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- Review count35
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- First reviewAugust 5, 2015
- Last reviewAugust 15, 2018
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- Average rating4.9
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![Miami Vice: The Complete Series [Blu-ray] [20 Discs]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/3208/32080974_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
It's the Smugglers Blues
on November 1, 2016
Posted by: DWolfe47
Verified Purchase:Yes
Michael Mann's iconic 80's powerhouse Miami Vice has made it's way to Blu-ray with this good but sadly controversial set. Miami Vice is the show that really defines and in a way chronicles the eighties through the lens of a squad of Vice cops battling everything from drug barons to outlaw bikers to even corrupt government officials. Of course as noted many times before the show has a treasure trove of guest stars such as Bruce Willis, Liam Neeson, and Pam Grier often giving strong and memorable performances.
As mentioned above the set has been quite controversial due to some troublesome glitches and such. To start off the show is presented in its original 1.33 aspect ratio which means for Widescreen TV users of today the show is presented with black bars on the side to keep the intended look. I've noticed a fair number of complaints online about this but for Universal/Mill Creek to change this they would have had to either cut off significant portions of the frame which would not have been possible anyways as there's a lot of shots throughout the series where every inch of the 1.33 is used especially on close-ups or they would have to stretch the picture which would have given whatever is on-screen a bloated look as well as given it a blurry glaze that would have compromised the detail and clarity Blu-ray offers. On the subject of detail and clarity while obviously taken from the same masters as the DVDs came from the show is still a significant if not uneven upgrade over the DVDs with better colors and detail especially on Season Two plus a lot of the print anomalies such as scratches and dirt have been mostly cleaned up. Grain levels are mostly even except on Season One where some episodes like Milk Run have an uneven look due to moderate amount of noise reduction applied to some scenes and not to other scenes. Smuggler's Blues though on Season One is a huge leap over the muddy and beat-up print from the 2004 Universal DVD set. Season Three through Five looked pretty consistent though (although Lend Me an Ear on 3 had some mild compression in a shot of the causeway at the top of the screen) and Season Two did as well minus The Prodigal Son.
Audio-wise is where the real gaffe took place though and why I couldn't give this set a full five-stars. As of writing this Season One has some nasty audio bugs such as echoing on the 5.1. mixes for Heart of Darkness and Evan plus a total lack of 5.1 on The Home Invaders. Luckily the problems are being addressed by Mill Creek according to their Facebook page as they are going to send replacement discs with fixed audio for those who provide proof of purchase. Otherwise this release unlike the Universal DVDs has the original 2.0 Stereo tracks which honestly best both the 5.1 mixes on not only this set but the original DVDs as well. The show fully utilizes its Stereo track with plenty of range and details that doesn't seem to be as audible on the 5.1 mixes. As of now I haven't noticed any issues regarding the Stereo mixes and can easily say the are the most optimal way of hearing the show.
Two other complaints I'd like to address would be the packaging and of course the lip-sync. On the packaging front yes this is a fairly cheap way to package the discs. Each season is four discs each but rather than have a standard Blu-ray case with a smaller flap in the middle so each disc gets their own slot they chose to have two slots with two discs each stacked on top of each. Granted since Blu-rays have scratch-resistant coating on the back of the disc this isn't as big a problem if it was done for DVD but it still seems like penny-pinching at it's worst otherwise the set is nice and simple with five individual cases in a cardboard box. Lip synching also has been cited as an issue here. It must be noted first that a lot of shows and even movies then when on a tight schedule would later utilize techniques such as automated dialogue replacement in post-production to add or re-do dialogue missed or messed up during filmmaking and it was employed often enough on Miami Vice to be noticeable especially with the show being presented as a much higher resolution. I didn't encounter much lip-synching issues myself outside of a handful of places where post-dubbing was obviously used. Granted much like the CBS Twin Peaks box back in 2014 this could also vary from player to player as well.
Overall this is still quite a solid release with some hiccups. A lot of the issues can simply be chalked up to the original source and some gaffes on Mill Creek's part regarding the audio. It's not as perfect as it could have been and lacks a few bells and whistles such as subtitles and the bonus features from the Universal Season 1 DVD but even at it's worst still bests previous releases of the show plus the original Stereo tracks are a revelation compared to previous audio choices. If you can accept the limitations the show has then this still comes highly recommended.
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Neon Demon [Blu-ray] [2016]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/5495/5495328_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Beauty isn't everything. It's the only thing.
on October 31, 2016
Posted by: DWolfe47
Verified Purchase:Yes
Nicolas Winding Refn returns to the director chair with this hypnotic, alluring and surreal horror film set in the modern day belly of L.A.'s fashion scene. Elle Fanning gives a splendid performance as Jesse the orphan with dreams of glamour in here eyes before everything spirals out of control in gory fashion. Jena Malone particularly stole the show as a make-up artist named Ruby who takes a more intimate interest in Jesse while two other models stare on Jesse with jealousy and hate. The film is fairly slow-paced like Refn's previous film Only God Forgives and relies heavily on gorgeous and popping visuals alongside pounding synth to create an atmosphere of unease. The world around Jesse may be colorful but always looks malevolent and as things get stranger so do things feel even darker. The ending is a shocker worthy of Takashi Miike and will surely put off audiences lacking a cast-iron stomach for the grotesque. I won't say much more plot-wise as this is a film you will most likely come away with a different interpretation than I did. Also must note Keanu Reeves in a surprise role as a sleazy motel owner with plenty to hide.
On the technical side the disc is a marvel much and perfectly presents the films "Alice in Wonderland meets Suspiria" look and feel plus the audio is encapsulating. The extras are rather paltry outside the commentary and are mostly glorified trailers which is sadly the norm with new movie releases nowadays. But given the current price it's not too much a bad thing.
Overall this is a film you'll either love or hate. It's dark, brutal and slow-paced but in a way befitting the cut-throat nature of modeling (or at least a public perception of it) and will surely delight or disgust you depending on your tastes. For me this is easily my favorite Winding film so far and alongside Inherent Vice as my favorite film of the decade so far. Very fabulous and highly recommended.
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Blood Simple [Criterion Collection] [Blu-ray] [1984]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/895b8e73-bd51-4712-a65b-77ef33172cdc.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Nothin' Comes With a Guarantee
on September 20, 2016
Posted by: DWolfe47
Verified Purchase:Yes
Criterion has given The Coen Brothers debut the treatment it deserves with this stunning release. Blood Simple is a dark, cynical tale that harks back to the days of Dashiell Hammett and Jim Thompson. A story centering around a jealous husbands' obsession over his wife's infidelity which eventually leads to murder at the hands of a psychotic private eye played by M. Emmet Walsh. Walsh here is at his best as the P.I. Vesser who is in the Frank Booth school of scary psychopath who seems to be having a bit of fun with his deeds at times. His opening narration over the Texas landscape sets up the film's dark tone perfectly. Dan Hedaya also gives one of his best performances as the jealous husband Marty who emotes vengeance and desperation although does show some inner conflict before he sets forth destruction across the Texas landscape. John Getz and Francis McDormand are both wonderful as well as the lovers and targets of Marty's vengeance.
The movie has been given a gorgeous new 4K transfer that is pure perfection. Blood Simple is a low-budget affair so some shots still remain a little rough due to the source but I wouldn't have it any other way. For a dark and cynical film having anything other than roughness would feel out of place especially when filming these landscapes. The sound quality was a huge bump over my old MGM DVD sporting a new lossless 5.1 mix that is faithful to the original. Also included are the Criterion Collection's signature abundance of extras. The new conversation with cinematographer Barry Sonnefeld and the Coens is enlightening and plays a bit more like a commentary as the talk through certain scenes from the movie pointing out how they made the film look the way it did. Probably one of the best in-depth interviews like this I've seen in a while and hopefully a model for future Criterion releases. Also worth noting this has a sit down with Emmet Walsh which was a real treat and gave some background on how an already experienced actor got involved with these first-time directors. The rest of the extras are also fairly lengthy including an interview with Francis McDormand, a conversation between the Coens and author Robert Eggers about the film's production and an interview with the film's music composer Carter Burwell and sound mixes Skip Lievsay. Sadly no interview with Dan Hedaya but I don't think I've seen him do many interviews for DVD/Blu-ray releases.
Overall this film is a Noir masterpiece that next to No Country for Old Men is Coen Brothers at their bleakest. Criterion has given it the treatment that it's longingly deserves and leaves no room for improvement. From the opening narration to the closing scene with "It's The Same Old Song" playing you'll be in for a dark and suspenseful ride through the Texas landscape. Fabulous and highly recommended.
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Return of Godzilla [Blu-ray] [1984]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/3153/31535091_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Lost For a Generation ...
on September 13, 2016
Posted by: DWolfe47
Verified Purchase:Yes
After years of only being available as the heavily altered "Godzilla 1985", the original version of "The Return of Godzilla" is finally available for U.S. audiences to view. "The Return of Godzilla" is a true follow up to the original 1954 "Gojira" eschewing the light-hearted direction of the previous sequels and returning to a darker and more political toned environment that touches a bit more on the nature of the beast. Godzilla here is no protector of humanity but the original film's vision of an invincible bringer of doom created by mankind's own destructive conduct. Finally seeing their performances in a non-dubbed form I can say the cast do an excellent job making the film more believable especially the cast playing the cabinet members (some of whom you'll probably recognize if you are a fan of Kinji Fukasaku's Yakuza films). The music was great as usual with this series and the end credits song did induce some tears (I doubt there are many Godzilla fans who hadn't cried at least once at the end of this film, usually I can hold off until the Prime Minister starts crying then that sets off the waterworks).
Of course it's time to get down to the technical front on this disc. Yes, indeed this does NOT include the American cut with Raymond Burr and Dr. Pepper product placement galore so you might want to continue holding onto your VHS copy if you have one. The English version used is a dubbing which I believe was done in Hong Kong and from the few scenes I did watch isn't quite as fluid as the dubbing done for the 1985 version although the dialogue in said scenes is much more faithful to the Japanese film than the American dub was. Both the English and Japanese audio are lossless DTS-HD 5.1 which means kudos to Kraken for giving fans the most optimal options (to note the film's default audio when pressing play is the English version and it cannot be changed during the film so if you want the Japanese audio remember to select it in the film's audio menu before you hit play). I watched the Japanese version as mentioned above and can attest the audio is very good and I didn't notice any sort of anomalies. As far as the picture quality goes it's a solid enough transfer that fits the tone of the film and doesn't appear to have encoding problems at least on my modest-sized TV. Not much in the way of special features outside of trailers for Kraken's other Godzilla releases and this film's trailer. Overall a wonderful disc.
Overall, Godzilla 1985 was my favorite Godzilla film alongside the original and since this film is leaps and bounds above that one in my opinion due to the more complex political nature which was excised from '85 and steadier pace this one's taking the mantle alongside the original '54 classic. Thankfully (as of writing this) another Godzilla in the same apocalyptic vein is set to open in select theaters next month (Shin Godzilla or Godzilla: Resurgence as it was previously called) so luckily we won't be seeing the last of the true King of the Monsters stomping through his native land (no Dr. Pepper product placement reported as of yet). Overall this disc is highly recommended and an essential part of any Godzilla fans collection.
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Return of the Living Dead [Blu-ray] [1985]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6775/6775692_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Watch your tongue, boy, if you like this job!
on July 28, 2016
Posted by: DWolfe47
Verified Purchase:Yes
Initially written by John Russo as a serious sequel to George Romero's Night of the Living Dead, director Dan O'Bannon took the original idea and turned it into this fun, gory and humorous zombie classic. Two workers at a surplus store (one played wonderfully by James Karen) accidentally unleash a zombie apocalypse after kicking a U.S. military canister unleashing a toxic gas that revives the dead and causes a downpour of acid rain.
The transfer on MGM's Blu-ray is a solid one albeit a bit uneven with some scenes featuring faithful grain levels and some falling victim to moderate noise reduction that takes away the definition a little. The sound is solid although the U.S. release is still lacking a few music tracks that are being held back due to copyright issues. The extras are solid enough as with a number of the 80's Horror films released by MGM. Overall a good release of a classic that is currently sitting at a sweet price. Recommended.
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Manhunter [Collector's Edition] [Blu-ray] [2 Discs] [1986]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/5023/5023001_sa.jpg)
Posted by: DWolfe47
Verified Purchase:Yes
After years of being relegated to a bare-bones Blu-ray from MGM Manhunter has received the special edition treatment just in time for it's thirtieth anniversary courtesy of Scream Factory. My personal favorite film in the Hannibal Lecter series we follow former FBI profile Will Graham as he reluctantly seeks the help of the infamous Dr. Hannibal Lecktor in a bid to track down a serial killer who's targeting families in the south. William Peterson's performance is tremendous as well as the great Brian Cox as Hannibal who's Lecter (or Lecktor in this film) is more grounded in reality than Anthony Hopkins famous protrayal. This release spans two discs, the first for the theatrical cut and new special features and the second for the director's cut and special features from the old Anchor Bay DVD. The transfer on the theatrical is the same as the MGM disc but is still a solid and strong one with fair grain levels. The director's cut is partially in standard-def as the only existing print of the different footage was from a video source sadly (but no worry, the scenes are still in widescreen). The standard-def scenes are spliced in with the high-def theatrical version so there's no love lost here although don't be surprised by the haziness of the standard-def scenes.
The special features are absolutely tremendous and took me a whole afternoon to get through the various interviews with Bill Peterson, Joan Allen, Tom Noonan, Cinematographer Dante Spinotti and Brian Cox who's forty minute interview is the true highlight as he is a joy to listen to for his blunt honesty on this film and it's legacy. The packaging for this should be noted as well given it's the standard Shout/Scream factory double-sided cover art. This time featuring the 80's fuchsia-tinged new artwork by Christopher Franchi and the original poster art. The new art does come as a slipcover as of writing this so it's nice to have the slipcover and to flip around to the original poster art on the case so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. As usual, fabulous and highly recommended.
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Legend [Includes Digital Copy] [Blu-ray] [2015]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/4758/4758712_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
A paranoid schizophrenic walks into a bar ...
on March 1, 2016
Posted by: DWolfe47
Verified Purchase:Yes
Tom Hardy ignites the screen playing both of the notorious Kray twins in this fabulous biopic. Reggie Kray, is a dapper businessman gangster while his gay brother Ronnie an unstable and fragile Little Caesar who needs pills to not lose his head . Hardy brings both of them to life in a film that has a surprising touch of humor. Emily Browning plays Reggie's love who narrates the film and does a fine job as well as the rest of cast including former Doctor Who Christopher Eccleston as the Scotland Yard detective who wants to take them down and mob movie veteran Chazz Palminteri as an American gangster who middle-mans a deal between the Krays and legendary gangster Meyer Lansky. The film overall while slows down a bit in the later half moves at a rapid rate and is well directed by Brian Helgeland (Payback). The extras on the Blu-ray are light which is pretty much the M.O. for major studio titles anymore but the film itself is a nice gem that while may feel a bit glitzy for some is still a fun, sometimes humorous gangster film. Highly recommended.
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Black Mass [Blu-ray] [2015]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/4445/4445925_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
A Steak Out of This World
on February 17, 2016
Posted by: DWolfe47
Verified Purchase:Yes
If you've seen the first trailer you'll know what the title of this reviews refers to and yes, the scene was even better in the final film. Depp is magnificent as Whitey Bulger, his scary dead eyes staring into your soul as you watch his story unfold in a dark and glamour-free fashion thankfully. Joel Edgerton's performance is also a diamond as FBI agent john Connolly who makes a deal with the devil he grew up with to bring down the local Italian Mafia family even it means turning a blind eye to Bulger murdering his way to the top. The film sadly isn't pefect due to pacing issues mostly caused by a story that feels like key parts of the film were cut out of the final product which leaves it overall feeling like it lacks cohesiveness at times. But the film is still carried by the performances and gloomy atmosphere it has lacking the glitz and as mentioned earlier glamour of a lot of other American gangster films. The special features while lacking deleted scenes are decent enough with a few quick documentaries from Warner on the film and a lengthy one on the hunt for Bulger after the film's events. Not a recommendation to everyone as I'd say how much a fan you are of Depp or the genre are really what will make or break the film for you.
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Blackstar [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/4756/4756901_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
A Heartbreaking Farewell
on February 1, 2016
Posted by: DWolfe47
Verified Purchase:Yes
Sadly this year was off to a terrible start with the passing of one of my longtime favorite artists, David Bowie. Gratefully though he left us with a strange and somber masterpiece of an album to remember him with. From the opening Blackstar to the song that was used for his last music video Lazarus this is just a perfect album and a heartbreaking listen for any Bowie fan that I can't recommend enough.
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Alfred Hitchcock: The Classic Collection [Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8925/8925287_sa.jpg)
Posted by: DWolfe47
Verified Purchase:Yes
MGM has released a three disc set containing three of Alfred Hitchcock's most seminal works from the forties. Rebecca featuring the debonair Laurence Olivier, Spellbound a psychological classic with Ingrid Bergman as a psychoanalyst unraveling a murder mystery with Gregory Peck, and my personal favorite of the collection Notorious which also starts Bergman in a spy thriller classic with Cary Grant and the ever charming Claude Rains. While the transfers and sound mixes aren't perfect they are fairly strong due to extensive restoration work and each film contains extensive extras. Highly recommended for Hitchcock fans.
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
My Best Buy number: 0562179756
I would recommend this to a friend!
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