The Toho Godzilla Collection Blu-ray Double-Features Review

 

        Godzilla films are often categorized by the period in which they were created, with the classic Shōwa Series spanning from the original 1954 film to 1975. Then the franchise was revived again in 1984 with the films known as the Heisei Series, starting over the mythology of Godzilla and his many foes. This collection of Godzilla films ended with the apparent death of the beast in 1995, until he was revived again in 2000 with the series known as the Millennium Series. This concluded with 2004’s Godzilla: Final Wars, at which point the Toho sets were destroyed, and rights to another Godzilla film were withheld for a decade.

 

Devil’s Due Blu-ray Review

Language: English (DTS 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Dubbed: English, French, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Date: April 29, 2014

Run Time: 90 minutes

 

        I could simply say that Devil’s Due is the Rosemary’s Baby of found-footage horror films, merely suggest that it is Paranormal Activity with a pregnancy, and that would be enough to concisely and completely review this film. Unfortunately for me, that would not be a very long review, so I will endure further consideration of this transparent copycat in order to fulfill my job more completely. Let it be known, however, everything I say from here on out will likely be as unnecessary and redundant as Devil’s Due itself.

 

Great Expectations Blu-ray Review

     Actors: Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane

Director: Mike Newell

Format: AC-3, Blu-ray, DTS Surround Sound, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English (DTS 5.1)

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Dubbed: English

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: PG-13 

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Date: April 15, 2014

Run Time: 128 minutes

 

        There is nothing particularly wrong with the latest adaptation of Charles Dickens’ oft-adapted classic “Great Expectations,” directed by Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral). There also isn’t anything right enough to redeem its inability to set itself apart from countless other adaptations, with particularly dull young actors unable to breathe any new life into the roles while the older cast members do a bit of over-acting to make up for it. Somehow this adaptation feels as though it shortchanges Dickens’ material while also dragging along unnecessarily.

 

Mayberry RFD: Season 1 DVD Review

     Actors: Ken Berry, Francis Bavier

Format: Box set, Color, NTSC

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1

Number of discs: 4

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: Warner Home Video

DVD Release Date: April 8, 2014

 

 

        Spin-off shows are common, but “Mayberry R.F.D.” was almost more of a continuation show than a spin-off, simply allowing for a few new lead characters to take over as the previous ones from “The Andy Griffith Show” departed. The premiere episode of “Mayberry R.F.D.” is as much a departure for the characters of “The Andy Griffith Show” as it was an introduction to the new characters, featuring Andy’s marriage to long-time girlfriend Helen Crump, with Barney Fife appearing as best man.