Revisiting the OCEAN'S TRILOGY in 4K

OCEAN’S TRILOGY (4K UHD)

2001-2007 / 364 min (3 movies)

FROM WARNER BROS / #InPartnershipwithWB

Review My. Stinky the Destroyer😺

Though it doesn't happen very often, I appreciate the effort to remake a film that wasn't all that great in the first place. The original Ocean's 11 was more notable for its cast than the story…a Rat Pack party shot in their adopted hometown, the cast putting their cigarettes down just long enough to commit a heist.

Not that the new version isn’t a similarly high-concept product built around an all-star cast. But at least George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Julie Roberts, Elliot Gould et al aren’t simply playing extensions of themselves. These are pretty well conceived characters, while the motive, planning & execution of the elaborate casino heist is genuinely engaging (if a bit implausible). 

Slickly directed and aesthetically flashy, Ocean’s Eleven is one of those movies that was never destined rack-up a ton of awards or end up on anyone’s Top 10 list, but had enough universal appeal that box office success was all but guaranteed. Sure enough, two sequels and a spin-off followed in subsequent years, all driven by the fun the cast seems to be having (which is admittedly infectious).

Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen are now available in 4K UHD, either as individual SteelBooks or this three-disc set. While not as creatively packaged as the SteelBooks, it’s certainly a lot easier on the wallet if you’re seeking to add or upgrade all three in your collection. Not having seen them on Blu-ray, I can’t state whether or not the upgrade is significant, but the transfers are really good. The overall video image is sharp and clean, with excellent contrasts and vivid color (particularly noticeable in the first & third films, which make use of glitzy Vegas locations). Each film also features an excellent DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track.

"You heard me...go fish."

As for the movies themselves, Ocean’s Eleven remains the best of the trilogy. In addition to the fun of being introduced to the team, this one is more fluidly paced and boasts the most interesting plot, which has recently paroled Danny Ocean (George Clooney) immediately going to work planning the massive robbery of three casinos owned by Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), who not-only forced one of Ocean’s buddies out of the business, his girlfriend, Tess (Julia Roberts), is Danny’s ex-wife.

Ocean’s Twelve is the longest and most meandering of the series, taking its sweet time even getting to the primary conflict, that of an international master thief known as the Night Wolf challenging Ocean’s team to steal a priceless Faberge egg from a museum. And even then, the plot is overly complex, somewhat hampered by juggling too many new characters (and a few pointless cameos). Still, the congenial performances save this one. 

The most outlandish - and cartoonish - of the three is Ocean’s Thirteen, which returns the team to Vegas to bring down ruthless casino tycoon Willy Bank (Al Pacino). This one tests the limits of plausibility, with a few plot turns that are almost embarrassingly silly. But overall, it’s a lot of fun, certainly more enjoyable than the previous film and a nice send-off for these characters. 

None of the films are classics, but all three are an improvement over the original that inspired them. But other than technical upgrades, the Ocean’s Trilogy 4K set offers nothing else new (unless you count the digital copies). All the bonus features are carried over from previous Blu-ray/DVD releases. Still, this is a good collection for fans who want the best possible picture and sound.

EXTRA KIBBLES

DIGITAL COPIES

OCEAN’S ELEVEN:

FEATURETTES - Are You In or Out? The Making of Ocean’s Eleven; Pros & Cons - Inside Ocean’s Outfit; The Style of Steal; The Look of the Cons; Original Ocean’s, Original Cast.

2 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1) By director Steven Soderbergh & writer Ted Griffen; 2) By actors Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt & Matt Damon.

OCEAN’S TWELVE:

FEATURETTES - Ready, Jet Set, Go: The Making of Ocean’s Twelve; HBO First Look: Twelve is the New Eleven.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By director Steven Soderbergh & writer George Noifi.

DELETED SCENES

OCEAN’S THIRTEEN:

FEATURETTES - Third’s a Charm: The Making of Ocean’s Thirteen; Ahab with a Piggyback: The Means & Machines of Ocean’s; Jerry Weintraub Walk & Talk; Master of the Heist.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By director Steven Soderbergh & writers David Levien and Brian Koppelman.

DELETED SCENES

THE POOP SCOOP: Upcoming Kibbles!

😺SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER & UNCUT 25th Anniversary & TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE 20th Anniversary 4K Ultra HDs debut on June 25th

Join us as we celebrate 25 years of warping fragile little minds when the critically acclaimed, Academy Award-nominated SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER & UNCUT arrives for the first time ever on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc June 25, 2024 from Paramount Home Entertainment. On June 30, 1999, creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker unleashed their wildly popular South Park characters on the big screen for the first time. Twenty-five years later, SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER & UNCUT remains as irreverent, insightful, and hilarious as when it first premiered. The 25th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo includes legacy bonus content detailed below, access to a Digital copy of the film, and—for the first time—the Sing-A-Long version of the film. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s uproariously subversive TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE, which will also make its 4K Ultra HD debut on June 25th.  The 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo includes access to a Digital copy of the film, the Uncensored and Unrated cut of the film on Blu-ray, as well as legacy bonus content.

😺DUNE PART TWO Arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD May 14, and on Digital NOW from Warner Bros.

Dune: Part Two explores the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee. Dune: Part Two is directed by three-time Academy Award nominee Denis Villeneuve (“Arrival,” “Blade Runner 2049”) from a screenplay he and Jon Spaihts wrote, based on the seminal bestselling novel of the same name written by Frank Herbert. The expanded all-star international ensemble cast features returning and new stars, including Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar nominee Josh Brolin, Oscar nominee Austin Butler, Oscar nominee Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Oscar winner Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, with Stellan Skarsgård, with Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling, and Oscar winner Javier Bardem. 

🐕ARTHUR THE KING now on Digital and coming to Blu-ray and DVD May 28 from Lionsgate.

Based on the “heart-swelling true story” (Courtney Howard, Variety) of friendship and loyalty, ARTHUR THE KING arrives on Premium Video on Demand and Premium Electronic Sell-Through on April 23, and on Electronic Sell-Through, Blu-ray (+ DVD + Digital), and DVD May 28 from Lionsgate. Embark on the physical and emotional journey based on the true story of adventure racer Mikael Lindnord and Arthur, the dog that changed Lindnord’s life. The film stars Academy Award nominee Mark Wahlberg. In ARTHUR THE KING, an unbreakable bond is forged between pro adventure racer Michael Light and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur over the course of a grueling 10-day, 435-mile racecourse. An “inspiring story for the whole family” (Rachel Wagner, Rachel’s Reviews), and based on true events, ARTHUR THE KING follows Light, desperate for one last chance to win, as he convinces a sponsor to back him and a team of athletes for the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic. Pushing the team to the outer limits of endurance and sacrifice, Arthur redefines what victory, loyalty, and friendship truly mean.

🙀FEAR & LOVE: THE STORY OF THE EXORCIST Now Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime.

THE BEEKEEPER (4K): Deja Boom!

THE BEEKEEPER (4K UHD)

2024 / 105 min

FROM WARNER BROS / #InPartnershipwithWB

Review by Mr. Bonnie, the Barbarian😺

This is one of those action movies that wouldn’t exist without those which came before. In this case, it’s probably John Wick. But if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, ol’ Baba Yaga should feel very flattered indeed. 

The Beekeeper doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor does it really even try, but it’s a fun film that builds a solid foundation on a familiar premise, that of a retired badass driven by revenge to go back into action. Even as the film opens, in no way are we convinced Adam Clay is a simple beekeeper. Partially because he’s played by Jason Statham, but also because it shows him protecting the hive by efficiently destroying a nest of invading hornets…a creative bit of foreshadowing.

When Clay’s close friend and landlord, Eloise (Phylicia Rashad), loses everything from an internet phishing scam, she commits suicide. Her estranged daughter, FBI agent Verona Parker (Emma Raver-Lampman), is determined to nail those responsible. So is Clay, but with decidedly different methods. He’s a former “Beekeeper,” part of an enigmatic group of highly-skilled, government-appointed rogues who typically work above the law to protect the country as they see fit, no matter how extreme. 

And Clay certainly goes to extremes here, using his considerable skills and contacts to track down the scammers and burn the building down. By doing so, he stirs a hornet’s nest (so to speak). That building is just one branch of a data-mining operation run by cocky young douchebag Derek Danforth (Josh Hutcherson), who of course thinks he can take care of Clay by killing him. But like John Wick, everybody underestimates Clay’s abilities and resolve, even after dire warnings from ex-CIA director Wallace Westwyld (Jeremy Irons), who runs security for Danforth and mostly exists to provide exposition about Beekeepers and remind Derek how screwed he is.

Still, that doesn’t stop Westwyld from sending a currently-operating (and psychotic) Beekeeper to take Clay out, along with gobs of mercenaries. At this point, the film grows increasingly outlandish. Not only do plot turns and action sequences frequently require considerable suspension of disbelief, some of the colorful foes acquiring off against Clay would fit right in on WWE Smackdown. 

Grandma Jason's Homemade Preserves

Aside from a late plot twist revealing who wants Derek protected, The Beekeeper holds no real surprises. And because Clay is so quick, so deadly and so much smarter than everyone else on-screen, we’re never really all that concerned for his safety. 

But if done right, there’s comfort in knowing what you’re gonna get…kinda like always ordering the same thing from Starbucks. The Beekeeper is very well made, arguably David Ayer’s best film as a director. The violent action is well-executed, exhilarating and - considering the subjects of Clay’s wrath - even a little cathartic. What victim of cybercrime hasn’t fantasized about those bastards getting what they deserve?

Statham does his usual commendable job of being Jason Statham, refusing to let middle-age slow him down, while Hutcherson seems to have a good time making Derek a truly hateful antagonist. After Irons, Emma Raver-Lampman has the most thankless role, mostly arriving too late to do anything but react to Clay’s handiwork. Still, she’s likable, as is her droll sidekick, Agent Wiley (Bobby Naderi).

The Beekeeper wins no awards for originality, but tackles a familiar premise with confidence and skill. It’s a slick, fast-paced action film with no pretense of being anything else and comes to a satisfying conclusion. Leave your scrutiny at the door and have a good time.

THE DEPARTED 4K SteelBook is a Big Deal

THE DEPARTED (4K UHD SteelBook)

2006 / 151 min

FROM WARNER BROS / #InPartnershipwithWB

Review by Mr. Bonnie, the Barbarian😹

While not Martin Scorsese’s greatest gangster film (Goodfellas will always hold that title), the 4K UHD SteelBook release of The Departed is a very big deal…at least in my house. 

First off, The Departed was one of the first Blu-rays I purchased after switching to the format. The picture and sound quality of that one was pretty good, noticeably sharper than the DVD. However, the overall 4K image is even better. This is especially apparent in close-ups and some of the scenes relying on shadow for dramatic effect. I didn’t notice a huge difference in the audio quality, though the DTS-HD Master Audio sounds terrific.

Another significant reason to upgrade is Warner Bros actually includes a brand new bonus feature, and it’s a good one. Scorsese looks back at the film, discussing how he came to make it and why, as well as a few of the hurdles he faced during production. In a surprising revelation, he believed that disagreements with the studio over the ending might have resulted in The Departed being his swan song as a director. Thank god that didn’t happen. My only complaint about this bonus feature is that it isn’t long enough…I could listen to him talk about movies and the filmmaking process all day.

Wondering who's gonna pick up the check.

The other reasons this release is a big deal are more personal. SteelBooks are the hardcover novels of physical media, and when at all possible, it’s nice when those special movies come with new packaging and artwork. Since I consider Scorsese one of our greatest living directors, any time one of his titles is made available in a SteelBook edition…just shut up and take my money. The Departed SteelBook has a neat matte finish and a montage of the three main characters, with a symbolic ‘X’ imposed over them (Scorsese explains its origins and significance in one of the bonus features). It’s also cool to have a digital copy, which obviously didn’t exist back in the early Blu-ray days. While watching films digitally is not preferable, I like having it handy during those visits to my mother-in-law’s house. 

As for the film itself…The Departed remains something of a milestone in Scorsese’s career, being the only film that got him a looooong overdue Oscar for Best Director. In a perfect world, he’d have already won a fistful by then and I believe the Academy gave him a statue for this one just to right past wrongs. But even if it’s no Goodfellas, Taxi Driver or Raging Bull, The Departed remains one of the better, more rewatchable gangster films of the 21st Century, and for Scorsese fans, owning it in 4K is a pretty big deal.

EXTRA KIBBLES

GUILT AND BETRAYAL: LOOKING INTO THE DEPARTED - An all new interview with director Martin Scorsese. 

VINTAGE FEATURETTES - The True Story of Whitey Bulger, Southie and The Departed looks at some of the partial inspiration for the film; Crossing Criminal Cultures is an excellent 20 minute featurette that focuses on how Scorsese’s personal experiences inspire his gangster films.

9 DELETED SCENES

DIGITAL COPY

THE CHURCH (4K): Dario's Disciple Delivers

THE CHURCH (4K UHD)

1989 / 102 min

FROM SEVERIN FILMS

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

This one crept onto my radar back in the day because I’ve always been a huge Emerson, Lake & Palmer fan and had heard keyboard god Keith Emerson did the music score. But it would be years before I actually got the chance to see it, and was initially disappointed that most of the soundtrack consisted of music by Phillip Glass and one of the guys from Goblin. 

Still, Emerson’s sinister main title track sets the tone for the prologue, where witch-hunting Teutonic Knights in medieval Germany slaughter an entire village and bury their corpses in a mass grave. Then a massive church is built on the site to keep the demons at bay. Centuries later, Evan (Tomas Arana) is hired as a librarian in the same church, where he quickly gets cozy with restoration artist Lisa (Barbara Cupisti) and befriends plucky teenager Lotte (Asia Argento), the daughter of one of the priests.

Though warned to stay out of the building’s catacombs, Evan can’t help himself (otherwise, no movie). After reading an ancient parchment discovered by Lisa, he goes looking for the Stone with Seven Eyes, which he finds, of course. Removing the stone releases long-dormant demons which possess Evan and eventually trap a variety of other secondary characters in the church during the third act. It’s the only aspect of the plot where The Church resembles the Demons sequel it was once apparently conceived to be (but wisely abandoned).

Comic relief.

Why some become possessed while others don’t isn’t explained, nor is it really all that important. With lessons learned from good buddy (and co-producer) Dario Argento, director Michele Saovi emphasizes atmosphere and surrealism over logic and exposition. The film is visually impressive, especially sequences taking place within the labyrinthine church. There reaches a point in the narrative where the story itself - pretty-much bereft of a traditional main character - takes a backseat to aesthetics, including some creepy imagery and well-executed death scenes. And I have to admit…the Goblin music enhances the overall tension more effectively than Emerson’s few contributions do.

Though not as well-known or appreciated as some other Italian horror films of the 80s, The Church is definitely worth checking out. It reflects an obvious Argento influence, but I’d argue that it’s better than anything he was cranking out at the time. This 4K UHD release boasts an excellent picture and three audio options, English 5.1, English and Italian Stereo. There’s also a Blu-ray disc with the feature film and, more significantly, a ton of retrospective interviews with various cast and crew members.

EXTRA KIBBLES

REGION-FREE 4K and REGION A BLU-RAY COPIES

INTERVIEWS - 13 individual, often extensive interviews: The Mystery of the Cathedrals (with director Michele Saovi, who’s probably the gives the most entertaining interview of the bunch); Alchemical Possession (with producer/co-writer Dario Argento); The Eleventh Commandment (with co-writer Dardano Sacchetti); Lotte (with actor Asia Argento); Here Comes the Bride (with actor Antonella Vitale, who played the bitchy bride); A Demon Named Evan (with actor Tomas Arana); Father Giovanni (with actor Lombardo Rapice); Monsters & Demons (with FX artist Sergio Stivaletti); Holy Ground (with make-up artist Franco Casagni); Building the Church (with set designer Antonello Geleng); The Right-Hand Man (with assistant director Claudio Lattanzi); Return to the Land of the Demons (with Dario Argento biographer Alan Jones).

TRAILER

THE POOP SCOOP: Conclusions, Cuddly Killers & Corruption

🪐DUNE PART TWO Arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD May 14, and on Digital April 16 from Warner Bros.

Dune: Part Two explores the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee. Dune: Part Two is directed by three-time Academy Award nominee Denis Villeneuve (“Arrival,” “Blade Runner 2049”) from a screenplay he and Jon Spaihts wrote, based on the seminal bestselling novel of the same name written by Frank Herbert. The expanded all-star international ensemble cast features returning and new stars, including Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet), Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar nominee Josh Brolin, Oscar nominee Austin Butler, Oscar nominee Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Oscar winner Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub (“The Braves,” “Climax”), with Stellan Skarsgård, with Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling, and Oscar winner Javier Bardem. On April 16, Dune: Part Two will be available for early Premium Digital Ownership at home for 29.99 and for 48-hour rental via PVOD for $24.99 SRP on participating digital platforms where you purchase or rent movies, including Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and more. On May 14, Dune: Part Two will be available to own on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD from online and physical retailers. Dune: Part Two will also continue to be available to own in high definition and standard definition from participating digital retailers.

🧸IMAGINARY will be available on Electronic Sell-Through May 7 and Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital May 14 from Lionsgate.

When Jessica moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter, Alice, finds a stuffed bear named Chauncey. As Alice's behavior becomes more and more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize that Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be. Keep your new best friend forever when IMAGINARY arrives on Electronic Sell-Through May 7 and Blu-ray (+ DVD and Digital), and DVD from Lionsgate. IMAGINARY stars Chauncey the Bear, Blumhouse’s latest horror icon, now ready to play in your imagination at home! But remember, Chauncey is not imaginary, and not your friend. Alongside Chauncey are his human castmates DeWanda Wise (Jurassic World Dominion), Tom Payne (“The Walking Dead”), Taegen Burns (“The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers”), Pyper Braun (Desperation Road), Betty Buckley (Carrie), Matthew Sato (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), and Veronica Falcón (“Ozark”).

😺CHINATOWN (plus THE TWO JAKES!) Celebrates 50th Anniversary With New Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD Release on June 18 from Paramount.

The haunting noir classic CHINATOWN celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and Paramount is marking the occasion with a Limited-Edition 4K Ultra HD release on June 18, 2024. Produced by the legendary Robert Evans, CHINATOWN was originally released on June 26, 1974 and received widespread critical acclaim along with 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Robert Towne’s brilliant Academy Award-winning screenplay weaves a tragic and shocking tale of corruption, greed, and the human propensity for evil.  Powerhouse performances by Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway and John Huston, a riveting story inspired by real events, vivid imagery, and a stirring score combine to make an unforgettable film that is essential for every cinephile’s collection. The Limited-Edition Paramount Presents release includes the restored film on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc for the first time ever. In addition, this release includes extensive new and legacy bonus content, access to a Digital copy of the film, and a bonus Blu-ray with the 1990 sequel The Two Jakes, directed by and starring Jack Nicholson and written by Robert Towne.

😺NIGHT FALLS ON MANHATTAN on Blu-ray May 7 from Arrow Video.

On May 7th, Arrow Video will release the crime thriller Night Falls On Manhattan from director Sidney Lumet, who brings his gritty realism to this adaptation of former NYPD officer Robert Daley’s novel. Assistant DA Sean Casey (Andy Garcia) is assigned to prosecute a drug dealer whose case has deep ties to his family. As the young attorney uncovers the truth about the arrest, his career, family, and life are threatened. The Limited Edition Blu-ray features an all-star cast that includes Academy Award® nominees Richard Dreyfuss, Ian Holm, and Lena Olin, as well as James Gandolfini, Vincent Pastore, Frank Vincent, Bobby Cannavale, and Ron Liebman.The special features include two audio commentaries; a documentary about the director; on-set interviews with cast and crew; behind the scenes footage; trailers and TV spots.