers and performers try to make sense of it all without losing their minds. Why do we continue to treasure this oddball TV series? That can be answered in one word: funny!

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the beloved Mystery Science Theater 3000, you are invited to enjoy four never-before-released episodes as well as two long-out-of-print bonus episodes that marked the seismic transition that occurred when Joel passed the torch on to Mike. A new look back at the history of the show helps us blow out the candles on a cake that only gets sweeter with time.

Titles Include: Moon Zero Two, The Day The Earth Froze, The Leech Woman & Gorgo. Plus a bonus disc with a double feature of classic episodes: Mitchell and The Brain That Wouldn’t Die!

WHAT WE THOUGHT

“MS3TK” has celebrated its 25th Anniversary. We’re getting the greatest hits back like Gorgo and Mitchell. There’s so much going on with the out of print material and the fan favorites. While it might be daunting to new fans, it’s just a love letter to those of us that stuck with the guys from the very beginning. I feel like a sham saying that, since I didn’t discover them until 1996. But, who’s calling who a bandwagon fan?

While the Joel/Forrester years are definitely enjoyable, I feel they upped the ante big time during the Mike/Pearl years! While Joel and Forrester had a relationship comprised of civility and witty banter, Mike and Pearl had a kind of childish yin-yang thing where they traded jabs and insults nonstop. Both pairs worked and it’s nice to have that duality as you can go back and watch either one, depending on which you’re in the mood for.

The DVD comes with featurettes, vintage promos, mini posters and more. The A/V Quality is on par with past MST3K releases. However, I noticed a bit more digital noise on the transfers. The Dolby tracks continue to hold up. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to fans.

RELEASE DATE: 11/26/2013