EliteTV attends Private Listening Party For Angel Lopez’s New LP

Courtesy: ELiteTV

EliteTV news recently had the honor of attending a private listening party for the new album from Latin R&B star Angel Lopez.  The former Son By Four member released his latest single this past April.  The single, ‘Al Ritmo Del Amor’ (To The Rhythm of Love) was released via Latin Boyz Entertainment/Trevino Music Group.

On hand for the party were members of the S.O.G. Crew—including Dr. Robert “Battle Ax” Ornelas, who is running for California’s Lt. Governor position– producer Marvelous Marvin, Lopez’s label mate Desiree Estrada, Pnuckle, Angello Black, and other members of the Trevino Music Group family.  Highlights of the whole party are available now online via YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwiZ5OwaDhA.

For more information and news from Angel Lopez, go online to his Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/AngelLopezLBE and “Like” it or to his official website, http://www.AngelLopeLBE.com.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can also keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks, blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Da Vinci’s Demons To Haunt Audiences This Fall

Courtesy: Starz

The new hit series, Da Vinci’s Demons has officially wrapped on its debut season.  And now fans won’t have to wait very long for the first season to come to home release.  Season One will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on September 3^rd with all eight episodes.  Both sets will be three-disc sets.  They will contain not just all eight episodes from Season One, but also a handful of bonus features.  A complete list of expected bonus features is included below:

Bonus Features

·         Audio Commentaries with Writer/Creator/Executive Producer/Director David S. Goyer

and Actors Tom Riley, Laura Haddock, Blake Ritson, David Schofield and Tom Bateman

·         Mastering Da Vinci

·         Constructing Da Vinci

·         Dressing Da Vinci

·         Worldwide Fanfare

·         Deleted Scenes

·         Second Screen Promo

The series, headed by David S. Goyer (Blade, The Dark Knight trilogy, Man of Steel) focuses on Leonardo Da Vinci.  It portrays Da Vinci as a man fighting against those who would use history, politics, and religion to hold others back and hide the truth of the world.  While he faces foes around him, he also has to face his own inner demons.  The three-disc DVD set is expected to sell for an MSRP of $44.98 and the Blu-ray set for $54.99.

Fans of the show can find out when Season 2 starts up as well as all the latest cast news and more on the official Da Vinci’s Demons Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/davincisdemons.starz.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Satriani Announces Complete U.S. Tour Schedule

Photo Credit: Daniel Robert Dinu–ConcertPhotography.ro

Joe Satriani has officially announced the schedule for his upcoming U.S. tour in support of his new album, Unstoppable Momentum.  The tour kicks off August 29^th in San Diego, California.  Satch will be joined by the Steve Morse Band on the tour up until October 3^rd at the State Theatre in Portland, Maine.  Fans in North Carolina will be happy to know that Satriani will be making a stop in the “Old North State” as part of his tour.  He will perform at the Carolina Theatre in Durham, North Carolina on Tuesday, September 24^th.  Presale tickets for that concert will be available this Wednesday, June 5^th.  Fans can order presale tickets online via the official Joe Satriani website at http://www.satriani.com/road/.

The complete listing of Joe Satriani’s U.S. tour is available below.

Joe Satriani’s Unstoppable Momentum Tour Itinerary (* featuring Steve Morse Band as support thru Portland, ME):

August 29            Balboa Theatre                                           San Diego, CA *

August 30            Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort     Las Vegas, NV *

August 31            Orpheum Theatre                                             Los Angeles, CA *

September 1      Talking Stick Resort Ballroom                          Scottsdale, AZ *

September 2      Kiva Auditorium                                                Albuquerque, NM *

September 4      Historic Paramount Theatre                                        Denver, CO *

September 5      Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center                     Midland, TX *

September 6      Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie                               Grand Prairie, TX *

September 7      House of Blues                                                                  Houston, TX *

September 8      Austin City Limits – Moody Theatre                         Austin, TX *

September 10   House of Blues                                                                  New Orleans, LA *

September 11   Ruth Eckerd Hall                                                               Clearwater, FL *

September 12   Parker Playhouse                                                             Ft. Lauderdale, FL *

September 13   Hard Rock Live                                                                   Orlando, FL *

September 14   Saenger Theatre                                                              Pensacola, FL *

September 15   Symphony Hall                                                                  Atlanta, GA *

September 17   War Memorial Auditorium                                           Nashville, TN *

September 18   Chicago Theatre                                                               Chicago, IL *

September 19   Lakewood Civic Auditorium                                         Lakewood, OH *

September 20   Taft Theatre                                                                       Cincinnati, OH *

September 21   Wings Stadium                                                                  Kalamazoo, MI *

September 22   Macomb Music Theatre                                    Mt. Clemens, MI

September 24   Carolina Theatre                                                               Durham, NC *

September 25   Warner Theatre                                                      Washington, DC *

September 26   Beacon Theatre                                                        New York, NY *

September 27   Orpheum Theatre                                                           Boston, MA*

September 28   Tower Theatre                                                                  Upper Darby, PA *

September 29   Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead                           Munhall, PA *

October 1            Center for the Arts                                                          Buffalo, NY *

October 2            Palace Theatre                                                                  Albany, NY *

October 3            State Theatre                                                                    Portland, ME *

October 4            Casino New Brunswick                                                  New Brunswick, NB

October 5            Rebecca Cohn Auditorium                                           Halifax, NS

October 7            Le Capitole De Quebec                                                  Quebec City, QC

October 8            National Arts Centre Southam Hall                           Ottawa, ON

October 9            St. Denis Theatre                                                             Montreal, QC

October 10          Centre in the Square                                                      Kitchener, ON

October 11          Massey Hall                                                                        Toronto, ON

October 14          Burton Cummings Theatre                                           Winnipeg, MB

October 15          TCU Place                                                                            Saskatoon, SK

October 16          Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium                      Edmonton, AB

October 17          Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium                      Calgary, AB

October 19          Vogue Theatre                                                                  Vancouver, BC

October 21          The Fox Theater                                                               Spokane, WA

October 22          Paramount Theatre                                                        Seattle, WA

October 23          Historic Elsinore Theatre                                               Salem, OR

October 25          Vina Robles Amphitheatre                                           Paso Robles, CA

October 26          Fox Theater                                                                        Oakland, CA

 

Fans can keep up with all the latest news, tour dates and more from Joe Satriani online at http://www.satriani.com and at http://www.facebook.com/joesatriani.

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Styx Live Doube-Disc An Impressive Companion To 2012 DVD/Blu-ray Release

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Records

Eagle Rock Entertainment keeps bringing the hits for fans of classic rock.  Last year, Eagle Rock put out quite the live release in the form of Styx: Grand Illusion & Pieces of Eight Live on DVD and Blu-ray.  The performance marked the first time that the veteran rock band had ever performed both of its iconic albums live back to back in one show.  Now the audio companion to that live video recording has finally been released thanks to Eagle Rock.  The audio companion comes in a double-disc gatefold package that follows the DVD and Blu-ray verbatim.  So what audiences get from the live video recording whether on DVD or Blu-ray is what they also get on the double-disc audio recording.  This is quite impressive both in terms of the set-list and in terms of the recording’s audio quality.  Though, it definitely will lead audiences that have not yet purchased the DVD or Blu-ray to want to surely pick up that recording.  Those that already have the video portion of the performance will want to pick this up just as much, thus completing the full live experience from one of the most important performances of the career of the members of Styx.

The very first thing that audiences will appreciate about the new audio companion to Styx’s recent live DVD and Blu-ray release is its packaging.  The audio portion of the show is packaged in a gatefold package with one disc on either side.  In opening the package, audiences will note that making the packaging even better is that the performance of each classic album is contained within its own disc.  Not only is the title of each album provided, but a track-by-track listing is provided on each album’s performance.  Vinyl has made quite the resurgence in recent years in its popularity.  To have each live album presented in this format makes for even more of a sense of nostalgia for fans as they listen to the band make the announcement about each side of each album ending and the other side beginning.  It makes one feel as if one is holding the vinyl in one’s own hands, only on a smaller scale.  For that, those involved with the recording’s packaging are to be commended.  As minor a factor as it may seem to some, it’s always the little things that can make so much difference.

Having taken in the release’s gatefold packaging, the next step is to take in the live audio experience.  And those that already own the DVD and/or Blu-ray portion of this recording will enjoy this portion of the show just as much as those that don’t already have it.  Whether one already owns the DVD and/or Blu-ray half of the show, they will feel like they are right there at the show.  The audio mix remains just as impressive on this half of the recording as it is on the video portion.  Hearing classic hits the likes of: ‘Come Sail Away’, ‘The Grand Illusion’, ‘The Message’ and the rest of these iconic works will take the band’s long-time fans back to another time; a time when perhaps they first saw this veteran act for the very first time.  This is the magical thing about a recording such as this.  It’s what makes live recordings just as great as being there.  That feeling of nostalgia is made even greater with such recordings.  At a time when the cost of going to see a live show has drastically increased (counting not just ticket costs, but lodging, food, souvenirs, etc.) recordings such as this one will give listeners a live show that they can buy for about twenty-dollars and enjoy any time any place that they want.  It’s available now in stores and online and can be purchased online via the Eagle Rock website at http://www.eagle-rock.com.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com. 

Pound Puppies Mission: Adoption Offers Audiences Five More Episodes Of Fun And Lessons

Courtesy: Shout! Factory/Hub

The latest release from the Hub network’s Pound Puppies series is just as fun as the previous pair of DVDs.  This new release offers audiences five more episodes filled with entertainment and important lessons for both kids and their parents.  Also included in this new collection of episodes is an adoption certificate that kids can print out and fill out for their very own.  Just as impressive as the set’s episodes is the continued original artwork used throughout the series.  Anyone that remembers Cartoon Network’s Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends, will recognize the animation used for this series once again.  Altogether, these factors make Pound Puppies Mission: Adoption just as fun as the previous collections of episodes from this update of the classic 80s series.

This latest release is so much enjoyable first and foremost because of the mix of entertainment and life lessons in each of its five episodes.  Of course the inclusion of some well-known voice actors doesn’t hurt, either.  This time out, audiences learn that even the smallest dog…er…person can accomplish great feats.  This lesson is taught in the episode, “Snow Problem.”  When a young husky puppy named Tundra ends up with the Pound Puppies, he and the others take on a group of bigger, tougher dogs in a sled race that ends up with the young pup winning the heart of one of the racers and being adopted.  The spoof of the famed song, ‘Chariots of Fire’ is a nice addition to this episode.  Viewers also learn that superstitions are superstitions for a reason in “Taboo.”  When they meet the puppy named Taboo, the Pound Puppies discover why it is that he’s had such a hard time finding his person.  Viewers will have to find out the truth behind his adoption problems for themselves when they pick up this new release.  Viewers will especially enjoy the Wizard of Oz reference in this episode.  In the disc’s opener, “King of the Heap”, one of the Pound Puppies is adopted by Junkyard Jim, instead of the newest additions to the pound named Elvis (voiced by Clancy Brown—Mr. Krabs from Spongebob Squarepants).  This episode teaches viewers that it’s best to be themselves, rather than something that they’re not.  Being one’s own self is what people admire most.  The show’s writers are to be commended for these lessons, and the others included here along with its more fun moments.  On a side note, voice actor John DiMaggio is back again as the voice of Niblet.  Considering that Futurama is coming to an end yet again, hopefully Hub will keep this show around as he does quite the job as Niblet’s voice.

The collection of fun moments and lessons culled for the episodes in this latest set make it fun for the whole family.  Older audiences will appreciate this set for more than just those factors, though.  They will also enjoy the animation style used throughout the series.  It’s quite similar to Cartoon Network’s former cartoon, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.  What makes this animation style so impressive is that even if it was done via computer, its quality is such that it’s difficult to tell if it was done by hand, by computer, or a combination of both.  If it was done by both computer and by hand, then it proves that the two animation styles can exist side by side.  And that both styles can exist side by side, one can only hope that audiences will get much more of this style of animation and mix of fun and lessons in even more volumes of Pound Puppies episodes.  Pound Puppies Mission: Adoption is available now in stores and online.  It can be purchased online direct via the Shout! Factory store at http://www.shoutfactory.com/?q=node/216951.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Iced Earth Live In Ancient Kourion One Of 2013′s Best Live Recordings

Courtesy: Century Media

Iced Earth’s new live release, Live in Ancient Kourion is an example of a live release done right in so many ways.  With its combination of solid audio and visual recording and equally impressive packaging, this triple-disc release has set itself in this critic’s list of the year’s best live recordings.

So much can be said of Live in Ancient Kourion.  So what better starting point than its packaging.  The packaging for this release is the first factor that scores points.  It is presented in a triple-disc gatefold package with the DVD and each of the set’s two CDs placed into their own spot in the packaging separate from one another.  There are those that might argue against this form of packaging, and more in favor of the traditional plastic packaging with dual sided insert for the CDs.  Given, this is an ergonomically sound form of packaging.  But it isn’t without its faults.  The use of the plastic packaging increases the risk of accidentally cracking the case or even the insert that would hold the audio portion of the recording.  One of the quick retorts to the use of plastic casing would be the risk of getting the material used for non-plastic packaging wet.  But in reality the risk is just as great for water damage with both plastic and non-plastic packaging.  So that argument is instantly negated, thus making the packaging in which this set is presented that much better of a choice.

Having noted the packaging of this new live release, the next step is to take a look at the recording’s audio and video quality.  The overall audio and video mix of this recording is just as impressive as its packaging.  It goes without saying that this is the most important part of any live recording.  Sadly, there are live recordings out there that are not bootlegs, yet their audio and video mixes are either slightly or completely out of balance, leaving listeners to wonder how experienced the engineer(s) behind the board was/were.  Luckily for fans of Iced Earth and for the band itself, that can’t be questioned in the case of Live in Ancient Kourion.  The mix is expertly balanced both on this recording.  Hearing the pyrotechnics go off on the audio portion is one thing.  But hearing and seeing it throughout the video portion makes the experience all the greater, whether this marks the first time for fortieth seeing Iced Earth live.  Being that this is the most important factor of all in this and any live recording, it goes without saying that Iced Earth fans and that members of the Metal Nation the world over have in this release a concert recording that definitely lives up to the reputation of being one of the year’s best live recordings.

Getting into the actual performance, one can’t help but marvel at the ability of current front man Stu Block to carry a career’s worth of music from this band.  Considering the number of singers that have fronted Iced Earth, he shows in his performance that this doesn’t factor at all.  He shows full confidence throughout the near two and a half hour, twenty-seven song set.  Just as incredible is that this far into the band’s career, Bloc’s band mates show no sign of rust or age.  The songs are just as full of power as they were when the band’s original lineup first recorded them.  Once again, the only thing left to say in taking into account the band’s stamina along with the recording quality and packaging is that this performance is Iced Earth at its live best.  It is one of the best live recordings of the year both in the metal community and in general.  It is available now both in stores and online and can be ordered direct online from the Century Media Records store at http://www.cmdistro.com/Item/Iced_Earth_-_Live_In_Ancient_Kourion_-2CD+DVD_Digi-/44761.

Fans overseas will get to see Iced Earth live this Summer and into 2014, even after picking up this new live release as it tours in support of Live in Ancient Kourion.  Fans around the world can keep up with all of the band’s latest tour updates and news when they “Like” Iced Earth on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OfficialIcedEarth.  Fans can also follow the band on its official website, http://www.icedearth.com. 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

The Mystery Of Eels An Unexpectedly Interesting Feature From PBS’ Nature

Courtesy: PBS

Documentarian James Prosek notes in the closing moments of the new PBS Nature documentary The Mystery of Eels that it’s good that some things remain a mystery.  Taken in the context of the moment, this makes sense.  In the case of this latest feature, it doesn’t do much in terms of eliminating the mystery around eels.  But it does present these largely misunderstood creatures in a much more positive light, thus generating more respect for them as part of the world’s ecosystems.

The Mystery of Eels clocks in at nearly an hour long.  Over the course of the feature, audiences see different groups of people around the world and the different views that different cultures have regarding the eel.  From being revered for their capital value in Japan to a means of living in another region and being held in high regard as past relatives in another culture, viewers see just why the eel is so important.  There are those who would look at this episode of Nature as coming from something of an environmentalist standpoint.  It is true that there are some slightly activist leanings here.  But when it comes to the case of eels, this can be forgiven much as the case is with sharks, bats, and other animals in danger of being wiped out.  Just as sharks and bats have bad reputations, so do eels.  Misconceptions have been made by cartoons and television in general.  But as one will see in this program, the views that people have about eels are just that; misconceptions.  They learn that eels mean humans no harm, and that they are just as important to the world’s ecosystems.  This is something very valuable especially for younger viewers to learn and just as important of a reminder for older audiences.

Understanding the importance of the eel in various cultures is interesting in itself.  Understanding that they are not just the monstrous creatures that have been caricatured by the media is even more important and interesting.  And that is exactly what audiences will understand in this feature.  Audiences will see here that there is no electricity shooting off of the body of an eel.  And while they are carnivores, they have been proven to be anything but the killer creatures that they have far too often been made out to be.  Rather, they are quite tame.  As viewers will see late in the program, they are so tame that humans in one part of the world are able to go up to them in their natural setting and run their hands along the body of the fish.  These same people see the eel as the spirit of past relatives just as Native Americans have seen certain animals as the spirits of their past relatives.  Who would have ever thought that an eel could play such an important role in the culture of a given people?

While some peoples of the world hold the eel in high regard spiritually and religiously, others still use the fish as a food product.  Because of that, they see the importance of protecting eels, as they are being overfished.  Prosek takes viewers to the Catskill Mountains and to Japan to examine the importance of the eel in both regions and what is being done to protect them and help them flourish.  As odd as this may seem, it is truly an eye opener and will create a wholly different view on this misunderstood fish just as with the understanding of its cultural importance.           

The Mystery of Eels is one of the most interesting episodes of PBS’ long-running Nature series.  Eels have a bad reputation.  And maybe that’s why it has taken so long for someone to come to their defense, so to speak.  But it’s a good thing that someone finally has.  Because James Prosek has done so, viewers will hopefully now see that much like other misunderstood creatures of the world, these creatures deserve just as much respect as any other creature.  They may not be the most beautiful or graceful.  But as this documentary feature shows, they are creatures that are just as important to the world as any other.  And understanding this will hopefully create more understanding and respect for the eel.

The Mystery of Eels will be available Tuesday, May 21^st.  It can be ordered direct online via the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=19729726&cp=&kw=the+mystery+of+eels&origkw=The+Mystery+of+Eels&sr=1#Details.

To find out more about this program and all features from PBS’ Nature series, audiences can “Like” the Nature Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/PBSNature.  Audiences can also get the latest Nature news on the program’s official website, http://www.pbs.org/nature and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/PBSNature.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

The Haunting Hour’s First Season Closes With Two More Scary Sets Of Stories

Courtesy: Shout! Factory/The Hub

R.L. Stine and The Hub are back with two more volumes of seriously scary stories for kids and their parents.  The Haunting Hour Vol. 3 & 4 offer audiences ten more tales of terror that will entertain and scare audiences every time they turn them on.  This latest pair of volumes offers not only five great episodes each, but some star power, too.  The Haunting Hour Vol. 3 boats guest appearances from the likes of Robert Capron (Diary of a Wimpy Kid), Maddison Pettis (Cory in the House), Christopher Heyerdahl (Hell on Wheels, Sanctuary), and others.  Apparently, Heyerdahl has a thing for playing villains, much like Tim Curry, as he takes on the role of quite the scary character in the episode, ‘Fear Never Knocks.’  Heyerdahl’s character is absolutely creepy in his role in this episode, terrorizing a pair of children who stumble upon their grandfather’s “box of fear.”  He is released when young Jenny decides to play with the box, and releases both her fears and those of her brother and fear itself (played by Heyerdahl).  Also in Volume Three, Maddison Pettis is one of three kids that get caught up in a supernatural story that brings the past and present together thanks to a mysterious mask.  The mask shows events that happened in the past, which themselves lead to another mystery that will leave viewers guessing right up to the end of the story.  And in another of the set’s best episodes, Robert Capron plays a young man whose overactive apetite leads him to get much more than he hoped for after a strange ice cream truck starts making rounds through the boy’s neighborhood.  This is an episode that will send “chills” (ba-dump-bump-bump) through every viewer, and will make them think twice next time they see an ice cream truck come through their neighborhood.  What’s more, it’s a valuable warning against over eating, too, ironically enough.  It’s little things like this, and the writing for the other noted episodes that make The Haunting Hour Volume Three another nice inclusion for any fan of ghost stories and of R.L. Stine’s work.

Courtesy: Shout! Factory/The Hub

The scares don’t stop with Volume Three of The Haunting Hour.  Fans will also enjoy Volume Four, which was released alongside Volume Three.  The show’s fourth volume offers even more scares, as well as guest appearances.  It all opens with another episode that’s just as much a warning as it is a scary story in ‘Wrong Number.’  Debby Ryan (The Suite Life on Deck, Radio Rebel) stars in this episode as Steffani.  Steffani is a rather spoiled young woman that is the very stereotype of the stuck up “mean girl.”  But she gets what’s coming to her when she and her friend decide to prank call an elderly woman one night.  The consequences of her actions turn out to be deadly, as a matter of fact.  This is just one of the many scary stories presented in The Haunting Hour Volume Four.  Another equally terrifying tale included in this set is the episode, ‘Lights Out.’  Super 8 star Gabriel Basso stars as Teddy, a young teen skeptic who is pulled into a ghost hunt after watching a ghost hunt show on TV.  Teddy’s friends set out to prove to him that ghosts are in fact real in their hunt for the supernatural.  He learns that lesson in a way he never would have expected, nor will viewers who have never seen this episode.  The twist ending will scare audiences to no end and leave them talking.  As with Volume Three, what is presented here is just part of what makes Volume Four so enthralling.  The stories presented in these two volumes are sure to scare and entertain both kids and adults alike.

The Haunting Hour recently wrapped its third season on The Hub network.  Allegedly, a fourth season might be in production.  That gives ample time for both seasons Two and Three to be released to DVD while fans await the show’s return to The Hub.  Until then though, these last two volumes of Season One will keep audiences coming back again and again.  All four volumes are available in stores and online and can be ordered online direct at http://www.shoutfactorystore.com. 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Les Miserables Not So Miserable In Its Home Release

Courtesy: Universal Pictures

Adapting classical literature for the big screen is one of Hollywood’s most time honored traditions.  Countless books have been adapted for the silver screen since the industry’s Golden Era.  Just as common for movie studios to do is to adapt stage plays that have themselves been adapted from books.  So as common as this practice is even now in Hollywood’s modern era, it takes a lot to make a movie of this fashion stand out in today’s overly crowded movie market.  Enter the newest big screen adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic story, Les Miserables.

The latest adaptation of Victor Hugo’s timeless story of redemption is one of the best movies of 2012.  And now that it has been released to BD/DVD/Digital combo pack, it has proven to be one of this year’s best home releases.   It isn’t the year’s best.  But it does come close as it struggles with at least two glaring issues.  Those issues are the movie’s scene transitions and its general cinematography.  Much of the cinematography issue goes hand in hand with the problematic scene transitions.  Though there’s just as much problem with this movie’s shooting style not directly linked to the transitions in question.  Despite having issues with shooting and scene transitions, the movie’s positives far outweigh its negatives.  And those positives are many.

The primary positive to the home release of Les Miserables is its abundance of bonus features.  The bonus features included in the movie’s new home release offer lots of interesting tidbits that make the movie more worthy of respect.  For starters, viewers learn through the bonus features that star Hugh Jackman actually went through a rather rigorous diet and exercise regimen in order to obtain a specific look of a convict who has spent much of his life in prison.  It definitely worked as he looked every part the convincing character.  Just as interesting to learn in watching the bonus features is the vocal work that went into singing each scene.  Most audiences know by now that the entire movie was sung.  It shows how seriously those behind the movie took its creation.  The bonus features expand on the musical aspect of the movie.  Jackman and company explain the training that was undertaken and how the cast and crew balanced the noise of the cast and instruments with the cast singing.  Part of that balance came in the form of carpeting on the scenery floors to cancel out footsteps and keeping the pianist in a soundproof box, just to point out a little bit.  One could go on for quite some time discussing the role of the bonus features in the new home release of Les Miserables.  But viewers would be better left to check out the remaining bonus features for themselves.  That’s because there is so much more to cover in this new home release.

The bonus features included in the new home release of Les Miserables go a long way toward making the movie better at home than it was in theaters.  So what else could help elevate the movie?  How about the director’s commentary?  Director Tom Hooper discusses a variety of topics throughout the course of the movie.  Perhaps the most interesting aspect of his commentary is how he and writers Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil adapted not just the famed stage play but also the original literary work into one full big screen work.  Those who have read the novel likely recognize the combination.  But those who are more familiar with the stage presentation will appreciate this little nugget of information.  It explains away the order of events in the movie in comparison to the stage work.  This is just one more factor that makes Les Miserables better than it was originally given credit for in theaters.  And yet again, it’s more proof of the value of special features on a movie’s home release.

Speaking of the movie’s audio commentary, the commentary involuntarily points out one more positive to the movie.  That positive is the movie’s casting.  Experienced fans will recognize both Samantha Barks and Colm Wilkinson from the 25^th anniversary performance of the musical from London’s O2 arena. Samantha Barks reprises her role here as Eponine.  Wilkinson on the other hand actually plays the bishop.  This role is just as important as that of Jean Valjean in that it is the bishop who first helps Valjean turn around his life.  He showed in his performance here that his vocal chops are just as sharp as ever.

Just as interesting as Wilkinson and Bark returning for this adaptation of Les Miserables is the mention by [Tom] Hooper that casting Eddie Redmayne was quite the choice considering so many of his fellow actors had also played the role of Marius.  One can only imagine how nerve wracking it had to have been for Redmayne to have been so new to the role and surrounded by those who were so experienced in his role.  He pulled off the role quite well though.  This little piece of information, along with everything else that Hooper discusses in the audio commentary makes the movie that much more enjoyable.  Though, it should be pointed out that while he does discuss the camera work, there is no apology for his shooting style.  It is that shooting style that is really the movie’s one major downfall.

The music, acting, and scenery make this latest adaptation of Les Miserables a huge hit, as do the bonus features and audio commentary.  For all of this movie’s shining positives, there is one glaring negative that none of the positives can erase.  That negative is the general cinematography.  It, along with some of the scene transitions, makes things a little bit difficult to handle; so difficult in fact that they could leave viewers feeling slightly dizzy and even confused.  The problem with the cinematography is that throughout the movie, Hooper tries too hard to catch the emotion of his cast.  The resultant effect is that it makes it seem as if the cast is over emoting, thus making the acting seem a little bit campy. On the other hand, the rough scene transitions do eventually make way for smoother transitions, thus making the movie that much more bearable and more worth the watch, whether one is an experienced fan of this classic musical or not.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

See A Movie, Concert On Phil’s Picks

Courtesy: 20th Century Fox/20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

The Phil’s Picks blog and Facebook Page is hosting two brand new giveaways during the week of March 18^th – 22^nd.  The first half of the week will see giveaways of 20^th Century Fox’s award winning movie, Life of Pi.  The adaptation of the book by Yann Martel is available now on Blu-ray/DVD/Vudu combo pack.  Next Monday – Wednesday, I’ll be giving away one copy each day on the Phil’s Picks Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/philspicks.  But I’m not just going to do any drawing.  Those of you who have already “Liked” my FB page have to recruit more people to “Like” it in order to win.  It will start Monday, March 18th.   Here’s how it’ll go down.  The first person to get just five (5) people to “Like” my page each day will win that day’s copy of “Life of Pi” on Blu-ray/DVD/Vudu.  The people that you get to “Like” my page have to post to my timeline noting that you got them to “Like” my page.  That way I can count each person’s recruits under your name.  Make sense?  Let me know if it doesn’t and I’ll try to explain it in simpler terms.  I’ll announce the winner of each copy each afternoon at 4pm.  Again, that’s the first person Monday – Wednesday to get 5 people to “Like” my page.  And it doesn’t start until Monday.  So that means that you need to get out there and spread the word about the Phil’s Picks FB page if you really want to win!  I’m going to run the contest for these copies of “Hitchcock” the same way the following week

And if you’re not one of the people to enter or win, you can pick up your copy in store or online now.  It can be ordered online at http://www.foxconnect.com.

Courtesy: Prosthetic Records

The second contest of the week of March 18^th – 22^nd will be held throughout the week.  It is a contest for a pair of tickets to see Holy Grail on the Metal Alliance Tour.  The band will play at Charlotte’s Tremont Music Hall on Saturday, April 13^th alongside Anthrax, Exodus, and Municipal Waste.  The performance is part of the band’s tour in support of Holy Grail’s new album, Ride the Void.   Names will be taken beginning today, March 15^th until 8:45a.m. EST March 22^nd.  One winner’s name will be drawn next Friday morning at 9am EST.  The contest is courtesy of Prosthetic Records.  You have to be able to attend the show in order to enter. 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.