December 9th, 2021
-2-News.jpg)
This weekend will be a pleasant change from the last one at the box office as we see two new wide releases make their way into North American theaters. Both are starting out with targeted releases, rather than opening as wide as possible. The one with the largest release is the romantic musical West Side Story, which is directed by Steven Spielberg and stars a distinguished ensemble cast including Ansel Elgort and Ariana DeBose. West Side Story will open in 2,820 locations. Also new this week is National Champions. The film from STX Entertainment follows a star collegiate quarterback who ignites a players’ strike hours before the biggest game of the year in order to fight for fair compensation, equality, and respect for the athletes who put their bodies and health on the line for their schools. Arriving in 1,197 locations, National Champions stars Stephan James and J.K. Simmons, along with an array of cameos from the NFL and sports world.
More...
October 10th, 2019
-3-News.jpg)
It’s another week with a monster hit and nearly nothing else. Fortunately, that monster hit is Toy Story 4, which is easily the Pick of the Week and would be during all but the best weeks of the year. Midsommar comes close to being a contender for Pick of the Week, but the extras are well below average, even compared to a limited release.
More...
August 2nd, 2015
It is not overstating things to say I Love Lucy is a classic TV show. It is one of the most influential sitcoms of all time and to this day it remains one of the ten best sitcoms of all time. The show has already been released on DVD, but the second season is coming out on Blu-ray this week. Is the show worth owning? Of course. But is the Blu-ray worth the upgrade? That's a more interesting question.
More...
May 4th, 2014
I've reviewed a number Lucille Ball TV shows over the years, including The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy. I Love Lucy is still the one remembered the most, and loved the most, by people. It is a true classic. Like The Honeymooners, which I just reviewed, there's little need to go over the show itself and this review will focus more on the Blu-ray and how it compared to the DVD.
More...
April 6th, 2014
I previously reviewed several seasons from The Lucy Show, which ended for business rather than ratings reasons. Here's Lucy is a very similar show in tone, if not in terms of characters. It too lasted six seasons before ending its run. (This time ratings did play a significant part in that happening.) All six seasons have been released on DVD in the past, but a couple weeks ago, a full series Megaset was also released. Is the show worth picking up for fans of the Lucille Ball? Is the box set worth the asking price?
More...
December 16th, 2012
It's the last week before Christmas, which means it is the last chance for last minute gifts. There are a number of first-run releases coming out this week, some of which are not coming out till Friday, or even next Monday. There are also quite a few limited releases and TV on DVD releases hitting the home market this week. However, none of these were big hits and very few earned strong praise from critics. That doesn't mean there are none that are worth picking up. In fact, we have a trio of contenders for Pick of the Week. Shameless: The Complete Second Season on DVD or Blu-ray; Pitch Perfect on DVD or Blu-ray Combo Pack; and Arbitrage on DVD or Blu-ray. It was a close call, but in the end I went with Arbitrage. Also coming out this week is Rush: 2012 - CD and Blu-ray in a Deluxe Edition or Super Deluxe Edition, which is a clear winner of Puck of the Week.
More...
October 8th, 2012
It is a soft week for new releases with only Prometheus looking strong. The film has earned polarizing reviews, so while many will like it, it's probably best to rent the DVD, Blu-ray Combo Pack, or 3D Combo Pack instead of buying outright. There are some TV on DVD releases and limited releases coming out this week, but you have to look to the catalogue Blu-rays coming out this week that are contenders for Pick of the Week. E.T. The Extraterrestrial, hasn't arrived yet, but its Anniversary Edition Blu-ray could be the best film on this week's list. However, Dial M for Murder in 3D is also a contender. 3D is still a niche market, so E.T. is the best bet for Pick of the Week.
More...
October 7th, 2012
Halfway through The Lucy Show, there were major changes to the show and it could have been renamed Stunt Casting starring Lucille Ball. However, while stunt casting is usually a sign of a show outliving its initial premise, watching Lucille Ball interacting with famous celebrities, many times playing themselves, was worth checking out every week. The sixth season was also the show's final season. Did it go out on top? Or should it have ended one season earlier?
More...
