Monday, June 26, 2017

'Life Of Significant Soil' DVD Review

Conor (Alexis Mouyiari) and Addison (Charlotte Bydwell) are in a relationship. Like most relationships there has been good and bad. The couple are beginning to look at their relationship in a way that it may be falling apart. The pair begin to believe that they are trapped. They both believe that they may find a way to escape. What begins to happen is the two of them believe that this may be the last day of their relationship.

What makes this somewhat interesting is that they feel as if they are repeating this last day over and over. They see that their relationship goes through love to animosity back to love over and over again. They begin to believe that all this is taking place in smaller increments of time. As this goes on they feel that the monotony of their relationship will never end.

The look at relationships and how it changes over time makes this a very interesting movie to watch. Many people simply live day to day in relationships that both people know is coming to an end or has ended but stay together simply because they believe they have to. Conor and Addison are two people who want to work at saving their relationship but both agree that as they continue over and over going through the same feelings that it would probably be better to simply end it. Just when you think that the two will walk away love creeps it's way back into their existence.

Candy Factory Films brings this interesting film to DVD on June 27th, 2017. The quality of the DVD is excellent and the sights and sounds are exquisite. For many of us in relationships we all come to a point in said relationship. We come to this same place as Conor and Addison. We have the knowledge in ourselves that we try to fix and resolve issues of our relationships. This film acts it out and is very entertaining to boot. This will make an excellent addition to that personal library. So pick this one up and enjoy.

Sunday, June 25, 2017

'Midsomer Murders, Series 19 Part 1' DVD Review

DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) takes on a new sergeant DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) as his new assistant. Our two detectives have some cases to solve for us and once again the English village mystery entertains us. Macabre crimes and some truly eccentric villagers make this a very interesting show.

In "The Village That Rose From the Dead" Barnaby and Winter have to solve the murder of a man while an abandoned village comes back to life. Yes, that's right, a village coming back to life. It was during WWII that the army took over the village of Little Auburn. Once the war was over the army pulled out and not one of the previous villagers ever returned. A man and his girlfriend wanted to establish an Eco-friendly village but you see the man named Finn Thornbury had a secret, he was married. There were others who wanted to revise the village to it's former glory and when Finn came up dead this brought Barnaby and Winter onto the scene.

In "Crime and Punishment" a butcher from Bleakridge turns up dead. He had been investigating a slew of burglaries and it looks like he must have come up with some evidence. Barnaby and Winter are once again called in to investigate.

In "Last Man Out" a cricket player comes up murdered. Barnaby has an interesting time with this one as the investigation leads him to his former sergeant Ben Jones. This is an especially interesting case for sure.

Finally in "Red in Tooth & Claw" a murder takes place at the annual Bellville Hall Small Pet Show. It seems a local estate agent comes up murdered in a herd of rabbits.

Acorn brings this wonderful show to DVD on June 27th, 2017. The DVD quality is excellent and the sights and sounds are wonderful. This will definitely make a fine addition to that personal library. So take the time and pick this one up for that stormy summer afternoon when a little mystery will be the thing to do. Enjoy.

'Striking Out' DVD Review

Tara Rafferty (Amy Huberman) is a Dublin Solicitor who is going through some emotional upheaval. Tara had been engaged to her law partner Eric (Rory Keenan) until she caught him cheating on her. Dunbar and Calloway's was a very prestigious law firm but it was simply just too much for Tara to deal with. Tara does not leave practicing law she just sets up shop in an old metal works factory. The building still has character and has a coffee house right next door.

Tara has a private detective by the name of Meg Riley (Fiona O'Shaughnessy) as well as a street wise assistant named Ray (Emmet Byrne) working for her. Tara was also able to get her old mentor Vincent Pike (Neil Morrissey) to come work for her. Tara has some interesting clients but what makes it a little more interesting is she always seems to be going up against her former friends from the law practice. Tara even has to deal with Eric's parents who still hold a grudge against Tara for breaking up with their son Eric. 

'Striking Out' is a very well written legal drama that keeps you interested from start to finish because of all the intersecting sub plots. The actors work well together and the Dublin skyline adds to the story. Acorn brings this legal drama to DVD on June 27th, 2017. The sights and sounds are excellent and the quality of the DVD is wonderful. Tara brings an emotional quality to the story line that you don't usually see in a legal drama. The first season only had four parts but you'll be happy to know that 'Striking Out' is coming back for a second season. This is a refreshing drama that you will want to watch and enjoy. This will make an excellent addition to that personal library. So don't waste any time and hit the store and pick this one up. Enjoy. 

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In: The Complete Series' DVD Review


Dan Rowan and Dick Martin came on the scene in September 1968 with 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In', a show that TV had never seen before and well to be honest really has never been seen since. Oh, 'Saturday Night Live' probably comes close but their is really nothing that compares to Laugh- In. Your regulars if you want to call them that were Ruth Buzzi, Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, Jo Anne Worley, Arte Johnson, Henry Gibson, Alan Sues, Judy Carnes and Gary Owens. The guests were fantastic including Bob Newhart, Flip Wilson, Kirk Douglas, Sonny and Cher, Sammy Davis Jr., Don Rickles and John Wayne.

I was watching the complete first season the other day and it was so great to see a new musician that had come on the scene by the name of Tiny Tim. He had taken the world with his song 'Tiptoe Through The Tulips' and it was great to see him again. What was hilarious was Judy Carne doing her 'Sock It To Me' sketch for the first time. Richard Nixon made a guest appearance before he got elected President and actually did a 'Sock It To Me' sketch.

Now with the 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In: The Complete Series' you get all 140 original episodes and the original pilot. TimeLife has brought together all six seasons for your viewing pleasure. There are 38 disc and they are excellent quality. The sights and sounds are fantastic. You can pre-order through TimeLife.com/LaughIn. This is definitely one for that personal library and if you are to young to remember the show you will certainly want to see some great TV history. If your old enough to remember watching 'Laugh-In' then you will certainly want to pick this up because you know you would have something special. Enjoy.



'Wichita' DVD Review

Jeb (Trevor Peterson) is the creator of a children's TV show that is sliding in the ratings. 'Amy and the Aliens' is an OK show and with a little extra work it can be revived and back in the good graces of everyone. Jeb's boss wants him and a group of writers to go hang out in the woods away from all distractions and come up with some good ideas for the show. There's just one big problem and that is that Jeb is a little bit nuts.

The cabin is big enough for everyone and even though it's a little close quartered it is live able. What makes this a living hell is Jeb himself. He simply is driving everyone crazy. He works them day and night. Now, if say Jeb wasn't around the group of writers would probably have a blast and get a lot of work done. Take for instance Billy (Christopher Wolfe), all he can think about doing is having sex with a girl named Raven (Persia White). Persia is a nice enough girl, but is Jeb's longtime main squeeze. So you can see how having Jeb around would cramp their style. Now, this doesn't really bother Jeb because he's been watching the pair carrying on via closed camera. Yeah, Jeb's a big time voyeur. Jeb also blackmails another writer via the behind the scenes camera action. The work is getting done but it's that really bad phone call that Jeb gets from his boss. The one that tells him that he's fired. You got it, this is when Jeb goes off the deep end.

Our movie has some of the usual cabin in the woods right before the killing takes place but it's not as cliche with everything. You will be on the edge of your seat with anticipation of what's coming next. Candy Factory brings this wonderful psychological thriller to DVD on June 20th, 2017. The quality of the DVD is excellent and the sights and sounds are right on. This will be an excellent addition to that personal library. So sit back and watch Jeb well, simply put, just go nuts.

Sunday, June 11, 2017

'The Wedding Party' DVD Review

June has always been the month for weddings. Love just seems to be in the air. Paul (Joel Johnstone) and Margene (Meg Cionni) have decided that they want to start their life together with a June wedding. For most a wedding can consist of securing a church and a large enough room to handle a reception. Some weddings can simply be a few people to hundreds. Now, along with this, you have to feed and entertain the guests. Some weddings might have a buffet or a dinner. Some weddings might have a DJ or a band, depending on the size of the gathering. You have to secure a place for where you want the wedding to take place. You have to either find a church or maybe someone's home or rent a hall. In other words, weddings can be a headache and some couples want a person to handle all these unpleasant details.

Paul and Margene have asked a man named Jim (Blake Lee) to handle all the details. There is just one really huge problem. Jim is a very heartbroken man who recently was a stood up groomsman. He and his former high school sweetheart by the name of Alex (Allison Paige) are in charge of putting the wedding on.

This is definitely not your usual wedding as you can guess. There is plenty of laughs to go around and in some cases you simply can't control yourself. Yes, you will enjoy watching the shenanigans that take place. Thane Economou debuts as writer/director for this hilarious look at weddings. This movie was made in one continuous take. That's right 119 minutes of non-stop comedy at its best.

Candy Factory Films brings this hilarious look at getting married to DVD on June 13th, 2017. The quality of the DVD is excellent and the sights and sounds are perfect. This is definitely one that you will want to keep in your personal library. You will especially want to keep it around so that you can have those couples who are thinking of getting married sit down for a look at what could happen. Enjoy.

Thursday, June 8, 2017

'Bambi' Blu-Ray Review

The year was 1942 and the United States was involved in WWII. A young Walt Disney produced a new animated movie called 'Bambi'. A young Doe and her mate The Great Prince of the Forrest had a baby fawn and named him Bambi. The young dear would be very curious about the world around him. He would become friends with a rabbit named Thumper and a skunk named Flower. He would also meet a young female fawn named Faline. The two would later become a couple, but for now they're just friends.

Bambi was very close to his mother and would learn much from her. He wouldn't see his father very much but the Great Prince was always nearby. There was a time when the hunter Man was in the woods and the Great Prince would lead them to safety. It was a very sad time when the Great Prince would reveal the relationship between he and the young Bambi.

Bambi and his mother were looking for food one day when Man shot and killed his mother. Bambi was saddened and alone when The Great Prince revealed that he was Bambi's father. Bambi would grow up to be a fine dear and would get back together with Faline and have children of their own. Bambi would become the Great Prince of the forest like his father before him.

The movie has touched generations of children and adults since its first showing some 75 years ago. I must say that as a child when I first saw 'Bambi', when man shot his mother I cried and cried and held tightly to my own mother. Disney is releasing 'Bambi' on its 75th anniversary on June 6th, 2017 and showing it on Blu-Ray and DVD for your viewing pleasure. The Blu-Ray quality is excellent and the sights and sounds are exquisite. This is a definite for your personal library. You will watch it with your children or simply by yourself and will then watch it all over again. Enjoy.

Monday, June 5, 2017

'Wentworth, Season 3' DVD Review

Our story opens with the return of Bea Smith (Danielle Cormack) to Wentworth. She has been away ever since she escaped and murdered Brayden Holt. She was sentenced to life without parole. She's here to stay. Bea returns and assumes the leadership of the prisoners. Franky Doyle (Nicola da Silva) is vulnerable and doesn't have it in her to fight for the leadership. Bea finds herself going up against the governor of the prison Joan Ferguson (Pamela Rabe). Ferguson sees all that is going on and puts Bea in solitary. Bea is not too happy with this and starts a riot. The inmates take over and Ferguson has to give in and releases Bea back into population. Bea looks at Ferguson and states how she runs the prison. This doesn't sit well with Ferguson and she begins to put the squeeze on Bea.

As the prison gets back to normal Bea and Ferguson realize that they both need each other. They form a common bond in trying to clean up the prison from drugs. Drugs have begun to cloud everything and everyone and its interfering with everything. Bea does wonder what's up Ferguson's sleeve but goes along with it. You see, Franky controlled the drugs getting inside and Bea figures if she takes out the drugs then she takes out Franky, for good. Ferguson wants to take out Franky and the drugs. Franky not being at her best begins to feel the pinch on her supply and loss of funds and begins to get squeezed by other prisoners to pay up on her debts.

The prison also gets a new psychiatrist named Bridget Westfall. Westfall believes she can help Franky but she doesn't want help from Westfall. Franky goes crazy and gets put into solitary just to get away from her creditors and the local shrink. 'Wentworth, Season 3' is one filled with intrigue and violence and will keep you glued to all 12 episodes.

Acorn brings this wonderful show to DVD on June 6th, 2017. The quality of the DVDs are fantastic and the sights and sounds are exquisite. This will definitely be one for that personal library. You will watch all of season 3 just so you can see what happens in the final episode. So sit back and enjoy the action and drama. Enjoy.

'The Irish R. M. Complete Series' DVD Review

Major Sinclair Yates (Peter Bowles) is a retired English Army Officer. A bit of a stuff shirt if you get the hint. It's 1897 and the Major is about to become a Resident Magistrate/Police Officer in rural western Ireland. Now, anyone familiar with that period knows that when you put a stuff shirt by the book ex army officer among rural Irishmen well let's just say you can expect a few laughs. In other words misunderstandings would be expected.

In the first series, the Major has a tough time adjusting to the carefree Irish ways. Like in one of the first episodes, the Major is accused of stealing a horse. Another episode has to deal with a festival that the Major doesn't want beer served and the local publican has a fit. His superiors think he is to lenient in how he deals with the locals and the church, well the church just continues to do what they have always done in Ireland.

The second series has Fluffy (Bryan Murray) returning from his honeymoon and he begins to carry on his deceitful ways. Fluffy and the Major became friends in the first series and everyone thought when he got married he would settle down, not so. The two men go on a hunt when the Major takes a nasty fall in part due to Fluffy.  One of the better episodes has a vessel running aground loaded with rum. Problem is when all is said and done the citizenry have drank it all. Leaving none to be recovered. The third series has the Major continuing to fit in but still being the odd man out and the ending is one of best. The Major gets an offer to move to another posting and he has to make a decision whether to leave or stay. 

The show ran from 1983-85 and was a favorite for most to watch. Acorn has put the complete series in one package and is available May 30th, 2017. The quality of the DVD is excellent and the sights and sounds are wonderful. The Irish countryside is breathtaking and adds flavor to the show. This has got to be one of the best ever made and is worth a nice spot in that personal library of yours. So get out and pick this one up and simply sit back and enjoy good Television at its best.