TMNT
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles return to their animated roots for 2007’s computer-rendered TMNT. With a complex plot that spans millennia, involves an immortal Aztec and his stone statue generals, and thirteen random monsters of urban legend, do the turtles stick their heads out long enough to matter? Listen to Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPTMNT04.mp3
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Excellent adventure continue with their third live-action film. It’s a New York Ninja in Lord Norinaga’s Court when the teens time travel to feudal Japan. Is this Turtles in Time plot a Quantum Leap forward for this film series? It’s Judgement Day for Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael, so listen to this podcast review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPTMNT03.mp3
New Podcast: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: Firestorm by Greg Keyes
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is set in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco where an uneasy truce is being negotiated between distrustful apes and paranoid human survivors. How did things get so bad between man and his closest genetic match to make war such an inevitable outcome? And what was life like in the initial days after apes broke free of their cages and stormed across the Golden Gate bridge to take refuge in the Redwoods? In the prequel novel Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: Firestorm author Greg Keyes returns to the year 2011, bringing together all new characters with the fan favorites of Rise of the Planet of the Apes to explore a turning point in both species’ survival. Does he find a way to expand upon the movie universe, or are you better off skipping this 304 page preview and just reading the new film’s numerous subtitles?
Stuart in LA answers this and more in his final Planet of the Apes podcast of the summer. Listen now!Then head to Now Playing Podcast’s donation page to hear the movie retrospective! The movie podcasts are only available until July 31, 2014!
: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN104-DawnofthePlanetoftheApesFirestorm.mp3
Category: Arts & Literature
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze was a sure thing. The original became the most profitable independent film of all time, the toys were still selling well, and the Turtles were even touring the country with a musical stage show. Add in chart-topping rapper Vanilla Ice with his Ninja Rap, plus new mutants for the Turtles to fight, it couldn’t go wrong. Or could it? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie this week to find out with their Oozing review of the second Turtles film!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPTMNT02.mp3
New Podcast: Rise of the Planet of the Apes – A Podcast Preview
More than a decade after Tim Burton’s film failed to make audiences go Ape Fox tried again to revive their historic franchise. Rather than again revisit the story from the original novel writers Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver and director Rupert Wyatt decided to retell the story of how Apes began their conquest of Earth–a story previously told in 1972’s Conquest of the Planet of the Apes. The result–Rise of the Planet of the Apes–was a critical success and box-office hit, leading to this summer’s hotly anticipated Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. How does this film hold up a few years later, and is James Franco a suitable mad scientist? If you donate and help keep Now Playing Podcast going you can listen now and find out!
: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPPOTA07TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
New Podcast: Speed Racer – A Podcast Preview
After completing their R-rated Matrix trilogy the Wachowski Brothers sought to make a film suitable for a wider audience. They choose to make the big screen adaptation of the Japanese anime show Speed Racer. The film had broken down in development hell for over a decade, but with the Wachowskis in the driver’s seat the film went on the fast-track. But the film stalled right out of the gate. Did this movie deserve its fate, or should it get a jump start on home video? The answer is found in this bonus podcast for Now Playing donors! So to hear it, as well as our Matrix reviews, Donate to Now Playing to find out! Go, Now Playing, go!
: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPSPEEDRACERTEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
New Podcast: Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes by Andrew E. C. Gaska
Planet of the Apes might have begun in literature, but it reached mass popularity and commercial success with the 1968 Charlton Heston movie. That cinema classic, and its four sequels, presents a stark future Earth where Mankind has slipped back into savagery and become slaves to our evolutionary brethren.
In 2011 – the same year Twentieth Century Fox released blockbuster reboot Rise of the Planet of the Apes – Archaia Entertainment, author Andrew Gaska, and over a dozen celebrated illustrators launched a continuation of the original movie universe in print. Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes retells the story of the time-traveling Liberty 1 space mission using gorilla, chimp, orang, and human characters we never got to know in the movies.Join Stuart in LA to hear if this illustrated novel is a bold reinterpretation of a landmark film, or just aping the past for quick cash.
Then head to Now Playing Podcast’s donation page to hear the movie retrospective! The movie podcasts are only available until July 31, 2014!
: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN103-ConspiracyofPlanetoftheApes.mp3
Category: Arts & Literature
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Leonardo. Donatello. Michelangelo. Raphael. To an art student these names may conjure the image of the Renaissance masters but to generations of children these name mean only one thing–Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! With the new film in theaters soon the Now Playing Podcast hosts Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob don their masks, grab their weapons, and review all the Turtles’ theatrical features! The first film to star these adolescent anthropomorphised amphibians came out in 1990 with Jim Henson’s creature shop giving the Turtles life, but is it full of Turtle Power? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPTMNT01.mp3
Review: The LEGO Movie — Everything Isn’t Awesome.
The rise of LEGO from brick-building toy to multimedia empire has been fascinating to watch. For almost 50 years LEGO was a staple in every boy’s toy box, but that’s where it ended. In the 1990s, though, LEGO started to branch out with video games, television specials, and more. As an adult Star Wars and Marvel LEGO collector I’ve watched with great interest as the toy company produced several amusing TV episodes and the video games, though some of their productions clicked with me more than others (the recent Marvel Superheroes: Maximum Overload was a rare misstep). Still, I always saw LEGO as leveraging their licensed titles for multimedia projects rather than creating their own characters and situations.
As such, I wondered what plot could propel The LEGO Movie. LEGO has no characters, their sets exist to stimulate the imagination of the builder. Despite having a strong voice cast, including Morgan Freeman, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Liam Neeson, and Guardians of the Galaxy‘s Chris Pratt, this is a movie I would likely have skipped were it not for the strong word of mouth. On Twitter, Facebook, and elsewhere I read great praise for The LEGO Movie and so I decided to give it a chance.
Thirty minutes into the film I was regretting that choice.
As I’ve heard nothing but praise sung from the heavens since The LEGO Movie opened I do realize mine may be a minority opinion. That said, I cannot get past the film’s rote storyline. The movie follows Emmet Brickowski (Pratt), a LEGO minifigure who’s only remarkable quality is how average he is. Early in the film the character’s desire to build friendships comes off desperate and pathetic. The film quickly introduces other stock characters including the love interest, the bad guy, and the henchman, and even an eight-year-old could see where this story was going.
But only a child who skipped his Ritilin would want to see it through. The loud, garish editing of the film’s opening could appeal only to the most ADHD-addled minds. Worse, the opening montage is a musical number set to the irritating Disney Radio-esque earworm “Everything is Awesome.” One-third of the way into the film I strongly considered turning it off and forfeiting my $5 iTunes rental fee. LEGO had finally created their own characters, but failed to create a single one I wanted to watch on screen.
Then Batman showed up.
I have seen Batman save thousands of lives in television and film, but no rescue is more impressive than the way The Dark Knight (voiced by Will Arnett) salvages The LEGO Movie. Soon after Batman appears more LEGO licensed properties arrive, from Star Wars to the LEGO NBA All-Stars to “Middle Zealand” (did Weta not want to share in the fun by letting LEGO use the name Middle Earth). While the story of The LEGO Movie was beyond repair, the inclusion of these licensed LEGO characters brought to the film some of the winking, good-natured fun I had seen in the licensed LEGO games and TV specials. Finally some of the jokes really started to hit (the one about Batman only using black or dark gray bricks was one of the laugh-out-loud moments in the film).
Anyone who has seen Toy Story could figure out where this movie was going, especially when real-world, non-LEGO items like Band-Aids, golf balls, and Krazy Glue start to appear. Yet despite figuring out the world these LEGO builders had crafted, even I was shocked by the schmaltzy, live action ending the film had in store.
The true irony is that the film seems to be mocking commercialism while, at the same time, being a giant commercial. The song “Everything is Awesome” epitomizes this theory–it’s mocked in the film for its banality, while the movie plays it endlessly and sells it as the title track on the movie soundtrack. More, a LEGO movie exists to sell kids LEGO toys–there are LEGO Movie licensed building sets. As such, the hypocrisy on display with the film’s demonization of commercial culture is astounding.
In the end, LEGO is a pretty average film. It has a strong “believe in yourself” message that I’m sure is great for those of single-digit ages, but unlike some of the Pixar or recent Disney animated films I felt LEGO lacked in broad appeal. Perhaps this is because I was never deep into LEGO (though I did own the red and blue spacemen in the 80s). The only thing that saved this movie for me was the humor. Superman’s loathing of Green Lantern was a high point (especially given how Warner Bros. has seemingly disavowed the Ryan Reynolds film) as was the mispronunciation of everyday items.
Because I did laugh out loud several times during this film I give it a RECOMMEND, but this film, like its main character, is nothing special.
As for that ending, I have a personal story to share
SPOILER ALERT
The most shocking thing about the film is that, in the end, it is a corporate statement against those who want to glue their LEGO sets together. Unlike many toy companies who are happy to have customers buy and collect their toys for whatever reason, The LEGO Movie states clearly there is a right way and a wrong way to play with LEGO.
As stated earlier I am an adult LEGO collector. I spent a week building a LEGO Star Wars AT-TE and had it on display for quite some time, though I’d sometimes return to find bricks had fallen off. After moving to a new house I unpacked my AT-TE to find it as a pile of bricks not too unlike what had originally come in the box.
Frustrated by this, in 2009 while covering a toy event I asked a LEGO Master Builder which glue they recommended to keep LEGO sets whole. The LEGO builder refused to recommend a glue and said the intent of LEGO is to build them again and again. I pressed on the issue, though, pointing out the impressive display LEGO had. I asked, honestly curious, if that was built on-site. He admitted that the set was built and transported. Though he wouldn’t admit the displays were glued, it was strongly implied. Eventually he relented and told us that most forms of super-glue will keep the sets together.
But now I see that corporate anti-glue attitude on display in a full film. I wonder if I was the only one audacious enough to ask a Master Builder how to glue my sets together or of the question may be common. Now, rather than have to answer us one-by-one LEGO has answered as a company with this movie.
Transformers: Age of Extinction
Podcastbots, prepare to roll out! The Transformers are back in Age of Extinction, the fourth live-action robot fight-fest from high-octane director Michael Bay. With the biggest movie opening in 2014 audiences obviously turned out in droves for the carnage, but did Now Playing hosts Jerry, Stuart, and Arnie go along for the ride? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPTF05.mp3
New Podcast: Planet of the Apes: The Fall and Planet of the Apes: Colony by William T. Quick
In Tim Burton’s 2001 film Planet of the Apes Leo Davidson (played by Mark Wahlberg) is sent to the alien world Ashlar in the far future where humans and smart apes wage war upon each other. But how did humans get to Ashlar and what role did Davidson’s space station Oberon play? The movie never answered those questions, but two novels by author William T. Quick did! Now Stuart in LA is here to bring you up to speed with his summaries and reviews of Planet of the Apes: The Fall and Planet of the Apes: Colony. Listen to find out if these books enhance the experience of watching the 2001 re-imagined Apes film.
Then head to Now Playing Podcast’s donation page to hear the movie retrospective! The movie podcasts are only available until July 31, 2014!
: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN102-PlanetoftheApesFallandColonyByWilliamTQuick.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes (2001)- A Podcast Preview
Planet of the Apes seemed to be lost in time after the fifth movie in 1973 and the failed, short-lived TV Series. To studio 20th Century Fox, however, the Apes were always an opportunity for a return, and attempts to revive the franchise went on for over a decade. They eventually settled on director Tim Burton, who had successfully modernized Batman just over a decade before. While profitable, audiences flung poo at the movie screens (metaphorically) and this rebooted vision terminated after one film. But was the movie as bad as its reputation? With your Gold Level donation to Now Playing Podcast you can listen and find out!
: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPPOTA06TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Trucks
In the trailer for Maximum Overdrive writer/director Stephen King said “I just wanted someone to do Stephen King right.” Critics, audiences, and even King himself have since said that King’s directorial debut failed in that mission statement. But if King could not properly adapt his short story “Trucks” to a motion picture, can anyone? Find out this week on Now Playing Podcast as Jakob, Stuart, and Arnie review the 1997 USA Network TV movie Trucks and decide which adaptation fuels their engines!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPTRUCKS02.mp3
New Podcast: 3001: The Final Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
The story of the monolith and man’s exploration of space concludes in Arthur C. Clarke’s ultimate Odyssey novel 3001: The Final Odyssey. Set a thousand years after Dave, Frank and HAL journeyed into space to investigate the strange lunar monolith, this concluding chapter reveals the true motivations of the mysterious alien race, with some familiar faces returning to guide readers. Now join Stuart as his voyage through the years concludes and he reviews this 31st Century adventure.
Then head to Now Playing Podcast to hear Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob review the film version of 2001 and 2010!
: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN101-3001-ArthurCClarke.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Battle for the Planet of the Apes – A Podcast Preview
Battle for the Planet of the Apes was always intended to be the final film in this classic sci-fi series. With Fox executives’ eyes firmly on a television future this fifth installment was designed to close out the saga and design a universe full of more episodic adventures. However, with a slashed budget, executive interference, and few returning cast members could this Battle ever be won? With a gold level donation to support Now Playing you can listen and find out!
: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPPOTA05TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Maximum Overdrive
In 1986 Stephen King promised to scare the hell out of us, while Marvel’s Green Goblin glowed behind him. The film was Maximum Overdrive–an adaptation of the author’s short story “Trucks” from the Night Shift collection. It didn’t scare up much money at the box office with the prolific horror author behind the camera and Brat Packer Emilio Estevez starring is this film a lost gem? Truck on to NowPlayingPodcast.com to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPTRUCKS01.mp3
New Podcast: 2061: Odyssey Three by Arthur C. Clarke
The movies ended in 2010 but the story of humanity’s Space Odyssey continued in novels by original 2001 co-creator Arthur C. Clarke. In this third installment of the series Heywood Floyd is on a mission to land on Haley’s comet but unexpected events lead him to Europa–the one place in the galaxy the monolith forbade man to tread. Are there answers about the mysterious monolith at last? Join Stuart in this gala 100th episode of Books & Nachos to find out!
Then head to Now Playing Podcast to hear Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob review the film version of 2001 and 2010!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN100-2061-ArthurCClarke.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
2010: The Year We Make Contact
By 1984 Kubrick’s 2001 was considered a film classic and the forefather of the modern science fiction film. But while Arthur C. Clarke continued the Odyssey on the page it wasn’t until 1984 that moviegoers got to find out what happened to Dave Bowman, the star child, and the mysterious monolith. With Kubrick uninterested in making another space film, could any other director fill those shoes, and were they foolish to try? Make contact with Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie on this podcast to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP2001201002.mp3
New Podcast: 2010: Odyssey Two by Arthur C. Clarke
Fourteen years after Arthur C. Clarke co-created the multimedia experience 2001, the author returns to Jupiter alone in the follow-up novel 2010: Odyssey Two. Now with the freedom to tell whatever story he wants, free of cinematic considerations or partnership with a film director, does Clarke’s novel reach the same heights as the original? Listen to Stuart in LA’s review to find out!
Then head to Now Playing Podcast to hear Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob review the film version of 2001 and 2010!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN099-2010byArthurCClarke.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes – A Podcast Preview
By Venganza Media, Inc. After the comedy showcase that was Escape from the Planet of the Apes viewers probably wouldn’t expect a violent commentary on race relations as a follow-up. But that was exactly what was delivered in the fourth film of the series — Conquest of the Planet of the Apes starring Roddy McDowall returning in the new role of ape revolutionary leader Caesar. This film was heavily modified to be family-friendly for release, but still had a harder edge than the previous films. Does this change of tone fit the series? Listen to this preview, then donate to support Now Playing podcast to find out!
: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPPOTA04TEASE.MP3
New Podcast: Escape from the Planet of the Apes – A Podcast Preview
The first Planet of the Apes film ended in a way that begged for the story to continue. The follow-up Beneath the Planet of the Apes, however, ended on such a note that it seemed impossible there were more stories to tell of the future Earth under simian rule. Yet three more movies are in the original series, and the third tells how friendly apes Cornelius and Zira were able to Escape From the Planet of the Apes and travel to California in the year 1973. Does this change in time, place, and attitude sit well with Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob, or would they like to Escape the film? If you DONATE and support Now Playing you can listen and find out!
Listen Now: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPPOTA03TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
2001: A Space Odyssey
Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey changed film forever. Its effects created a visual language that would later be built on in George Lucas’ Star Wars, Ridley Scott’s Alien, Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and countless other movies. Yet upon its release it was widely panned, and to this day the film has divided audiences. Some call it a bona fide cinema classic, others call it incomprehensible. Which side is right? Maybe both? Now join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob on this podcast odyssey and find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP2001201001.mp3
New Podcast: 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
Many times movies are made based on popular novels. Other times marketing companies see easy money in releasing cheap novelizations of upcoming films. 200: A Space Odyssey is one case where neither is true. The classic film and novel resulted as a collaboration between Dr. Strangelove director Stanley Kubrick and science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke. Together they created a story that spans great distances in time and space. However, while the two men consulted each other they worked independently in their own mediums and the resulting film and book resemble each other but also have important differences with the novel providing lots of concrete explanation for what the film left ambiguous. Now join Stuart to hear about the creation of the novel of 2001: A Space Odyssey and find out if the axiom is true and the book is better than the movie!
Then head to Now Playing Podcast to hear Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob review the film version of 2001 and 2010!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN098-2001byArthurCClarke.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Beneath the Planet of the Apes – A Podcast Preview
The original Planet of the Apes was full of surprising twists and turns. From talking, horse riding apes to the Statue of Liberty at the end, audiences never knew what to expect. Could any sequel be as shocking and match the cultural impact of the original? That was the challenge for 1970 follow-up Beneath the Planet of the Apes. Charlton Heston’s Taylor returns, as do Nova, Dr. Zaius, and many other familiar ape faces, but now they must face a new, subterranean danger. If you donate to support Now Playing you can go underground with Jakob, Stuart, and Arnie and hear the review now!
Listen Now: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPPOTA02TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
New Podcast: Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle
Everyone knows Planet of the Apes, the movie. With Charlton Heston’s oft-quoted lines and the famously spoiled twist ending, the film has entered the American lexicon. Less known, however, is the original novel that inspired the 1968 motion picture. This original telling, published in 1963 and written by French author Pierre Boulle, created a vision that inspired Hollywood to film it, but the novel also differs from its cinematic counterpart in key ways. Join Stuart in this episode of Books and Nachos as he reads and reviews the book as a companion to Now Playing Podcast’s bonus, limited Planet of the Apes movie retrospective.
Then head to Now Playing Podcast’s donation page to hear the movie retrospective! The movie podcasts are only available until July 31, 2014!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN097-PlanetofTheApes.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
X-Men: Days of Future Past
Marvel’s Avengers film upped audience expectations by bringing four solo cinematic superheroes together for one explosive adventure. Now Fox tries to go one better by bringing two entire superteams together! The catch: they’re both the X-Men. In X-Men: Days of Future Past the original X-Men and the First Class cast share the screen with a dozen new mutants to try and save their species from annihilation at the hands of giant robot sentinels. Does this giant cast lead to X-treme confusion or, in the hands of returning director Bryan Singer is this X-ceptional entertainment? Listen to Now Playing’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPXMEN08.mp3
New Podcast: Planet of the Apes (1968) – A Podcast Preview
In 1968 movie audiences were stunned and riveted by Planet of the Apes, an allegorical sci-fi film based on a book by French novelist Pierre Boulle. It quickly garnered four sequels, a TV show, a comic series, and even a cartoon. Now this franchise has new relevance as prequel, reboot movies draw in new fans. But how does the original Charlton Heston film hold up 46 years later? Jakob, Arnie, and Stuart review the original Planet of the Apes in this bonus episode. Get your hands on the damn dirty Apes podcasts and support Now Playing by donating!
Listen Now: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPPOTA01TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Godzilla (2014)
The King of the Monsters was King of the Box Office last weekend. This hotly anticipated reboot of the sixty-year-old monster movie grossed nearly $200 million worldwide, proving audiences still yearn to see skyscrapers felled by the giant lizard with the atomic breath. Now, because you, the Now Playing listeners, demanded it, Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie review the new 2014 version of Godzilla. Will the green lizard get green arrows from the hosts? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP040.mp3
Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace
Stephen King sued to get his name removed from New Line Cinema’s film The Lawnmower Man. Then stars Jeff Fahey and Pierce Brosnan moved on to other projects as well. Even director Brett Leonard had other films to make. So why did New Line insist on making a follow-up to the cyber-sexy horror film? And could there be more on-the-nose casting than Matt Frewer, TV’s Max Headroom, to play virtual reality computer god Jobe Smith? Jack in, and listen to Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPLM02.mp3
New Podcast: The Matrix Revolutions – A Podcast Preview
“Everything that has a beginning has an end.” That mantra is spoken repeatedly in The Matrix Revolutions, the conclusion of the Wachowski Brothers’ original vision. But is this a case where the ends justify the means? In 2003 this film was met with widespread fan dissatisfaction, but with over 10 years of distance Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie are ready to jack in one last time. Does the film deserve its reputation? If you DONATE and SUPPORT NOW PLAYING you can find out!
Listen Now: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPMATRIX04TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
New Podcast: I Know What You Need (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
Ed is the perfect boyfriend. He takes Elizabeth to the movies she wants to see, cheers her up when she’s feeling down, and always seems to know what she wants before she wants it. Has Elizabeth found true love, or is Ed’s uncanny empathy the result of something darker? Stephen King reveals the answer in his short story “I Know What You Need” from the Night Shift collection. Now join Arnie, the podcast host who knows what you need–a review and analysis of this Stephen King work!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN096-King22-NightShift-IKnowWhatYouNeed.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
The Lawnmower Man
There have been a lot of bad Stephen King films, and a lot of films based on the author’s works that are virtually unrecognisable from their source material. But of all the films bearing Stephen King’s name on the poster only one drew the horror writer’s ire to the point of filing a lawsuit to expunge any connection between him and the movie, and that film is The Lawnmower Man. A tale of a mentally challenged landscaper who, through use of virtual reality, becomes a digital god, The Lawnmower Man combined live action and computer generated images to give the audience something they couldn’t see on their home PC. Is this a film worth booting up, or should the Now Playing hosts have followed the author’s example and disavowed this film from their Stephen King Retrospective Series? Listen to cyber-gods Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPLM01.mp3
New Podcast: Lawnmower Man (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
A man has let his lawn grow too long and needs expert help to cut it down. Unknowing he calls a lawn service run by the Pan, the Greek god of fertility, and the result is a gorgeous lawn…and death. What is going on in this story, and how does it tie to the movie about cyberspace? Arnie explains it all in his review of this original Stephen King story, as well as the Marvel Comics adaptation!Hear Arnie’s review of the short story now, then join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob at nowplayingpodcast.com to hear their reviews of the two Lawnmower Man films!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN095-King21-NightShift-LawnmowerMan.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: The Matrix Reloaded – A Podcast Preview
It took four years for movie fans to re-enter the Matrix. From 1999 to 2003 there were no Matrix movies, comics, or even video games. But in 2003 that all changed as the Wachowski Brothers unleashed an onslaught of Matrix media on fans, including not one but two films that promised to bring the Matrix saga to a close. The first of those films was The Matrix Reloaded. Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus were back but they brought dozens of new characters increasing the complexity of the film series. Fans left theaters divided on the sequel they had anticipated for so long, but was the film that much of a departure from the original? DONATE TO NOW PLAYING to find out!
Listen Now: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPMATRIX03TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Rhino. Electro. Green Goblin. In 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man the web head had a hard time defeating one bad guy, but now he is up against three. With The Amazing Spider-Man 2 director Mark Webb has an even harder challenge than rebooting the film series–he has to up the stakes while setting the stage for Sony to launch an entire Spider-Man cinematic universe of films. With all the movie moguls planning annual films and three bad guys on screen, can Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker still get a story of his own? And after a polarizing first film, does The Amazing Spider-Man 2 show a hero on an upswing, or a downward fall? Listen to Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPSM07.mp3
New Podcast: Strawberry Spring (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
Under the cover of an unseasonable night fog a killer has started preying on the female students at the usually quiet New Sharon Community College. Police, curfews, and student awareness fail to stop the nightly dismemberings. Who is this murderer? Find out in “Strawberry Spring”, Stephen King’s 1968 short story that was collected in the Night Shift collection. Now join Arnie as he reviews this story.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN094-King20-NightShift-StrawberrySpring.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: The Animatrix – A Podcast Preview
Listen Now: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPMATRIX02TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
Sometimes They Come Back…for More
At a secret military base in Antarctica an evil force has arrived. Now the survivors of Ice Station Erebus don’t know who’s human, who’s a demon, and who’s come back for more…from the dead! Is this the best adaptation of King’s original “Sometimes They Come Back” short story or should it be left buried in the ice? Listen to Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPSTCB03.mp3
New Podcast: The Matrix – A Podcast Preview
Listen Now: http://nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPMATRIX01TEASE.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
New Podcast: Trucks (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
Five strangers are stranded at a truck stop–the last place they want to be now that all the sixteen wheelers outside have come to life and started driving themselves! How can man survive in a world of machines? Find out in “Trucks”, Stephen King’s short story from the Night Shift collection which the author later made into the film Maximum Overdrive! Now join Arnie as he reviews this story.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN093-King19-NightShift-Trucks.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Sometimes They Come Back…Again
You can’t keep a good greaser down! In the 1950s Tony Reno and his gang died while trying to perform a human sacrifice, but now they’re back from the dead to complete their quest for immortality. But…if they’re back from the grave aren’t they already immortal? And what is two time Oscar winner Hillary Swank doing here? Listen to Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob, the hosts who ALWAYS come back, to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPSTCB02.mp3
New Podcast: Battleground (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
It’s not fun and games when army men come to life to avenge the murder of their maker! This war of toy versus man is the plot of “Battleground”, Stephen King’s short story from the Night Shift collection. Now join Arnie as he reviews this story, as well as it’s television and Russian animated adaptations!Watch the animated Russian adaptation now on YouTube!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN092-King18-NightShift-Battleground.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Sometimes They Come Back
Sometimes the dead stay buried. Sometimes they come back. Based on the Stephen King short story from his Night Shift collection, this CBS TV movie introduces us to Jim Norman, a teacher with a troubled history starting a new job at a new school. Jim’s few good students start to die and their seats in class are taken by the greasers who killed Jim’s brother almost 30 years before. Is Jim losing his mind or are these pesky poltergeists back from the grave? And is this a Stephen King adaptation worth watching? Listen to Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie, the hosts who always come back, to find out!
Listen Now: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPSTCB01.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
New Podcast: Sometimes They Come Back (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
In the 1950s some teenagers killed Jim Norman’s older brother. Now, sixteen years later, Jim is an adult teaching English at a new school. When some of Jim’s good students start dying they are replaced by the ghosts of the murderous boys. “Sometimes They Come Back”, and they want Jim to join them in the grave. It’s a story full of Stephen King connections, from The Shining to It to “The Body. Listen to Arnie as he reviews this short story from the Night Shift collection! Then head to NowPlayingPodcast.com to hear Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob review the movie versions of this story!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN091-King17-NightShift-SometimesTheyComeBack.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
The First Avenger is back in the latest film from the unstoppable Marvel Cinematic Universe. With a mysterious new assassin out to kill Captain America and S.H.I.E.L.D. turning on him, it’s up to the Star Spangled man along with his friends Black Widow and new hero The Falcon to save the day. Is this a good installment in Marvel’s Avengers series or just a stalling tactic until we get The Avengers: Age of Ultron in 2015? Listen to Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPAVENGERS09.mp3
New Podcast: Gray Matter (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
There are some who think no beer is a bad beer, but they haven’t read Stephen King’s short story “Gray Matter.” From the Night Shift collection this tale tells of a man who’s bacteria-laden brewski changes him from a a repulsive human being into a repulsive, slime monster. The premise may be crazy, but is the story fun? Arnie lets you know as he continues reading and reviewing all of Stephen King’s fiction!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN090-King16-NightShift-GrayMatter.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
The Mangler Reborn
You can’t keep a good laundry machine down! We may not have Robert Englund or Ted Levine but the titular, demonically possessed, homicidal clothes press is back for blood in The Mangler Reborn. When two thieves break into a house to rob the owner what they find inside is carnage and chaos. Does this film have any resemblance whatsoever to King’s original crisply-folded vision? Listen to Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart’s review where it all comes out in the wash!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMANGL03.mp3
Fight Club
The first rule of Fight Club is the one that’s most broken. Especially in 1999 when this film was new, fans had to share their thoughts and feelings about this anti-consumer culture, revolutionary, subversive, and thought-provoking story. Director David Fincher and screenwriter Jim Uhls took the story from Chuck Palahniuk’s novel and, with stars Brad Pitt and Ed Norton, captured the spirit of a decade. Now, as thanks to everyone who supported Marjorie’s participation in the American Lung Association “Fight for Air Climb” the hosts of Now Playing once again break Fight Club’s cardinal, redundant rule and break this film down in depth. Step in the ring with Arnie, Stuart, and Marjorie now to listen!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPP039.mp3
New Podcast: I Am the Doorway (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
An astronaut returned from Venus believes he has been inhabited by homicidal aliens. These aliens have sprouted eyes on the man’s hands, and forced him to kill a local boy. Is the man insane, or is he the doorway for an alien invasion? Find out in “I Am the Doorway”, a short story King originally published in 1971 that was collected and reprinted in the Night Shift anthology. Join Arnie now as he reads and reviews this story, continuing his look at all the Night Shift works!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN089-King15-NightShift-IAmTheDoorway.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
The Mangler 2
In the last film The Mangler was a killer laundry press. But that film was made in the 20th Century so now, with The Mangler 2, we get a Mangler for a new generation: a killer computer virus downloaded into the security system at a prestigious prep school. Listen to Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob’s review to see if this diabolical digital demon is worth watching! And we promise, the Mangler virus is not embedded in the podcast MP3.
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMANGL02.mp3
New Podcast: Night Surf (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
A superflu nicknamed “Captain Tripps” kills most of the people on Earth. This story tells the tale of a small group of survivors. No, this is not Stephen King’s The Stand, but rather “Night Surf”, a short story King first wrote a decade before that seminal novel. Listen now to find out how the two stories connect, what other Stephen King connections are found, and if “Night Surf” is a story worth reading as Arnie continues his reviews of all the tales from King’s Night Shift anthology.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN088-King14-NightShift-NightSurf.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
The Mangler
Workers keep dying at the Blue Ribbon Laundry Service, chewed up by The Mangler–a giant industrial laundry press. Is the machine broken, or is it possessed by a demon? Directed by Tobe Hooper and starring Robert Englund and Ted Levine, the film has horror icons on screen and behind the scenes. Can their combined talent make the Mangler loads of fun, or have King’s Night Shift adaptations pressed their luck too far? Listen to Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMANGL01.mp3
New Podcast: The Mangler (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
Have you ever worked on your computer, your lawnmower, or your car and felt that the damned machine is out to get you? That perhaps a demonic spirit has taken hold of the device, giving it an evil intent? Put that feeling towards a 30-foot industrial laundry press and the result is “The Mangler”, Stephen King’s short story about such a machine that “tasted blood and found it liked it.” In this Books & Nachos podcast Arnie reviews this short story from King’s Night Shift collection. Then hear his, Stuart’s, and Jakob’s review of “The Mangler” movie adaptation at NowPlayingPodcast.com!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN087-King13-NightShift-TheMangler.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Graveyard Shift
It’s hard to decide what’s worst about working at the Bachman Textile Plant. It could be the lack of air conditioning. It could be the boss who coerces female employees for sex. Actually the worst thing about the mill is probably the giant rat-bat creature that lives in the basement and feeds on the workers. Such is the plot of Graveyard Shift, the 1990 film based on Stephen King’s 1970 short story. Can a mischief of rats, a giant puppet beast, and Brad Dourif scare Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart to death? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPNIGHTSHIFT03.mp3
New Podcast: Graveyard Shift (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
Hall is a drifter who has taken a night job at the Gates Falls mill for the summer. It seems like an easy gig, but with the numerous rats and the annoying foreman it may push Hall too far. Monsters, both human and not, await in Stephen King’s 1970 short story “Graveyard Shift”, collected in King’s Night Shift anthology. Arnie reviews the original short story on this episode of Books & Nachos. Then hear his, Stuart’s, and Jakob’s review of the “Graveyard Shift” movie adaptation at NowPlayingPodcast.com!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN086-King12-NightShift-GraveyardShift.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Cat’s Eye
What do a man trying to quit smoking, a man running away with his lover, and a troll have in common? They’re all stories told in Cat’s Eye, the 1985 anthology film starring Drew Barrymore. The film has adaptations of two stories from Stephen King’s Night Shift collection, and a third newly written for the screen. Are the original tales scarier than the new one? Are these stories even intended to frighten the audience? Listen to Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie’s review to find out! Arnie is also reviewing all the original King Night Shift short stories at the Books & Nachos podcast! Head there now to hear reviews of the short stories “Quitters Inc.” and “The Ledge” which were adapted in Cat’s Eye!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPNIGHTSHIFT02.mp3
New Podcast: Quitters Inc. (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
Dick Morrison has to quit smoking. He may not want to quit smoking, but after signing up for the cessation program run by a group of mobsters under the name Quitters, Inc. Dick knows that another cigarette means physical torture for his wife and son. Adapted to film as a memorable part of the Cat’s Eye anthology, Arnie reviews the original short story on this episode of Books & Nachos. Then hear his, Stuart’s, and Jakob’s review of Cat’s Eye anthology film, at NowPlayingPodcast.com!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN085-King11-NightShift-QuittersInc.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
The Night Shift Collection: The Woman in the Room, The Boogeyman, and Disciples of the Crow
Stephen King has over 50 feature films based on his writings. But beyond the feature films are hundreds of student-made short films based on King’s short stories, completely authorized by the author. In an attempt to help student filmmakers King sells non-exclusive rights for one dollar; he calls these films his “Dollar Babies.” As part of the contract these films can not be distributed or sold; however, in the 1980s three Dollar Babies were renegotiated and saw professional release. On a direct-to-VHS series called The Night Shift Collection student adaptations of King’s short stories “Children of the Corn” (title changed to Disciples of the Crow for film), “The Boogeyman”, and “The Woman in the Room” were distributed–the last title directed by Frank Darabont, who would go on to direct professional King adaptations The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and The Mist! So join Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart as they go back to school and review The Night Shift Collection!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPNIGHTSHIFT01.mp3
New Podcast: The Ledge (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
Would you rather go to jail and never again see the woman you love, or walk along a 42nd story ledge that is only five inches wide? That is the choice tennis pro Stan Norris must make in “The Ledge.” This Stephen King short story was first published in 1973 and collected in 1978’s Night Shift. Join Arnie on this Books & Nachos analysis of the short, then hear his, Stuart’s, and Jakob’s review of the film adaptation, part of the Cat’s Eye anthology film, at NowPlayingPodcast.com!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN084-King10-NightShift-TheLedge.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Robocop (2014)
Robocop is back! After two theatrical sequels that quickly declined in quality, a syndicated TV series, and a series of TV movies, the cyborg cop is back in theaters with a totally new take on the tale of Alex Murphy. Gone is Verhoeven’s ultra-violence and satrical take on 80’s business, and instead Robocop is now a state of the art tactical killing machine, dressed in black. Does this new angle on the robot cop work, or should Murphy have stayed dead? Listen to Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPROBOCOP08.mp3
Robocop: Prime Directives – Crash and Burn
It’s been a long road but we have reached the climax of the Robocop: Prime Directives series. Kaydick and Robocable have infiltrated OCP, planning to use their SAINT computer system to spread the human and machine killing Legion virus throughout Delta City. Only Robocop, his son James, and Kaydick’s former lover Anne can stop him. After three cheaply made films, is there anything in this final movie to redeem the series, or does it Crash and Burn? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPROBOCOP07.mp3
New Podcast: The Boogeyman (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
A man goes to a psychiatrist claiming he killed all three of his children, but not through direct action but rather inaction–failure to stop The Boogeyman. Is the man insane, or is there a monster waiting for him in the closet? This Stephen King short story was first published in 1973 and collected in 1978’s Night Shift. Join Arnie on this Books & Nachos analysis of the short, then hear his, Stuart’s, and Jakob’s review of the “Dollar Baby” film adaptation at NowPlayingPodcast.com
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN083-King09-NightShift-TheBoogeyman.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Robocop: Prime Directives – Resurrection
There is a new threat to Delta City, and his name is Kaydick. Having invented Legion, a virus that will destroy both technology and people, Kaydick is ready to annihilate all of humanity, and with RoboCable as his slave bodyguard it may just happen. Can Robocop avoid OCP’s Systems Support team, and his own son, long enough to save the city? And can this film give Prime Directives a much-needed Resurrection? Listen to our review of the third Robocop: Prime Directives films to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPROBOCOP06.mp3
Robocop: Prime Directives – Meltdown
Robocop has been feeling obsolete after a decade of paroling Delta City, but he’s not ready to be shut down yet! When he is framed for a series of destructive acts, actually done by his former police partner who has also been turned into a cyborg, Robocop must go on the run and hide from OCP and their lethal Systems Support Team. Does the addition of RoboCable double the pleasure of the second Robocop: Prime Directives films, or will the Now playing hosts have a Meltdown? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPROBOCOP05.mp3
New Podcast: The Woman in the Room (from the Night Shift collection) by Stephen King
A woman lays in her hospital bed, dying of cancer. Her son, John, sits next to her, a bottle of painkillers in his pocket, thinking of ending her suffering forever. “The Woman in the Room” is a very different type of story than Stephen King’s fans would have come to expect when first printed in the 1978 short story collection Night Shift, and it is the tale Arnie is reviewing on this episode of Books & Nachos. Listen to find out if this change of pace is a welcome one, then join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob at NowPlayingPodcast.com as they review Frank Darabont’s “Dollar Baby” film adaptation of the story.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN082-King08-NightShift-TheWomanintheRoom.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Robocop: Prime Directives – Dark Justice
Robocop, the franchise, was considered obsolete, broken down, and forgotten in the early 21st century. So what better than to make four films in which Robocop, the character, is considered obsolete, broken down, and forgotten? Such is the premise of the Robocop – Prime Directives. Taking place 10 years after the death of Alex Murphy Robocop still patrols the streets of Delta City hunting the mass murderer Bone Machine. Does this R-rated made-for-TV movie bring back the sprit of the original Robocop? Listen to our review of the first Prime Directives film Dark Justice, to find out! Then join us this Friday for the next Prime Directives review, Meltdown!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPROBOCOP04.mp3
New Podcast: Rage by Stephen King (as Richard Bachman)
Author Stephen King, feeling stifled by Doubleday’s mandate that he not publish more than one novel per year, made an agreement where he could publish novels under a pseudonym–Richard Bachman. In 1977 the first book under that assumed name was released — Rage. Started by King while still in high school, this tale of a teenage gunman taking his class hostage has inspired at least four real-life shooting situations and has been pulled from print. Now Arnie continues his look back at all of King’s works with a review of Rage, discussing its impact on real world violence, analyzing King’s decision to take on an assumed name, and asking if this book deserves to be kept in King’s bibliography.
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN081-King07-Rage.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Robocop 3
Clarence Boddicker couldn’t kill Officer Alex Murphy–the policeman rose again as the unstoppable Robocop. But what Boddicker started director Fred Dekker finished with Robocop 3. With a new man in the robosuit, a robot ninja, and a jetpack, the third Robocop film was both a critical and box office failure that would end the original franchise, save for some television projects, and doom Murphy to 21 years of obsolescence. But can the film, written by comic cult icon Frank Miller, be as bad as its reputation? Listen to Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPROBOCOP03.mp3
New Podcast: Frank Miller’s Robocop
Spoiler Alert! This podcast discusses many key elements of Frank Miller’s Robocop comic series.
Despite being a credited writer on Robocop 2 Frank Miller was unhappy with the final product, feeling the film failed to capture his vision. With Robocop 2 being a critical disappointment Miller’s original script became a thing of legend. Finally in 2003 Miller gave fans an insight into what could have been with Frank Miller’s Robocop–a comic book series based on his original ideas for Robocop 2. How does it compare to the theatrical release, and was Miller’s original idea better? Join Arnie and Jakob in this episode of Books & Nachos to find out, then join them at NowPlayingPodcast.com to hear their reviews of all the Robocop films!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN080%20-%20Frank%20Millers%20Robocop.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Robocop 2
When Alex Murphy was killed in the line of duty OCP brought in their best scientists to rebuild him as the bigger, stronger Robocop. When Paul Verhoeven chose to make Total Recall instead of Robocop 2 Orion Pictures also turned to icons of the genre–the Irvin Kershner, director of The Empire Strikes Back, and Frank Miller, writer of the hit Batman comic The Dark Knight Returns. With these big names behind the camera, Peter Weller back in the Robosuit, and a much bigger budget, does Robocop 2 make the original obsolete? Listen to Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPROBOCOP02.mp3
Review: Wolverine vs. Sabretooth Motion Comic
Review copy provided courtesy of Shout! Factory
Out today on DVD is Wolverine Versus Sabretooth — the latest Marvel Knights Motion Comic from Shout! Factory.
For those who have not yet watched a motion comic, it is a “splitting the difference” between a static comic on the page and a full-blown animated film. The images on the screen have a limited amount of motion; sometimes a character will move slightly like a paper cut-out, sometimes the camera zooms or pans over a comic panel. But while the visuals are semi-static, the audio provides a full-blown cinematic experience including professional voice actors and a robust film score.
Marvel superheroes have a long history of Motion Comics, with some of my favorites being the Joss Whedon Astonishing X-Men series and Spider-Woman: Agent of S.W.O.R.D. But (as described on a special feature on the DVD) Wolverine is one of Marvel’s most popular characters and certainly its most famous X-Man so there have been several Wolverine motion comics including Wolverine: Origins, Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk, and now Wolverine vs. Sabretooth.
These releases all adapt existing, popular stories told in the pages of Marvel comics and this newest release continues that pattern by adapting the controversial Wolverine: Evolution comic arc written by Jeph Loeb. After years of not knowing his own origin, Wolverine finally remembers his life before the Weapon X project, but with those memories come nightmares involving Roman gladiators and a mysterious character named Romulus. In this arc Wolverine will uncover secrets that reveal even more about his own origin, as well as his possible genetic connection to long-time nemesis Sabretooth. The new history for Wolverine put forth in this story caused a ripple of fan discontent, and has been mostly explained away in later comics, but however you feel about the revelations they are attention-grabbing.
As this motion comic is strictly an adaptation of the comics I won’t review the source material. Suffice it to say it has guest appearances from some of the other most popular characters in Marvel comics, as well as some more obscure ones. There is lots of action and globe-trotting, and as a viewer watching the story for the first time I was hooked by the tease of revelations the story provided, even if some of the suggestions were eyeroll inducing. However there is one shock for which I was completely unprepared, it’s this story’s “money shot”, and while I’m sure most X-fans know it already it really does give this story a weight that many do not.
However by adapting a single arc from an ongoing comic series, as this motion comic does, there are lingering questions to be answered. In some cases, such as the Astonishing X-Men series, the entire run is adapted to motion comics. However, more regularly, questions are asked in motion comics that require viewers to then go to comics (or Wikipedia) to find answers. That trend continues with Wolverine versus Sabretooth–while the story told is a complete arc with a satisfying resolution, there are many questions still left unresolved. But in comics the stories are never “done”, they always want you to buy the next issue, and this will feed that compulsion.
Aside from the story my real question with the motion comics is the presentation of the material. Comic readers have had 7 years to read this story in print, so what about the presentation will appeal to a non-comics reader? The answer is–lots.
With this latest release the quality of the Marvel motion comics continues to improve. The earliest of motion comic releases had poor voice acting, generic music, and very limited motion. But with Wolverine versus Sabretooth it’s impressive how these have improved. The voices for the main characters of Wolverine, Sabretooth, Storm, Black Panther, and others are equivalent to those that would be heard in any television animated series. Added with the sound effects and the music, director Carl Upsdell delivers an immersive aural experience that exceeds many of the best radio dramas I’ve heard.
The visuals are also some of the best that I’ve seen in a motion comic. I am a fan of Simone Bianchi’s art style, and motion comics are a tremendous showcase for great comic art. Projected on my home theater I’m able to see detail in the art that would never appear on a page. I’m also very impressed with the way the producers have separated the foreground characters from the background scenery, giving the scenes an almost 3-D feel. That said, the trademarks that separate a motion comic from an animated film exist from the wood-puppet mouth movements to the static nature of the images. I know many people who simply find the motion comic animation style to be dull, and I don’t see anything in Wolverine versus Sabretooth that will make converts of the disaffected.
The DVD sticks to the format of the original comic, presenting the story as 6 individual “episodes”. You can watch all six back-to-back, but each repeats the opening credits sequence, padding the overall runtime to just over an hour. The DVD has one special feature in which Loeb and Bianchi look back on this arc. There are no mea culpas and no apologies that may be desired by those who disliked these changes to Wolverine’s backstory, but Loeb does describe his thought process behind why this story was necessary and why it took so long to be fully told. The 23 minute featurette provides a discussion of the writing, the art, and the characters of Wolverine and Sabretooth.
Taking a motion comic for what it is, Wolverine versus Sabretooth is technically the best I’ve seen to date. If you haven’t read this Wolverine story arc, or if you have and want to revisit it in a new way, I can highly recommend this new 6-part feature, out on DVD today.
Robocop (1987)
Robocop has been the star of numerous comic books, TV series, cartoons, video games, and more. His legacy is even worthy of a cinematic remake, hitting theaters in February, 2014. It’s quite the achievement for a character that no director wanted to touch until Dutch filmmaker Paul Verhoeven brought his ultra-violent, satirical aesthetic to the character. The film was originally given an X-rating for violence and decried for its gratuitous gore, but it was a box office success and became a cult hit. Now, in preparation for the new Robocop film, Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob look back at the original. Do the film’s sci-fi elements and cynical view of corporate America hold up today? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPROBOCOP01.mp3
New Podcast: The Wolf of Wall Street and Catching the Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort
Jordan Belfort made headlines in the 1990s, first for his unusual start-up stock trading firm, then for his illegal stock manipulation practices. But that media attention is nothing compared to the spotlight being shone on this white-collar criminal with the release of Martin Scorsese’s film The Wolf of Wall Street. Now Stuart in LA has read Belfort’s two autobiographies, The Wolf of Wall Street and Catching the Wolf of Wall Street to read the story in the salesman’s own words. Hear Stuart’s thoughts on the book in this podcast!
And join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob at nowplayingpodcast.com to hear their review of the movie adaptation of The Wolf of Wall Street!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN079-WolfofWallStreet.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
The Wolf of Wall Street
While the frequency of their collaborations has slowed, Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese are together again in 2013’s Oscar-bating docu-comedy The Wolf of Wall Street. DiCaprio plays real-life Wall Street criminal Jordan Belfort, who lived a sex, drug, and money fueled lifestyle before his short stint in prison. Does Scorsese’s style work when showcasing white-collar crime families? Listen to Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPMARTY05.mp3
Gremlins 2
It may only take a drop of water to make a new gremlin, but it took six years and a slew of writers, directors, and concepts to make a new Gremlins film. Finally original director Joe Dante returned in 1990 to give us Gremlins 2: The New Batch. With a gang of genetically modified gremlins taking a bite out of the Big Apple this film opted for more comedy than horror. Did that work for our hosts? Listen to this final Now Playing of 2013 to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPGREM02.mp3
Gremlins
In the mid 1980s there was no bigger name in film than Steven Spielberg. As a director he had a string of major hits, including E.T. which became the top grossing film of all time. Even films he didn’t direct but only produced, such as Poltergeist and The Goonies, benefited from having his name high on the title. Also in this category was Gremlins, the 1984 film about a small town overrun by small, evil creatures. Directed by The Howling’s Joe Dante, this film provided a combination of horror, comedy, and Christmas. Now join Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob as they review this film, from the cuddly Mogwai to the creepy Gremlins to that lingering smell that makes Kate hate Christmas.
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPGREM01.mp3
The Shining (1997)
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is considered a horror classic, but original Shining author Stephen King never felt it lived up to his original vision. So in 1997, for the novel’s 20th anniversary, King and longtime collaborator Mick Garris reunited to bring The Shining to audiences as an ABC mini-series. While time has not granted this series the iconic status of Kubrick’s film, is King’s vision one worth seeing? Listen to Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPSHINING02.mp3
New Podcast: Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
Dan Torrance was just five years old when he survived the ghostly attacks of his drunken father at The Overlook Hotel. But for 36 years fans have wondered what happened to Dan, a powerful psychic, after The Shining ended. Now Stephen King answers that question with Doctor Sleep, a book that tells of Dan as a 40 year old recovered alcoholic. When a group of psychic vampires go after a young girl with mental powers Dan has to once again stand up to the powers of darkness.Could any novel live up to readers’ memories of The Shining? And if so, does Doctor Sleep deliver those same thrills and drama? Join Arnie as he reviews King’s latest novel to find out!And join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob at http://nowplayingpodcast.com to hear their reviews of both the theatrical and TV adaptations of The Shining!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN078-King06-DoctorSleep.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
The Shining (1980)
Stephen King is a best selling, award winning horror author. Stanley Kubrick is regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. When these two came together a horror classic was born — The Shining. It has scared audiences for over thirty years, and now Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob are reviewing it as the next film in the Stephen King Movie Retrospective Series. But King famously dislikes the movie. Will any of our hosts agree? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPSHINING01.mp3
New Podcast: The Shining by Stephen King
Do you know Stephen King’s The Shining? You may think you do–iconography from King’s third book litters American pop culture. The Overlook Hotel. Redrum. Jack Torrance, who’s always been the caretaker of the hotel. It was King’s first bestselling hardcover novel and famously adapted by Stanley Kubrick to film–but if you only know The Shining from the movie you are missing out! King’s book is a study of paternal relationships, alcoholism, and the nature of fatherhood. Plus there’s also ghosts, murderers, and a little psychic boy.
Now, continuing his Stephen King review series Arnie is back with his spoiler-free analysis of King’s story of a haunted hotel. Also in this podcast Arnie reviews “Before the Play”–The Shining’s rare, uncollected prologue, cut from the final novel.
And join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob at nowplayingpodcast.com to hear their reviews of both the movie and TV adaptations of The Shining!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN077-King05-TheShining.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
‘Salem’s Lot (2004)
When the first TV miniseries based on ‘Salems Lot came out in 1979 Stephen King was an up-and-coming author. His novels had become bestsellers based of popularity of Brian DePalma’s film Carrie, but he was not the brand name that he would become. As such the TV version of Salem’s Lot ended with middling ratings. But by 2004 the author had not only been crowned the King of horror, he was also the monarch of miniseries, with The Stand, It, and others giving big ratings to networks. As such, as the 30th anniversary of ‘Salem’s Lot’s publication approached, another miniseries was made. Starring The Stand’s Rob Lowe, as well as Donald Sutherland and Rutger Hauer, does this adaptation provide more frights than the original? Listen to Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPSL03.mp3
New Podcast: Jersulam’s Lot (from the Night Shift Collection) by Stephen King
Stephen King’s “Jerusalem’s Lot” tells the story of Charles Boone and his servant Calvin. In 1850 the two men move to Preacher’s Corners, Maine where they stay at a large house left to Charles by his estranged cousin. The townspeople feel the two men must be mad to stay in the haunted mansion, and crazier still to set foot in the nearby ghost town of Jerusalem’s Lot. What the two men discover will reveal secrets from Boone’s family history as well as the evil that consumed ‘Salem’s Lot.
This short story, first published as the lead tale in Stephen King’s Night Shift collection, was sold as an earlier tale from the town of Jerusalem’s Lot–the location of King’s ‘Salem’s Lot. The story is now appended to paperback and eBook versions of that bestselling vampire novel. How does it tie into the longer book, and is it required reading for King fans? Listen to Arnie’s review to find out in this podcast continuing our Stephen King series!
And join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob at nowplayingpodcast.com to hear their reviews of the three ‘Salem’s Lot TV and movie adaptations!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN076-King04-NightShift-JerusalemsLot.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
A Return to Salem’s Lot
A Return to Salem’s Lot has a town called Salem’s Lot and vampires. Beyond that, this direct-to-video release has no ties to Tobe Hooper’s 1979 TV mini-series or Stephen King’s original novel. But helmed by the director of The Stuff and It’s Alive, is this 80s film a fun time? Listen to Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPSL02.mp3
New Podcast: One For the Road (from the Night Shift Collection) by Stephen King
Some questions lingered when Stephen King’s ‘Salem’s Lot ended. Were all the vampires killed? Due to the success of the novel, and to help publicize the paperback edition of the book, the author returned to the Maine town of Jerusalem’s Lot for his short story “One For the Road.” Taking place several years after vampires first settled in Maine, King tells the story of three men who must venture into the ghost town to rescue a stranded woman and child.
The story was first published in Maine Magazine, then reprinted in Stephen King’s first short story collection Night Shift, and is now appended to paperback and eBook versions of ‘Salem’s Lot. What happened in the story and is it worth the quick read? Listen to Arnie’s review to find out in this podcast continuing our Stephen King series!
And join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob at nowplayingpodcast.com to hear their reviews of the three ‘Salem’s Lot TV and movie adaptations!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN075-King03-NightShift-OneForTheRoad.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Salem’s Lot (1979)
When Carrie came out in 1976 Stephen King was an unknown author, but after the success of Brian DePalma’s film the author was put in the spotlight. His older books became paperback bestsellers, and his new books topped the charts in hardcover. So expectations were high in 1979 when ‘Salem’s Lot, the second adaptation of King’s work, hit screens. But rather than being in movie theaters, King’s 1976 vampire novel was produced as a television mini-series. With horror master Tobe Hooper directing could this small-screen film live up to the quality of big-screen King horror? Listen to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPSL01.mp3
New Podcast: ‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
“What would happen if Dracula came to America today?” With that conversational inquiry Stephen King was inspired to write the novel ‘Salem’s Lot. King’s second published book, ‘Salem’s Lot was a bestseller, cementing King’s reputation among horror fans. The books’ success then translated to a television mini-series directed by Tobe Hooper.
‘Salem’s Lot is almost 40 years old but thanks to Twilight vampire fiction is more popular than ever. With all that has come in between, does King’s vampire story still have bite or does it just suck? Listen to Arnie’s review to find out as he analyzes the themes of King’s book and investigates how this plot resembles some of King’s other fiction. Even included in this show is analysis of the cut passages from ‘Salem’s Lot, published in the book’s 30th Anniversary Edition, as well as the 1995 BBC Radio Drama adaptation. All in this podcast continuing our Stephen King series!
And join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob at nowplayingpodcast.com to hear their reviews of the three ‘Salem’s Lot TV and movie adaptations!
Download the ‘Salem’s Lot BBC Radio Drama from Tales of Horror Podcast
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN074-King02-SalemsLot.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: Murder and Other Distractions by Michael Estrin
Ethan’s life is a bit of a mess. He spends his time in a toxic, casual relationship, smoking weed and coasting through his job, all the while pining for The Girl Who Got Away. But when that girl is murdered, Ethan is the top suspect. Part murder mystery, part comedy, Murder and Other Distractions is a short novel by Michael Estrin. Listen to Steve’s review to find out if this is a Distraction worth your time!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN073-MurderandDistractions.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Thor: The Dark World
It will be 2015 before the Avengers assemble on the big screen again, but Disney and Marvel will fill that time with films focusing on individual Avengers and their disassembled heroics. Earlier this year we had Iron Man 3, and now Disney hopes to catch lightning in a bottle again with the help of a thunder god in Thor: The Dark World. The mighty Avenger must once again fighting an ancient enemy of Asgard, continue arguing with Odin over how best to rule the kingdom, and all the while try to romance his human love interest Jane Foster. Are the Now Playing hosts excited for Thor’s return, or just glad to have Loki back on screen? Listen to our review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPAVENGERS08.mp3
The Return of Swamp Thing
In 1982 DC’s Swamp Thing seemed ready for the big time with a major motion picture. But with that original film failing to grow on audiences, it would actually be in 1983 that Swamp Thing blossomed–as new writer Alan Moore took over and revamped the character. With the newfound popularity for the man-plant hybrid a new, low budget film was commissioned and released in 1989. Does The Return of Swamp Thing bear fruit, or is it another rotten comic adaptation? Listen to the Now Playing review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPSWAMPTHING02.mp3
New Podcast: Dracula by Bram Stoker
For over 100 years we have lived among the vampires. Werewolves, ghosts, and serial killers have all popped up, but the vampire has been the monster to beat. From hit books like the Twilight series and Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles to movies like Underworld and Fright Night to comics like 30 Days of Night and Blade to television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and True Blood, the creatures of the night are among us. But it all started with one vampire and the imagination of Bram Stoker. Now, as Arnie prepares to read Stephen King’s book Salem’s Lot, he goes back to the source to review Dracula–the original vampire tale. Join him on this Halloween to find out if this is a book with bite, or if it just sucks!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN072-Dracula.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Fright Night 2: New Blood
Charlie Brewster is a teenager with nothing on his mind but his girlfriend Amy. But one night out his bedroom window Charlie sees a woman bitten by a vampire. No one believes Charlie’s story, not even his friend Ed, but perhaps monster expert Peter Vincent can be the one to save the day! Have you seen this plot before? In addition to being the story for the original Fright Night film and the 2011 remake, it’s told yet again now in the Direct-to-Home-Video release Fright Night 2: New Blood. It’s the same basic story…but this time in Romania! Does this third retelling of Tom Holland’s vampire tale have fangs, or does it just bite? Listen to this special bonus Halloween review from Now Playing Podcast to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPFN04.mp3
Swamp Thing
By 1980 Superman had proven audiences of all ages could watch in wonder as comic books came to life on the big screen. But the next DC hero on the big screen wasn’t Batman, Green Lantern, or even Aquaman, it was Swamp Thing. The film was directed by Wes Craven and starred James Bond baddie Louis Jordan and scream queen Adrienne Barbeau. It did not find box office success but did lead to a sequel, a TV series, and a cult following. Did the film just need time to bloom, or did it wither on the vine? Listen to Now Playing’s latest DC Comic movie review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPSWAMPTHING01.mp3
New Podcast: Psycho House by Robert Bloch
The same year that Psycho IV premiered on Showtime, original Psycho author Robert Bloch also returned to the Bates Motel with his third and final book in that series — Psycho House! With the Bates Motel turned into a tourist attraction it seems Norman’s crimes have been commercialized…until another girl is murdered. With Norman out of the picture, who is the killer now? Listen as Stuart takes you inside the House in his final review of Bloch’s Psycho book trilogy!! Take a listen, then go to Now Playing Podcast before October 31, 2013 to donate to our shows and hear the movie reviews!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN071-PsychoHouse.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Carrie (2013)
The posters declare “You Will Know Her Name” but for fans of horror, Brian DePalma, or Stephen King you already know her name–Carrie, the outcast girl whose telekinetic powers will be both her salvation and her damnation. When it was announced this film was being adapted to screen for a third time even original author King said “Why, when the original was so good?”. But now the new adaptation is in theaters to tell a younger generation of movie lovers why they should know her name. Was King right and this film unnecessary, or can this film still shine in the shadow of the 1976 original? Listen to Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart’s review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPCARRIE04.mp3
Carrie (2002)
Everyone is anxiously awaiting Carrie, the 2013 adaptation of Stephen King’s story starring Chloë Grace Moretz–in theaters this Friday! But Carrie has already been retold in the 21st century–in 2002’s made-for-television movie Carrie. Starring Agnela Bettis (May), written by Bryan Fuller (Dead Like Me, Pushing Daisies, and TV’s Hannibal), and directed by David Carsons (Star Trek: Generations) the film has strong genre talent, but has been mostly forgotten. Does this remake deserve a second look? And can any insight into Friday’s release be gleaned by this 11-year-old version? Listen to Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart’s third Carrie review to find out!
Arnie C: http://traffic.libsyn.com/nowplayingpodcast/NPPCARRIE03.mp3
New Podcast: Carrie (1976)
It’s hard to imagine a time when Stephen King wasn’t the king of horror fiction. It’s hard to imagine a world without such influential stories including The Shining, The Stand, Christine, and King’s first novel, Carrie. Yet before November, 1976 King was just another author with two modest-selling novels. But when Brian De Palma decides to adapt Carrie for the big screen he created an iconic horror movie staple, and from that King’s book sold millions of copies and his career was minted. Now, in anticipation of the upcoming third adaptation of Carrie starring Chloë Grace Moretz the Now Playing hosts go back to watch and review De Palma’s original. It’s the start of Now Playing’s massive Stephen King retrospective series, looking at all the movies based on King’s writings, starting with Carrie. Does De Palma’s blood soaked tale of a teen outcast still hold up over 35 years later? Listen to find out! Then join Arnie at booksandnachos.com for his review of the original novel!
Listen Now: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPPCARRIE01.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
New Podcast: Carrie by Stephen King
Carrie is the tale of a telekinetic teenage outcast, was phenomenal success for any book, let alone the first-published work of a new author. It’s film rights were pursued by Brian De Palma and the paperback sold a million copies. But such is the legacy of Stephen King, a man who’s words spark imagination and bring even non-readers into bookstores.
As a new film based on Carrie is released in theaters Arnie begins this Books & Nachos podcast retrospective looking back on all King’s published works. In this episode he reviews Carrie in light of King’s later works, examining the themes, character types, and plot devices King would return to again and again.
The new movie’s ads say “You Will Know Her Name” but will you know the whole story? Listen to this episode of Books & Nachos to find out!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN070-King01-Carrie.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
New Podcast: The Lords of Salem
The Lords of Salem — are they an up and coming rock band? Or are they a coven of reincarnated witches who plan to bring the son of Satan to Earth? In Rob Zombie’s latest feature film it’s both. With Zombie’s muse and wife Sheri Moon-Zombie starring as Heidi, a radio DJ who also may be mother to the Antichrist, does this film cement Zombie as the new Lord of horror? Listen to this BONUS REVIEW to find out!
Listen Now: http://www.nowplayingpodcast.com/Podcasts/NPP040.MP3
Category: Movies & Film
New Podcast: Psycho II by Robert Bloch
Hitchcock’s Psycho became such a phenomenal success that it all but obscured the novel on which it was based. But in 1982 original Psycho author Robert Bloch returned to Norman Bates in his novel Psycho II. Completely unrelated to the 1983 film of the same name, Bloch’s book tells of a movie studio adapting Norman Bates’ story to the big screen. When Norman hears about this he is none too happy and he goes to Hollywood. Now Stuart reads and reviews Bloch’s original continuation of Bates’ story as he continues to read the Psycho novels while at Now Playing Podcast he, Arnie, and Brock review the Psycho films! Those movie reviews are Now Playing’s limited-availability Fall 2013 Gold Donation Series, but here, unlimited, you can hear Stuart’s thoughts on the book! Take a listen, then go to Now Playing Podcast before October 31, 2013 to hear the movie reviews!
Listen Now: http://www.booksandnachos.com/Podcasts/BN069-Psycho2.MP3
Category: Arts & Literature
Halloween 35th Anniversary Blu-Ray: The Night HE Looks Better Than Ever!
Review copy provided courtesy of Anchor Bay
If Psycho is the granddaddy of the slasher film, Halloween is the father of modern horror. While the 1970s had its fair share of horror films, including The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Black Christmas in ‘74, Carrie in ‘76, Dawn of the Dead in ‘78 and so many more, it was Halloween’s critical and box office success that put a new spotlight on horror cinema.
For many the Halloween season is a time to rewatch Halloween the film, and this year you can watch John Carpenter’s classic like never before. On Tuesday, September 24th, Anchor Bay releases the 35th Anniversary Edition of Halloween on Blu-ray.
Halloween has been released to home video many times. I personally have bought DVDs of the original cut, the longer cut with the TV footage added, the 25th Anniversary Edition DVD, and the original 2007 Blu-ray release. Given that I’ve spent so much money on Halloween, and that I already owned it on Blu-ray, I was skeptical that another release would be worth the purchase. It felt like another “double dip” Blu-ray release.
I quickly learned how wrong I was when I looked at the disc in person. Bound in a gorgeous, gold embossed DVD case, the video boasts an all new commentary with Carpenter and star Jamie Lee Curtis. There is also a new documentary following Curtis as she makes a rare appearance at a fan convention. These are great new bonus features for fans of the film. Additionally, as bonus features, you get an older featurette and the extra footage shot for the TV release.
I rarely find bonus features worth the repurchase of an entire movie, so despite the quality of these new additions I was still unmoved that a new copy was worth a buy. Special features, commentaries, these are items I watch once at most; it’s the film itself that gets played time and again in my home theater and which motivates my purchases. So could this new release impress me enough, especially since I already own a copy of Halloween in 1080p?
The answer is an unequivocal “YES!” With the 35th Anniversary Blu-ray you can see this horror classic at home like never before. I have seen Halloween in theaters at conventions and in the above listed DVDs and Blu-rays. With all of those in mind, I say without a doubt it has never looked better to me than it does on this video release. The picture is crisp and the motion smooth, as I have come to expect from high-grade Blu-rays. But often on even quality Blu-ray releases I’ve noticed colors that are too saturated or a picture that has had too much grain removed, giving the entire film a blurry quality. None of those earmarks of Blu-ray audience pandering are on this disc. This Blu-ray contains a brand new transfer of the film overseen by Dean Cundy, the movie’s original Director of Photography. You are now, for the first time, able to see this movie the way Cundy envisioned it as it was shot, and the difference is marked. The colors are more muted than I’ve come to expect, and the result fits both that 70s vibe as well as the film’s atmospherem. The color timing was a point of contention for many with the original Halloween Blu-ray release, and Anchor Bay has certainly corrected it here. Anchor Bay did this film a great service in hiring Cundy to oversee the video.
Additionally the audio is perfect, with a mono score for the purists, as well as a 7.1 TrueHD lossless soundtrack. Carpenter’s haunting piano and synth score has never sounded as good as it does here, and the movie audio is rich and immersing. The effects are a bit center-channel heavy, which is common for upmixes of older films, but it’s a great effort for those of us who prefer multi-channel audio.
All that said, there are a few areas where I wish this release was beefed up. There are many bonus features that were released previously, including older commentaries and documentaries, that are not included here. As such, for bonus feature collectors, this release is not a one-stop shop. Additionally, the bonus made-for-TV footage is presented in an ugly DVD resolution with colors much more saturated than the actual film. I would have liked to see the TV footage given the same treatment as the movie and a branching option available to watch both the movie’s extended cut, with those scenes reintegrated, as well as the original theatrical cut. But while these are features that would have been nice to have, they are not requirements. As I’m certain this is not the last time HE will come home on video, perhaps these bonuses are being held back for a future release.
But as stated, the true value of this disc, the “feature” I’ll revisit again and again, is the movie, and now owning this disc this is the only version of Halloween I will ever rewatch. The transfer, the audio, the overall production values, are exceptions. So Trick-or-Treat yourself to this movie, available today.
As for the movie itself, you can hear Stuart, Arnie, and Brock review Carpenter’s original Halloween as well as all the sequels, remakes, and sequels to remakes in the franchise, in the archives at NowPlayingPodcast.com
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