The Great Mouse Detective - Mystery in the Mist Edition

The Great Mouse Detective – Mystery in the Mist Edition: Walt Disney Films –DVD Edition
Review by JAM



Some things only get better with time it seems, and the re-release of The Great Mouse Detective is definitely one of them. When our library seems filled with princesses and computer animation, sometimes a little mouse can remind us of our past and share lessons with our future (my daughters).

The toymaker Hiram Flaversham (voiced by Alan Young) is taken from his home in a daring attack by a crippled one-legged bat and only through quick thinking is able to hide his daughter Olivia (Susanne Pollatschek) before she is taken as well. Olivia, all alone in the city until she encounters a military mouse by the name of Dr. David Q. Dawson (Val Bettin), searches for the greatest mouse detective in the world, Basil of Baker Street, and the two companions by chance strike off to find Basil.

Basil of Baker Street (Barrie Ingham) is hot on the pursuit of his arch-nemesis that eludes his grasp at each and every turn, Professor Ratigan (the immortal Vincent Price). And as this pursuit is all encompassing to him, he pushes Olivia and Dr. Dawson aside as being inconsequential until the crippled bat is described. Realizing that the crippled bat is Fidget (Candy Candido), one of Ratigan’s thugs, Basil realizes that the two cases may be connected and enlists the help of a reluctant Dawson and an overeager yet unwanted Olivia.

Through the seedy underbelly of the mousy London, Basil and Dawson pursue the evil Ratigan even as the dastardly professor kidnaps the defenseless Olivia and prepares for his ultimate conquest. Yet good triumphs over evil once again, even with a detour through thoughts of failure, as Basil shows why he truly is the greatest of mouse detectives, especially teamed with his faithful companion Dr. Dawson.
JAMS Ink on The Great Mouse Detective

This movie shares a number of life lessons that are just as important now as when the movie was first released in 1986.

Number 1 – Kids know more than we think at times. Basil was quick to put Olivia off, even though she had insight that was essential for Basil to catch his arch-nemesis. Throughout much of the movie, Basil acts indifferent towards the little girl, only to realize at the end what he could have lost.

Number 2 – Be proud of who you are. Ratigan is brought down because of his obsession with not being considered a rat, but rather a mouse. This obsession drives him to the point of insanity as he loses control of himself if his heritage is even brought up. Basil also finds himself doubting who he truly is as the movie nears its climax, and only through the tough love help of Dr. Dawson does he find the reserve within himself to achieve greatness, and a good group photograph.

Number 3 – Two heads are often better than one. Throughout the many Sherlock Holmes adventures, there is never a doubt of the brilliance of Holmes, yet he also must have Watson at his side to keep him grounded in the here and now, and to find what he might miss. Dr. Dawson is much the same in this movie, as Basil recognizes it and proclaims him to be his partner in crime detection as the movie comes to a close.

The movie itself is a great return to childhood for those of us who may be a little older, but it is also great for our young ones too. My daughter was entranced by the movie and loved it just as much as any of her princess movies. I think the lesson came through that good people try hard to help other good people. And bad people, besides not being very nice, do not succeed in the end. Is it a little return to innocence? Maybe, but that’s what I want for me and my daughters. So I highly recommend The Great Mouse Detective for any parent out there that feels the same.

Extras

There is a new “So You Think You Can Sleuth” game along with the original release extras. The true bonus to the film is that it has been digitally remastered and restored. It makes for a beautiful film.

Bonus Features include:

So You Think You Can Sleuth – your chance to be a detective
The Making of The Great Mouse Detective – an interesting look into the making of this film
“The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind” Sing Along
Dylan and Cole Sprouse: Blu-ray is Suite
Learn How to Take Your Favorite Movies on the Go

The Great Mouse Detective – Mystery in the Mist Edition from Disney scurries its way onto shelves on DVD on April 20, 2010. Make it elementary, and deduce that you need this DVD in your collection!

Area 10 – Vertigo Crime: DC Comics – Released April 2010

Area 10 – Vertigo Crime: DC Comics – Released April 2010
Review by JAM



“Captain, you’ve known me ten years. You honestly think I could do this?”
“Not in your right mind.”
Detective Adam Kamen to Captain Reginald Moore - Area 10

I need more work like I need a hole in the head. And yet I decided to write my first graphic novel review about a guy with a hole in his head. That’s ironic, right? Area 10 is a hectic thrill ride through the ancient art of trepanation, the “art” of reaching enlightenment through the drilling of holes into one’s cranium. By itself the trepanation is morbid, but add in a serial killer who takes the heads of his victims at the same time, and you have a homicidal mystery that keeps your pulse racing.

As a killer known as “Henry the Eighth” continues a killing spree highlighted by the headless corpses he leaves behind, Detective Adam Kamen works to follow his trail and put an end to this spree. A man with a tragic past working to get his life back on track, Adam is attacked by a madman who injures Adam in a near fatal screwdriver attack into his skull. In the process of his recovery from this injury, Adam fights to remain part of the “Henry the Eighth” case even as he finds the injury affected him in unforeseen ways. During all of this, he finds many pieces of his life interconnecting as he hunts for answers and to possibly clear his own name.

Writer

Area 10 comes to us from Christos N. Gage, who I remember from his Deadshot miniseries most of all, but the guy is a good writer. For a little background, the guy has written for several high profile television series such as Law and Order: SVU and Numbers, and has done a ton of work in the comic field lately. He keeps the pace of the book running, and throws enough twist and turns that I found myself doubting what I had read before. Let’s put it this way, I found myself wanting to yell at the book about how he left something coming that was too transparent and cheesy for the reader, and then on the next page I found out I was wrong. I was so wrong, and glad to be. Heroes are heroes, even if they are flawed. Villains are villains, though they attempt to humanize themselves. And Christos keeps this world turning and makes this book a highly recommended read if you are a graphic novel/crime novel fan.

Artist

I was not really familiar with Chris Samnee before this, though I am now going to have to find out what he has drawn before. The black and white setting in the graphic novel gave his pencils a Mike McKone figure dynamic look and a Paul Gulacy shading look. I’m not a great artistic evaluator, but I appreciate the talent of Samnee, and he makes the title strong artistically as well. The shading and textures fit the crime noir setting well and his characters are highly recognizable throughout the novel. Definitely going to check out what else he has done to see if anything trips my fancy.

JAMS Ink

My thoughts on this were “Dang, I am glad I ordered this!” The story is good and not too over-the-top, the art is really good, and the twists, turns, and subtle nuances that Christos provides make this graphic novel really good. DC Vertigo Crime has done a good job of pairing excellent writers and artist that fit the style of these hardcover releases. And as much as I thought I would complain about the size of the books being smaller than my trades, I enjoy the size as it’s easier to carry and the art has still translated well. It reminds me of the digest sizes that the companies would release every once and a while. For twenty bucks, this is well worth the money, and I’ll be reviewing some more of the Vertigo Crime titles coming up. If you would like to check this book out, grab it here at Amazon or at your neighborhood comic book store if they have it.

Jam Movie Reviews
http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com
www.hollywoodteenzine.com

Alvin and the Chipmunks - The Squeakquel

Alvin and the Chipmunks – The Squeakquel: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment DVD
Review by JAM

Who would have thought that three little woodland creatures could have become the worldwide sensations that they are today. Alvin (Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Grey Gubler), and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) ended up walking into Dave Seville’s (Jason Lee) life, and his world was never the same.

The Squeakquel picks up after the original movie as Alvin and the boys prepare to enter high school, fresh off of a benefit concert in Paris in which Dave ends up with the typical cartoon injury with body cast, prolonged hospital visit, and all. So the guardianship for this movie is passed along to another family member, Aunt Jackie (Kathryn Joosten) who conveniently takes the wheelchair stairway plunge and ends up in the hospital herself. Enter cousin Toby (Zachary Levi who is seriously awesome in his weekly gig as Chuck on NBC). Needless to say, Toby’s strengths of character do not involve raising kids, chipmunks, or probably even plants.

High school starts and the chipmunks are the new hot things as they take over the school much to the chagrin of the big men on campus, the football team. Normal teen family dramatic hijinks abound as the brothers’ relationship is tested, Simon and Theodore are picked on, Alvin screws up an important event, etcetera. The Chipettes also make their way into the Sqeakquel as Brittany (Christina Applegate), Jeanette (Anna Faris), and Eleanor (Amy Poehler) make their way to the Chipmunks old boss Ian (David Cross) and get dragged into their own challenges. In the end, all is well and full of singing and dancing as the Chipmunks and the Chipettes have all become one big happy family.
JAMS Ink on Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

My little girl loved this, as I expected. The funny thing is, I kinda did too. I grew up with the cartoon and enjoyed the adventures of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, and later when they added Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor as well. Each of them usually had the same plot outline, Alvin does something that gets everyone in some kind of trouble, Simon figures something out only he could, and Theodore is the emotional rock of the group keeping them strong, even if he always seemed the weakest. This movie had much of the same feeling as the older cartoon episodes and it made the movie that much better.

The inclusion of the Chipettes made the movie more fun for the little girls out there. It is kind of weird watching animated chipmunks dancing to Beyonce’s Single Ladies but that’s probably because I have seen everyone from the Jonas Brothers to Justin Timberlake doing that dance. They’ve always been an interesting foil to the brothers as each of them tends to have the personality traits that match the trios up, but they each bring something new to the mix as well. So if I were to guess, we may be seeing more of these fuzzy little critters running around again, and I would like to think that that is okay with me.

Zach Levi is my new go-to guy for comedy I think. A long time ago, it used to be Dana Carvey and/or Mike Myers, then Jason Biggs, followed by Jackie Chan (he may play the straight guy, but his movies were funny). I feel this way mainly due to Chuck which has become one of my favorite shows (along with Castle). And in this part he may have overplayed some, but he comes off as an everyman type guy in whatever role he plays. And I appreciate it and enjoy his brand of comedy.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is an enjoyable return to characters that have shared our lives for many years. This fun filled DVD comes Highly Recommended from JAMMovieReviews and HollywoodTeenZine.

Extras

As I only received the basic DVD copy, my reviews of the extras are going to be fairly disappointing, but I have included a listing of the extras that are included on both the two-disc set and the Blu-Ray edition. The standard DVD did have the Munk Music Machine included which is a collection of the musical scenes throughout the movie. It was a fun extra for the daughter who loves to sing and dance, and loved to do that along with the Chipmunks and Chipettes. The other extra included was Music Mania which was a making-of type featurette on the final scene from the movie, highlighting the talent groups along with the cast and crew. Good addition as well. There look to be a ton of extras on the other sets, so you might want to take a look at them if you like the additions to the film.

Bonus features are listed in the press release that follows:

The Official Press Release from Warner Home Video

THE BIGGEST SQUEAKIN’ FAMILY
EVENT OF THE YEAR ON BLU-RAY & DVD



The Blockbuster Squeakquel Arrives Now With Over An Hour More of Music, Dancing and Chipmunk Fun With The All New “Squeak-Along” Bonus Content on March 30

LOS ANGELES, CA. (February 9, 2010) – The box office smash hit Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel sings and shakes its way to Blu-ray Disc/DVD Combo Pack, “Squeak-Along” double DVD, and DVD Single Disc March 30th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. A follow-up to 2007’s Alvin and the Chipmunks, Chipmunk singing sensations Alvin, Simon and Theodore are back for an encore in this hilarious “squeakquel” packed with over an hour more of music. The Squeak-Along bonus content includes new sing-alongs such as Beyonce’s “Single Ladies,” teaches audiences how to dance like the Chipmunks with the “Shake Your Groove Thing” dance instructional video, games and more nutty fun for the whole family!

When a concert mishap lands Dave in the hospital, the Chipmunks take a break from superstardom and enroll in school to fit in with kids their age. But they soon face some stiff competition when they meet the Chipettes — a beautiful, talented trio of chipmunks discovered by Ian, the boys’ evil ex-manager!

From director Betty Thomas (Dr. Dolittle), the heartwarming film stars Golden Globe® nominee* Jason Lee (“My Name Is Earl”), Emmy Award® winner** David Cross (“Arrested Development”) and Zachary Levi (“Chuck”), and features vocal talent from franchise veterans Justin Long (He’s Just Not That Into You), Matthew Gray Gubler (500 Days of Summer) and actor-pop heartthrob Jesse McCartney (Alvin and the Chipmunks). Newcomers Christina Applegate (“Samantha Who”), Anna Faris (The House Bunny) and Amy Poehler (“Saturday Night Live”) lend their voices to the musically talented Chipettes as Brittany, Jeanette and Eleanor, respectively.

The hit soundtrack to the Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel features The Chipmunks and The Chipettes covering some of today’s top hits and classic tracks as well as original songs including “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” “Hot N Cold,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and “I Gotta Feeling.” The album is certified gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500,000 and has reached #1 on the Billboard Top Soundtrack chart and #6 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart.

The Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack includes a high definition Blu-ray version of the film, and all hilarious bonus features from the Squeak-Along Bonus Disc including Sing-Alongs, Chipmunk Adventures, Munk Music Machine, Meet the Chipettes, Meet The Rising Stars, Music Mania, Shake Your Groove Thing, Music Videos, a Live Lookup featurette, and much more. The pack also includes a Digital Copy and a standard DVD.

Featuring more entertainment for the whole family, the “Squeak-Along” double DVD pack features an all-new bonus disc with over an hour of added Chipmunks Sing-alongs, music videos, featurettes and much more.

The Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel will also be available in a single disc with two featurettes – Munk Music Machine and Music Mania.

For more Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel fun, go to www.MunkYourself.com now to create your own munk! The website will include many new updates that are sure to make you party like a munk-star, including 2 brand-new games -- "Dance to the Beat" and "Munk Mic" -- as well as the ability to generate a munked audio-recording of your voice which can be downloaded as a ringtone.

Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Special Features:
Disc One
● Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel Blu-ray
● Munking History: 50 Years of Chipmunk Mischief, Mayhem & Music
● Munk Music Machine
● Meet the Chipettes
● Rockin’ Rising Stars
● Music Mania
● Meet the Stuffies
● Shake Your Groove Thing! with Rosero
● Music Videos & Sing-Alongs “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” “We Are Family,” “Shake Your Groove Thing”
● Music Videos: (“You Really Got Me” featuring Honor Society & “The Song” featuring Queensberry)
● A-l-v-i-n-n-n-n!!! Album Maker
● Live Lookup
● Music In A Nutshell: Song Trivia
● The Chipmunks: Behind the Squeaking
● A-NUT-omy of a Scene
Disc Two
● Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel feature film
Disc Three
● Digital Copy

“Squeak-Along” Double DVD
Disc One
● Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel Blu-ray
● Munk Music Machine
● Music Mania

Disc Two
● Munking History : 50 Years of Chipmunk Mischief, Mayhem & Music
● Meet the Chipettes
● Rockin’ Rising Stars
● Chipmunks: Behind the Squeaking
● A-NUT-omy of a Scene
● Meet the Stuffies
● Shake Your Groove Thing! With Rosero
● Music Videos & Sing-Along (“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”, “We Are Family,” “Shake Your Groove Thing”

Single-Disc DVD Special Features
● Munk Music Machine
● Music Mania Featurette
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment DVD and Blu-Ray rises onto shelves on March 30, 2010. Sing along as you grab a copy today.

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at www.hollywoodteenzine.com for teens and tweens, and at www.jammoviereviews.blogspot.com for movies of all genres and ages.

John Deere Earth Mover Action out on April 13th!

John Deere – Earth Mover Action: TM Books & Video DVD Edition
Review by JAM



Football, fighter jets, and heavy machinery, John Deere has everything your little guy would want in this DVD. Educational and fun, your child’s eyes will be glued to the set watching the Dozers, Front-end Loaders, Excavators, Articulated Dump Trucks, and more. Oh yeah, and the great Big Rock Candy Mountain makes a delectable appearance too.

Through the use of song, play toys, and the real machinery, John Deere puts the fun back into learning as earth movers work on dirt, snow, pulling, digging, and demolishing whatever needs to be taken care of. There are focuses on the new John Deere 764 four track Dozers, Backhoes, Graders, and more as this 40 minute DVD seems to be packed with much more information, but rolls smoothly through a number of pieces of John Deere Machinery. Your future construction manager will love this DVD, not realizing he is learning at the same time he is loving the big machinery!

No Extras included, but check out this DVD if your little one loves to build and imagine construction in his future. Dig in for a great experience with your child and pick this up on April 13th 2010 from TM Books & Videos at www.tmbv.com.

Sherlock Holmes: Warner Home Video DVD

Sherlock Holmes: Warner Home Video DVD
Review by JAM

For fans of action-filled, intellectual movies, Sherlock Holmes fits the bill. Robert Downey and Jude Law form a new version of the classic team of Holmes and Watson with an eccentric twist. Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) is a diabolical genius with seeming ties to the supernatural and powers beyond that of mortal men. As he rises from the dead to terrorize London once more, Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) must once again team together to save their reputations, their lives, and their country from one of the most difficult cases and villains they have ever faced. With the help of a lost and wayward former love of Holmes’, Miss Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) who hinders as much as helps, Holmes and Watson stand triumphant at the end, though the future presents its own challenges as a well-known adversary waits in the shadows.

Action and special effects abound as the supernatural crosses the genius level intellect of Holmes, sending him on a crash course into near madness. Add in the distance created between him and his best (and possibly only) friend Watson and Holmes seems to face his greatest challenge alone, falling into madness. Both Watson and Irene Adler join him to pull him from his madness and show the “supernatural” to not be as scary and mystical as it seems.

Thoughts on Sherlock Holmes

I have to be honest. I’m not the biggest Robert Downey Jr. fan. Yeah, he was great as Iron Man, but he was playing as close to an autobiographical character as possible it seemed. And the only Jude Law movies I remember seeing was AI where he was a stiff robot and Enemy at the Gates in which I was focused on Rachel Weiss. But I truly enjoyed Sherlock Holmes, and maybe (just maybe) I have to give those two a chance in other movies. Robert Downey Jr. controlled the character of Holmes, never overacting and never letting the character control him and Jude Law gave a strong rendition of Watson that stole the show some. Seeing him on a nearly even playing field in his interactions with Holmes was refreshing. And Rachel McAdams was SOOOO underused and her character leant an interesting twist to the entire plot, being both a help and hindrance to Holmes. I have heard that a sequel has already been planned, and I only hope that Irene Adler makes her presence known once again, hopefully on the side of the angels against the evil machinations of Professor Moriarty.

A few friends of mine have complained about the “purity” of Sherlock Holmes not being respected in this movie. To that I have to say, enjoy the movie for what it was. Holmes was still the smartest man in the room, even if he seemed a bit crazed. Watson was still the loyal doctor, even if he seemed the strong one in the partnership. Irene Adler was the woman who captured Holmes’ heart, even if a criminal past was highlighted. It was made to be a fun and intellectual action movie and it succeeds in being a fun and intellectual action movie.

Sherlock Holmes from Warner Home Video is a powerfully kinetic return to a character that known and loved by all. This action packed DVD comes Highly Recommended from JAMMovieReviews and HollywoodTeenZine.

Extras

Alright, I truly wish I had the Blu-Ray to review, because look at the extras included in the press release that follows. As much as I am drooling over the extras I did not have to review, I must admit that the feature included on the Standard DVD version is pretty awesome. The quote that this is not your grandfather’s Sherlock Holmes is right, but it seems like the decisions and changes they made were actually for good reasons, and in my opinion worked to make the film enjoyable. It is interesting that they feel that it is closer to the source material than many of the previous movies, especially since people’s complaints have focused on the changes from the previous movies. It is interesting to hear the thoughts of the director, producers, actors and more on the design of this character, and I think it enhances the movie experience.

Oh yeah, and the preview for Clash of the Titans looks AMAZING!!!!! The Clint Eastwood Collection is also previewed for 35 years and films of one of our greatest actors ever. It may have come out in February, but go ahead, make your day! And the Blu-Ray release of The Lord of the Rings trilogy just makes Sherlock Holmes almost worth buying for just the trailers.

Bonus features are listed in the press release that follows:

The Official Press Release from Warner Home Video

WITNESS THE REIMAGINING OF THE CLASSIC STORY AS
SHERLOCK HOLMES
ARRIVES ONTO BLU-RAY COMBO PACK AND DVD
MARCH 30th FROM
WARNER HOME VIDEO

Robert Downey, Jr. stars as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary detective

Also available ON DEMAND on March 30

Join the wild search for the ultimate clue when Sherlock Holmes arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD March 30th from Warner Home Video. In this gritty, never before seen look at the London underworld, Robert Downey Jr. takes us beyond the legendary reputation of the brilliant sleuth and puts his spin on the quick-witted, bare-knuckled detective, Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock Holmes, with the aid of his trusted ally Dr. John Watson, is unequaled in his pursuit of criminals. He employs his own quirky and unique (albeit at times unconventional), methods to get to the heart of a case, traveling where no one else would think to go to find what others cannot see...
But now a storm is gathering, a threat unlike anything that Holmes has ever confronted. After a string of ritualistic murders, Holmes and Watson arrive just in time to save the latest victim and uncover the killer: Lord Blackwood. As he approaches his scheduled hanging, Blackwood warns Holmes that death has no power over him, and when that prediction comes true, London and Scotland Yard are left confounded. But to Holmes, the game is afoot. Racing to stop Blackwood's deadly plot, Holmes and Watson plunge into a world of the dark arts and new technologies, where logic is sometimes the best crime-fighting weapon.
From Director Guy Ritchie (Snatch, RocknRolla), Sherlock Holmes stars Academy Award™ nominee Robert Downey, Jr. (Iron Man series, Chaplin, Tropic Thunder), Academy Award™ nominee Jude Law (The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus), Rachel McAdams (Wedding Crashers, The Notebook) and Mark Strong (Body of Lies, RocknRolla, Syriana).
The Sherlock Holmes Blu-ray disc features the immersive Maximum Movie Mode, which includes walk-ons by director Guy Ritchie, eight focus points, 60 minutes of Picture-in-Picture commentary and BD-Live connectivity. Additional exciting BD-Live content will be announced in the coming weeks. On March 30th, Sherlock Holmes will also be available ON DEMAND through Digital Cable, Satellite TV, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 game consoles and it can be downloaded for rental or purchase on iTunes and Amazon Video On Demand.

SYNOPSIS
Sherlock Holmes has made his reputation finding the truth at the heart of the most complex mysteries. With the aid of Dr. John Watson, his trusted ally, the renowned "consulting detective" is unequaled in his pursuit of criminals of every stripe, whether relying on his singular powers of observation, his remarkable deductive skills, or the blunt force of his fists.
But now a storm is gathering over London, a threat unlike anything that Holmes has ever confronted...and just the challenge he's looking for.
After a string of brutal, ritualistic murders, Holmes and Watson arrive just in time to save the latest victim and uncover the killer: the unrepentant Lord Blackwood. As he approaches his scheduled hanging, Blackwood--who has terrorized inmates and jailers alike with his seeming connection to dark and powerful forces--warns Holmes that death has no power over him and, in fact, his execution plays right into Blackwood's plans.
And when, by all indications, Blackwood makes good on his promise, his apparent resurrection panics London and confounds Scotland Yard. But to Holmes, the game is afoot.
Racing to stop Blackwood's deadly plot, Holmes and Watson plunge into a world of the dark arts and startling new technologies, where logic is sometimes the best crime-fighting weapon...but where a good right hook will often do the job.
DVD ELEMENTS

Standard Edition:
o "Sherlock Holmes: Reinvented" (TRT 16:17) - Together, Guy Ritchie and Robert Downey Jr. have reinvented Sherlock Holmes. See how these two reinterpret the master sleuth and how Downey prepares for the role and why his Thespian approach takes this classic character to levels never depicted before.

Blu-ray Disc:
o "Sherlock Holmes: Reinvented" (TRT 16:17) - Together, Guy Ritchie and Robert Downey Jr. have reinvented Sherlock Holmes. See how these two reinterpret the master sleuth and how Downey prepares for the role and why his Thespian approach takes this classic character to levels never depicted before.
o Maximum Movie Mode (TRT Feature Length)
 Director Walk-Ons
 8 Focus Points
 60 mins of PIP
 Still Galleries
 Storyboard Comparisons
 Timeline
o SD Feature Film
o Digital Copy on Disc (WMV and iTunes files)
o BD-Live: Sherlock Holmes Soundtrack piece
-- more –
BASICS

PRODUCT SRP
Single disc Amaray (WS) $ 28.98
Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray Disc + DVD + Digital Copy) $ 35.99

Standard Street Date: March 30, 2010
DVD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French
DVD Subtitles: ESDH, Latin Spanish, Canadian French
Blu-ray Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese
Blu-ray Subtitles: ESDH, Latin Spanish, Canadian French, Brazilian Portuguese
Running Time: 128 minutes
Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, some startling images and a scene of suggestive material.)
DLBY/SURR DLBY/DGTL [CC]


Sherlock Holmes from Warner Home Video DVD and Blu-Ray rises onto shelves on March 30, 2010. Sleuth around and find the action you have been looking for in Sherlock Holmes.

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at www.hollywoodteenzine.com for teens and tweens, and at www.jammoviereviews.blogspot.com for movies of all genres and ages.

Twilight Saga: New Moon from Summit Entertainment

To check out our full review from March 23, click here to go to the HollywoodTeenZine review.







Twilight: New Moon: Summit Entertainment Two Disc Special Edition
Review by JAM

One of the most anticipated of the year has finally made its way to the shelves of your local stores on DVD and Blu-ray as Twilight: New Moon has finally been released. The fantasy/romance epic continues with the second chapter of the continuing relationship between Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), the immortal vampire.

New Moon starts with a sullen Bella fearing growing older, having just reached her eighteenth birthday and having dreamt of her old wrinkled future next to an eternally young Edward. Edward attempts to reassure her and dissuade her from her addictive need to join his family through his bite, and even leaves her life seemingly forever in order to save her from himself, herself, and their enemies. The problem is, as in most teen dramas, the emotional decisions we make often come back to bite us, no pun intended. Victoria (Rachelle Lafevre), Edward’s nemesis, is keeping tabs on the love of his life in order to destroy him emotionally, and Edward’s idea of staying away to protect Bella actually plays completely into her hands. Thank goodness for Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner who got completely ripped for this role) who slides into the role as her protector with Edward gone, not knowing that big surprises are in store for all of them in the near future.

Those big surprises lead to a hairy predicament as Jacob reaches his potential as a giant hairy werewolf member of his tribe, who are the sworn enemies of the vampires. With the Cullen family gone, there are no major issues as the werewolves work on hunting the rogue vamps Victoria and Laurent, even ripping Laurent to pieces when Bella is threatened. Victoria is still a problem as she is still hunting the townspeople, even causing a heart attack to one of the elders as she tracks Bella down. Luckily Jacob is there to save Bella from herself once again as her attempt to call Edward back to her backfires and nearly causes her death by either the ocean or Victoria. Jacob pulls her out, saves her from the possible attack from Victoria, and resuscitates her.

Feeling the closeness growing between herself and Jacob, Bella is surprised to find that at least one of the Cullen’s has returned. It’s Alice (Ashley Greene), Edward’s sister having returned following one of her visions. After some harsh words between the “wet dog” Jacob and the bloodsucker Alice, Jacob answers a call for Bella from the long gone Edward, telling him that Charlie (Billy Burke), Bella’s father is busy planning a funeral. Edward of course thinks that Bella is gone and prepares to find a way to end his own existence. As Bella and Alice race to save Edward, the Volturi put the impromptu family through the paces of various vampiric powers, all of which Bella seems immune from. After a promise from Alice that she has seen Bella turned in the future, the Volturi let them go and they return to Forks together. Bella convinces the family that she deserves and desires the chance to join their family, but Edward is still reluctant. During a confrontation with Jacob, we find out why as Jacob reminds him that any bite of a human will break the treaty and open war between them. The movie ends with Edward promising the change, but only if Bella marries him first.

Thoughts on New Moon

Throughout the movie, this malaise seems to infect Bella as she seems lost and adrift even before Edward leaves in order to keep her safe (or so he thinks). It is interesting to see the dichotomy of relationships between Bella and the loves of her life, Jacob and Edward. It seems Edward ruins her life in so many ways, yet he holds her heart in his hands. Jacob on the other hand seems to be her knight in furry armor that is the constant she needs, but not in the hot-blooded romantic way. Having not read the books, I am looking forward to seeing what happens between Bella and Jacob still. Taylor Lautner brought an amazing intensity to his role, especially having heard that he almost lost the role as the skinny young boy he was. Well, he listened to the critics and buffed himself up for this second movie and brought some teeth to the role.

Another plot point that seems to be heading to a boil is the tenuous treaty between the wolves and the vampires. Once again, not knowing what coming is making me interested in what is to come. The special effects that were in use in New Moon were amazing whether during wolf/vampire fights or vampire actions, and I’m looking forward to what is to come in the next.

Can I just say that seeing Dakota Fanning as an evil vampire was interesting. To me, she will always be the little girl from movie roles from long ago and now she is an evil vampire who thrives on dealing psychic pain to others as evidenced by her attack on Edward. Oddly enough, Bella is immune to her vampiric charms, which probably will mean something in the next movie, which of course I can’t wait to see. It will be interesting on how I view Dakota after that movie as well.

Twilight: New Moon from Summit Entertainment Two Disc Special Edition is a fantastic blend of romance and action packed horror and comes Highly Recommended from JAMMovieReviews and HollywoodTeenZine.

Extras

The DVD includes an amazing amount of extra power packed into just three categories. First is the audio commentary that is connected to the movie. Director Chris Weitz and Editor Peter Lambert combine to reveal insights into the movie in this section. The second disc imports an awesome documentary collection called The Journey Continues which has six parts documenting the transitions into the new film, changes in lives post-Twilight, and production shoots. Each of these sections will be discussed a little below. Also included are four music videos for Death Cab for Cutie, Anya Marina, Mutemath, and rehearsal footage of Muse.

Bonus Features include:

Audio Commentary with Director Chris Weitz and Editor Peter Lambert

The Journey Continues – 6 part documentary
Part One – Life After Twilight – shows insight into the phenomenon that Twilight had become for these actors, who all seem very excited to share this with each other. I loved the fact that the majority of this section seemed to be shot at the San Diego Comic Con, a haven for the sci-fi/fantasy lovers like myself. Actually I’m a comic book geek, I can admit it, but now it has become trendy due to movies like Twilight and Iron Man which have caught the attention of the masses. It was interesting to hear how things have changed for the young adults involved in this picture.

Part Two – Chris Weitz Takes the Helm – insight into the director of the New Moon. I remember some issues after the first movie with director changes and things behind the scene, but they found the right person for the job this time. Chris showed his enthusiasm throughout this section, especially when the topic of a secret letter that was given to the cast members is discussed. It sounds like he took the time to thank and write about his excitement and enjoyment of working with this cast.
Part Three – The Subtle Details – a discussion on costuming and production design.

Part Four – A Look at Production – the meat and potatoes of the extras, this is a discussion of multiple scenes from the movie, full of various issues they faced during filming, how they set up shots, mother nature controlling their timing, and a variety of insights into the actual filming of this project. Scenes include motorcycle scenes involving the unloading and riding, cliff diving scenes, fight scenes, and transformation scenes for Jacob. Oh yeah, Chris Weitz even directs the cliff diving scene in a wetsuit! Definitely worth the time to check out.

Part Five – It’s Not Magic – a look at the special effects that made this movie pop on-screen from vampire speed to the building of the wolves.

Part Six – Ready for the World – editing, score, and sound. A true insight into the final transformation of the movie.

Music Videos
Death Cab for Cutie – “Meet Me on the Equinox”
Anya Marina – “Satellite Heart”
Mutemath – “Spotlight”
Rehearsal footage for Muse – “I Belong to You”


Twilight: New Moon from Summit Entertainment Two Disc Special Edition sneaks onto shelves on March 23, 2010. Grab your copy, but keep the lights on! The vamps are out tonight!

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at http://www.hollywoodteenzine.com/ for teens and tweens, and at http://www.jammoviereviews.blogspot.com/ for movies of all genres and ages.

Fantasic Mr Fox: – 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment DVD Edition

Fantasic Mr Fox: – 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment DVD Edition
Review by JAM

What does a man do when he feels that his career defines him? Even better, what does a fox do? From the children’s novel by Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, comes the stop-motion animated masterpiece Fantastic Mr. Fox.

While on a squab raid, Fox (voiced by George Clooney) and his wife Felicity (Meryl Streep) are caught in a fox trap that leads Felicity to share the news that she is pregnant and at the same time she requests a promise from Fox that if they do survive, she wants him to leave his career as a thief.

Flash forward to two years later and Fox has become a family man with a job as a newspaper columnist, living in a hole with his wife and son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) while always dreaming of something more. Wanting to break free from the underground lifestyle, Fox takes a chance on a better home against the advice of his lawyer Badger (Bill Murray), mainly because his lawyer knows that the tempting view may soon affect Fox. You see, the Fox’s new home lies right in view of the three enormous farms of Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. And this temptation is far too great for Mr. Fox. Before the temptation is acted upon, Felicity’s seemingly perfect nephew Kristofferson (Eric Chase Anderson) joins the family, causing more strife within the foxhole, or fox home.

Ignoring reason, common sense, and the previous warning from his wife, Fox and his new opossum buddy Kylie (Wallace Wolodarsky) scheme to make a grab at each of the farms, successfully each time which causes the farmers to seek revenge. Revenge involves the stalking of the Fox home and a barrage of bullets that only succeed in removing the tail from Fox’s back end. Quickly escaping down a freshly dug foxhole, Fox and the family avoid the farmer’s revenge but only serve to anger them more. The rest of the movie involves the quest for the farmers’ revenge versus Fox’s realization of how much he screwed up, not just for his family but for the rest of the woodland creatures who lost their homes during this feud. Suffice to say that all ends well for our family of furry friends, but for the full story you will just have to check out the movie.

Stop motion animation is often fun and different to watch, and the Fantastic Mr. Fox is no different as the movie has the feel of an anthropomorphic fantasy land in which the animals reign supreme in the daily fight against the human oppressors. If you are a fan of Mr. Dahl’s books or of Coraline and Corpse Bride, then this movie may be an enjoyable escape for you into a land of thievery and trickery, where a boy finds his worth in the least likely of places and a father finds that his life’s meaning doesn’t have to be defined by others.

Extras

The following extras are included on this DVD. From Script to Screen takes us on a quick ride through the production process of this film, Still Life (Puppet Animation) shows insight into the puppet design and the animation itself. A Beginners Guide to Whack-Bat gives us a show of the rules behind the game that Fox and his friends play in the movie. I’ll be honest, I’m still confused from this one. And finally the Theatrical Trailer is included as well.

Bonus Features include:

From Script to Screen
Still Life (Puppet Animation)
A Beginners Guide to Whack-Bat
Theatrical Trailer

Fantastic Mr. Fox from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment digs its way onto shelves on DVD and Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack on March 23, 2010. Get your furry paws on a copy of this one soon!