Mr. Selfridge Season Two Coming To Blu-ray, DVD This Spring

Courtesy: PBS/ITV Studios

ITV Studios’ hugely popular series Mr. Selfridge just wrapped its second season across the pond. And it just started here on Masterpiece yesterday. In coordination of the U.S. debut of Season 2, ITV Studios and Masterpiece have partnered to release Season Two on Blu-ray and DVD this Spring.

Mr. Selfridge Season Two will be released to the masses on Blu-ray and DVD April 29th. The series, starring Jeremy Piven (Entourage, PCU) follows the famed businessman that changed the face of business in London in the early twentieth century and his business, Selfridge & Co. Season Two of Mr. Selfridge runs a total of 7.5 hours over three discs and features the original U.K. edition of Season Two. Frances O’Conner (Madame Bovary) returns for Season Two in the role of Harry Selfridge’s wife Rose as does Aisling Loftus (Page Eight) as Agnes Towler. Also back for Season Two are: Amanda Abbington (Sherlock Season 3) as Miss Mardle, and Ron Cook (Little Dorrit) as Mr. Crabb.
There is sure to be more drama for Harry Selfridge in Season Two as Katherine Kelly (Coronation Street) returns once again as Lady Mae. Gregory Fitoussi (World War Z) is back, too as Henri LeClair. Samuel West (Any Human Heart) reprises his role as enterprising journalist Frank Edwards. Selfrdige’s personnel director Mr. Grove is once more played by Tom Goodman-Hill (Downton Abbey). And Trystan Gravelle (Anonymous) also returns again as the dashing manager of Selfridge’s Palm Court Restaurant, Victor Colleano.

Audiences will see plenty of familiar faces in Season Two of Mr. Selfridge. They will also see some new faces. Polly Walker (Miss Marple) joins the cast of Mr. Selfridge as Delphine Day, author of numerous steamy novels and proprietress of a new nightclub. Also joining the cast for the first time this season are Cal Macaninch (Downton Abbey) and Aiden McArdle (Jane Eyre) as new head of fashion at Selfridge & Co. Mr. Thackeray, and Lord Loxley, Lady Mae’s estranged husband.

Season Two of Mr. Selfridge opens in the Spring of 1914. The store is now celebrating its fifth anniversary. There have been lots of changes at Selfridge & Co. in terms of staff. Harry’s wife Rose has even inexplicably returned to London after having left Harry to return to America at the end of Season One. There are sure to be even more changes as the shadow of World War I looms over London.

More information on Mr. Selfridge Season Two and the series in general is available online at https://www.facebook.com/masterpiecepbs, http://twitter.com/masterpiecepbs, and http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece. It can be pre-ordered now via the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=32224996&cp=3529703.20384186&ab=Aspot_Selfridge_3.30.14&parentPage=family.

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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Zeppelin Terror Attack A Must See For So Many Audiences

Courtesy: PBS

Zeppelin Terror Attack is another impressive addition to PBS’ hit science series, NOVA. This edition of NOVA is a great watch for the same reason that so many of NOVA’s episodes are so enjoyable. That reason is that it reaches more than just one specific niche audience. That is the primary reason for the success of this episode. Another reason for this episode’s success is the very history given on the impact of zeppelins on the outcome of World War I. Lastly, the acting and visual aids used over the course of the documentary put the finishing touch on the success of this episode of NOVA. All of these elements together make Zeppelin Terror Attack yet more proof of the value of not only NOVA but of PBS as a whole.

The first aspect of Zeppelin Terror Attack that makes it another enjoyable addition to NOVA’s long-held tradition of excellence is its ability to reach so many audiences within such a short period of time. It is a piece that proves NOVA covers more than just science. It can reach history buffs, military history buffs, military buffs in general, and even those with an interest in engineering. There are so many stories centered on the history of World War II out there. Yet there are seemingly far fewer stories centered on the first world war. So it is nice to have this presentation, taking audiences back to a time that is so rarely discussed today. History buffs, military history buffs, and military buffs in general will appreciate the history lesson taught through this episode. Those with an interest in engineering and avionics will appreciate the discussion on how Zeppelins were built, and how their Achilles heel was eventually discovered by the British. Who would ever have thought that the intestinal linings of a cow would be used for the skin of a zeppelin? Paul Shepard’s editing is spot on when this is first revealed. Audiences will find themselves laughing at the reaction of a random cow when this revelation is made. Just as interesting for those interested in engineering and avionics is the discussion on how Zeppelins today use helium instead of hydrogen to float. And despite the evolution of the zeppelin, it still faces the issue of helium slowly escaping from its ballast. There is much more that each of this episode’s audiences will take away from it for themselves. They will have to order the DVD for themselves, though, to find out just how much it has to offer in that realm.

The fact that Zeppelin Terror Attack can reach so many audiences is central to its success. It’s nothing new to NOVA, either. This is a long-standing tradition for this top notch science show. Another reason that audiences will appreciate this episode of NOVA is that it brings one of so many currently untold stories of WWI to light at long last. Whenever most people think of WWI, the very first thought that comes to mind is the novel All Quiet on the Western Front. Other than that sole story, most people would be hard pressed to come up with a story about WWI if asked to do so. Taking that into consideration , this story is a nice starting point for even more discussions and stories centered on WWI. As much as the world still needs the stories of WWII, the stories of WWI are just as vital to the world’s history as those of WWII. So kudos are in order for the heads at PBS and at NOVA for bringing this story to light. And here’s to perhaps many more to come.

The story itself that is told through Zeppelin Terror Attack and the fact that it can reach multiple audiences collectively make this episode of NOVA another excellent addition to PBS’ hit series. There is one more aspect to this episode of NOVA that is standard to the series, making it all the more enjoyable for viewers. That last aspect is the episode’s visual aids. The visual aids used throughout this episode include vintage footage of Germany’s initial bombing of Britain and CG sequences outlining how the zeppelins’ weak spots. There are also other CG sequences that show the path taken by the Zeppelins into Britain along with actual acting segments used to help further illustrate the story. These elements are collectively what once made the documentaries from History Channel and Discovery Channel so impressive. But ever since the advent of reality television, those documentaries have gone by the wayside on those once powerhouse networks. Now, they are what make this and so many documentaries on PBS so great and so worth watching. Audiences can order the DVD online now at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=30499076&cp=&kw=zeppelin+terror+attack&origkw=Zeppelin+Terror+Attack&sr=1. 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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN Networks Announce Changes For 2014 MLB Season

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN kicks off its 25th season covering Major League Baseball today. In celebration of the anniversary, ESPN has announced a number of changes and additions to its coverage. The very first of those changes and additions is a rebranding of its flagship program, Sunday Night Baseball. Sunday Night Baseball has been rebranded as Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown. The name change has been implemented in order to better coincide with ESPN’s weekly national game of the week. Karl Ravech will continue to anchor the broadcast. And MLB Hall of Famer/analyst Barry Larkin will join Ravech for most episodes.

The rebranding of Sunday Night Baseball is just the tip of the iceberg for the changes being made to ESPN’s MLB coverage in its 25th season. Along with the rebranding of the network’s flagship show, several episodes of Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown will be broadcast live on-site from key locations near select games throughout the season. The live broadcasts will allow fans to show their pride live on television and viewers to get a taste of the live Baseball Tonight atmosphere. It all begins opening night from PetCo Park in San Diego at 6:30pm.

The new live, on-site broadcasts of Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown are the cornerstone of ESPN’s re-branded broadcasts for its 25th season of coverage. Along with the new live, on-site broadcasts, viewers will also see some new faces on this year’s telecasts. ESPN added new commentators for its telecasts during the offseason. Veteran manager Eric Wedge has been added to the Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown roster as has former perfect game pitcher Dallas Braden. Braden will join ESPN’s weekly broadcast as an analyst. Wedge will contribute regularly to the show, too.

MLB great and former manager Ozzie Guillen joined ESPN Deportes throughout the 2013 MLB season. His role has been expanded this season. Guillen will contribute both to ESPN Deportes and ESPN’s English-language platforms this season, including regular appearances on Baseball Tonight. Eduardo Perez returns to the broadcast side of the game after spending the past two seasons in the dugout. Perez will contribute largely to MLB broadcasts on ESPN Deportes. Both Guillen and Perez will join Manny Acta and Alex Cora in ESPN’s growing stable of bilingual MLB analysts.

As the 2014 MLB season progresses, audiences can stay tuned in to ESPN as the Worldwide Leader in Sports will televise special holiday games on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, as well as at least one Wild Card game, in addition to NY and all tie-breaker games. Making the deal even sweeter, ESPN will have rights to four Postseason Impact games in late September. This will allow ESPN to present the top games and storylines from around the league heading into the postseason. The schedule for ESPN’s special holiday broadcasts is provided below.

Holiday Date Time (ET) Game
Memorial Day Mon, May 26 1 p.m. Boston Red Sox at Atlanta Braves
4 p.m. New York Yankees at St. Louis Cardinals
Independence Day Fri, Jul 4 3 p.m. New York Yankees at Minnesota Twins
TBD TBD
Labor Day Mon, Sep 1 TBD TBD
TBD TBD

If the weekly Sunday night broadcast of MLB games isn’t enough for fans, ESPN will also offer audiences a special “seamheads” edition of Baseball Tonight every Thursday night at 10pm ET. ESPN MLB Insiders Tim Kurkjian, Buster Olney, and Jayson Stark will serve as the panel for the program. They will discuss all even more insight than is offered every Sunday night, including: advanced stats, ranking, and breaking news and rumors throughout the season. They will be joined occasionally by Keith Law and Grantland’s Jonah Keri.

ESPN is going to have expansive and in-depth coverage of MLB baseball this season, as is obvious by now. But it’s still not all that fans have to expect from the Worldwide Leader in Sports during the 2014 MLB season. ESPN will also present specially produced vignettes each week across its TV and internet platforms that celebrate each of the league’s teams. The first of those vignettes will air tonight, March 30th. It will focus on the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The final touch to ESPN’s massive list of changes for this season of MBL coverage involves coverage on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Deportes +. ESPN Deportes increases its broadcast schedule to more than eighty regular season games. That is sixty-five games more than in previous seasons. ESPN Deportes + will also include exclusive Spanish-language coverage of thirty regular season games.

More information on all of the latest on the ESPN family of networks’ MLB coverage is available online at http://espn.go.com/mlb. 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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Zee Avi To Release First Ever Family Album This Spring

Courtesy: Little Monsters Records

Malaysian-American singer/musician Zee Avi will release her latest album this Spring.

Night Light, which is a collection of covers of family favorite songs, will be released Tuesday, April 15th. It is the first ever family for the artist who has also released albums via Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records. The album includes covers of Louis Armstrong’s ‘Dream a Little Dream’, Bobby McFerrin’s ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’, Joni Mitchell’s ‘The Circle Game’, and even ‘Colors of the Wind’ from Disney’s Pocahontas among many others. It was produced by Little Monster Records head Kevin Salem at his company’s studios in Woodstock, New York and conjures thoughts of Avi’s earliest releases. Salem noted of the overall fell of Night Light, “There’s a lot of soul and great musical nourishment here.”

Zee, who is a Malaysian native, has recognized her as one of the Top 10 Malaysians. She won the International Youth Award in her home country in 2011. These honors have led to numerous speaking engagements around the world and performances at some of the world’s biggest festivals. Those festivals include: Borneo’s Rain Forest World Music Festival, Australia’s Byron Bay Festival, San Francisco’s Noise Pop Fesitval, Austin’s SXSW Festival, New York’s Mountain Jam Festival, Lilith Fair, Bonnaroo, and San Diego’s Street Scene. She was also just recently tapped to perform at the KiddieComm family music festival in Philadelphia, PA on June 28th.

More information on Zee Avi’s upcoming performances and album is available online at http://www.zeeavi.com, http://www.facebook.com/zeeavi, and http://twitter.com/ZeeAvi. 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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Lineup Change Announced For 2014 Carolina Rebellion Festival

Courtesy: Ashton-Magnuson Media

The organizers of the Carolina Rebellion Festival have announced a change to the weekend of the annual concert festival. It has been announced that Motorhead will no longer be on the lineup for this year’s festival.

Organizers released the following statement regarding the lineup change: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have learned that Motorhead will be unable to perform at Monster Energy’s Carolina Rebellion in Concord, NC May 3rd. We are working hard to find a replacement artist, so stay tuned to http://www.CarolinaRebellion.com for further updates.”

The Carolina Rebellion Festival is the mid-Atlantic region’s biggest annual rock festival. It will return to Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, NC May 3rd and 4th, 2014. The current band lineup for this year’s edition of the Carolina Rebellion Festival is listed below.

Saturday, May 3
Avenged Sevenfold, Rob Zombie, Seether, Volbeat, Black Label Society, Killswitch Engage, Black Stone Cherry, Fozzy, Adelitas Way, Thousand Foot Krutch, KYNG, Nothing More, Devour The Day and Truckfighters

Sunday, May 4
Kid Rock, Five Finger Death Punch, 311, Staind, A Day To Remember, Alter Bridge, Theory of a Deadman, Fuel, Hellyeah, Of Mice & Men, Trivium, Redlight King, Twelve Foot Ninja and Gemini Syndrome

Bands announced for the festival will perform on one of three separate stages throughout the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Those stages are the: Carolina Stage, Rebellion Stage, and Jagermeister Stage.

Tickets for the 2014 edition of the Carolina Rebellion Festival are on sale now. This includes Camping, Hotel, VIP Packages, and Weekend 4-packs and upgrades. All camping and hotel packages include access to the Friday Night Campground Party. Active military members can purchase tickets once again at a discount. More information for all ticketing, including military discounts, is available online at http://www.CarolinaRebellion.com.

The Carolina Rebellion Festival was created in partnership by AEG Live and Danny Wimmer Presents. It is sponsored by Monster Energy, Jagermeister, Ernie Ball, Jack Daniels, Bud Light, F.Y.E. and Pabst Blue Ribbon. More information on the Carolina Rebellion Festival is available online at http://www.CarolinaRebellion.com and http://www.facebook.com/carolinarebellion. 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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

ESPN Opens 25th Anniversary Season Of MLB Coverage This Weekend

Courtesy: ESPN

ESPN hits a major mark this weekend.

The Worldwide Leader in Sports begins its 25th season of Major League Baseball coverage beginning this Sunday night. ESPN opens its 25th anniversary season covering Major League Baseball live from San Diego, California. Chase Headley and the Padres host Yasiel Puig and the Los Angeles Dodgers live on ESPN’s MLB Opening Night Presented by Scotts at 8pm ET on ESPN in the network’s season opening broadcast. Dan Shulman will have the call. He will be joined by analyst John Kruk and reporter Buster Olney for the broadcast. The game will be broadcast on ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes Radio, and ESPN Deportes. Before the game starts, ESPN will air a special 90-minute edition of Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown beginning at 6:30pm live from Petco Park in San Diego with Karl Ravech, Jon Kruk and MLB Hall of Famer/ESPN analyst Barry Larkin. Larkin and Ravech will hit the road after Sunday’s broadcast for a special Opening Day edition of Baseball Tonight live at 12pm ET live from Great American Ballpark.

Sunday night’s Opening Night broadcast will be followed up Monday with an Opening Day double header broadcast. Game one will come live from Pittsburgh as reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen and the Pirates host Starlin Castro and the Chicago Cubs. The broadcast is scheduled for a 1pm ET start time. Sean McDonough will anchor the broadcast. He will be joined in the booth by analyst Aaron Boone and reporter Tim Kurkjian. The second game on the day will see Joey Votto and the Cincinnati Reds host NL Central foes and defending National League Champion St. Louis Cardinals. Dan Shulman will have the play-by-play for the game. He will be joined by Jon Kruk and Buster Olney for the trio’s second game in less than twenty-four hours.

If ESPN’s Opening Day double header isn’t enough for baseball lovers, ESPN2 will have a triple-header beginning at 3pm ET. Game one on the day’s schedule will see David Ortiz and the Boston Red Sox hosting Chris Davis and the Baltimore Orioles at the famed Fenway Park. Dave O’Brien will anchor the broadcast. He will be joined in the booth by analysts Rick Sutcliff and Eric Wedge, and reporter Pedro Gomez. Troy Tulowitzki and the Colorado Rockies will host Giancarlo Stanton and the Miami Marlins in the second game of the three-game schedule. SportsCenter’s Steve Levy will call the play-by-play action for the game. He will be joined by analyst Eduardo Perez for more insight. The last game of the day on ESPN2’s triple header schedule will see Robinson Cano and the Seattle Mariners on the road against Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. That game is scheduled for a 10pm ET start time. Jon Sciambi will have the call. Analyst Doug Glanville and reporter Jessica Mendoza will also be on hand for more coverage throughout the game.

All of ESPN’s games and Baseball Tonight can be watched online through all computers and mobile internet via WatchESPN. Specific games will also be on ESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes +, and ESPN Radio.

More information on ESPN’s Opening Night and Opening Day coverage is available online at http://espn.go.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 always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

9Electric Releases Video For New Single, Announces Tour WIth PM5K

Courtesy: Street Smart Marketing

L.A. based hard rock band 9Electric has released the video for its new single ‘Under Attack.’ The video puts the band—Underwood (vocals), Mikey Lopez (guitar), CaseyDC (bass), Micah Electric (drums)—into the world of classic 8-bit video games, taking on killer groupies and soul crushing skulls. The video is up now online at http://smarturl.it/9ElectricUnderAttack.

Along with its new video, the members of 9Electric have also announced that the band will hit the road this Spring alongside Powerman 5000. The tour, which kicks off Friday, April 11th in Costa Mesa, California, is in support of the band’s upcoming debut album Control. The album is currently slated to be released this Summer. The band released a statement regarding the upcoming tour expressing the band’s expectations and what audiences can expect from the band’s performances. “We are extremely excited about the upcoming tour with POWERMAN 5000,” said the band. “We know people have a lot of shows to choose from, and we promise you this will be a night to remember – 9ELECTRIC and POWERMAN 5000 are the perfect package for a killer time!”
9Electric’s complete tour schedule with Powerman 5000 is listed below.

Courtesy: Street Smart Marketing

9ELECTRIC (with POWERMAN 5000)
APRIL
11: Costa Mesa, CA – Tiki Bar
13: Las Vegas, NV – LVCS
15: Farmington, NM – Top Deck
16: El Paso, TX – Tricky Falls
17: Abilene, TX – Lucky Mule Saloon
18: Oklahoma City, OK – The Chameleon Room
19: Lubbock, TX – Lonestar Pavilion
20: Dallas, TX – Trees
22: College Station, TX – Hurricane Harry’s
23: Beaumont, TX – The Gig
24: Houston, TX – Scout Bar
25: Austin, TX – Dirty Dog Bar
26: Keithville, LA – Woody’s
27: Longview, TX – The Leevee
29: Jacksonville, FL – Brewsters Megaplex
30: St. Petersburg, FL – The State Theatre
MAY
01: Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
03: Springfield, VA – Empire
04: Amityville, NY – Revolution
06: Reading, PA – Reverb
07: Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom
08: Lousville, KY – Diamond Pub & Billiards
09: Flint, MI – The Machine Shop
10: Joliet, IL – Mojoes
13: Spring Lake Park, MN – POV’s
14: Racine, WI – Rt 20
15: Rockford, IL – District Bar And Grill
16: Waterloo, IA – Spicoli’s Grill/The Reverb Rock
17: Merriam, KS – Aftershock
18: Denver, CO – The Roxy Theatre
20: Salt Lake City, UT – Lofi Café

More information on 9Electric, its upcoming debut album, and its tour is available online at http://www.9ELECTRIC.com and http://www.facebook.com/9ElectricFB. 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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Common Ground A Good First Impression For Kingdom Collapse’s New Audiences

Courtesy: Adrenaline PR

San Antonio, Texas based metalcore band Kingdom Collapse recently released its new EP Common Ground. The three-track EP is a good collection of songs for anyone that is a fan of the metalcore genre. Even while there are only three songs on the band’s new EP, the impact of the music’s combined music and lyrics is enough to leave listeners breathless by the EP’s end. A prime example of the power of the band’s music on this disc is the EP’s second song, ‘Dear Dad.’ The title alone invokes thoughts of it being just another song about someone’s broken relationship with one’s father. That’s typical fare for so much mainstream rock. But the reality of the song is anything but that. Rather, it’s a letter of sorts written to a young man’s father after the father dies. Vocalist Josh Wolford screams on this song, “Dear dad/I hope that you’re proud of me/I hope I’m the man you expected of me/Dear dad/I pray you’re looking after me/I pray I’m the son/You always wanted me to be.” The wording used here would easily lead listeners to believe that the song is about a broken father-son relationship. But that view is easily wiped clean as Wolford’s father figure replies to his son, “Dear son/Please know I’m so proud of you/I’m so proud of the man/That you’re growing into/Dear son/I’m always looking after you/Just reach out your hand/And I’ll always pull through for you.” What listeners get here is a hypothetical situation in which a son is talking to his deceased father. At the same time, the father is there in spirit, talking to his son, even though his son can’t hear or see him. Considering such lyrical content, one would expect the song to be less intense. But it actually works as the music’s intensity mirrors the intense feelings being felt inside the son. Many listeners will be able to relate to those intense emotions, too, thus making this a good addition to Kingdom Collapse’s new EP.

Another of the EP’s songs worth checking out is its closer, ‘Serenity.’ Wolford writes in the song’s chorus, “God grant me serenity/To accept the things/I can’t change/Please God/grant me the divinity/To change the things that will/they say stay invisible/And believe/The unbelievable…” Again the intensity in Wolford’s delivery and that of his band mates—Cameron Huser (bass/vocals), Michael Childress (Rhythm guitar), Jonathan Norris (lead guitar), and Hayden Allen (drums)—gives this song a certain impact that can only be experienced in listening to the song for one’s own self. Anyone that is a fan of We Came as Humans, As I Lay Dying, Underoath and others of that ilk will definitely appreciate that impact both musically and lyrically. The same can be said of Common Ground’s remaining song, ‘Bottom Feeder,’ which opens the EP. Whether for this song or for the two mentioned here, Common Ground proves to be a good first impression especially for audiences that are new to the band’s sound.

Audiences, whether new to Kingdom Collapse or relatively new to the band’s sound, will get to hear both of these songs and more for themselves tomorrow, March 28th, when the band performs at Headhunters in Austin, Texas. Also scheduled are live dates in Dallas, New Braunfels, and the band’s hometown of San Antonio next month. Audiences can keep up with the latest tour updates and more from the band online through its official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/kingdomcollapse.

Common Ground can be downloaded now via iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/common-ground-single/id789801380. 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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Power Rangers Seasons 13 – 17 Another Welcome Addition To Any Diehard Power Rangers Fan’s Collection

Courtesy: SHout! Factory/Saban Brands

Just over two decades ago, Saban Brands brought to young American audiences a little special effects laden, live action children’s series called Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. Little did anyone think at the time that the original Power Rangers franchise would last a total of seven seasons. Even more surprising is the fact that those seven seasons would also not be the last for the Power Rangers franchise. Thirteen seasons later, the Power Rangers franchise is still among the most successful in children’s programming. Even those adults that were kids when Mighty Mrophin’ Power Rangers first debuted in 1993 are still fans of the franchise today. And thanks to Saban Brands and Shout! Factory, those same fans will get to enjoy five more seasons of the Power Rangers franchise with the brand new box set, Power Rangers: Seasons 13 – 17. The very first and most obvious positive to this set is that it includes Seasons 13 – 17 in one large box set. The set’s second most important factor is that while it doesn’t mark the end of the road for the Power Rangers releases from Shout! Factory, fans won’t be seeing Seasons 18 – 20 from Shout! Factory. That’s thanks to a deal between Saban and Lionsgate. And last but not least, audiences will appreciate that once again, Saban and Shout! Factory have included a load of bonus material both on a bonus disc and in the set’s companion booklet. That booklet and bonus DVD are the finishing touches to one more box set that any hardcore Power Rangers fan will want to add to their collection.

The first and most obvious factor that makes Power Rangers: Seasons 13 –17 is the fact that includes all five seasons in one full box. True diehard fans will agree that despite what seems like a hefty price tag, it is cheaper to own Seasons 13 – 17 in one box than paying separate costs for each separate season set. Odds are that eventually Shout! Factory will release each season in its own stand-alone box as the seasons progress. The collective costs of those stand-alone sets will likely be more expensive than that of all five seasons bundled together. That’s just part of what makes Power Rangers: Seasons 13 – 17 worth buying. The space taken up on a DVD rack by Power Rangers: Seasons 13 – 17 is another reason fans will appreciate this set. The total space taken up by the complete set is going to be nearly equal to that of the separate stand-alone season sets put side by side. The only X-factor here is that the box set includes both a bonus disc loaded with extra features and a bonus booklet. Even with their inclusion, the extra space taken up is minimal at best. So again, true diehard Power Rangers fans that want to complete their collections will benefit just as much from this box set as they would from the stand-alone season sets that will likely come later. The previous Power Rangers box set containing Seasons 8 – 12 also contained the bonus features disc and bonus booklet. So any doubts about the set’s ergonomics will be cleared up by comparing the two sets to what will be their stand-alone counterparts.

The cost and ergonomic factors tied to Power Rangers: Seasons 13 – 17 are central to why the most diehard members of the “Ranger Nation” will want to add this set to their collections. By direct connection, fans will be pleased to know that this set is not the end of the road for Shout! Factory’s Power Ranger sets. It goes without saying that more than likely all five seasons of this set will eventually get their own stand-alone releases over time. But before they get their release, Shout! Factory will also take fans back in time again. Shout! Factory will release Power Rangers Turbo in two separate sets this Spring. It would be no surprise if sets for Power Rangers in Space and Power Rangers Lost Galaxy will follow before Shout! Factory releases stand-alone sets for Seasons 8 – 17, too. So those that perhaps can’t afford to pick up this new box set or just don’t want to shell out the money will more than likely be able to pick up their personal favorite season(s) over time. On a side note, it’s too bad that Shout! Factory didn’t get the distribution rights for the more recent Power Rangers Samurai, Power Rangers Super Samurai, and Power Rangers Megaforce. That is because Lionsgate as proven time and again that rather than respecting the “Ranger Nation”, all it cares about it releasing compilation after compilation rather than building anticipation and releasing proper full season sets. Shout! Factory has shown time and again with its Power Rangers releases that it has the utmost respect for the franchise’s fans and the series’ legacy. So it would have been interesting to see what Shout! Factory would have done with the newer seasons. They did plenty with Power Rangers: Seasons 13 – 17 and its all previous Power Rangers sets.

Shout! Factory has proven time and again the respect that it has for the “Ranger Nation” and for the legacy of the Power Rangers franchise as a whole with all of its releases up to this new box set. The inclusion of a bonus features disc and companion booklet with the set makes the presentation and viewing experience with this set all the richer for fans. The bonus DVD includes even more in-depth bonus material than what was presented in Power Rangers: Seasons 8 – 12. Audiences are treated in this set’s bonus disc to discussions on the props used throughout Seasons 13 – 17. Stories on the props are shared by both those behind the cameras and by the cast members. Fans will really appreciate that those stories aren’t relegated to just the seasons included in this set. They go as far back as stories from Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. Also shared by cast members are stories of the cast’s favorite and least favorite sets as well as general fond memories of working on each series among so much more bonus material. The most intriguing factor that fans will take away from all of these stories is the fact that many of the actors that filled each season’s cast were themselves Power Rangers fans before Power Rangers cast members. Fans will appreciate the respect that said cast members have and had for the franchise both before being cast and during their time on their respective seasons.

The stories and other bonuses included in the set’s bonus DVD makes the overall viewing experience of this set so much richer for fans. The same can be said of the companion booklet included as a final bonus to the set. As with Power Rangers: Seasons 8 – 12, the companion booklet included in this set includes a comprehensive character guide and episode guide all in one. Both the Rangers (as characters and actors) are introduced as are each season’s villain. The episode guide for each season includes short but concise summaries of each episode from each season. It gives audiences just enough information to effectively set the stage for each episode. Those summaries, the episodes themselves, and all of the other bonuses included in the set make Power Rangers: Seasons 13 – 17 one more welcome addition to the library of any true diehard Power Rangers fan. It will be available next Tuesday, April 1st and can be pre-ordered now through the Shout! Factory online store at http://www.shoutfactory.com/product/power-rangers-seasons-13-17.
More information on Power Rangers: Seasons 13 – 17 and other releases from Shout! Factory is available online at http://www.shoutfactory.com and http://www.facebook.com/shoutfactoryofficial. 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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Andy Grammer Debuts New Single

Courtesy: S-Curve Records/MSO PR

Andy Grammer is back. The pop sensation debuted his brand new single on ‘Back Home’ this week on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show, “On Air With Ryan Seacrest.” ‘Back Home’ is the first single off of Grammer’s as-yet untitled sophomore album, which is due out this Fall on S-Curve Records. Fans can check out Grammer’s new single online now at http://onair.rs/1fy1bEJ. The song will be available for download via iTunes beginning Tuesday, April 8th and will start running on Adult Pop radio in May.
While they wait for more new music from Grammer, fans can catch him live on his Spring College Tour beginning Friday, April 4th at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. His current tour schedule, listed below, also includes stops at Washington College, Iowa State University, and the University Portland among others.

Catch ANDY GRAMMER on his spring college tour:
Fri 4/4 Auburn, AL Auburn University
Sat 4/5 Chestertown, MD Washington College
Fri 4/11 Ames, IA Iowa State University
Sat 4/12 Portland, OR University of Portland
Mon 4/14 Pocatello, ID Idaho State University
Tue 4/15 Provo, UT Brigham Young University
Thu 4/17 Columbia, SC University of South Carolina
Fri 4/25 Springfield, MA Western New England University
Sat 5/3 Collegeville, MN College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University

Fans can keep up with all of the latest updates on Andy Grammer’s tour schedule, album, and more online at http://www.andygrammer.com, http://www.facebook.com/andygrammer, and http://twitter.com/andygrammer. 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 https://philspicks.wordpress.com.