Disney races MCFARLAND, USA (review)

Kevin Costner stars in this inspiring true story as a football coach who moves to a predominantly Latino community and a school with a terrible football time.  Noticing how fast the boys in his P.E. class can run, he proposes establishing a Cross Country team.  Facing understandable skepticism, he inspires his students and the community starts to rally around the team, but he discovers that coaching a team does not stop after the school bell.

REVIEW LINK: Walt Disney Home Entertainment (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVDCompare)

MCFARLAND USA Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 2.35:1 widescreen
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English Descriptive Audio Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo; Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1; Thai Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo
• "McFarland Memories"
• "Inspiring McFarland"
• Deleted and Extended Scenes
• Trailer
• Previews

Well Go USA swings a SWORD OF VENGEANCE (review)

In the devastating aftermath of "The Harrowing" when William the Conqueror ordered the mass slaughter of Northern England's Saxon population, the Shadow Walker wreaks vengeance upon the Earl of Durant and leads the Saxons in a bloody revolt; but what are his true motives?

REVIEW LINK: Well Go USA (US) Region A Blu-ray (DVDCompare)

SWORD OF VENGEANCE Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 2.40:1 widescreen
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo
• Optional English SDH subtitles
• Interview with producers Rupert Preston and Huberta von Liel
• Interview with director Jim Weedon
• Behind the Scenes
• Trailer
• Previews

Blue Underground takes aim at MAN, PRIDE, AND VENGEANCE (review)

Franco Nero and Tina Aumont star in this spaghetti western take on Prosper Merimee's "Carmen" from director Luigi Bazzoni (THE FIFTH CORD).  Stripped of his rank after allowing Carmen to escape, soldier Jose becomes obsessed with the gypsy and commits murder to possess her.  Becoming an outlaw and falling in with a gang run by Carmen's husband, Jose plots a daring gold heist in hopes of escaping to America with Carmen; but is she only setting him up to take the fall?

REVIEW LINK: Blue Underground (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

MAN, PRIDE AND VENGEANCE Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 2.35:1 widescreen
• English and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 mono
• Optional English SDH, English (for the Italian track), French, and Spanish subtitles
• Interview with actor Franco Nero and camera operator Vittorio Storaro
• International Trailer
• Italian Trailer
• Photo and Still Gallery

Twilight Time worships ZARDOZ (review)

Sean Connery stars in the arty science fiction epic ZARDOZ as Zed, an Exterminator on the Outlands who keeps the Brutals in check.  Transported to the Vortex, he discovers that his overlords are the psychic and immortal Eternals who live lives of leisure and boredom.  Charlotte Rampling also stars.  Directed by John Boorman (EXCALIBUR, DELIVERANCE).

REVIEW LINK: Twilight Time (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

ZARDOZ Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 2.35:1 widescreen
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
• Optional English SDH subtitles
• Audio Commentary by director John Boorman
• Audio Commentary by film historians Jeff Bond, Joe Fordham, and Nick Redman
• Isolated Music Score (in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0)
• Theatrical Trailer
• Radio Spots
• Liner Notes by Julie Kirgo

Vinegar Syndrome tracks THE CUT-THROATS (review)

In this oddball WWII quickie from John Hayes (GRAVE OF THE VAMPIRE), a military unit infiltrate a German country club in search of war intelligence and instead find willing wenches instead.

REVIEW LINK: Vinegar Syndrome (US) Region 0 NTSC DVD (DVD Drive-in)

THE CUT-THROATS DVD specs:

• 16:9 anamorphic 1.78:1 widescreen
• English Dolby Digital 1.0
• Still Gallery
• Theatrical Trailer

More Vinegar Syndrome reviews at Update the Tags: Vinegar Syndrome.

Second Run DVD unveils POLISH CINEMA CLASSICS VOLUME 3 (review)

Second Run DVD's third volume of Polish Cinema Classics includes three comic and chilling masterworks about life in the shadow of communism.  In THE CRUISE, a boat trip down the Vistula River turns into a parody of the People's Republic.  In CAMOUFLAGE, a young professor comes under the sinister influence of an older colleague as becomes mixed up in the petty corruption of academia.  In SHIVERS, a boy enters the Polish Youth Association camp and is bullied until he stumbles upon ways to fit in that may cost him his spiritual freedom.

REVIEW LINK: Second Run DVD (UK) Region 0 PAL DVD (DVDBeaver)

POLISH CINEMA CLASSICS VOLUME III DVD specs:

• The Cruise (Rejs):
• 16:9 anamorphic 1.78:1 widescreen
• Polish Dolby Digital 5.1 and 1.0 mono
• Optional English subtitles
• Liner Notes Booklet by Daniel Bird
• Camouflage (Barwy ochronne):
• 16:9 anamorphic 1.66:1 widescreen
• Polish Dolby Digital 5.1 and  1.0 mono
• Optional English subtitles
• Interview with director Krzysztof Zanussi
• Liner Notes Booklet by Michal Oleszczyk
• Shivers (Dreszcze): 
• 4:3 non-anamorphic 1.42:1 letterbox
• Polish Dolby Digital 5.1 and 1.0 mono
• Optional English subtitles
• Interview with director Wojciech Marczewski
• Liner Notes Booklet by Michael Brooke

More Second Run DVD reviews at Update the Tags: Second Run DVD.

Vinegar Syndrome drives FAST CARS FAST WOMEN and pilots STARSHIP EROS (review)

In this duo of hardcore quickies from former stuntman Scott McHaley, racing babes investigate deadly sabotage in FAST CARS FAST WOMEN and Commander Venus pilots STARSHIP EROS in search of the horny Amazoids.

REVIEW LINK: Vinegar Syndrome (US) Region 0 NTSC DVD (DVD Drive-in)

FAST CARS FAST WOMEN/STARSHIP EROS DVD specs:

• Fast Cars Fast Women:
• 16:9 anamorphic 1.78:1 widescreen
• English Dolby Digital 1.0 mono
• Softcore Outtakes
• Theatrical Trailer
• Starship Eros: 
• 16:9 anamorphic 1.78:1 widescreen
• English Dolby Digital 1.0 mono
• Introduction by producer Wesley Emerson

More Vinegar Syndrome reviews at Update the Tags: Vinegar Syndrome.

Omnibus Entertainment meets MY MISTRESS (review)

When he finds out his mother is having an affair and his father hangs himself, young suburban rebel Charlie becomes drawn to the enigmatic French neighbor who turns out to be a dominatrix. Guaranteeing his discretion, he secures a job as her gardener and they enter in a relationship in which they seek to help each other with their inner pain in this Australian coming of age drama.

REVIEW LINK: Omnibus Entertainment (US) Region 1 NTSC DVD (DVDBeaver)

MY MISTRESS DVD specs:

• 16:9 anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen
• English Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 stereo
• English Closed Captioning
• Behind the Scenes
• Theatrical Trailer
• Additional Trailers

LionsGate advertises ROOMMATE WANTED (review)

"Misery seeks company" in this hysterical of an odd couple of roommates - studious Janie and slutty Dee - whose competition for a fifty thousand dollar offer to donate eggs turns their home into a warzone.

REVIEW LINK: LionsGate (US) Region 1 NTSC DVD (DVDCompare)

ROOMMATE WANTED DVD specs:

• 16:9 anamorphic 1.78:1 widescreen
• English Dolby Digital 5.1
• Optional English and Spanish subtitles
• English Closed Captioning
• Trailer
• UltraViolet Copy

Vinegar Syndrome is hunted by MADMAN (review)

The eighties slasher sleeper classic MADMAN hits Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome.  The legend of Madman Marz has terrified campers at the North Sea Cottages camp for gifted children for generations.  When one brazen kid challenges the mad killer to come and get him, the counselors start to vanish one by one.  Starring Gaylen Ross of DAWN OF THE DEAD.

REVIEW LINK: Vinegar Syndrome (US) Region ALL Blu-ray/Region 0 NTSC DVD (DVD Drive-in)

MADMAN Blu-ray/DVD combo specs:

• Blu-ray:
• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.78:1 widescreen
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 mono
• DVD: 
• 16:9 anamorphic 1.78:1 widescreen
• English Dolby Digital 1.0 mono
• Audio Commentary by director Joe Giannone, producer Gary Sales, and actors Paul Ehlers and Tony Fish
• Audio Commentary by The Hysteria Continues!
• Optional Introduction by producer Gary Sales
• "Madman: Alive at 35!" featurette with Gary Sales, Paul Ehlers, and Tom Candela
• "The Legend Still Lives" 90 minute retrospective documentary
• Deadpit Interview with Gary Sales
• Deadpit Interview with Paul Ehlers
• The Early Career of Gary Sales
• In Memorium
• Music Inspired by MADMAN
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spots
• Still & Artwork Gallery

More Vinegar Syndrome reviews at Update the Tags: Vinegar Syndrome.

Wild Eye Releasing resurrects JONAH LIVES (review)

In this slasher throwback, six kids spending a Friday night in a basement decide to have some fun with a genuine Ouija board.  Making contact with the ghost of a murdered man named Jonah, they call him back from the grave as a zombie who stalks them one by one.

REVIEW LINK: Wild Eye Releasing (US) Region 0 NTSC DVD (DVDCompare)

JONAH LIVES DVD specs:

• 16:9 anamorphic 2.35:1 widescreen
• English Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo
• Behind the Scenes
• Behind the Scenes with Brinke Stevens
• Teaser
• Trailer
• Wild Eye Releasing Trailers

Arc Entertainment gets slashed by THE BARBER (review)

Scott Glenn (SILENCE OF THE LAMBS) stars as a man living respectably as a small town barber until he is confronted by a young man who believes him to be a serial killer from a twenty year old case.  The young man doesn't want expose him, however, he wants to learn from him.

REVIEW LINK: Arc Entertainment (US) Region A Blu-ray (DVDCompare)

THE BARBER Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 2.35:1 widescreen
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
• Optional English SDH subtitles
• Alternate Ending
• Deleted Scenes
• Extended Scenes
• Trailer

Scream Factory stalks SCARECROWS (review)

"Trespassers will be violated" in the grisly eighties sleeper SCARECROWS.  When a paramilitary group of criminals stage a daring heist of payroll from Camp Pendleton, they take a pilot and his daughter hostage and head for the border.  When one of them parachutes with the loot onto an abandoned farm, the others follow and soon realize that the creepy scarecrows do more than fend off birds.

REVIEW LINK: Scream Factory/Shout! Factory (US) Region A Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

SCARECROWS Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.85:1 widescreen
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 stereo
• Optional English SDH subtitles
• Audio Commentary by director William Wesley and producer Cami Winikoff
• Audio Interviews with cinematographer Peter Deming, writer Richard Jeffries, and composer Terry Plumeri
• Interview with producer/co-star Ted Vernon
• Interview with make-up effects artist Norm Cabrera
• Original Storyboards
• Photo Gallery
• Theatrical Trailer

More Scream Factory reviews at Review Archive: Scream Factory.

Olive Films and Slasher Video sharpen SATAN'S BLADE (review)

When two groups of unsuspecting weekenders head to the mountains for vacation, they become the next targets of the reawakened bloodlust of the spirit of a mountain man driven by evil spirits into ridding the mountain of intruders in the ultra low-budget eighties slasher SATAN'S BLADE.

REVIEW LINK: Olive Films (US) Region A Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

SATAN'S BLADE Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.33:1 pillarboxe widescreen
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono
• Director's Narration (interview)
• Remembering SATAN'S BLADE
• Instrumental Cues
• Excerpts from the Dutch and Japanese video releases
• Video Trailer
• Still Gallery
• SATAN'S BLADE Scrapbook

Vinegar Syndrome is stumped by LONG JEANNE SILVER (review)

"Horny and handicapped" Jeanne Silver uses her bigger than John Holmes quirk of Mother Nature for her pleasure in Alex DeRenzy's outrageous LONG JEANNE SILVER.

REVIEW LINK: Vinegar Syndrome (US) Region 0 NTSC DVD (DVD Drive-in)

LONG JEANNE SILVER DVD specs:

• 4:3 non-anamorphic 1.33:1 fullscreen
• Restored in 2K from 16mm archival elements
• English Dolby Digital 1.0 mono
• Audio Commentary by Jeanne Silver

More Vinegar Syndrome reviews at Update the Tags: Vinegar Syndrome.

Revolver Entertainment stands up for THE COMEDIAN (review)

In this British independent drama, unsuccessful comedian Ed falls headlong into a relationship with artist Nathan but holds back his affection as he also finds himself drawn to his own flatmate Elisa.  Both of them want "something real" but Ed may not be able to give it to them.

REVIEW LINK: Revolver Entertainment (US) Region 1 NTSC DVD (DVDBeaver)

THE COMEDIAN DVD specs:

• 16:9 anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen
• English Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 stereo

More Revolver Entertainment reviews at Review Archive: Revolver Entertainment.

Revolver Entertainment searches the AMERICAN INTERIOR (review)

Super Furry Animals' musician Gruff Rhys retraces the steps of his Welsh ancestor John Evans (represented here as a felt puppet) who came to America in search of the lost tribe of Welsh-speaking Native Americans who were the descendents of ancient prince Madog who was believed to have discovered America in the twelfth century.  Evans journey would take him into the Spanish-controlled west and on an expedition to map the Missouri that preceded by a decade the expedition of Lewis and Clark (who would use his map).  Rhy's musical tour along the route not only contrasts America as it is now and as it was more than two centuries before, it also presents insight into Welsh culture in the United States.

REVIEW LINK: Revolver Entertainment (US) Region 1 NTSC DVD (DVDBeaver)

AMERICAN INTERIOR DVD specs:

• 16:9 anamorphic 1.78:1 widescreen
• English Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo

More Revolver Entertainment reviews at Review Archive: Revolver Entertainment.

Revolver Entertainment explores the HOUSE OF LAST THINGS (review)

When a housesitter, her brother, and her trashy boyfriend make themselves at home in the house of a music critic and his unstable wife while they are recuperating in Italy, strange things start to happen and events from the past and future are on a collision course with one another in this mind-bending independent thriller.

REVIEW LINK: Revolver Entertainment (US) Region 1 NTSC DVD

HOUSE OF LAST THINGS DVD specs:

• 16:9 anamorphic 1.78:1 widescreen
• English Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 stereo

More Revolver Entertainment reviews at Review Archive: Revolver Entertainment.

Universal Pictures uncovers FIFTY SHADES OF GREY (review)

The big screen adaptation of E.L. James paean to BDSM for the vanilla crowd FIFTY SHADES OF GREY hits Blu-ray/DVD combo from Universal Pictures.  Virginal literature student Ana is caught up in a whirlwind romance by billionaire Christian whose quite particular desires open up an alien and enticing world of sensuality.

REVIEW LINK: Universal Pictures (US) Region A Blu-ray/Region 1 NTSC DVD (DVDCompare)

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD specs:

• Disc One (Blu-ray):
• Unrated and Theatrical Versions
• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 2.40:1 widescreen
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (both cuts)
• French and Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DVS Dolby Digital 5.1 (theatrical cut)
• English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles (both cuts)
• "The World of Fifty Shades of Grey": Christian Grey
• "The World of Fifty Shades of Grey": Ana
• "The World of Fifty Shades of Grey":  Friends and Family
• "Behind the Shades"
• "E.L. James & Fifty Shades"
• "Fifty Shades: The Pleasure of Pain"
• "Christian's Apartment: 360 degree Set Tour" interactive tour of all rooms and selected props
• Music Videos:
• Skylar Grey "I Know You"
• The Weekend "Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)"
• Behind the Scenes of "Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)"
• Tease of Fifty Shades Darker
• Disc Two (DVD):
• Theatrical Cut
• 16:9 anamorphic 2.40:1 widescreen
• English, French, and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks
• English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles
• "The World of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY" Friends and Family (cast profiles)
• Behind the Shades featurette

StarVista and Time Life salute CPO SHARKEY: The Complete Season 1 (review)

Season one of the short-lived Don Rickles sitcom CPO SHARKEY hits DVD courtesy of Time Life and StarVista.  Rickles stars as the Chief Petty Officer of Company 144, saddled with a dysfunctional band of new recruits.

REVIEW LINK: StarVista Entertainment/Time Life Entertainment (US) Region 1 NTSC DVD (DVDCompare)

CPO SHARKEY: The Complete Season 1 DVD specs:

• 15 episodes on three dual-layer DVDs
• 4:3 non-anamorphic 1.33:1 fullscreen
• English Dolby Digital 2.0 mono
• English Closed Captioning
• Clip from THE TONIGHT SHOW with Johnny Carson and Don Rickles

Severin Films presents SHE KILLED IN ECSTASY (review)

In Jess Franco's SHE KILLED IN ECSTASY, the immortal Soledad Miranda stars as the window of a doctor who committed suicide after being rejected by his colleagues.  Cuddling up against his decomposing corpse, she decides to systematically seduce and destroy his tormentors.  Howard Vernon and Paul Muller also star.

REVIEW LINK: Severin Films (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

SHE KILLED IN ECSTASY Blu-ray specs:

• Disc 1 (Blu-ray):
• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.66:1 widescreen
• German LPCM 2.0 mono
• Optional English subtitles
• Interview with director Jess Franco
• Interview with actor Paul Muller
• Stephen Thrower on SHE KILLED IN ECSTASY
• "Sublime Soledad" featurette on Soledad Miranda by actress historian Amy Brown
• German Theatrical Trailer
• Disc 2 (CD):
• 24-track soundtrack by Manfred Hubler and Siegfried Schwab for the films VAMPYROS LESBOS, SHE KILLED IN ECSTASY, and THE DEVIL CAME FROM AKASAVA

Severin Films takes on VAMPYROS LESBOS (review)

In Jess Franco's lesbian vampire classic, Soledad Miranda stars as the beach bathing Countess Nadine who receives her inheritance from Count Dracula from unsuspecting blonde attorney Linda.  Paul Muller and Dennis Price also star.

REVIEW LINK: Severin Films (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

VAMPYROS LESBOS Blu-ray specs:

• Disc 1 (Blu-ray):
• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.66:1 widescreen transfer of the original German version
• German LPCM 2.0 mono
• Optional English subtitles
• Interview with director Jess Franco
• "Sublime Soledad" featurette on the actress by historian Amy Brown
• Stephen Thrower on VAMPYROS LESBOS
• German Title Sequence
• German Theatrical Trailer
• Disc 2 (DVD):
• 4:3 non-anamorphic fullscreen transfer of the bootlegged Spanish version of the film with alternate footage and score
• Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 mono
• Optional English subtitles

LionsGate seduces Liv Ullmann's MISS JULIE (review)

Jessica Chastain, Colin Farrell, and Samantha Morton star in iconic actress-turned-director Liv Ullmann's adaptation of August Strindberg's classic play MISS JULIE.  The depressed, unmarried daughter of an Irish landowner stays at home during the Midsummer Night celebrations and encourages her father's valet to seduce her.  He resists, but his refusal is as much borne out of his resentment for her attempting to cross insurmountable class boundaries as it is his seeming unrequited attraction for her.  The forbidden love is destined for tragedy but will they take the risk?

REVIEW LINK: LionsGate (US) Region 1 NTSC DVD (DVDCompare)

MISS JULIE DVD specs:

• 16:9 anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen
• English Dolby Digital 5.1
• Optional English and Spanish subtitles
• English Closed Captioning
• Interview with actress Jessica Chastain and director Liv Ullmann
• Interview with actress Jessica Chastain
• Theatrical Trailer
• Previews
• Digital UltraViolet download code

Synapse Films braves the LONG WEEKEND (review)

"Their crime was against nature... and nature found them guilty!"  When a troubled married couple head to a remote beach to patch things up, they find their efforts hindered by the call of nature... and it's not happy with their carelessness and disregard for its creatures.  A classic Australian horror film from the director of FANTASM COMES AGAIN, INNOCENT PREY, SKY PIRATES, and CASSANDRA and the author of PATRICK.

REVIEW LINK: Synapse Films (US) Region A Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

LONG WEEKEND Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 2.35:1 widescreen
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 mono
• Audio Commentary by executive producer Richard Brennan and cinematographer Vincent Monton
• Audio Interview with actor John Hargreaves
• Theatrical Trailer

Kino Lorber gives the EVIL EYE to THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (Review)

Before BLOOD AND BLACK LACE, Mario Bava gave us the monochrome giallo chiller EVIL EYE ak THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH.  Nora Davis comes to Rome for a month-long vacation only to witness a murder that no one believes occurred.  Could she have had a psychic vision of a decade-old unsolved crime, and is the killer now after her?  Leticia Roman, John Saxon, and Valentina Cortese star.

REVIEW LINK: Kino Lorber (US) Region A Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

EVIL EYE Blu-ray specs:

• Italian Version:
• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.66:1 widescreen
• Italian LPCM 2.0 mono
• Optional English subtitles
• Audio Commentary by Tim Lucas
• Theatrical Trailer
• English Version: 
• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.78:1 widescreen
• English LPCM 2.0 mono
• Theatrical Trailer

Well Go USA ponders THESE FINAL HOURS (review)

In this apocalyptic drama from Australia, a meteor hits the Earth and is burning its way across the planet.  With the end imminent in twelve hours, all young James wants to do is get so wasted so as not to feel the pain.  Hitting the road for the party to end all parties in Perth, his journey is derailed by madmen and saving a little girl in search of her lost father.  As he reluctantly helps her, James realizes that making the most with the time left is more important than illusory escapes.  WOLF CREEK's Nathan Phillips and JESSABELLE's Sarah Snook star.

REVIEW LINK: Well Go USA (US) Region A Blu-ray (DVDCompare)

THESE FINAL HOURS Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 2.35:1 widescreen
• English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo
• Optional English SDH subtitles
• Theatrical Trailer
• Well Go USA Trailers