WHEN WE WENT MAD!: Thanks For The Memories

WHEN WE WENT MAD! - THE UNAUTHORIZED STORY OF MAD MAGAZINE (Blu-ray)

2025 / 107 min

Gravitas Ventures

Available at www.MovieZyng.com

Review by Princess Pepper😸

I feel kinda sorry for kids these days. They missed-out on the thrill of playing with toys specifically designed to maim them, dropping the needle on that new Rush album just purchased with hard-earned lawn mowing money, and grabbing the latest issue of MAD magazine while grocery shopping with Mom.

Being of a certain age, I enjoyed all those things, and had the good fortune to discover MAD during its glory years.

For many of us coming-of-age during the mid-seventies, traditional comic books were kids’ stuff. As we hit our early teens, MAD became sort of a rite of passage into young adulthood. Just subversive enough that we sorta felt like we were getting away with something, the magazine was sometimes racy, threw in the occasional mild expletive and simply seemed more adult. MAD was a baby step into a more grown-up world, and our first introduction to the concept of satire.

As adolescents, we didn't always "get" some of the adult subject matter they poked fun at, but that was part of its appeal. MAD was a kids' magazine that never felt like a kids' magazine. As an avid monthly reader throughout my teens, I sometimes judged the worth of a film or TV show based on its treatment by “The Usual Gang of Idiots” at MAD.

But the magazine’s history extends far beyond my personal experience, which is affectionately chronicled in the documentary, When We Went Mad. Beginning with founder William F. Gaines reluctantly taking the reins at his estranged father’s struggling company, EC Publications, we see how MAD began life as a comic book in 1952 and eventually became EC’s lone surviving publication after switching to a magazine format (and therefore wasn’t required to adhere to new Comics Code regulations).

Did you bring enough gum for everybody?

MAD evolved from a fledgling comic to a wildly popular cultural barometer with a monthly circulation of over two million at the height of its popularity (the mid 1970s, when yours truly first became a fan). Though enthusiastically narrated by Patrick Warburton, the film wisely leaves a majority of the storytelling to most of the surviving editors, artists and writers who contributed to the magazine for years, included Mort Drucker, Sergio Aragones, Paul Coker, Angelo Torres, Jack Davis, Al Feldstein, and my personal favorite, Al Jaffee.

MAD’s eventual forays into games, television and movies are discussed, as is the origins of its iconic mascot, Alfred E. Newman (who’s been kicking around a lot longer than you think). And of course, the magazine’s slow decline in popularity (largely due to changing times) adds a somewhat bittersweet tone towards the end, but along the way, there are plenty of testimonials to its massive cultural and personal impact, offered by the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Gilbert Gottfried, Howie Mandel, Bryan Cranston and David Zucker (whose classic, Airplane!, was heavily inspired by MAD.

If you grew up on the magazine, When We Were Mad is a can’t-miss documentary. Fascinating, fun and even boasting a bit of the irreverence MAD was renowned for, the film works as both a cultural history lesson and endearing slice of nostalgia. And for those born too late for MAD to help shape your view of the world, here’s what you missed out on.

Revisiting SMALL SOLDIERS in 4K

SMALL SOLDIERS (4K UHD SteelBook)

1998 / 109 min

Paramount

Review by Princess Pepper😼

If you’ve never read The Gross, by Peter Bart, it’s a fascinating analysis of several films released during the summer of 1998…the production, marketing and box office performance. Diving deep into the competitive nature of the movie business, it reads like a detailed, play-by-play chronicle of a sporting event. More specifically, a marathon with winners, losers and those in between. For movie fans with additional interest in what makes Hollywood tick, the book is lightly recommended.

One of the films discussed in detail is Small Soldiers, which was projected to be a big hit, though it didn’t quite turn out that way. Bart touches on why the film failed to catch-on with the intended family audience, but I didn’t really need the book to understand why it didn’t become another Gremlins, even with Joe Dante in the director’s chair.

The comparisons to Gremlins are warranted, with a similar premise that sees a line of action figures, the Commando Elite, wreaking havoc after being programmed with military software. Small Soldiers even has its own Gizmo in the form of Archer (voiced by Frank Langella), the leader of benevolent monsters created as the Elite’s enemies. They’re targeted by Major Chip Hazard (voiced by Tommy Lee Jones), who could be seen as the movie’s Stripe. Caught in between are a couple of young teens, Alan (Gregory Smith), and his crush, Kristy (Kristen Dunst, who was just starting to make a name for herself). 

The similarities pretty much end there. Though probably mismarketed as a “family” film to begin with (which many critics, including Bart, pointed out), what ultimately made Small Soldiers destined to be comparatively “forgotten” today is that it coasts almost entirely on its concept. Technically, it’s very well made, with imaginatively created non-human characters (designed by Stan Winston) and excellent CGI for the time. Additionally, much of the violent action is exciting and - because of its small scale - fairly amusing.

Kitty cameo.

But revisiting Small Soldiers decades later is a reminder that little is particularly memorable about it beyond the visuals. Considering Joe Dante’s reputation for infusing oft-kilter humor, in-jokes, quirky characters and cartoon anarchy into his work, the film is surprisingly straightforward…just an action film that happens to involve kids and toys. A few of the director’s unique humorous touches shine through here and there (his cache of favorite character actors; references to past pop culture), but it mostly feels like Dante was a director-for-hire and afforded little creative input.

Elsewhere, the story moves along at an efficient pace, though there aren’t any real surprises (even if one hasn’t seen Gremlins). And while it boasts decent performances by a solid cast, the film never takes advantage of their unique talents. Having Tommy Lee Jones voice Chip Hazard is basically just stunt casting, as the character could’ve been played by any competent voice actor. However, I did appreciate the in-joke of gathering the surviving actors from The Dirty Dozen to play soldiers under Hazard’s command.

None of this is to say Small Soldiers is a bad movie. As slick, high-concept family entertainment goes, there have been plenty (before and since) that are far worse and a lot stupider. During that summer of 1998, so extensively documented by Bart's book, the movie may not have lived up to expectations, but surely it struck a chord with many young viewers who enjoyed the mayhem (I don’t subscribe to the claim that the film was too traumatizing for children). 

So for some, there’s a bit of nostalgic value to be had with this release. Small Soldiers debuted on Blu-ray only four years ago and this upgrade to 4K offers an overall better image, though the 5.1 audio is exactly the same, as are the perfunctory bonus features. But the coolest part is the SteelBook packaging, which features a colorful variation of the original promotional artwork. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

4K, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL COPIES

MAKING-OF FEATURETTE (Blu-ray)

BLOOPER REEL (Blu-ray)

THE POOP SCOOP: We're Ready For Our Close-Up

😺The Restoration of an All-Time Classic,  SUNSET BOULEVARD Arrives on 4K and Blu-ray August 5 from Paramount. SUNSET BOULEVARD was among the first films selected for preservation in the National Film Registry and is in the top 20 of the AFI’s Greatest American Films of All Time.  The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won three for Best Art Direction, Best Music and Best Writing. Gloria Swanson and William Holden give riveting performances as two of the silver screen’s most memorable characters: the aging silent film queen Norma Desmond and struggling young screenwriter Joe Gillis.  The bizarre and twisted story that unfolds between them is a brilliant combination of noir, black comedy and character study, as well as a scathing and pitch-black commentary on Hollywood that continues to resonate in today’s influencer-driven, true crime-obsessed, and self-reflective culture.

🙀BRING HER BACK Coming to Blu-ray August 19 from A24 Films. From Danny & Michael Phillipou, the writer-directors of Talk to Me, Bring Her Back features a brother and sister who uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother. Starring Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips, and Stephen Phillips.

🕵MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL RECKONING on Digital August 19 and 4K & Blu-ray October 14 from Paramount. Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – The Final Reckoning. Both the digital and physical releases come with hours of bonus content, including behind-the-scenes interviews, exclusive commentary, and deleted footage not seen in theatres.

💏MATERIALISTS Coming to Blu-ray August 26 from A24 Films. A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex. Starring Pedro Pascal, Dakota johnson and Chris Evans.

😺THE ACCOUNTANT 2 Available on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD August 12 from Warner Bros. When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to “find the accountant,” Wolff is compelled to solve the case. Realizing more extreme measures are necessary, Wolff recruits his estranged and highly lethal brother, Brax (Jon Bernthal), to help.

✈AIRPORT: THE COMPLETE 4-FILM COLLECTION on 4K and Blu-ray September 30 from Kino Lorber. This 4-Film collection includes all four newly-restored Airport movies, accompanied by new audio commentaries. 

🤖MEGAN 2.0 On Digital Now and 4K & Blu-ray September 23 from Universal. She’s back. Taller, stronger, faster and now unrated, M3GAN 2.0 is available to own exclusively on digital.. The rewired bot will also be launching on 4K UHD and Blu-ray on September 23, 2025, and you can unlock M3GAN’s newest updates with over 30 minutes of exclusive bonus content.

🌊POSEIDON Limited Edition 4K Coming 8/12 from Arrow Video. While VIP guests dance away in the grand ballroom after midnight, a massive rogue wave overtakes the ship and sends it to the ocean depths. 

🙀THE CONJURING on Digital NOW and 4K UHD 8/26 from Warner Bros. From New Line Cinema comes a feature film drawn from the case files of married demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. 

🤠THE UNHOLY TRINITY on Digital NOW, and Blu-ray DVD August 26. A tale of revenge, dark secrets, and buried treasures, the film is set against the turbulent backdrop of 1870s Montana. Starring Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson.

🐈Oscar Winning FLOW on 4K, Blu-ray & DVD September 23 from Criterion Collection. This Academy Award–winning international sensation follows a courageous cat after its home is devastated by a great flood. 

🎸THIS IS SPINAL TAP Goes to 11 on 4K & Blu-ray September 16 from Criterion Collection. This Is Spinal Tap, now beautifully restored, capturing all the mishaps, creative tensions, dwindling crowds, and ill-fated drummers.

Come for THE STUFF, Stay for the Sleaze

THE STUFF Limited Edition (4K UHD)

1985 / 89 & 119 min (2 versions)

Arrow Video

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

This happens sometimes…I get a disc to review (usually the rerelease of a classic) and the bonus features end up being a lot more entertaining than the movie they’re related to. Such is the case here.

Don’t get me wrong...The Stuff is okay. Legendary low-budget auteur Larry Cohen was a national treasure during his heyday, even if his goofy sensibilities weren’t always appreciated by the mainstream. At first glance, his movies were slap-dash exploitation that often looked like they were shot and edited on the fly. But on closer inspection, the likes of Black Caesar, It’s Alive, God Told Me To and Q - The Winged Serpent (his magnum opus) subvert their B-movie trappings with clever writing, satire and occasional social commentary.

Though it achieved a cult following over the years and probably remains his best-remembered film after It’s Alive, I never felt The Stuff was up to snuff (by Cohen’s standards anyway). The concept is wonderful, which is about a strange white goo that begins bubbling from the ground. When it also turns out to be delicious, it’s marketed and sold as The Stuff, an irresistible yogurt-type dessert. Cohen’s go-to guy, Michael Moriarity, plays an industrial saboteur hired by competitors to find out what it’s made of.

"No, Michael, there won't be a second date."

Not-only is The Stuff addicting, it’s actually alive and takes over its consumers bodies…essentially eating them from the inside. It’s a premise ripe for satire on consumerism, which Cohen certainly exploits. But this time, his endearing griminess his replaced by a garish aesthetic and cartoon caricatures, the latter sometimes exacerbated by tremendous overacting. And while transitions and smooth editing were never among Cohen’s strengths, The Stuff feels especially incomplete, as if key scenes were forcibly removed (which turned out to be the case, as the pre-release cut of the film, included in this set, will attest). The special effects are sometimes fun, but ultimately, The Stuff probably could’ve benefited from a few extra rewrites, more careful editing and (just maybe) a bigger budget than Cohen was generally afforded. 

But hey, what the hell do I know? Lots of ‘80s horror fans love The Stuff, and they’ll certainly want this 4K Limited Edition, which features a nice video/audio upgrade and includes the aforementioned extended cut. However, it’s the abundant bonus features that make it worth grabbing, even if one isn’t necessarily a big fan of the movie (which, despite my criticism, is watchable). The best of them is a 2015 feature-length documentary called 42nd Street Memories. It’s a fascinating film featuring dozens of interviews with various exploitation directors (including Cohen), B-movie actors and a few colorful locals, all of whom relay unfiltered history and personal anecdotes about the grimy theaters and sleazy people that once lurked where Disney stores now stand.

EXTRA KIBBLES

NOTE: Free Kittens Movie Guide was provided with a promo disc for review purposes. Physical supplemental material included with the final product (booklets, artwork, inserts, etc) were not available for review.

THEATRICAL & PRE-RELEASE CUTS - The latter runs a half-hour longer and features a different score. An interesting curio.

42nd STREET MEMORIES - Subtitled The Rise and Fall of America's Most Notorious Street, this feature alone makes the set worth picking up for fans of vintage sleaze.

CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THE STUFF is a great retrospective documentary (made back when Larry Cohen was still with us). Running nearly an hour, it features lots of interviews with cast & crew, including Cohen.

ENOUGH IS NEVER ENOUGH - Unseen interviews with Cohen originally made for the documentary about him, King Cohen (If you haven’t seen that one, you owe it to yourself).

2 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1) By critics David Flint and Adrian Smith (No, not the Iron Maiden guy).

TRAILERS & TV SPOTS - Including a King Cohen trailer.

IMAGE GALLERY

FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES and the Fond Farewell

FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES (Blu-ray)

2025 / 110 min

Warner Bros

#InPartnershipwithWB

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

I’ve always loved the Final Destination series. With the exception of the fourth film (which remains a dumpster fire), it has been a remarkably consistent horror franchise. None of the movies would ever be mistaken for high art, but they’re slickly assembled, generally well acted and effortlessly exploit our worst fears regarding untimely death.

There’s also genuine creativity behind the films’ elaborate, Rube Goldberg-inspired death scenes, where the suspense doesn’t lie in whether or not a particular character will die, but how badly they will die. But even from a purely narrative standpoint, there’s often an earnest effort to throw new ideas into the premise, such as the knockout twist at the end of Final Destination 5, which has you rethinking the entire franchise.

The plot of Final Destination Bloodlines is even more ambitious. As with the other films, it begins with a spectacular disaster sequence that turns out to be a vision by one of the characters. In this case, it’s the grand opening of a Space Needle-type restaurant. Young and pregnant Iris, whose boyfriend just proposed to her, sees the structure catch fire and collapse, killing everyone, including herself. But she intervenes, stopping Death’s plan.

But unlike the other films, this prologue takes place in 1968 and is experienced decades later by Iris’ granddaughter, Stefani (Kaitlyn Santa Juana), as a recurring nightmare. To the rest of the family, Grandma Iris is simply a reclusive, crazy old lady they don’t want to talk about. But when her uncle suddenly dies (horribly, of course), Stefani realizes that not only should Iris and hundreds of people have died decades ago, none of their subsequent kids or grandchildren should even exist. And over the years, Death has come for all of them…until all that’s left is Iris, her family and one other little boy whom she saved.

Don't mess with UPS.

Though the film certainly gives the viewer plenty of the gleefully gory kills we’ve come to expect (the MRI death is my personal favorite), the story is clever and compelling, with some pretty cool twists along the way. Some of the secondary characters are kind of static and bland, but Stefani makes an engaging protagonist, as does Darlene (Rya Kihlstedt), her estranged mother who arrives after abandoning the family years earlier (for good reason).

Then of course, there’s the late, great Tony Todd, returning for one last go ‘round as creepy coroner Bludworth. While his character figures more prominently in the story (I won’t say how), his job is still mainly exposition. But this time, because he’s noticeably sick (and well-aware his time was short during production), his appearance adds a layer of poignancy that’s pretty affecting. When Bludworth talks about making the most of the time one has left, it could just as easily be Todd speaking to us. Either way, it's a fitting send-off.

Whether or not Bloodlines ends up being the last Final Destination film remains to be seen. Since it was the biggest critical and commercial hit in the entire franchise, I kind of doubt it. But if so, the series - and Tony Todd - are certainly going out on a high note. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES - Death Becomes Them: On the Set with Final Destination Bloodlines features interviews with the directors and some of the cast, along with behind-the-scenes footage; The Many Deaths of Bloodlines is exactly what you think it is; The Legacy of Bludworth is an affectionate appreciation for the late Tony Todd, who’s featured as well.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By directors Adam Stein and Zach Lipovski.

DIGITAL COPY

THE POOP SCOOP: Unfriendly Skies Edition

THE ACCOUNTANT 2 Available on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD August 12 from Warner Bros. Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) has a talent for solving complex problems. When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to “find the accountant,” Wolff is compelled to solve the case. Realizing more extreme measures are necessary, Wolff recruits his estranged and highly lethal brother, Brax (Jon Bernthal), to help. In partnership with U.S. Treasury Deputy Director Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), they uncover a deadly conspiracy, becoming targets of a ruthless network of killers who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried. Directed by Gavin O’Connor (“The Accountant”) from a screenplay by Bill Dubuque (“The Accountant,” “The Judge”).

AIRPORT: THE COMPLETE 4-FILM COLLECTION on 4K and Blu-ray September 30 from Kino Lorber. This 4-Film collection includes all four newly-restored Airport movies, accompanied by new audio commentaries. AIRPORT – Take a nonstop flight with an all-star cast to a world of tension-filled human drama in this trend-setting box-office blockbuster. Based on Arthur Hailey’s runaway bestseller, the emotion-charged adventure stars Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Jean Seberg, Jacqueline Bisset, George Kennedy, Van Heflin, Maureen Stapleton, Lloyd Nolan and Helen Hayes in the role that won her a second Oscar (Best Supporting Actress, 1970).. AIRPORT 1975 – Charlton Heston is in the cockpit for this incredible adventure as the only man who can save the 747 and its passengers when it’s hit in midair by a private plane. Karen Black is the chief stewardess who must act as the blinded pilot’s hands and eyes to take control of the plane or die trying. Myrna Loy, Helen Reddy, Linda Blair, Dana Andrews, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Sid Caesar, George Kennedy (recreating his acclaimed Airport role) and Gloria Swanson (playing herself in her final film) are among the all-star cast. AIRPORT ’77 – Jack Lemmon is the fearless pilot risking death at every turn in an attempt to save the luxury airliner when it is skyjacked and sent crashing to the ocean’s floor. Aboard for the ill-fated trip are Lee Grant, Brenda Vaccaro, Joseph Cotten, Olivia de Havilland, Darren McGavin, Christopher Lee and George Kennedy. THE CONCORDE… AIRPORT ’79 – The lives of Alain Delon, Sylvia Kristel, Eddie Albert, Bibi Andersson, Charo, John Davidson, Martha Raye, Cicely Tyson, David Warner, Mercedes McCambridge and the mighty George Kennedy hang in the balance amid flying missiles and exploding bombs in this enthralling globe-trotting adventure.

MEGAN 2.0 On Digital Now and 4K & Blu-ray September 23 from Universal. She’s back. Taller, stronger, faster and now unrated, M3GAN 2.0 is available to own exclusively on digital platforms on July 15, 2025, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The rewired bot will also be launching on 4K UHD and Blu-ray on September 23, 2025, and you can unlock M3GAN’s newest updates with over 30 minutes of exclusive bonus content including scene breakdowns and a behind-the-scenes look at rebuilding M3GAN when you purchase from participating digital retailers nationwide including Apple TV, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Microsoft Movies & TV. Slay even harder at home with the bloodier M3GAN 2.0 UNRATED version upgraded with moments too intense for the theater, only available when you purchase from participating retailers.

POSEIDON Limited Edition 4K Coming 8/12 from Arrow Video. Thousands of vacationers celebrate New Year’s Eve on the luxury liner Poseidon. While VIP guests dance away in the grand ballroom after midnight, a massive rogue wave overtakes the ship and sends it to the ocean depths. 

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING Limited Edition 4K (available separately) Coming 8/25 from Arrow Video. The explosive remake of the massive cult classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the origins of Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning will be available for the very first time on 4K UHD..

THE CONJURING on Digital NOW and 4K UHD 8/26 from Warner Bros. From New Line Cinema comes a feature film drawn from the case files of married demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren.  The Conjuring stars Academy Award nominee Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the Warrens. James Wan directs from a screenplay by Chad Hayes & Carey W. Hayes. 

1990’s NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD - UNCENSORED CUT on 4K SteelBook September 23 from Sony. It’s about damn time, with two versions, as well as gobs of new bonus features.

THE UNHOLY TRINITY on Digital NOW, and Blu-ray DVD August 26. A tale of revenge, dark secrets, and buried treasures, the film is set against the turbulent backdrop of 1870s Montana. Starring Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson.

THUNDERBOLTS* on Digital NOW and 4K, Blu-ray & DVD July 29. The Thunderbolts are The New Avengers, the ultimate surprise to both audiences and Valentina Allegra de Fontaine as this misfit team of burned assets rallies their powers and unites against all odds. 

Oscar Winning FLOW on 4K, Blu-ray & DVD September 23 from Criterion Collection. A thrilling tale of friendship and survival that took indie animation to ecstatic new heights of ambition and imagination, this Academy Award–winning international sensation follows a courageous cat after its home is devastated by a great flood. 

THIS IS SPINAL TAP Goes to 11 on 4K & Blu-ray September 16 from Criterion Collection. This Is Spinal Tap, now beautifully restored, Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) embark on their final American tour, with filmmaker Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) capturing all the mishaps, creative tensions, dwindling crowds, and ill-fated drummers. 

Wes Anderson’s ISLE OF DOGS on 4K September 30 from Criterion Collection. Wes Anderson conjures a dystopian future Japan in magical stop-motion. Innovatively blending English and Japanese dialogue through a cross-cultural voice cast that includes Bryan Cranston, Greta Gerwig, Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson, Yoko Ono, and Koyu Rankin, this fable of loyalty and disobedience combines Anderson’s signature themes.

THE WES ANDERSON ARCHIVE: 10 FILMS, 25 YEARS Coming to 4K & Blu-ray September 30 from Criterion Collection. This momentous twenty-disc collector’s set includes new 4K masters of the films, over twenty-five hours of special features, and ten illustrated books, presented in a deluxe clothbound edition.