Blu-Ray News: FATE OF THE FURIOUS Release Dates

VIN DIESEL, DWAYNE JOHNSON, JASON STATHAM AND CHARLIZE THERON FACE OFF IN THE MOST EXPLOSIVE CHAPTER YET OF
THE ACTION FRANCHISE THAT LEAVES ALL OTHERS IN ITS DUST

AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL HD ON JUNE 27, 2017 AND
4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAY, DVD AND ON DEMAND ON JULY 11, 2017
WITH DIGITAL EXTENDED DIRECTOR’S CUT
FROM UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT

The #1 action film in the world, The Fate of the Furious,

goes full-throttle on Digital HD on June 27, 2017, and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand on July 11, 2017, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The latest exhilarating installment of the nitro-fueled blockbuster action franchise features a gripping new storyline, the most outrageous collection of vehicles yet, and an all-star cast of fan favorites and series newcomers. From the shores of Cuba and the streets of New York City to the icy plains off the arctic Barents Sea, the close-knit crew criss-crosses the globe to stop an anarchist from unleashing world chaos — and to bring home the man who made them a family. With more than an hour of never-before-seen bonus features and an Extended Director’s Cut, The Fate of the Furious will be the crowning glory of every fan’s collection.

Rest in Peace, Chris Cornell

Chris Cornell (1964-2017)

Blu-Ray Review: A STREET CAT NAMED BOB

Starring Luke Treadaway, Bob the Cat, Ruta Gedmintas, Joanne Froggatt, Anthony Head, Beth Goodard, Caroline Goodall. Directed by Roger Spottiswoode. (2016, 103 min).

MVDEntertainment / Cleopatra Entertainment

I have two cats, neither of whom possess a personality or disposition anyone would make a movie about.

Despite living with us for 12 years, Stinky thinks we're ready to kill her at any given moment. When you pick her up, she howls as though suffering the torments of the damned. Even during the few times a year she actually does want affection, she'll inevitably scratch or bite you once she's had enough. Worst of all, Stinky likes to sneaky-pee in my Dave Cave.

Joesy is a bossy, rotund diva who spends most of the day waiting for her next meal, and if I don't address her needs fast enough - even at four in the morning - she lets me know by howling incessantly and knocking stuff off tables. Then she'll lead the way to the kitchen - gelatinous gut jiggling like a turkey's wattle - squawking nonstop as though on the verge of starvation.

I love my cats, but they aren't remotely like the personable feline in A Street Cat Named Bob, a rather remarkable true story based on the best-selling book by James Bowen, who lived it.

Bob hates it when Bowen plays "Cat Scratch Fever."

Bowen (Luke Treadaway) is a homeless heroin addict making a meager living as a street musician. He desperately wants to kick the habit, and is given a second chance when his caseworker, Val (Joanne Froggatt), sets him up in a tiny apartment, where he can stay as long as he remains clean. Then Bob, a friendly stray ginger cat, shows up. Though barely able to afford taking care of himself, Bowen feeds Bob and uses the last of his cash to treat the animal when it's injured.

The two become inseparable. Bob inspires change in Bowen, giving him purpose and the will to finally try and get clean. Together, they eventually endear themselves to the community, as well as Bowen's neighbor, Betty (Ruta Gedmintas), a young woman still mourning the death of her brother, who died of a heroin overdose.

"Mezz wit me an' I kill yous."

Perhaps I'm a bit biased because I've always been more cat person, but to call A Street Cat Named Bob heartwarming is an understatement. Sure, it's decidedly manipulative and - unless you're a complete cynic or card-carrying cat hater - one can't help but be charmed by Bob (mostly played by the real Bob himself). At the same time, this isn't a sweet, cloying kiddie film where everything is hunky dory. After all, Bowen is a junkie and the story doesn't shy away from depicting the hell of addiction and withdrawl. Not only do we see how it impacted Bowen's life, but also his estranged father's, who has all-but disowned him to start a new family. As Bowen, Treadaway delivers a sincere, dedicated performance. His slow transformation from hopeless junkie to someone who learns to think beyond himself is subtle and convincing.

I have to admit being rendered a bit misty-eyed as the end credits began to roll. This really is a sweet film that doesn't hit you over the head with cuteness. Considering most movies about cats are usually pretty terrible, A Street Cat Named Bob is a cheerful exception, arguably the best of its kind since 1974's Harry and Tonto. And despite some intense moments, it's suitable for family viewing.

I shot a glance over at Joesy, who was holding vigil on the sofa next to me in anticipation of my next visit to the kitchen. I quipped, "Why can't you be more like Bob?" She blinked and gave me a look that said, "I bet your wife thinks the same thing about you when watching Dwayne Johnson movies."

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES: "Introducing Bob"; "The Story of A Street Cat Named Bob"

STILL GALLERY

TRAILER

KITTY CONSENSUS:

PURR-R-R...LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS

SUPERMAN (1978): Alternate Ending

"Oh God, Lois is dead!"

"Yo, Lois...guess who just brought you back from the dead AND won the last five Powerball jackpots."

Blu-Ray News: LIFE Debuts on Digital 6/2 & 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD 6/20

Experience extraterrestrial life like you’ve never seen it before, in the heart-pounding sci-fi thriller LIFE, debuting on digital June 2 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD June 20 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Skydance Productions. Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal (Best Supporting Actor, Brokeback Mountain, 2005), Rebecca Ferguson (Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation) and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) star as a team of scientists aboard the International Space Station who discover a rapidly evolving life form that threatens the crew and all life on Earth. Also starring Hiroyuki Sanada (The Wolverine), Ariyon Bakare (Rogue One), and Olga Dihovichnaya (House of Others), the film was directed by Daniel Espinosa (Safe House) and written by Deadpool screenwriters, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Hailed by critics as a “non-stop thrill ride, with high stakes, terror, and intense moments around every corner” (Brandon Davis, ComicBook.com), LIFE also features the ultimate twist ending.

Packed with bonus materials, the Blu-ray, DVD and digital releases of LIFE include deleted scenes, three behind-the-scenes featurettes and the never before seen “Astronaut Diaries”, in which Rory Adams, Miranda North and Hugh Derry reveal their inner most feelings about their mission and life, in video diaries pulled directly from the station.

Rest in Peace, Powers Boothe

Powers Boothe (1948-2017)

Blu-Ray Review: THE GODFATHER and THE GODFATHER PART II

THE GODFATHER

Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Gianni Russo, Richard S. Castellano, Abe Vigoda, Al Lettieri, Sterlng Hayden, Lenny Montana, Alex Rocco, Morgana King, Al Martino. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. (1972, 177 min).

PARAMOUNT

THE GODFATHER PART II

Starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Lee Strasberg, Michael V. Gazzo, G.D. Spradlin, Bruno Kirby, Richard Bright, Morgana King, Tom Rosqui. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. (1974, 200 min).

PARAMOUNT

The following review is for the handful of misguided movie fans who have somehow managed to make it this far in life without The Godfather in their collection. You really have no more excuses.

There are a few films so historically iconic that when you actually come across a someone who says they've never seen them, you simply offer a deadpan stare and reply, "You're kidding, right?"

The list of such films is pretty damn short...Star Wars, Jaws, Casablanca, to name a few. More than just classics, those films' cultural impact is so massive they transcend generations. It goes without saying that The Godfather is also high on this list. Not only the mother of all gangster epics, the film is one of the greatest ever made...in any genre.

"I thought I told you to flea-dip the cat."

The Godfather remains endlessly quotable and compulsively watchable (no matter how many times you've seen it), not-to-mention thematically & aesthetically timeless. It made stars out of Al Pacino, Robert Duvall & James Caan, and was arguably the pinnacle of Marlon Brando and director Francis Ford Coppola's careers. Movies just don't get much better than this.

And when I speak of The Godfather, I'm referring to both the 1972 original and 1974's The Godfather Part II. Nobody really thinks of them as two separate movies anymore. Unlike any other franchise in history, you can't have one without the other. Each film is made even richer and more rewarding by the existence of the other. While the belated Godfather Part III is much better than its maligned reputation suggests, it's the one that actually plays most like a traditional sequel, and as such, the law of diminishing returns certainly applies.

But anyone who reveres these films know all this and undoubtedly already have them in their collection. Who the hell is content to watch them only once?

"This is my lucky chair, Kay. It ain't going anywhere."

The Godfather saga has been frequently released in various formats and editions for years, both separately and as collections. The Coppola Restoration Blu-Ray boxed set, released in 2008, remains the best bet for collectors and completists, with impeccable picture & sound and a plethora of comprehensive bonus features. So why repackage and release them yet-again, with almost none of the extra goodies offered on previous discs?

Well, this is the 45th anniversary of the original, which is surely worthy of some kind of commemoration. And at a list price of less than ten bucks a pop, it's also the cheapest they've ever been made available on Blu-Ray, the perfect opportunity for those who may have invested in the first DVD boxed set - which was also loaded with extras - but simply want upgraded picture and sound (well worth it, by the way).

But most importantly, if you've never gotten around to seeing The Godfather or including it in your collection, there's never been a better time to remedy that problem. To quote an obscure old film I vaguely recollect, it's an offer you can't refuse.

EXTRA KIBBLES

AUDIO COMMENTARIES: Both films feature the same audio commentaries by writer/director Francis Ford from previous releases, which are exceptionally entertaining, comprehensive and loaded with behind-the-scenes .anecdotes

DIGITAL CODE FOR A MOBILE APP GAME

KITTY CONSENSUS:

MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!

Blu-Ray News: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (2017) Arrives June 6

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, brought the story and characters audiences know and love to spectacular life and broke box-office records. The release invites viewers to get up close and personal with the filmmakers and cast to see how this beloved animated film was transformed into a new live-action classic, from the first enchanted table read to a fascinating look at how the film was brought to life utilizing lavish sets, elaborately designed costumes and props, and state-of the-art technology. A feature on the amazing women behind the enchanted tale hosted by Emma Watson; and over 10 minutes of deleted scenes along with musical extras, including the “Beauty and the Beast” music video starring Ariana Grande and John Legend, Celine Dion’s heartfelt take on the new song “How Does a Moment Last Forever,” and jump directly to all you favorite unforgettable songs. Bring home the timeless tale beloved by generations on Digital HD, Blu-ray, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD, and On-Demand on June 6.

VIEW THE NEW TRAILER

Blu-Ray News: RUNAWAY TRAIN & HELL IN THE PACIFIC - Two Forgotten Classics Coming in June

Director: Andrei Konchalovsky
Starring: Jon Voight, Eric Roberts, Rebecca De Mornay, John P. Ryan, Kenneth McMillan, T.K. Carter

Tearing up the tracks at 100 miles-per-hour, Runaway Train features hair-raising footage and spectacular Oscar-nominated performances by Jon Voight (Coming Home, Deliverance) and Eric Roberts (Star 80, The Pope of Greenwich Village). Manny (Voight) is the toughest convict in a remote Alaskan prison who, along with fellow inmate Buck (Roberts), makes a daring breakout. Hopping a freight train, they head full steam for freedom, but when the engineer dies of a heart attack, they find themselves trapped, alone and speeding towards certain disaster. Until, that is, they discover a third passenger, beautiful railroad worker, Sara (Rebecca De Mornay, Risky Business, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle), who's just as desperate and just as determined to survive as they are. Beautifully shot by Alan Hume (For Your Eyes Only), with top-notch direction by Andrei Konchalovsky (Siberiade, Tango & Cash) and based on a screenplay by Akira Kurosawa (The Seven Samurai). Co-starring John P. Ryan (Cops and Robbers, Avenging Force) and Kenneth McMillan (True Confessions, Ragtime). COMING JUNE 13 FROM KINO LORBER

Director: John Boorman
Starring: Lee Marvin, Toshiro Mifune

From John Boorman, the director of Deliverance and The Emerald Forest comes this gripping adventure about two wartime enemies trapped alone on a deserted island. Screen legends Lee Marvin (Prime Cut, Monte Walsh, The Dirty Dozen) and Toshiro Mifune (Yojimbo, The Challenge) deliver striking and well-etched performances in this searing psychological drama that packs plenty of action and excitement. From the instant they meet, a marooned American soldier (Marvin) and his Japanese counterpart (Mifune) have the same objective: to kill each other. But it soon becomes apparent that the only way they will survive is by forging an uneasy truce and cooperating with each other. Can they rise above the hatred that divides them long enough to stay alive? Two of the film's best features are the terrific color photography by the great Conrad Hall (In Cold Blood) and original musical score by the legendary Lalo Schifrin (Bullitt). COMING JUNE 27 FROM KINO LORBER

Rest in Peace, Michael Parks

Michael Parks (1940-2017)