I’ve never been a crazy huge fan of the Mission Impossible films. I’ve always enjoyed watching them, but I was never adamant about it. I never really cared whether or not I eventually got around to watching them and only saw the second one in theatres because my dad had a free pass. They’re fun and full of action, but overall for me - they’re just there.
After burning through all three of the Bourne films a couple years ago, I realized that the pacing and style of these James Bond-esque films really piqued my interest. The style, action and storyline were thoroughly engrossing and I realized that this type of film was what Mission Impossible was always missing for me. The action and suspense was always good, but it felt like all the “in-betweens” were lacking. The dialogue was okay, but it just felt like placeholders to get to more action.
The fourth film isn’t much different, although I felt it did inject more humour than was necessary. The ensemble cast seemed forced and I think the film could have benefited from a better script. The writers have done a lot of television writing and producing on Alias, October Road, Life on Mars and Happy Town and I feel like the short form episodic writing style was probably detrimental to MI:4. The story seemed forced, but the action and suspense was very well done. It went a little heavy on CGI this time, but if it weren’t for these scenes - the film wouldn’t have even been worth it.
I also thought it was interesting to see Jeremy Renner in a more action-heavy role. It gave me a little bit of hope that his role in the new Bourne films might be worth watching after all. There’s something about Jeremy Renner though (and it could have something to do with the fact that he always plays the worst people) that I don’t really like. I feel like he’d be a jerk in real life or throw a tantrum and I have a really hard time watching him on screen. Only time will tell I suppose.
Overall, the film is good. The action is great but the film is just fine. It’s worth a watch and I’m sure those who have more invested in the Mission Impossible series will enjoy it more than I did, and good for them. There was a plant for another entry in the series at the end of the film, so we’ll have to see what happens.
Buy it on Amazon.ca:Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol - DVDMission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2-Disc Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Combo)

I’ve never been a crazy huge fan of the Mission Impossible films. I’ve always enjoyed watching them, but I was never adamant about it. I never really cared whether or not I eventually got around to watching them and only saw the second one in theatres because my dad had a free pass. They’re fun and full of action, but overall for me - they’re just there.

After burning through all three of the Bourne films a couple years ago, I realized that the pacing and style of these James Bond-esque films really piqued my interest. The style, action and storyline were thoroughly engrossing and I realized that this type of film was what Mission Impossible was always missing for me. The action and suspense was always good, but it felt like all the “in-betweens” were lacking. The dialogue was okay, but it just felt like placeholders to get to more action.

The fourth film isn’t much different, although I felt it did inject more humour than was necessary. The ensemble cast seemed forced and I think the film could have benefited from a better script. The writers have done a lot of television writing and producing on Alias, October Road, Life on Mars and Happy Town and I feel like the short form episodic writing style was probably detrimental to MI:4. The story seemed forced, but the action and suspense was very well done. It went a little heavy on CGI this time, but if it weren’t for these scenes - the film wouldn’t have even been worth it.

I also thought it was interesting to see Jeremy Renner in a more action-heavy role. It gave me a little bit of hope that his role in the new Bourne films might be worth watching after all. There’s something about Jeremy Renner though (and it could have something to do with the fact that he always plays the worst people) that I don’t really like. I feel like he’d be a jerk in real life or throw a tantrum and I have a really hard time watching him on screen. Only time will tell I suppose.

Overall, the film is good. The action is great but the film is just fine. It’s worth a watch and I’m sure those who have more invested in the Mission Impossible series will enjoy it more than I did, and good for them. There was a plant for another entry in the series at the end of the film, so we’ll have to see what happens.

Buy it on Amazon.ca:
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol - DVD
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2-Disc Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Combo)

Insomnia is somehow the only Christopher Nolan film I have never seen. I’ve seen Following, Memento, Batman Begins, The Prestige, The Dark Knight and Inception and loved every single one, but somehow missed Insomnia. This film wasn’t rated or reviewed very highly, most likely due to the content and slow, methodical pacing of the film, and the sometimes chopping writing and editing - but it was very good.
The film feels very much like a matured, less surreal version of Twin Peaks. A detective is sent to an isolated northern town to investigate the murder of a local female teen. The girl has a boyfriend who is rough around the edges, is secretly sleeping around with her best friend, and rides a motorcycle. Meanwhile the detective (in this case Pacino) is suffering from crippling insomnia which is causing hallucinations and is crippling his decisions.
I found the film to be stressful and managed to capture my interest thoroughly. It definitely isn’t my favourite work by Christopher Nolan, but I would put it on the chart above Batman Begins as my second-to-least favourite film he’s directed (Which isn’t to say it’s bad - it’s excellent. It’s just hard to map something like this out against so many other successful films in his career so far). I would highly recommend checking it out - especially if you enjoyed Twin Peaks. I really felt like Nolan took some of the atmosphere from that show and transposed it into his film. Check it out - it comes highly recommended.
Buy it on Amazon.ca:Insomnia [Blu-ray]Insomnia - DVD

Insomnia is somehow the only Christopher Nolan film I have never seen. I’ve seen Following, Memento, Batman Begins, The Prestige, The Dark Knight and Inception and loved every single one, but somehow missed Insomnia. This film wasn’t rated or reviewed very highly, most likely due to the content and slow, methodical pacing of the film, and the sometimes chopping writing and editing - but it was very good.

The film feels very much like a matured, less surreal version of Twin Peaks. A detective is sent to an isolated northern town to investigate the murder of a local female teen. The girl has a boyfriend who is rough around the edges, is secretly sleeping around with her best friend, and rides a motorcycle. Meanwhile the detective (in this case Pacino) is suffering from crippling insomnia which is causing hallucinations and is crippling his decisions.

I found the film to be stressful and managed to capture my interest thoroughly. It definitely isn’t my favourite work by Christopher Nolan, but I would put it on the chart above Batman Begins as my second-to-least favourite film he’s directed (Which isn’t to say it’s bad - it’s excellent. It’s just hard to map something like this out against so many other successful films in his career so far). I would highly recommend checking it out - especially if you enjoyed Twin Peaks. I really felt like Nolan took some of the atmosphere from that show and transposed it into his film. Check it out - it comes highly recommended.

Buy it on Amazon.ca:
Insomnia [Blu-ray]
Insomnia - DVD

Another film I finally got around to seeing was Kevin Smith’s Red State. I’m sure everyone knows by now that I’m a huge Kevin Smith fan, yet this one slipped through my fingers when it was released. I had lost my job and couldn’t really justify purchases when it came out on DVD and Blu-ray - so I just watched it this past weekend. It was also really good.
It was great to see Kevin Smith do something different. I have to admit that it definitely had a unique sense of cinematography - much different than the other films that he had done in the past. I remember thinking when I saw Zack and Miri that it was really surprising to see how far he had come in an actual directing style, and Red State takes that up a notch and even further. The almost complete lack of comedy really helped make this film stand out against everything he’s done in the past. Sure, it was still lewd and crude at times and was dialogue intense (as it is Smith’s strong suit and style), but it was breath of fresh air.
It’s hard not to comment on the “religious” aspect of the film as the premise centers around a parody of the Phelps family and the Westboro Baptist Church. The entire film is about religious extremists and the incredible lengths these people will go to for their religion. I won’t comment or go off on a tangent about my opinions on the subject other than to say that it’s absurd and the film does paint a very telling representation of these types of people.
I would highly recommend this film to anyone who is interested in something that hangs on the edge of “horror” or appreciates Kevin Smith films. It’s nice not to hear a “snoochie boochies” throughout a film for once and for an independently produced and advertised film I think he did a great job.
Buy it on Amazon.ca:Red State - DVDRed State [Blu-ray]Kevin Smith: Too Fat For 40 [Blu-ray]

Another film I finally got around to seeing was Kevin Smith’s Red State. I’m sure everyone knows by now that I’m a huge Kevin Smith fan, yet this one slipped through my fingers when it was released. I had lost my job and couldn’t really justify purchases when it came out on DVD and Blu-ray - so I just watched it this past weekend. It was also really good.

It was great to see Kevin Smith do something different. I have to admit that it definitely had a unique sense of cinematography - much different than the other films that he had done in the past. I remember thinking when I saw Zack and Miri that it was really surprising to see how far he had come in an actual directing style, and Red State takes that up a notch and even further. The almost complete lack of comedy really helped make this film stand out against everything he’s done in the past. Sure, it was still lewd and crude at times and was dialogue intense (as it is Smith’s strong suit and style), but it was breath of fresh air.

It’s hard not to comment on the “religious” aspect of the film as the premise centers around a parody of the Phelps family and the Westboro Baptist Church. The entire film is about religious extremists and the incredible lengths these people will go to for their religion. I won’t comment or go off on a tangent about my opinions on the subject other than to say that it’s absurd and the film does paint a very telling representation of these types of people.

I would highly recommend this film to anyone who is interested in something that hangs on the edge of “horror” or appreciates Kevin Smith films. It’s nice not to hear a “snoochie boochies” throughout a film for once and for an independently produced and advertised film I think he did a great job.

Buy it on Amazon.ca:
Red State - DVD
Red State [Blu-ray]
Kevin Smith: Too Fat For 40 [Blu-ray]

Somehow I completely missed out on the whole Pee-Wee Herman craze. I don’t know what happened or why, but I never saw any of his show, any of his appearances (aside from clips here and there), or this original film by Tim Burton. It just completely passed me by. That’s not to say I didn’t appreciate his type of humour, it just never clicked until very recently. I had watched Pee-Wee Herman Live on Broadway a couple of months ago and was just blown away at how incredibly sharp and funny Paul Reubens is. 
The film is really great and not over the top Burton-esque. There are some scenes where Burton takes great liberty and creates his usual nightmare dreamscapes where crazy things happen, but the film relies heavily and almost primarily on Pee-Wee Herman and Reuben’s acting. He’s able to move the film along without it feeling too long or stale or even boring at any time. It’s witty and clever and insane - but that’s what makes it perfect.
If you’ve never been a big Pee-Wee Herman fan, or just don’t “get it” - I have to recommend watching this film. It’s ridiculous in the best way. Here are some of my favourite clips to whet your appetite.
Buy it on Amazon.ca:Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure - DVDPee-Wee’s Big Adventure [Blu-ray]Pee-Wee’s Playhouse: The Complete Series - DVDPee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway - DVDThe Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway [Blu-ray]

Somehow I completely missed out on the whole Pee-Wee Herman craze. I don’t know what happened or why, but I never saw any of his show, any of his appearances (aside from clips here and there), or this original film by Tim Burton. It just completely passed me by. That’s not to say I didn’t appreciate his type of humour, it just never clicked until very recently. I had watched Pee-Wee Herman Live on Broadway a couple of months ago and was just blown away at how incredibly sharp and funny Paul Reubens is. 

The film is really great and not over the top Burton-esque. There are some scenes where Burton takes great liberty and creates his usual nightmare dreamscapes where crazy things happen, but the film relies heavily and almost primarily on Pee-Wee Herman and Reuben’s acting. He’s able to move the film along without it feeling too long or stale or even boring at any time. It’s witty and clever and insane - but that’s what makes it perfect.

If you’ve never been a big Pee-Wee Herman fan, or just don’t “get it” - I have to recommend watching this film. It’s ridiculous in the best way. Here are some of my favourite clips to whet your appetite.

Buy it on Amazon.ca:
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure - DVD
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure [Blu-ray]
Pee-Wee’s Playhouse: The Complete Series - DVD
Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway - DVD
The Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway [Blu-ray]

I have no idea what took me so long to see UHF. I love Weird Al and always have. I watched his TV shows and I’ve listened to all of his albums for as long as I can remember - but somehow I never saw UHF. I remember when I was in grade 9 it was 2am and my friend Erik put the film on but I was so tired I just fell asleep. Almost a decade later I watched it all the way through…and it was good!
I use the word “good” loosely because the film itself isn’t very good. The acting is bad and the writing is horrible, but it’s so incredibly cheesy…so incredible…”Weird Al” that it’s something that I really enjoyed. The premise is very simple - Weird Al as “George” takes over a dying TV studio and creates wacky and weird programming for viewers. This all occurs while a rival network tries to destroy the station.
There were a lot of instances that made me think of Airplane! or The Naked Gun, or Hot Shots. Just pure insanity and ridiculous in your face parody and humour that doesn’t really exist to the same extent now. Unless something is a direct rip off of another idea, it seems like those Scary Movies and everything that came after doesn’t really have the same mocking “parody” that exists in these types of films.
If you like Weird Al - then watch this film. Don’t be like me and wait your whole life for something that has been out for almost 25 years. 
It’s been out for so long that there aren’t even any new copies of it on Amazon.ca - just used ones from authorized resellers.

I have no idea what took me so long to see UHF. I love Weird Al and always have. I watched his TV shows and I’ve listened to all of his albums for as long as I can remember - but somehow I never saw UHF. I remember when I was in grade 9 it was 2am and my friend Erik put the film on but I was so tired I just fell asleep. Almost a decade later I watched it all the way through…and it was good!

I use the word “good” loosely because the film itself isn’t very good. The acting is bad and the writing is horrible, but it’s so incredibly cheesy…so incredible…”Weird Al” that it’s something that I really enjoyed. The premise is very simple - Weird Al as “George” takes over a dying TV studio and creates wacky and weird programming for viewers. This all occurs while a rival network tries to destroy the station.

There were a lot of instances that made me think of Airplane! or The Naked Gun, or Hot Shots. Just pure insanity and ridiculous in your face parody and humour that doesn’t really exist to the same extent now. Unless something is a direct rip off of another idea, it seems like those Scary Movies and everything that came after doesn’t really have the same mocking “parody” that exists in these types of films.

If you like Weird Al - then watch this film. Don’t be like me and wait your whole life for something that has been out for almost 25 years. 

It’s been out for so long that there aren’t even any new copies of it on Amazon.ca - just used ones from authorized resellers.

Somehow I’ve gone my whole life without seeing Battle Royale. DVD copies of it were scarce in the past and I hadn’t had an opportunity to sit down and see it until this past weekend. It has since been restored and released on Blu-ray (in a beautiful digi-book edition along with a Director’s Cut of the film, special features and Battle Royale 2) - perfect opportunity to finally see the classic film.
It’s hard not to draw comparisons to The Hunger Games when watching Battle Royale. Young kids are taken to a forested area and pitted against each other to fight to the death for the government’s amusement. The difference here is largely in budget - Battle Royale goes all out in gore and action, whereas The Hunger Games spends a lot of time in front of a green screen and CG muttations.
I really enjoyed the film and found myself engrossed in the action and storyline. A lot of the writing was corny yet clever (and very Japanese) and the gore in the film was awesome. It was what The Hunger Games film should have been - showing the devastation of the battle instead of just hinting at it.
It’s absolutely worth a watch if you have never seen it. Here’s a trailer for those of you who haven’t seen it.
Buy on Amazon.ca: Battle Royale: Collection - DVDBattle Royale: Collection BD [Blu-ray]Battle Royale - DVDBattle Royale [Blu-ray]

Somehow I’ve gone my whole life without seeing Battle Royale. DVD copies of it were scarce in the past and I hadn’t had an opportunity to sit down and see it until this past weekend. It has since been restored and released on Blu-ray (in a beautiful digi-book edition along with a Director’s Cut of the film, special features and Battle Royale 2) - perfect opportunity to finally see the classic film.

It’s hard not to draw comparisons to The Hunger Games when watching Battle Royale. Young kids are taken to a forested area and pitted against each other to fight to the death for the government’s amusement. The difference here is largely in budget - Battle Royale goes all out in gore and action, whereas The Hunger Games spends a lot of time in front of a green screen and CG muttations.

I really enjoyed the film and found myself engrossed in the action and storyline. A lot of the writing was corny yet clever (and very Japanese) and the gore in the film was awesome. It was what The Hunger Games film should have been - showing the devastation of the battle instead of just hinting at it.

It’s absolutely worth a watch if you have never seen it. Here’s a trailer for those of you who haven’t seen it.

Buy on Amazon.ca:
Battle Royale: Collection - DVD
Battle Royale: Collection BD [Blu-ray]
Battle Royale - DVD
Battle Royale [Blu-ray]

I wasn’t purposely putting off seeing Drive with Ryan Gosling, it just happened. The film received mixed reviews, but the one consistent review was that the soundtrack was incredible (which it was). I thoroughly enjoyed the film, but it felt very independently produced. The action was great, and I think Ryan Gosling was leaps and bounds ahead of everyone else emotionally in the film, but there was something about the writing that felt somewhat disconnected from the rest of the film.
The biggest problem I had was the concept of a threat. The bad guys in the film were bad, but not menacing enough. There’s a single scene that really shows off how absolutely insane they are, but it wasn’t enough to strike fear into an audience. The idea of fearing the bad guy in a film like this is really important and I think that it was a huge missed opportunity. 
It’s worth watching, although I have to preface that with saying the film is incredibly violent and often very slow - but I enjoyed it.
Buy it on Amazon.ca:Drive (DVD + Blu-ray Combo Pack)Drive - DVD

I wasn’t purposely putting off seeing Drive with Ryan Gosling, it just happened. The film received mixed reviews, but the one consistent review was that the soundtrack was incredible (which it was). I thoroughly enjoyed the film, but it felt very independently produced. The action was great, and I think Ryan Gosling was leaps and bounds ahead of everyone else emotionally in the film, but there was something about the writing that felt somewhat disconnected from the rest of the film.

The biggest problem I had was the concept of a threat. The bad guys in the film were bad, but not menacing enough. There’s a single scene that really shows off how absolutely insane they are, but it wasn’t enough to strike fear into an audience. The idea of fearing the bad guy in a film like this is really important and I think that it was a huge missed opportunity. 

It’s worth watching, although I have to preface that with saying the film is incredibly violent and often very slow - but I enjoyed it.

Buy it on Amazon.ca:
Drive (DVD + Blu-ray Combo Pack)
Drive - DVD

It’s going to be a busy month for my Blu-ray purchases:

March 13th:
The Adventures of TinTin (3D Blu-ray Combo, Blu-ray Combo, DVD)

March 20th:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Blu-ray Combo, DVD)
Dragon Ball Z Kai (Part 7) (Blu-ray, DVD
Battle Royale (Special Edition Blu-ray, DVD) (Regular Edition Blu-ray, DVD)
The Muppets (3-Disc Blu-ray, 2-Disc Blu-ray, DVD

Yikes.

In my review for Transformers 3, I had to specify that I completely understood that Transformers 3 wasn’t a good film. The plot and acting is terrible, but Michael Bay knows how to blow stuff up. Pair this with outstanding computer generated robots and I’m in. 
I had been holding off on buying the Blu-ray because of a lack of special features. The first Blu-ray release of the film had no special features, and with the extensive behind-the-scenes featurettes for the first two films I knew it was only a matter of time before I would finally see some of the special features restored in a 3D Blu-ray release - and wow are they ever extensive. 


Above and Beyond: Exploring Dark of the Moon (1080p, 1:50:46): This five-part documentary examines some of the more critical making-of elements surrounding the film. First is Rising from the Fallen: Development and Design (22:24), a surprisingly candid piece that features cast and crew discussing the faults of the second film and the filmmakers’ search for redemption with part three. They speak on new robot design, character advancement, the absence of Megan Fox, and the addition of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Ready for Primetime: Filming Across America (27:50) explores the process of shooting in 3D, the picture’s advanced stunt work and filmmaking processes, the challenges of shooting in various locales around the country, set design, stories from the set, a musical conflict between Shia and Michael, and more. Next is Battle in the Heartland: Shooting in Chicago (13:40), a detailed examination of the six-week shoot in the Illinois city. Discussions include the city’s cooperation with the filmmakers, the scale of the scenes shot there, the natural challenges of the shoot, and Michael Bay’s working dynamic. Attack of the Birdmen: Aerial Stunts (16:08) offers a detailed examination of the challenges of shooting the film’s high-flying base jumping scene. Finally, Shadow of the Sentinel: Post-Production and Release (29:30) looks at the hectic challenges of the editing process and Bay’s involvement therein, the massive computing power required to construct the film’s highly-detailed special effects, the record-breaking sound effects, the film’s Moscow premiere, Shia’s personal growth through the films, the series’ legacy, its future, and more.
Uncharted Territory: NASA’s Future Then and Now (1080p, 26:15): As its title suggests, this piece examines the space program, providing an overview of its history, a look at the International Space Station, and the natural evolution of where the program may go.
Deconstructing Chicago: Multi-Angle Sequences (1080p): This supplement is divided into two elements: Previsualizations (17:05) and Visual Effects (18:36). The former allows viewers to watch either the raw previsualizations individually or side-by-side with the final shot. The latter allows viewers to choose between watching “VFX Breakdowns” either individually or alongside the final shot. Previsualizationscontains the following segments: Doomsday Plan, Assault on the Humans, Evening the Score, Sam Fights Laserbeak, Brains & Wheelie Left Behind, Osprey Approach, Building Slide, Colossus vs. Building, Sam vs. Starscream, Autobot Capture, Optimus to the Rescue, and Carly Confronts Megatron. Visual Effects contains the following individual clips: Mothership, Assault on the Humans, Laserbeak, Fully Armored, Osprey Approach/Aerial Incursion, Tilted Building, Trapped, Driller Attack, Brains & Wheelie Cause Havoc, Sentinel Prime, City Under Siege, and Carly Confronts Megatron. All Previsualization selections may be played with optional commentary by Director Michael Bay and Previsualization Supervisor Steve Yamamoto. All Visual Effects selections may be played with optional commentary by Visual Effects Supervisors Scott Farrar and Matthew Butler.
The Art of Cybertron (1080p): Still galleries depicting Autobots, Decepticons, Environments, Weapons and Gear, and Ships.
The Dark of the Moon Archive (1080p): Another grouping of extras that branches out into five smaller pieces. First is 3D: A Transforming Visual Art (3:06), a brief conversation with Michael Bay and James Cameron about the value of 3D. Moscow World Premiere (2:29) takes viewers to Red Square and the greencarpet for a glimpse into the film’s massive premiere. Birdmen Featurette (2:28), another look at the high-flying stunt performers, covers much of the same material as previously seen in Attack of the Birdmen: Aerial Stunts. Next is Cody’s iPad (2:07), a brief feature showing Michael Bay helping out one of his biggest fans. Finally, The Sound of ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’ (9:17) explores the picture’s incredible and dynamic sound engineering.
The Matrix of Marketing (1080p): This collection offers viewers the opportunity to watch both the film’s teaser (2:34) and theatrical (2:32) trailers and browse a collection of Transformers posters, style guides, promo items, and concession items.


I made it through the almost two and a half hours of features and really thought it was extraordinary. Bay admits his mistakes with Transformers 2 and shows you almost shot for shot how the entire film was created and produced - it’s absolutely fascinating for special feature enthusiasts like myself and of course I’d recommend it highly.
Buy it on Amazon.caTransformers: Dark of the Moon [Blu-ray w/no special features]Transformers: Dark of the Moon [3D Blu-ray/2D Blu-ray w/special features]Transformers: The Ultimate Collection - Limited Edition Collector’s Trilogy [Blu-ray]

In my review for Transformers 3, I had to specify that I completely understood that Transformers 3 wasn’t a good film. The plot and acting is terrible, but Michael Bay knows how to blow stuff up. Pair this with outstanding computer generated robots and I’m in.

I had been holding off on buying the Blu-ray because of a lack of special features. The first Blu-ray release of the film had no special features, and with the extensive behind-the-scenes featurettes for the first two films I knew it was only a matter of time before I would finally see some of the special features restored in a 3D Blu-ray release - and wow are they ever extensive.

  • Above and Beyond: Exploring Dark of the Moon (1080p, 1:50:46): This five-part documentary examines some of the more critical making-of elements surrounding the film. First is Rising from the Fallen: Development and Design (22:24), a surprisingly candid piece that features cast and crew discussing the faults of the second film and the filmmakers’ search for redemption with part three. They speak on new robot design, character advancement, the absence of Megan Fox, and the addition of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Ready for Primetime: Filming Across America (27:50) explores the process of shooting in 3D, the picture’s advanced stunt work and filmmaking processes, the challenges of shooting in various locales around the country, set design, stories from the set, a musical conflict between Shia and Michael, and more. Next is Battle in the Heartland: Shooting in Chicago (13:40), a detailed examination of the six-week shoot in the Illinois city. Discussions include the city’s cooperation with the filmmakers, the scale of the scenes shot there, the natural challenges of the shoot, and Michael Bay’s working dynamic. Attack of the Birdmen: Aerial Stunts (16:08) offers a detailed examination of the challenges of shooting the film’s high-flying base jumping scene. Finally, Shadow of the Sentinel: Post-Production and Release (29:30) looks at the hectic challenges of the editing process and Bay’s involvement therein, the massive computing power required to construct the film’s highly-detailed special effects, the record-breaking sound effects, the film’s Moscow premiere, Shia’s personal growth through the films, the series’ legacy, its future, and more.
  • Uncharted Territory: NASA’s Future Then and Now (1080p, 26:15): As its title suggests, this piece examines the space program, providing an overview of its history, a look at the International Space Station, and the natural evolution of where the program may go.
  • Deconstructing Chicago: Multi-Angle Sequences (1080p): This supplement is divided into two elements: Previsualizations (17:05) and Visual Effects (18:36). The former allows viewers to watch either the raw previsualizations individually or side-by-side with the final shot. The latter allows viewers to choose between watching “VFX Breakdowns” either individually or alongside the final shot. Previsualizationscontains the following segments: Doomsday Plan, Assault on the Humans, Evening the Score, Sam Fights Laserbeak, Brains & Wheelie Left Behind, Osprey Approach, Building Slide, Colossus vs. Building, Sam vs. Starscream, Autobot Capture, Optimus to the Rescue, and Carly Confronts Megatron. Visual Effects contains the following individual clips: Mothership, Assault on the Humans, Laserbeak, Fully Armored, Osprey Approach/Aerial Incursion, Tilted Building, Trapped, Driller Attack, Brains & Wheelie Cause Havoc, Sentinel Prime, City Under Siege, and Carly Confronts Megatron. All Previsualization selections may be played with optional commentary by Director Michael Bay and Previsualization Supervisor Steve Yamamoto. All Visual Effects selections may be played with optional commentary by Visual Effects Supervisors Scott Farrar and Matthew Butler.
  • The Art of Cybertron (1080p): Still galleries depicting Autobots, Decepticons, Environments, Weapons and Gear, and Ships.
  • The Dark of the Moon Archive (1080p): Another grouping of extras that branches out into five smaller pieces. First is 3D: A Transforming Visual Art (3:06), a brief conversation with Michael Bay and James Cameron about the value of 3D. Moscow World Premiere (2:29) takes viewers to Red Square and the greencarpet for a glimpse into the film’s massive premiere. Birdmen Featurette (2:28), another look at the high-flying stunt performers, covers much of the same material as previously seen in Attack of the Birdmen: Aerial Stunts. Next is Cody’s iPad (2:07), a brief feature showing Michael Bay helping out one of his biggest fans. Finally, The Sound of ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’ (9:17) explores the picture’s incredible and dynamic sound engineering.
  • The Matrix of Marketing (1080p): This collection offers viewers the opportunity to watch both the film’s teaser (2:34) and theatrical (2:32) trailers and browse a collection of Transformers posters, style guides, promo items, and concession items.

I made it through the almost two and a half hours of features and really thought it was extraordinary. Bay admits his mistakes with Transformers 2 and shows you almost shot for shot how the entire film was created and produced - it’s absolutely fascinating for special feature enthusiasts like myself and of course I’d recommend it highly.

Buy it on Amazon.ca
Transformers: Dark of the Moon [Blu-ray w/no special features]
Transformers: Dark of the Moon [3D Blu-ray/2D Blu-ray w/special features]
Transformers: The Ultimate Collection - Limited Edition Collector’s Trilogy [Blu-ray]

I had assumed going into We Need to Talk About Kevin that I was walking into a horror film. Turns out the film could technically be classified as a horror film - but “thriller” is what comes to mind.
In the film, Eva (Tilda Swinton) is a woman who is struggling with raising her problematic child. He is completely manipulative, cunning, and twisted - and no one will believe Eva that this is the case. The film builds on this notion and shows Eva throughout the years raising Kevin while trying to maintain her sanity. 
The film’s timeline is all over the place, consistently alternating between past and present versions of Kevin and his mother, Eva. The film slowly reveals the storyline, giving audiences a chance to make assumptions and judge every character involved for their actions. It’s a really great way of presenting the film, as otherwise the content may have been too stagnant and boring to present alone.
I thought this was a great film. It’s rare for me to sit down and watch something like this but I was really impressed. It’s absolutely worth watching.

I had assumed going into We Need to Talk About Kevin that I was walking into a horror film. Turns out the film could technically be classified as a horror film - but “thriller” is what comes to mind.

In the film, Eva (Tilda Swinton) is a woman who is struggling with raising her problematic child. He is completely manipulative, cunning, and twisted - and no one will believe Eva that this is the case. The film builds on this notion and shows Eva throughout the years raising Kevin while trying to maintain her sanity.

The film’s timeline is all over the place, consistently alternating between past and present versions of Kevin and his mother, Eva. The film slowly reveals the storyline, giving audiences a chance to make assumptions and judge every character involved for their actions. It’s a really great way of presenting the film, as otherwise the content may have been too stagnant and boring to present alone.

I thought this was a great film. It’s rare for me to sit down and watch something like this but I was really impressed. It’s absolutely worth watching.