Blu-ray Review: @Criterion Collection's Scanners

One of the most eagerly anticipated blu-ray releases has arrived as David Cronenberg's sci-fi/horror classic Scanners has finally hit in glorious high def thanks to the folks at Criterion Collection. 

Scanners is one of those holy grail titles that fans have been chomping at the bit to see on blu-ray since the format launched. Until now, all that was available was sub par imports from overseas. Demand hit a fever pitch last year when Scream Factory released their double feature set of Scanners 2 and Scanners 3 and a lot of fans were expecting Scream Factory to drop the bombshell that they were going to release it. Instead, months later, thanks to one of Criterion's teaser images, word broke that the much loved label was releasing Scanners. 

And here we are, at long last, with a high def release that this classic film deserves.

Click the RAWR for the full review.

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Concert Review: My Big Night Out 2014 @EdSheeran @DDLovato @ColbieCaillat @AndyGrammer #MYBigNightOut

MyFM took over the Hollywood Bowl again for another night of great music and stellar performances. This year, they brought Andy Grammer, Colbie Caillat, Demi Lovato, and Ed Sheeran to the stage and each one of them delivered wonderful sets and fan earning performances.

I hadn't known that I knew Andy Grammer but it turns out I did recognize a couple of his songs. By the time he finished his set I was looking through iTunes to get his album (his new one, Magazines or Novels, arrives August 5). He has a great voice and some fun songs that was a great way to kick off the night.

Up next was Colbie Caillat, who I wish was able to perform a bit longer. She has a dreamy voice that I really enjoy and her time seemed to end before she really was able to get going. That's not to say it wasn't good, because it was, I just wanted more time with her. She closed out her set with her hit Bubbly and highlighted her new single Try. More time would have given us more of her familiar songs.

That's the only complaint I have, and it's one you get with these kinds of shows. The more artists, the less time each has to perform. Thankfully, the crew devised a great rotating stage to keep things moving quickly and getting each artist ready to go in as little time as possible. This turned what might have been a 30-40 minute intermission into 10-15 minutes. Pretty smart.

After Colbie wrapped up, a new group that I hadn't yet heard of came out to perform their current single. Nico and Vinz took the stage and with one song hooked me. They were great. High energy, infectious, really talented guys. I was almost sad that they only did one song.

Unfortunately, they were quickly forgotten because when Demi Lovato took the stage she completely owned it and captivated everyone for the next hour and change. Her performance was fantastic and exceeded any expectations I had. Forget the Disney girl she used to be because Demi Lovato has blossomed into a full fledged artist with some serious chops. She ran through several of her biggest hits and paused to discuss her troubles with addiction and rehab before performing a chill inducing version of Warrior. She's got some rock chops too and I can only hope that she gets the credit she deserves. Her music is strong, her performance was spot on flawless. Demi Lovato is a true talent and she was a joy to watch on stage. Her set was heartfelt, energetic, and memorable.

Finally, Ed Sheeran took the stage. I was interested in the whole line up but, honestly, I was here for Ed and he did not disappoint. I'm confident in saying that I think he is one of this generation's best artists in nearly every way. A modern day James Taylor who can take command of a crowd instantaneously and mesmerize them for an hour with just a guitar, his voice, and a loop machine. He doesn't need a band or back up singers and to be honest we don't want them. All we need is Ed and he makes magic on that stage. Every song is gorgeous, he can turn a classic Nina Simone song like Be My Kind into his own, and never once lose the attention of his audience. I can't name another (current/mainstream) artist that can do that.

His set was a nice mix of old and new. His banter with the audience was charming and his humbleness is evident. His first act after coming on stage is to snap a picture of the audience, after making sure we didn't mind. Of course no one did. After that, he blessed us with a magical hour or so. I've already made plans to get to see him again when he returns in august.

Overall, My Big Night Out was a rousing success. A packed line-up all of whom did wonderful topped off with a stellar unforgettable solo set from Ed Sheeran.

I'm excited to see what MyFM brings next summer.

MyFM's My Big Night Out featuring 

Andy Grammer, Colbie Caillat, Demi Lovato, and Ed Sheeran

10/10 Nights Out

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PS4 Review - Wolfenstein: The New Order

So far this new console generation has been a bit lackluster with the highlight titles so far being cross platform and cross generational games (I.E. Assassin's Creed IV). So far, the new generation games have been big disappointments (generation exclusives are few and far between), at least to me. Titanfall was barely half a game, Thief a snooze, and Watch Dogs doesn't seem to be living up to expectations either (I'm only part way through it so far). And now come the delays. Division, delayed. The Order, delayed. Arkham Knight, delayed. I was beginning to regret adopting next gen so early.

So imagine my enthusiasm for Wolfenstein. I'll be honest, there was none. Unfortunately, I hadn't played the last iteration so this one was barely a blip on my radar. I figured I'd get it eventually. Well, I didn't have to because thanks to our friends at Bethesda it showed up on my doorstep.

Maybe it's the lackluster showing of games so far or my growing disappointment with the new systems or more likely, it's just a great game because I am loving Wolfenstein. I am playing the PS4 version and the graphics are gorgeous. The gameplay is fun and challenging. The story about a soldier fighting against the nazis after they win WW2 is entertaining. I'm having a hard time finding anything to complain about. In truth, the only negative here is the length.

As much fun as I am having playing it, the campaign is just too short. It packs a lot of bang into that short time frame including unlockables and items to collect to access more game play modes.

A few more hours and some multiplayer would make this a must own game.  Still though, it's one of the best games you can get for the next gen consoles (it's on nearly all of the consoles by the way) so far and will be a nice way to bide time until more titles hit later this summer.

I'm really loving Wolfenstein and am really looking forward to the follow-up should it happen. It's a great resurrection to a long time franchise and a welcome edition to the FPS line-ups. I'm extra curious as to what kind of DLC we can look forward too.

Bottom line: One of the few games I've loved for the next gen consoles.

Wolfenstein: The New Order is available now!

For more information, visit http://www.wolfenstein.com/

Wolfenstein: The New Order

8/10 Aerated Nazis

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Your Favorite Movies Are Slot Machines.

Gambling is big business and so are movies so for a long time now these two worlds have been joining forces to bring players to the slot machines.

You have casinos all over the world using popular hollywood films to lure players to their machines. Singapore casino games, Vegas casino games, Monte Carlo casino games, you name it and your favorite movies are there.

Most of these film based games are penny and nickel slots so I don't often get to play them. I prefer high roller slot machines like quarters and dollars. Plus I usually stick to the Wheel of Fortune slots.

Here are a few interesting movie based slot machines for your enjoyment.

First up, this monster machine for James Cameron's Avatar!

I wonder if it's in 3D?

Comic movies are not to be left out in the cold.  Here is a look at an Iron Man branded machine! 

 If you show it your Iron Man 2 ticket stub you get a free spin. (just kidding.) (maybe.)

Next up one of the greatest movies of all time (if you ask me anyway). JAWS!

Make sure you do not play the Jaws: The Revenge machine as that one just takes your money and slaps you across the face.

James Cameron gets double representation here as one of his greatest movies, and one of the best action films ever, gets the slot treatment.  Check out a screen from the Terminator 2 slot!

You'll be back to feed it more money I bet.

Oh look, even classic Batman gets a slot machine!

Where's Burt Ward?

Finally, for the kid who likes to gamble, the candy man himself, the Wonka slot.

I wonder if it gives you candy if you win?  That might anger some folks.

That's all folks. I hope you liked our little diversion here.  I love movies and I love slot machines so I might have to hit a few of these up next time I am Vegas bound.

Before we go, how about a bonus look at someone winning a jackpot on a Clue based slot! I'll be honest, I have no idea what is happening in this video.

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Halloween Complete Collection Artwork! #MichaelIsComingHome

This September, Anchor Bay and Scream Factory are teaming up to deliver a complete box set of all things Halloween.  Above is our first look at the set in all its glory.

I cannot wait to get my hands on this.

The Halloween Complete Collection box set arrives September 23.

More details to come.

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DVD Review: Raze

She might not be a household name just yet but Zoe Bell is destined to be the next bad ass female action star and Raze is a prime example of her awesomeness.

The story revolves around women abducted and forced to fight to the death tournament for the enjoyment of an elite group of people or their loved ones will be killed. It's a no holds barred assault as we see the lengths a woman will go to protect what she loves, whether it's herself or a child or a mother or whatever else they hold dear.  

It's a bad ass film to be sure. It's full of heavy hits, brutal and intense fights that are not for the faint of heart. On the surface it's women beating the ever loving hell out of each other, beating each other to death to be honest. But underneath that, there's more and the performances of the cast do so much to bring that subtext to life. 

These are women in an insane situation and between fights they care for each other, they get to know each other and that makes what is to come all the more difficult. They know what they are going to have to do yet, for most of the characters anyway, they still attempt to connect with cell mates or whatever interaction they have that doesn't result in a brutal battle.

There is an underlying humanity to the story and at times you aren't sure who you are rooting for amongst the women. We're connected most to Zoe Bell's character and she is the protagonist but when events happen involving the others, you definitely feel for them. It's a fascinating paradox of brutality and humanity and of the idea of what one, whether you are female or male, will do in that type of situation.

Diretor Josh C. Waller has done a great job with this film.  We of get time with each character and they're featured enough that we start to care about their fates. Everyone matter to the viewer. No one feels disposable. His eye for the action is just as strong as his eye for the quieter moments and the tense suspenseful ones. He is one to watch.

It all leads up to an ending I won't spoil but it is definitely one that will have you talking and one with a wide variety of opinions.

The DVD is packed with features including interviews, commentaries, featurettes, extended and deleted scenes, and more. I'm unsure why they didn't do a blu-ray for this but the DVD does look great none the less and believe me you are feeling every hit and punch thrown on this one.

Raze is an intense, action packed, brutal film that is definitely not for everyone and those that watch it probably will all have different reasons for doing so. It is a very well done film and it is thought provoking. You'll get great fight scenes, and a couple silly villains but you'll also get a stunning performance from Zoe Bell, one that should open a lot of doors for her in Hollywood, I hope so anyway. 

Raze is available on DVD now.

Raze

9/10 Uppercuts

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Blu-ray Review: Grand Piano

If you think watching someone play piano for 90+ minutes might be boring, I'll advise you to give Grand Piano a look.

Elijah Wood stars as Tom Selznick, a young piano prodigy returning to the stage years after a disastrous performance forced him out of the spotlight. If his much anticipated return isn't stressful enough, he discovers a note from a sniper (John Cusack) scrawled across the score threatening his life if he plays a single note incorrectly.

What follows is a tense and fun film that just skirts the edge of ridiculousness and never takes itself too seriously.

The strengths of the film lie with its lead Elijah Wood who is on screen nearly every minute of the film.  His performance is excellent, one of his best, and is believable from every minute. He's charming and as the film progresses you feel his nerves and his fears.

The bulk of John Cusack's role is menacing voice over but it's John Cusack so you either love him or you hate him. I happen to love him so...

The script from Damien Chazelle is clever and makes what seems like a ridiculous plot work pretty great. This is also in part thanks to the direction of Eugino Mira. It's a really well shot and well directed film and it moves at a breakneck pace with no lull whatsoever.

That said, it's not flawless. I really only had one scene that I did not like and it is when Tom's wife sings from the audience. I get why they did it I just think there should have been a more believable, less sort of ridiculous way to go around it.

The blu-ray looks pristine with some gorgeous colors and top notch sound and there are some pretty interesting special features that give you a nice glimpse into the production and the effects.

Overall, Grand Piano is an exciting and fun ride that makes for a nice entertaining watch. Enhanced by a great starring performance from Elijah Wood and a smart script, Grand Piano is worthy of a spot on your shelf.

Grand Piano is available on DVD and Blu-ray now.

Grand Piano

8/10 Piano Keys!

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Book Review: Open Wounds by Brandon Ford

We've reviewed a few earlier works by horror author Brandon Ford (here, here, and here) and now he is back with his latest novel, Open Wounds. This time though, he is treading on different ground. This is a different type of horror and it has Ford traveling on roads with the likes of Jack Ketchum.

Truth be told? He travels the road well and gives us a dark, haunting, and tragic story of a young girl whose life spirals out of control after her parents divorce and her mother hauls her to Philadelphia.

While horrific things happen in this story, I'd almost hesitate to call it a horror novel. It really is a dark drama and a nightmarish coming of age story. I don't want to get to deep into the plot for fear of spoilers but let's just say that Ford puts his heroine through hell.

I'm a big fan of Ford's and have enjoyed his work thus far.  Open Wounds is another success for him but it is not without a few flaws. Personally, I think we lose a few of the characters too soon and their involvement and actions sort of feel forced to fit the scope of the story. This doesn't ruin the book by any means, I just think certain characters should have reacted differently and been more intricate in how things eventually turn out.

That said, Brandon Ford has again given us a dark and at times disturbing story that gets under your skin and stays there for days after having finished it. That is not an easy task and it is a testament to his talent that he can give us characters that we feel for and root for and who sticks with us even after the book is closed.

Open Wounds is not for the faint of heart, it is not for those looking for a fun scary read. It is intense, it is dark, and it is an author flexing his skills and delivering a truly affecting work of fiction.

Open Wounds by Brandon Ford

8/10 Cuts!

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Blu-ray Review: Dan Curtis' Dracula

Now, I fancy myself a horror aficionado and I like to think I have a lot of knowledge about the genre but I do not by any means consider myself an encyclopedia. I have a lot to learn and experience in the genre, especially with the older classics, which thankfully I am able to see when they get blu-ray upgrades.

That said, I am a little surprised that I had absolutely zero knowledge of the existence of a Dracula movie directed by the creator of Dark Shadows, starring Jack Palance and written by the legendary Richard Matheson. Surely this kind of pedigree would make this a more well known film. Sure enough, it does exist and MPI has just released it on Blu-ray.

Click the RAWR for my thoughts on this 1974 classic!

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Breaking: Edgar Wright Is No Longer Directing Ant-Man

Shocking news just broke as it has been announced that Edgar Wright has left the director's chair for the upcoming Marvel film Ant-Man.

Marvel's statement:

Marvel and Edgar Wright jointly announced today that the studio and director have parted ways on ANT-MAN due to differences in their vision of the film. The decision to move on is amicable and does not impact the release date on July 17, 2015. A new director will be announced shortly.

This can't be good for the film.  This has been an Edgar Wright project for well, since its inception it seems and turning it over to a new director this late in the game is a little disconcerting.

I suspect we'll hear more details on the QT in a few days.

Personally, my interest in the film is now far less than it was with Wright at the helm. I guess we'll see who Marvel chooses to take over. It will be hard to match someone like Edgar Wright though.

More details to come.

Source

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Video Game Trailer: Batman Arkham Knight Gameplay Trailer!

 Oh this looks incredible. That batmobile! WANT!

 Rocksteady really seems like they put everything into this one. I can't wait to play it.

Are you as excited as I am?

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Batman V Superman New Logo and Official Title!

Warner Brothers has revealed a brand new logo for their upcoming Man of Steel "sequel" and, well, there can be no doubt now as to what this movie is going to be.

I do dig that logo. Mixed feelings on the subtitle though. It's very very on the nose. It's like a flick on the nose to be honest.

What do you think?

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Atom Egoyan's Devil's Knot Arrives on Blu-ray June 10!

Colin Firth and Reese Witherspoon star in Devil's Knot, a true story about the infamous West Memphis Three case. You may know this story from the Paradise Lost documentaries, and now director Atom Egoyan has dramatized the events in his latest film.

Devil's Knot arrives on DVD and Blu-ray on June 10.  Look for a review here soon!

Click the RAWR for the full press release.

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Anchor Bay and @Scream_Factory Team Up for #Halloween Mega Set!

After a weekend of speculation, we can announce that it is true, Anchor Bay and Scream Factory have come together to release a gigantic franchise spanning mega box set of the Halloween franchise.

The set will feature every single Halloween film, theatrical, unrated, and in some cases TV versions of the films. Also included is the holy grail of this franchise, the Producers Cut of Halloween 6!

The set also includes all new bonus features, commentaries, documentaries, and more. I can barely contain  my excitement.

There will be two versions of this set available on September 23. A 10-disc and a 15-disc limited edition.

This is crazy awesome. I'm pretty much jumping for joy right now.

Click the RAWR for the full press release!

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RIP Your Favorite Show (Updated)

Today the annual TV Hunger Games began and the body count is already high.  We have a list of all the casualties of shows slain by the networks.  We'll update as we know more so check back.

ABC:
Trophy Wife
Super Fun Night
Once Upon a Time In Wonderland
Mixology
Mind Games
Lucky 7
Killer Women
Betrayal
Back in the Game
The Assets
Suburgatory
The Neighbors


CBS:
We Are Men
The Crazy Ones
Intelligence
Hostages
Bad Teacher
Friends with Better Lives

The CW:
The Tomorrow People
Star-Crossed
The Carrie Diaries

FOX:
Enlisted
Surviving Jack
Rake
Dads
Us and Them
Almost Human
The X-Factor

NBC:
Community
Revolution
Welcome to the Family
Sean Saves the World
The Michael J. Fox Show
Ironside
The Million Second Quiz
Growing Up Fisher
Camp
Believe
Crisis
Dracula


Are your shows safe?  Keep an eye here as we will update as we hear word on the fates of more shows.

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Kickstarter Update - GOOOAALLL!

We did it.  We hit our $8500 goal.  Now let's get even further.  We've added four great stretch rewards.

First up? From the guys behind the redesign, Destination Graphic, you can get your own custum digital movie poster created based on information from your facebook profile. I got one of my own, you may have seen it on Twitter or Facebook, and you can see it on the banner just above. Fun reward from a talented designer!

Next, a super exclusive Pop Culture Beast branded edition of Eliot Hochberg's strategy board game Urosette! This is extremely limited and exclusive only to this Kickstarter. I won't even have one!

Thirdlu, you can have a character named after you in my next collection of short stories which is expected to be out later this year. If you've read my earlier book, you know some pretty insane stuff happened in it. I don't think this one will disappoint in that regard.  So your name, or a name you choose (no celebrities!), will be used in one of the stories featured in the book. And, I'll kick in a digital copy of the book as well.

Lastly, an exclusive invite for you and a guest to join us for a Karaoke Night to celebrate the relaunch of Pop Culture Beast. There's no telling who might show up to this party and it should be a blast.

These are in addition to the other great rewards still up for grabs.  Contribute and share and help us make the next version of PCB the absolute best it can be!

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The @PopCultureBeast @Kickstarter Continues...

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1437868841/pop-culture-beast-20

Our fundraiser continues!

After just 2 weeks, we've raised over $7600 towards our goal.  That means we have under $1000 left in our goal with 16 days remaining.  We are so extremely close!

I am floored by all of the support for this project but we're not there yet.  We have time to get to our goal and beyond!  Check out our great rewards (some of which are represented below!) and please pledge if you are able.

Great things are ahead for Pop Culture Beast and we will get there with your help.


Click HERE for the Kickstarter.

Tell your friends!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1437868841/pop-culture-beast-20

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1437868841/pop-culture-beast-20

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1437868841/pop-culture-beast-20

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Is Jason Vorhees Coming To TV?

It appears that the Friday the 13th franchise is getting more than just a a new movie.  It sounds like we'll soon be seeing a Bates Motel-esque hour long drama.

According to Deadline, the show will be reimagining Jason in a variety of different time periods.  I have no idea what this means.  I can't imagine they'll be having a time traveling Jason Vorhees bouncing around the history of Crystal Lake.  I'd be more inclined to think it'll focus on the Vorhees family as a whole.  Which sounds much more like a Texas Chainsaw Massacre scenario.

Deadline describes the show as follows, "the series is contemporary, focusing on the eclectic characters of Crystal Lake who are forced to confront the return of the killer, as new secrets about his wacky family are revealed."

Series creator Sean Cunningham will be involved as well.

I just don't know how to feel about this.  I'm weary for sure.  Really weary.  They won't be able to top the original Friday the 13th: The Series anyway.

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Pop Culture Beast Version 2.0 @Kickstarter!

Late last night I launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a massive overhaul of Pop Culture Beast and to relaunch Pop Culture Beast presents SHOW.  I woke up this morning, less than 12 hours later, to find we're already 25% funded.  We've raised over $2,000 in the wee morning hours.

This is extremely exciting!

Have a look at the Kickstarter and if you are able, please support us as we gear up to turn PCB into something amazing.   If you can't contribute, your sharing of the KS page is not only welcomed but appreciated.  Every share helps just as much as ever dollar.  Getting the word out helps us reach new eyes and gain new readers.

I started the site just for me to write about what I loved.  We've grown a lot and it's time that the site reflects that.  Last night, you're support has shown me that Pop Culture Beast truly belongs to the people out there who keep reading it and supporting us.  We're gonna give you guys a great site you 'll want to come back to day after day.

Thanks to everyone who donated so far and to those who plan to do so later.

We are on the road to a brand new beast!  I'm super stoked to have you all along for the ride!

Pop Culture Beast Version 2.0 Kickstarter.

Here's the link!  Feel free to share it.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1437868841/pop-culture-beast-20

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Shout Factory Announces Herzog: The Collection Blu-ray Set

Shout Factory has opened preorders for their epic Werner Herzog 16 Film blu-ray set Herzog: The Collection.  It's a beauty from the looks of it.

The sixteen titles featured include:

EVEN DWARFS STARTED SMALL
NOSFERATU THE VAMPYRE (also releasing on a Scream Factory Blu-ray)
LAND OF SILENCE AND DARKNESS
FITZCARRALDO
FATA MORGANA
BALLAD OF LITTLE SOLDIER
AGUIRRE, THE WRATH OF GOD
WHERE THE GREEN ANTS DREAM 
THE ENIGMA OF KASPAR HAUSER
COBRA VERDE
HEART OF GLASS
LESSONS OF DARKNESS
STROSZEK
LITTLE DIETER NEEDS TO FLY 
WOYZECK
MY BEST FIEND

No word yet on special features.

You can preorder it now from Amazon but if you ask quick you can preorder one from Shout.  The first 100 of them will be signed by the filmmaker himself.

Herzog: The Collection releases in July.

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