THE PLOT THUS FAR

The year’s 2033 and since a humongous meteor hit earth, the world just hasn’t been the same. No movies, no cable television, no water! A mega-villain, Kesslee (Malcolm McDowell), the leader of Water & Power, holds the world in his grasp since he controls all the water…or so he thinks. Two colossal enemies stand in his way: (1.) The Rippers, an army of half-men/half-kangaroo people whose sole purpose is to bring down Water & Power and (2.) a chick with a tank and tons of attitude: aka Tank Girl (Lori Petty). Kesslee had better get a grip on reality and his water jugs because not even a run in her stockings is going to stop her from saving the world!

WHAT WE THOUGHT

“Tank Girl” is a flick based on the comic from the co-creator of Gorillaz. Basically, this is a post-apocalyptic film set after a comet destroys the Earth and the planet is ruled by a megacorporation known as Water and Power. Basically they control all of the water and have all of the power, but in reality, all this corporation seems to be is one executives and a bunch of soldiers with slaves and prisoners doing all of the other work. Then there are the reavers, some creatures that come out at night, live underground, and cause havoc to the corporation, and finally, there is everybody else, namely those who live out in the desert and attempt to escape the clutches of Water & Power.

Comic book images are cut in at various places. A couple of scenes are animated, and those are probably the coolest parts. Acting is extremely cheesy and over-the-top; Lori Petty uses such cheese to craft an deliciously fun and hip performance, while a very young Naomi Watts plays a perfect square, and Malcolm McDowell does his usual schtick. Writing is pretty simple-minded. This production has sets, props, and costumes that are so cheap-looking, colorful, and clean; the film almost looks like what you’d get if Pee Wee Herman’s playhouse survived the apocalypse and went just slightly feral. Music is alright; the score is okay, and a number of good songs are used to give the film a little more oomph to the punk factor.

The Blu-Ray comes with a DVD copy, vintage featurette, interviews, commentary and a trailer. The A/V Quality is the cleanest that I have ever seen with a glorious 1080p transfer. Plus, the DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track makes the film hold up. It’s weird how vividly I can remember seeing this in theaters and this disc beats that presentation. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to fans.

RELEASE DATE: 11/19/2013

THE PLOT THUS FAR

The night of October 30th 1938 began as any other peaceful Sunday evening with millions of listeners tuned to their radios. Yet the outward calm hid a nation tense with apprehension: the Great Depression refused to let up and the threat of war in Europe loomed larger every day. Then at 8:15 p.m. there was a report on the radio that Martians had landed in New Jersey. Almost instantly people listening in responded to the shocking news. Newspapers were flooded with calls from worried listeners; many feared that New Jersey had been laid to waste and that the Martians were heading west. In cities and towns throughout the country people stopped a moment to pray- then grabbed their loved ones and fled into the night. What began as a broadcast performance of H.G. Wells’s fantasy The War of the Worlds turned into one of the biggest mass hysteria events in U.S. history. AMERICAN EXPERIENCE examines the elements that together created this frenzy including our longtime fascination with life on Mars; the emergence of radio as a powerful new medium; and the creative wunderkind Orson Welles the twenty-three-year-old director of the drama and mischief-maker supreme.

WHAT WE THOUGHT

“War of the Worlds” is the latest exciting entry from American Experience. However, it asks a greater question about that stunning 1938 broadcast. Did the greatest hoax of the 20th Century actually happen the way we were told. Bits of Liberty Valence and bits of bullshit are thrown around, as the freak experience is recalled and recounted. I just wish that Orson Welles was alive to give us his take. The man was a genius.

The DVD comes with outtakes and featurettes as the special features. What matters most is that you get quite an interesting documentary. The A/V Quality is on par with a standard definition PBS broadcast. I just wish there was something more spectacular to be seen. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to the curious.

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!

THE PLOT THUS FAR

Join Babar, Celeste and Sephyr through the wild jungles to Elephantland where they take on the sinister Rhino Lord.

WHAT WE THOUGHT

Babar is a very young, and apparently reluctant, king at first, seemingly thrust into the position, and without Celeste as queen. This is completely different from the books where Babar, although chosen king, is mature by then; is the one who makes the elephant society “complex” and urban, etc.; and marries Celeste as soon as he becomes king and before he builds the city. Moreover, the “war” with the rhinos in Babar the Movie is more violent, so it is not as good for really young children, and it is inexplicable and apparently senseless, unlike the fight in Babar: King of the Elephants or the first books.

The DVD comes with no special features. However, it holds up on its own. The A/V Quality is on par with most SD kids releases. I just wish there was something more spectacular to be seen. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to the curious.

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!