One of the most beloved series of television’s golden age will finally be released in a full series collection next week.
The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet: The Official Restored Complete Series is scheduled for release Dec. 19 in an expansive 50-disc collection. The sitcom aired on ABC for a total of 14 seasons from Oct. 3, 1952 to Apr. 23, 1966. It followed the life of real life married couple Ozzie and Harriet Nelson and their children. Throughout the series’ run, it also featured a variety of guest appearances, including none other than the world’s first “boy band”, The Four Preps.
The series has seen releases in standalone season sets throughout the years thanks to mpi Media Group. Now for the first time, the company will release the series in whole in one set. A variety of bonus features will join the release, including and not limited to interview with the cast, home movies, promotional TV spots, and more.
The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet: The Official Restored Complete Series will retail for MSRP of $259.98.
More information on this and other titles from mpi Media Group is available at:
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.
The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films will honor director Christopher Nolan at its 51st annual gala.
Scheduled for 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Feb. 4 at the L.A. Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, the gala will see Nolan honored with the organization’s Visionary Award. The award will be presented to Nolan — who has helmed the latest Batman trilogy, Interstellar, and most recently, the biopic, Oppenheimer — by one of the stars of Oppenheimer, Emily Blunt.
Audiences who cannot attend will still get to watch the event live through the premium OTT linear channel and Electric Entertainment App, ElectricNow. The company is the official streaming partner of the Saturn Awards.
Among other well-known figures who have received the Visionary Award are former Disney head Jeffrey Katzenberg, Marvel head Kevin Feige, and famed director James Cameron, who has helmed blockbusters, such as Titanic, The Abyss, and Aliens.
More information on The annual Saturn Awards is available along with all of the latest news from The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films is available at:
Ever since making his debut on the pages of Detective Comics way back in March 1939, Batman has been one of the most popular characters to ever grace the pages of any comic book as well as the small and big screen. That is even as his stories have become increasingly dark on the big screen while remaining thankfully lighter and family friendly on television. As a matter of fact, Turner Classic Movies even continues to play the original Batman serials every Saturday morning as part of its weekly lineup. Early this year, Warner Brothers and DC partnered to continue maintaining Batman’s place among the pantheon of prime comic book heroes when they re-issued the classic Batman television series, The Adventures of Batman. Originally having aired on CBS from Sept. 14, 1968 to Jan. 4, 1969 across 17 total episodes, the series received its latest re-issue this past February on Blu-ray. It preceded the companies’ Blu-ray re-issue of the Max Fleischer Superman series, which was released in May. The recently re-issued Batman series is imperfect but still entertaining for any Batman devotee. On the positive side of things, the set features all 17 episodes that originally aired in that brief run. This will be addressed shortly. The one negative to the set is the lack of any bonus content. This will be addressed a little later. Knowing that the lack of any bonus content is not enough to doom the collection’s presentation, there is one more positive to note. That positive is the general production of the series in its new re-issue. Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of the new Blu-ray re-issue of The Adventures of Batman. All things considered the two-disc collection proves to be mostly a successful new presentation of the classic series.
DC and Warner Brothers’ recent Blu-ray re-issue of CBS’ short-lived animated Batman series, The Adventures of Batman, is a mostly positive presentation that will appeal to most comic book and Batman fans, as well as any television history buffs. One of the reasons it will appeal to audiences is the fact that all 17 of the series’ original episodes are featured here, just as in the series’ previous DVD release. The episodes are presented here in the exact same chronological order in which they originally appeared during the show’s short run on CBS, meaning audiences can watch them in exactly the same order or in any random order they want. From the familiar evil twin plot used in “Will The Real Robin Please Stand Up?” to Catwoman’s attempt to uncover Batman’s secret identity in “The Nine Lives of Batman” (which presents a familiar Batman plot in a unique fashion – Catwoman uses a radioactive gas that helps her track Batman back to his lair un her attempt to find out where Batman stays) to Mr. Freeze’s attempt to play the Grinch when he impersonates Santa in “Cool, Cruel Christmas Caper”, and more, audiences get not only the series’ episodes in their exact chronological order but also plenty of great family friendly stories therein in this collection. That duality creates a solid foundation for the double-disc set.
While the episodes and their stories make for plenty of appeal here, the lack of any bonus content with the set detracts from the collection’s engagement and entertainment to a certain point. It would have been nice to have had some insight as to why the powers that be waited nearly a decade between releasing the set on DVD and Blu-ray. Was it timing of the growing popularity of Batman on the big screen? It just would have been nice to have some background on that matter. Additionally, it would have been interesting to have some insight into the connection (perceived or real) between The Adventures of Batman and The All New Superfriends Hour, which came along almost a decade later on ABC. Even some insight on the constant popularity of Batman versus other members of the Justice League and other DC superheroes would have added at least a little something to the presentation especially considering the in-depth content that DC and Warners brought to the Max Fleischer’s Superman collection this summer. While the lack of any of this background and additional commentary is not enough to doom the presentation it is not enough to doom the set. It just would have really pushed the set over the top in a good way.
Knowing that the collection is not doomed even without any bonus content, there is still one more positive to address. That positive is the general presentation of the series in its new re-issue. Just as with the Superman Blu-ray re-issue, the presentation is exceptional. The colors are so rich in each episode, including the troubling flashing blue and red on the title cards. Staying on that note for a moment, that flashing red and blue can very easily prove problematic for anyone prone to epileptic seizures. This probably should have been noted somewhere on or inside the case but sadly was not. To that end, viewer discretion should be advised at least in this aspect. The sound is clean in each episode, too. Each episode is also presented in its original aspect ratio, with the black bars on either side of the picture and that, combined with the exceptional audio and video creates a welcome sense of nostalgia among audiences while also ensuring viewers’ maintained engagement and entertainment. The positive impact of that aesthetic aspect of the show’s presentation works with the positive of the episodes’ general presentation and their stories, the two elements make the set mostly worth watching. This is the case even despite the lack of bonus content that could have otherwise really made the presentation even more enjoyable. Keeping that in mind, the collection still proves to be among the best of this year’s new Blu-ray and DVD re-issues.
Warner Brothers and DC’s recent Blu-ray re-issue of The Adventures of Batman is a presentation that audiences will find mostly engaging and entertaining. The set’s success comes in part through its episodes, which are presented in exactly the same chronological order in which they were presented in the series’ brief run on CBS way back in 1968-69. The stories within those episodes make for their own enjoyment, too. The episodes and their stories make a strong foundation for the set but the lack of any bonus content with the set detracts from the collection notably. It is not enough to doom the set but certainly would have enhanced the presentation, that aside. The overall production of the episodes in the new presentation rounds out the most important of the collection’s elements. The picture and sound are exceptional. And that the episodes are presented in their original aspect ratio adds even more to the appeal. The positive impact that the production of the episodes has alongside that of the episodes and their stories is enough to make this collection imperfect but still a welcome offering for any Batman fan, vintage television fan and comic book fan alike. Those audiences will all agree that while it is imperfect, its positives are enough to make the set one of the best of this year’s new DVD and BD re-issues.
The Adventures of Batman is available now on Blu-ray. More information on this and other titles from Warner Brothers is available at:
Later this month, the soundtrack to one of the greatest holiday television specials of all time will be re-issued on vinyl and CD. The special in question is the timeless presentation, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. While not the only Thanksgiving-themed TV special out there (Garfield’s Thanksgiving remains a favorite among many families out there along with Garfield’s other holiday specials), it is arguably the most well-known and beloved of its kind. Scheduled for release Oct. 20, the 21-track compilation boasts so much to appreciate beginning with its featured songs. This will be discussed shortly. The liner notes that accompany the soundtrack’s forthcoming re-issue make for their own engagement and entertainment and will be discussed a little later. The recording’s production rounds out its most important elements and will also be examined later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the forthcoming re-issue. All things considered they make the forthcoming re-issue of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’s soundtrack a welcome addition to any audiophile’s music library.
Lee Mendelson Film Productions’ forthcoming re-issue of the soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is a presentation that Peanuts fans and audiophiles in general will appreciate. Its appeal comes in no small part through its featured songs. A total of 21 songs make up the collection’s 37-minute run time. What’s more, the songs are presented in largely chronological order as they appear in the TV special. This means that listeners can enjoy the special’s isolated music track in exactly the same order as in the TV special. It is a minor aesthetic matter on the surface, but that minor aesthetic really plays a bigger part in the overall engagement and enjoyment of this record. Even more interesting is that this soundtrack offers a handful of bonus alternate takes of songs that made the final cut for the TV special. Those alternate takes give listeners an even deeper understanding of and appreciation for the work that went into developing the special’s musical moods. All involved herein are to be highly commended for their work.
Staying on the matter of having all of the songs from the special featured here in chronological order from the original presentation, having the special’s isolated musical selections featured here is especially important in comparison to the soundtrack to It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. For those who may be unaware, that soundtrack features the special’s musical offerings in chronological order, too. The issue is that it also includes some of the sound effects from the special but none of the dialogue. To that end, that imbalance easily leaves one scratching one’s head as to why such an approach was taken. It greatly does detract from the overall engagement and entertainment. Keeping all of this in mind, having the soundtrack to the Thanksgiving special isolated here serves to help audiences remain focused on the one key element herein and in turn keeping listeners all the more engaged and entertained.
The musical content featured in the soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is just one of the positives worth noting in this re-issue. The liner notes that accompany the special – penned by Sean Mendelson — make for their own interest. Case in point is the revelation that famed composer/musician Vince Guaraldi (who handled the music for pretty much all of the Peanuts TV specials) handled the vocals for the beloved Woodstock theme, ‘Little Birdie.’ This is something not a lot of people know. Who would have thought that fun, light singing was performed by this legendary figure? Mendelson also raises how and why the sound in this soundtrack was so starkly different from that featured in the other Peanuts specials. He points out that in the case of this soundtrack, Guaraldi wanted to go in a different direction, and wanted what is known as the “East Bay Sound.” He discusses how Guaraldi brought in drummer Mike Clark to get that sound, and how things developed from there. That story in itself really deepens one’s appreciation for the final presentation, as the difference in sound and style really becomes all the more evident. Mendelson also takes the time to point out directly which tracks on this record are the bonus songs and what sets them apart from the final takes. The differences are in regard largely to instrumentation in the various tracks. In hearing those alternate takes aside from the final takes, the resultant effect is all the more appreciation for the time and work that went into developing the special’s musical body. Between all of this and much more within the liner notes, the whole therein makes the liner notes their own engaging and entertaining presentation. When they are combined with the soundtrack’s primary content, the whole therein gives audiences more than enough reason to add this soundtrack to their music libraries.
The overall content featured in the forthcoming re-issue of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’s soundtrack does more than enough to make the collection appealing for any listener. It is collectively just part of what makes the recording worth owning. The songs’ production rounds out the record’s most important elements. In listening closely, audiences can hear the discussions that take place between the musicians ahead of various performances. That little element adds to the positive aesthetic even more because it sort of takes listeners “behind the scenes” of the soundtrack’s original creation. The very sound in the songs is even more exhibition of the result of the work that went into the record’s production. Each song is so rich in its simplicity. It shows that plenty of work went into balancing all of the sound, and that said work paid off. The positive result of the production works with the record’s content to make the overall presentation such that it proves itself among the best of this year’s music re-issues.
Lee Mendelson Film Productions’ forthcoming re-issue of the soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is an impressive offering that will appeal to a wide range of listeners. Its appeal comes in part through its songs. Audiences get in the songs, the special’s fully isolated musical content, unlike the soundtrack to It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. The songs are also featured in exact chronological order from the TV special, making for even more engagement and entertainment. The liner notes that accompany the collection’s musical content make for their own interest. That is because of the background that they offer into the soundtrack. The production that went into the soundtrack puts the finishing touch to the presentation. It ensures the sound in each song is so rich in each arrangement’s simplicity. Each item examined here is important in its own way to the whole of the soundtrack. All things considered they make the soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving a welcome addition to this year’s field of music re-issues.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’s soundtrack re-issue is scheduled for release Oct. 20. More information on the re-issue and other titles from Lee Mendelson Film Productions at https://mendelsonproductions.com.
AXS TV is getting into the Halloween “spirit” with the return of its annual “Heavy Metal Halloween” programming.
As part of the programming, which also includes profiles of Alice Cooper, Iron Maiden, and Ozzy Osbourne, the network will also air a documentary about the landmark metal compilation record, Metal Massacre titled Metal Massacre: The Story Behind The Legendary Album. The documentary is scheduled to air at 9 p.m. on Oct. 28.
Originally released in 1982 on vinyl, the collection helped launch the careers of the likes of Metallica and RATT while also serving as the foundation for the beginnings of Metal Blade Records. The documentary includes commentary from the likes of Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel, Metallica members James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, RATT front man Stephen Pearcy, and Black N’ Blue singer Jamie St. James.
Along with the noted documentary and profiles, AXS TV’s Hallowen programming list also includes Judas Priest’s 2015 Wacken performance, Battle Cry: Live at Wacken Festival 2015.
AXS TV’s full “Heavy Metal Halloween” programming schedule is noted below:
“Heavy Metal Halloween” Saturday Stack Marathon-October 28 Starting at 5pE • 5pE – Super Duper Alice Cooper • 7pE – Judas Priest: Battle Cry Live at Wacken Festival 2015 • 9pE – PREMIERE – Metal Massacre • 11pE – ENCORE – Metal Massacre • 1aE – Classic Albums: Black Sabbath – Paranoid • 2aE – Rock Legends: US Heavy Metal • 2:30aE – Rock Legends: Birth of Metal
“Heavy Metal Halloween” Halloween Marathon-Tues., October 31 Starting at 8aE • 8aE – Biography: The Nine Lives Of Ozzy Osbourne • 12pE – Nothing But Trailers: Halloween Special • 3pE – The Very VERY Best Of The 70s: Horror Movies • 3:30pE – The Very VERY Best Of The 80s: Scary Movies • 4pE – Classic Albums: Iron Maiden – The Number Of The Beast • 6:30pE – Hot Ones: The Undertaker • 7pE – The Top Ten Revealed: Songs About The Devil • 7:30pE – The Top Ten Revealed: Murder Songs • 8pE – The Top Ten Revealed: Magic Songs (Premiere)
More information on AXS TV’s “Heavy Metal Halloween” programming is available at:
Warner Brothers and DC have been in the headlines quite a bit this year thanks to the changes in leadership within DC and the new plans for DC’s presence on screen. The response to the recently debuted DC tentpole, The Flash, added even more to the attention the two companies have been receiving. That is because the response was lackluster according to most media outlets. On the small screen, the two sides have at least one somewhat positive presentation, however in the recent re-issue of Max Fleischer’s Superman cartoon collection. Re-issued direct through Warner Brothers and DC in May, the new presentation came more than a decade after its initial release through the independent company, Gaiam. That set proved to ultimately be problematic and in turn forgettable due to the audio and video being out of sync in all 17 of the Superman shorts that are credited to Fleischer Studios. This set fixes that problem, which is unquestionably one of its highest points. This will be addressed shortly. The fact that all 17 of the shorts featured in the 2012 Blu-ray are also featured here adds even more to the new collection’s engagement and entertainment. It will be discussed a little later. The bonus content that accompanies the new collection is of its own interest and will also be discussed later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the collection’s presentation. All things considered they make Warner Brothers and DC’s re-issue of Max Fleischer’s Superman a must have for any comic book fan, cartoon fan and classic television fan. It is without a doubt, one of the best of this year’s new re-issues.
Warner Brothers and DC’s recent re-issue of Max Fleischer’s Superman is a welcome new addition to this year’s field of new television and movie re-issues. That is due in no small part to its production. As noted already, the set’s predecessor, which was released in 2012 through Gaiam, suffered greatly because the audio and video was out of sync in every single one of the 17 shorts that made up its body. On the surface this might not seem all that important but anyone who has ever watched a movie and/or television show in which the sync is off knows how mentally painful it is to watch that disconnect. To that end, having this key aspect fixed this time out means that the attention needed to even that detail was used. The result is an aesthetic impact that in itself is certain to keep viewers engaged and entertained.
Getting on an aside here, the upconvert of the picture on a 4K television makes the experience all the more enjoyable. That is because of just how clear the picture is, even considering the fact that the cartoons were created well before high-definition television was even a thought, so many decades ago. This shows that just as much attention was paid to fully restoring the video as the audio. The whole therein makes the overall production in this presentation of Max Fleischer’s Superman a key piece of the whole herein. It forms a solid foundation for the collection that is strengthened even more through the presentation of the episodes.
Audiences will note in the episode listing printed on the case’s inside cover, all 17 original Superman shorts are here. It should be noted that Fleischer and his studio actually created only nine of the shorts while the remaining eight were crafted by a reorganized Fleischer Studios, which went by the name of Famous Studios. All of the shorts are featured in the same chronological order here as in their presentation in Gaiam’s collection. As is noted in the collection’s subtitle, the shorts start in 1941 (Sept. 26, 1941 for the debut short, “Superman” and run through July 30, 1943, when the final short, “Secret Agent” debuted. In other words, audiences get to watch all 17 shorts in their proper order as when they originally premiered in theaters. On a related note, Warner Brothers and DC’s new official collection features all 17 shorts on a single, Blu-ray disc, unlike Gaiam’s presentation, which spread the shorts across two BDs. Why one studio can put all of the shorts on one disc while the other couldn’t (even though both collections are on Blu-ray) is anyone’s guess. Either way, this overall positive aesthetic is sure to appeal to viewers just as much as the collection’s positive production.
The overall production and general presentation of Max Fleischer’s Superman in its new re-issue goes a long way toward making it enjoyable. They are not all that makes this collection worth watching. The bonus content that accompanies the new presentation builds even more on the single disc set. Audiences learn through the main feature, “Speeding Toward Tomorrow,” the connection between the shorts and the stylistic approach taken to the equally beloved series, Batman: The Animated Series. One of the latter’s creative heads is interviewed as part of the bonus and openly confirms these shorts played an integral role in how Batman: The Animated Series’ look developed. Knowing how beloved that series from the 90s remains today, that is an even bigger tribute to the legacy of these Superman cartoons and the work that went into developing their look.
Another interesting factoid that is revealed in the bonus content is the revelation of how Superman actually went from leaping tall buildings originally to flying all thanks to people behind the scenes. Learning that certain figures had to essentially beg to make it happen and why makes for plenty of engagement. It will lead to a moment of awe for anyone who might otherwise have not known the story herein.
Along with everything noted, audiences also get a brief story on the history of how Fleischer Studios created the Superman shorts. It is not the in-depth story that is – surprisingly – offered in the companion booklet included in Gaiam’s 2012 BD collection but does at least serve as a starting point in the history of the Superman legacy. Keeping that in mind, this discussion and the others noted here work with everything else discussed in the collection’s bonus content to make the whole of the bonus content just as important as the collection’s primary content. When the positive of the overall bonus content is considered with the positive of the set’s production and the very presentation of the episodes in their proper chronological order, that whole makes Warner Brothers and DC’s new re-issue of Max Fleischer’s Superman a fitting new tribute to the legacy of Superman.
Warner Brothers and DC’s recent re-issue of Max Fleischer’s Superman is a must have for any longtime Superman fan as well as for any classic TV and cartoon fan. That is due in no small part to the collection’s production. The production rights everything that went wrong with the previous presentation released in 2012 through Gaiam. The video and audio are in full sync, unlike with that noted set and the video looks wonderful, even upscaled from Blu-ray onto a 4K monitor. The fact that all 17 Superman shorts are once again presented and again in their proper chronological sequence adds even more aesthetic appeal. The bonus content featured in the collection leaves a little bit to be wanted but still adds just enough to make itself engaging and entertaining, too. That is because of the background that it does offer. Each item examined here is important in its own way to the whole of the latest re-issue of Max Fleischer’s Superman. All things considered they make this set one more of the year’s top new TV and movie re-issues and even more important what with Hollywood’s writers and actors unions still on strike today.
Max Fleischer’s Superman is available now. More information on this and other titles from Warner Brothers is available at:
Boom! Studios’ comic book series Mech Cadet Yu is coming to the small screen in a new limited series.
Netflix has partnered with Boom! Studios to adapt the comic book series to a new 3D animated series. Spanning 10 episodes, the series is set to debut Aug. 10. It is set 10 years in the future after an alien invasion. Main character Stanford Yu (Brandon Soo Hoo — Teen Titans: The Judas Contract, From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series) is a teenage janitor working at the Sky Corps Military Academy and leads a team of fellow young people as new Mech Robot Pilots whose duty is to defend Earth from a new alien invasion.
Daniel Dae Kim (Lost, Raya and the Last Dragon) joins the cast as General Aiden Park, the head of the academy and its Mech Cadet program.
Also joining the cast is Ming-Na Wen (The Mandalorian, Mulan) as Dolly Yu, Stanford’s overprotective mother.
Debra Wilson (MADtv, Family Guy) serves as the cadets’ mentor, Chief Max.
Rounding out the cast are: Aparna Brielle as Ava Patel, Victoria Grace as Olivia Park, Josh Sundquist as Frank Olivetti, Anairis Quinones as Maya Sanchez, and James Yaegashi as Captain Tanaka.
Print editions of Mech Cadet Yu Volumes 1-3 are available at comic shops nationwide.
More information on this and other titles from Netflix is available at:
Roughly two months ago, Walt Disney Studios released a new collection of vintage Disney cartoons in the form of Mickey & Minnie: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 1. The single-disc compilation of classic Disney cartoons proved to be a bit of a mixed bag, primarily because of the shorts that made up its body. Almost half of its shorts had already been released as part of Disney’s 2018 collection, Celebrating Mickey. The other shorts were pulled from the studio’s Have A Laugh shorts that themselves were met with some criticism from audiences. On Tuesday, Disney followed up that collection’s release with the digital release of Mickey & Friends: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 2. That very title is somewhat problematic for this compilation. It will be discussed a little later. The shorts that make up the new collection are both positive and negative. They will be discussed shortly. The shorts’ overall production quality is another positive worth noting, so it will also be addressed later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the collection’s presentation. All things considered they make Mickey & Friends: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 2 a presentation that is at least a slight improvement over its predecessor worth watching at least once.
Walt Disney Studios’ latest collection of classic Disney shorts, Mickey & Friends: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 2 is a slight improvement over its predecessor/companion compilation, Mickey & Minnie: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 1. Released digitally Tuesday and set for physical release June 27, the new collection proves at least slightly better than its predecessor/companion compilation largely because of its featured shorts. As with that previous release, this compilation features 10 more vintage Disney shorts on a single disc. This time out, those responsible for deciding which shorts to include only pulled a pair of shorts from the studio’s 2018 collection, Celebrating Mickey. Of course it is tough to say that is really saying something considering that almost half of the shorts featured in Mickey & Minnie: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 1 came from that previously released collection. The remainder of the Mickey and Minnie collection were pulled from Disney’s Have A Laugh compilations. So really, Disney’s people had already used up almost the majority of the shorts featured in Celebrating Mickey, leaving so little to recycle again here anyway. To the positive, the shorts pulled from the studio’s Have a Laugh sets this time out are not recycled from Mickey & Minnie: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 1. Rather, four of the shorts were featured in Disney Channel’s 60-episode Have a Laugh series that ran from 2009-2012 but never included in the DVD presentations. The other four shorts were included in the Have a Laugh sets but not used in the previous 10-episode collection. So to that end, what audiences get in terms of the set’s shorts is material that at least from one volume to another hasn’t been recycled yet again.
Of course while the shorts that make up the collection’s main body is a positive, the bigger picture is somewhat problematic at the same time. That is because of how much of it was lifted from Disney Channel’s Have a Laugh TV series. Considering that series produced a total of 60 shorts (some new and some vintage) it would just seem to make more sense to release all of those episodes in one larger collection instead of continuing to spread them across various volumes, as was already done briefly in the studio’s four Have a Laugh single-disc compilations. Mickey & Minnie: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 1 is listed between $15 and $20 depending on the retailer (Best Buy most recently listed it at $15 and Walmart at $20). So odds are when this collection is released on DVD and Blu-ray, prices are likely to be in the same range. That means audiences are paying a lot of money for the content across the two volumes and will likely end up spending a lot more should Disney try to release any more collections from the Have a Laugh series. This is even more fuel for the argument to hold off on any more sets and instead release all of the shorts featured in the Have a Laugh series on one larger DVD and/or Blu-ray collection. Keeping all of this in mind, the content featured in this latest collection is a step up from its predecessor, but also leaves room for concern about any future collections.
Another concern that this collection brings comes in its very title. The title of this collection is Mickey & Friends: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 2. There was not a Mickey & Friends: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 1 released ahead of this collection. The compilation that preceded it was, again, Mickey & Minnie: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 1. That collection focused on more than just Mickey and Minnie, adding in shorts that focused just as much on their friends, Donald and Goofy, and Mickey’s canine pal, Pluto. So to go from one title to the other while also trying to connect them with the “Volume 1” and “Volume 2” monikers shows a certain lack of attention to detail in the marketing. On a deeper level, that lack of attention to detail actually hurts the company’s reputation even more. That is because it makes it look even more like Disney’s staff cares more about the studio’s bottom line than actually honoring its history and its audiences. This lack of foresight on something as simple as the collection’s title is not enough to doom the presentation, but it certainly does not help the collection’s appeal. To that end, there is one more positive to note. It comes in the form of the collection’s production values.
The shorts featured in this collection originally premiered between 1935 and 1950, the audio and video has stood the test of time quite well. That is a testament to the time and effort put in by those charged with restoring the footage for its original presentation on Disney Channel for the Have a Laugh series. The color in the shorts is so rich and the audio still has that touch of static that is sure to create a welcome sense of nostalgia for audiences. The result there is a positive general effect for the overall presentation. Taking that into account along with the positive of the featured shorts, the end result is a presentation whose general presentation and aesthetics make for a presentation that is worth watching at least occasionally and that is at least a slight improvement over its predecessor/companion compilation.
Walt Disney Studios’ new vintage cartoon collection, Mickey & Friends: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 2 is a slight improvement over its predecessor/companion collection, Mickey & Minnie: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 1. The improvement is shown primarily through its featured shorts. The shorts featured here thankfully are not just more recycling of shorts featured in previous collections. Yes, there is some recycling, but it is far less prominent than in the aforementioned collection. That makes for at least some reason to give this collection a chance. At the same time that the featured shorts do help the presentation here, the collection’s title detracts slightly from its appeal. That is because it clearly was not thought through before being used for the set’s marketing. It makes it look like those responsible for marketing the set cared more about Disney’s bottom line than actually making sure every minor detail lined up. Thankfully the impact of this issue is not enough to doom the presentation. To that end, the shorts’ production works with the shorts themselves to add slightly more appeal. Considering the age of the shorts, the footage has been restored with a certain level of heart. That is evident in the quality of the film and its sound. Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of Mickey & Friends: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 1. All things considered they make this latest compilation from Walt Disney Studios a slight improvement from its predecessor/companion collection that is worth watching at least occasionally.
Mickey & Friends: 10 Classic Shorts – Volume 2 is available now on digital platforms and is scheduled for home physical release June 27 through Walt Disney Studios. More information on this and other titles from Walt Disney Studios is available at:
Fans of CBS and Paramount+’s latest addition to the ever expanding Star Trek universe – Star Trek: Strange New Worlds — got some good news about the series late last month. The news in question was the announcement that the series has been renewed for a third season, this despite the fact that the fledgling series’ second season has not even premiered yet. Its premiere date is scheduled for June 15. Such a statement from higher ups at CBS and Paramount is quite the statement of faith in the series. For those who have yet to even take in the series’ first season, it may well be justified. That is because as the recently released first season shows, it is the best installment of the Star Trek universe since…well…The Next Generation. The writing that went into this season makes that clear. It will be discussed shortly. While the writing does plenty to make the show fully engaging and appealing, Season One’s recent home physical release does have some issue, that being its packaging. This will be discussed a little later. The packaging is not enough to doom the new release. To that end, there is still one more positive to note, and it comes in the form of the cast’s work interpreting the writing. This will also be addressed later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the new home physical release of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. All things considered, the recent home physical release of this standout series’ debut season largely a successful presentation despite its packaging concerns.
Late last month, CBS and Paramount+ brought their latest addition to the ever expanding Star Trek universe home on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray steel book. The recent home physical release proves to be largely a welcome addition to the home library of any Star Trek fan. That is saying a lot, considering it took its predecessor, Discovery, three seasons to finally prove itself a worthy addition to the Star Trek universe and it took another of its predecessors, Lower Decks, two seasons to finally become appealing. Picard only barely improved from its first season to its second, but not by much, too. The immediate positive impact of Strange New Worlds comes in large part through its writing. Unlike so many series out there today (including so many Star Trek series), this series brings audiences back to the days of episodic writing. This means that audiences do not feel like they have to invest so much of their time into the series to really appreciate the show. This even despite the fact that each episode opens with the standard “previously on…” introduction. The show’s writers are to be applauded for their work throughout the season, even from early on. Season premiere episode “Strange New Worlds” takes audiences back to the golden age of Star Trek as Captain Pike and the crew of the Enterprise have to hide their identities in order to rescue first officer Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn – X-Men, X2, X-Men: The Last Stand) from an alien world where she is being held prisoner. Things don’t go quite as planned as the genetic change used to hide the crew’s identity wears off on Spock and they are revealed to not be from the planet. Ultimately it leads to a powerful climax when Captain Pike (Anson Mount – Hell on Wheels, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Crossroads) stands at a tense political meeting of the planet’s representatives, offering them to join the Federation or destroy each other using the technology they have gained. As it so happens, the writers reveal the warp technology the planet’s people have obtained was the result of the events of Star Trek: Discovery Season 3. The tie-in there is handled expertly by the writers, who allow the reference but do not let it overpower the bigger story line. The result is that said reference will likely get newer audiences to go back and watch Season 3 of Discovery.
Another example of the power of the writing comes much later in the season in the form of the episode, “Spock Amock.” In the case of this episode, Spock (Ethan Peck – The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, In Time, The Midnight Sky) and his fiancée, T’Pring (Gia Sandhu – A Perfect Plan, The Moth Diaries, A Simple Favor) accidentally change bodies when going through part of their courtship. Yes, it’s the old familiar plot device that’s been used in so many science fiction series. The thing is that in this episode, the writers do not allow it to fall into all of the trappings that those series have used and allowed to make the plot device to trite. Watching Sandhu (who is supposed to be Spock through most of the episode_ lay out another Vulcan makes for such a hilarious moment. That is because as serious as Spock is all the time, seeing that surprise moment is just so shocking and lighthearted. Meanwhile, T’Pring, in Spock’s body, has to help Pike navigate negotiations to being another alien race into the federation. The way in which Peck presents T’Pring handling Spock in the moment makes for an equally engaging juxtaposition to how Sandhu took on Spock being in her body. The whole is a surprisingly engaging comedy of errors, so to speak. How the pair finally return to their own bodies will be left for audiences to discover for themselves. It is a little bit too familiar, but still kind of funny in its own right. The whole here shows that even with an all too familiar plot device, the series’ writers are able to bring audiences something fresh, engaging and entertaining.
Another familiar plot device that has been used in previous Star Trek series (and other science fiction series) is that of a mystery ailment making its way through the Enterprise. One of the most notable times then happened was in TNG when a virus spread through the ship that essentially acted like alcohol, inhibiting the crew’s actions and judgements. The Enterprise is almost destroyed as a result. It all happened after the Enterprise’s crew went to investigate the death of another ship’s crew. In the case of “Ghosts of Illyria,” the virus gets onboard the Enterprise after the crew is beamed up from the surface of another planet that was ravaged by the effect of ion storms. The whole story will not be revealed here, but the virus infects the Enterprise’s crew and makes them crazy for light, to the point that they nearly destroy the ship, right down to Chief Engineer Hemmer (Bruce Horak – Warehouse 13, Transplant, In The Dark) trying to transport part of the planet onto the ship. Had Hemmer succeeded, it most certainly destroyed the ship. The tension that the writers create throughout the story makes this familiar matter fully original and in turn just as engaging and entertaining as the stories in the other episodes discussed here and the rest of the season’s episodes. The whole of that content and the bonus feature-length commentaries that accompany some of the episodes pair to make for plenty of appeal for viewers.
While the general content featured in the new home physical release of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season One does plenty to make this season a strong start for the series, the packaging thereof detracts from that appeal to a point. Speaking specifically about the season’s DVD packaging, the season’s 10 total episodes are spread across four discs. The discs overlap each other on the inside front and back of the case, with two discs on either side. One cannot help but wonder why all involved would use such an archaic packaging method, considering how easy it would have been to place one disc inside on the front, on inside on the back, and then put the other two discs on either side of a leaf inside the case. That would protect the discs while also allowing at least slightly more access to the welcome episode guide printed inside the case’s wrap. Instead, by placing them in overlapping style, viewers lose out. That is because they have to remove both discs on either side to get to just one disc. In the process of removing and replacing the discs, this packaging format dramatically increases the odds of the discs marring one another, in turn potentially reducing their life span. Keeping that in mind, this packaging used for Season One’s home physical release is very problematic. It is not enough to doom the season’s home physical presentation, but hopefully when the series’ second season becomes available to home viewers, all involved with rethink the packaging and do something…well…smarter (for lack of another word) with that season’s packaging. Knowing that the packaging is clearly problematic but not enough to doom the set, there is still one more positive to note. That positive is the cast’s work on camera.
Mount leads the way in terms of the performances as he returns to the role of the famed Capt. Pike. For those who might not be too familiar with the latest Star Trek series, Mount took on the role of Pike in the third season of Discovery in a standalone episode that threw back to the original Star Trek series, what with the whole issue of Harry Mudd and the Tribbles. He stood out just as much in that performance, too and it was likely that it was that performance that led to the creation of Strange New Worlds. The confidence that Mount brings to Mount in the needed moments and the controlled vulnerability that he displays as he faces his own mortality makes him just as enjoyable to watch as William Shatner (Capt. Kirk) and Sir Patrick Stewart (Cpt. Jean-Luc Picard) in their respective series. The moment when he sits down with the bridge crew and welcomes a young Uhura (played by relative newcomer Celia Rose Gooding) throws back to the performances of Stewart and Shatner in its own enjoyable way, too. Gooding herself presents her own impressive performance as the then cadet Uhura. The growth that she brings to Uhura as a persona makes her a fully sympathetic character because of the growing confidence that Uhura gradually displays. Her performances in the role are fully believable and enjoyable to watch during those formative years of Uhura’s career even as Uhura doubts her place aboard the Enterprise.
Peck deserves his own share of credit, too, as Spock. He is not the same Spock portrayed by the late great Leonard Nimoy, but his presence in the role really does its own share to mirror Nimoy’s performances, both in his more serious moments and at least one lighter moment. In similar fashion, Horak’s gruff Chief Engineer Hemmer is so lovable because he is that persona who still does have a certain amount of heart. Horak does so well balancing those sides of Hemmer throughout the season as does Babs Olusanmokun as ship’s doctor M’Bega. M’Bega is no Bones, but his moments on screen allow him to portray some personality, too. Speaking of medical staff, Jess Bush (Home and Away, Playing For Keeps, Skinford: Chapter 2) surprises as the young nurse, Christine Chapel. Chapel is essentially M’Bega’s second in command, yet every time she is on camera, the duality that she brings to the pair with her energy makes for its own share of engagement and entertainment, too. That is because of the comic appeal that she creates opposite M’Bega’s more serious tone. It is just one more example of the importance of the cast’s work here in SNW’s debut season. Between the performances examined here and those of the rest of the cast (all of which are just as deserving of praise in their own right), the overall work of the cast throughout Season One makes for so much engagement and entertainment. When the overall work of the cast is paired with the work of the series’ writers, the whole makes watching each episode so fully engaging and entertaining. That overall content makes Season One’s home physical presentation all the more deserving of praise, even considering the issue of the packaging. All things considered, the home physical release of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season One proves to be one of the best of this year’s new DVD and Blu-ray releases for grown-ups.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season One’s recent home physical release is a mostly successful presentation and start for the series. Its success comes in large part through its writing. The writing brings viewers something new and something familiar throughout its 10 total episodes. The writing makes the new stories fully engaging and entertaining because of their originality. The more familiar story lines are given equally, welcome new life thanks to the writing staff’s work. While the stories that were crafted for Season One are enjoyable, one can only hope that viewers will be able to watch them for years to come. That hope is due to the issue of the packaging method used for the set’s four discs. The overlapping of the discs greatly increases the risk of the discs scratching one another during removal and replacement of each disc, greatly increasing the risk of the discs’ life begin reduced. Thankfully this is not such an issue that it will doom the set. Keeping that in mind, there is one more positive to Season One’s presentation. It comes in the form of the cast’s work. From the bridge crew to the Engineering staff and others in-between, each cast member brings his or her own flair to the show that is enjoyable in its own right along with the writing. When the writing and performances are considered together, they ensure Season One is a strong start for Strange New Worlds and even despite the packaging issues, is one of the year’s top new DVD and Blu-ray box sets for grown-ups.
Star Trek: Strange New WorldsSeason One is available now on DVD, Blu-ray and steel book Blu-ray. More information on the series is available along with all of the series’ latest news at:
Singer-songwriter and entrepreneur “Stretch” premiered the video for his debut single this week.
The founder of the Grinders By Stretch restaurant chain, known formally as Jeffrey Rumaner, premiered the video for his new single, ‘Flavortown‘ Monday. The video features Rumaner on stage alongside members of the independent rock band Black Oxygen as the collective performs the new single together in front of a packed house. No information was provided about when and where the performance was captured in the news release announcing the video’s premiere.
The musical arrangement featured in the new single is a fun, catchy composition. It boasts a clear classic rock influence while also exhibiting a subtle punk sensibility at the same time. The whole makes the song surprisingly engaging and entertaining.
The song’s lyrical theme is pretty straight forward, as it celebrates enjoying all the fine foods out there available to consumers. On the surface, one can’t help but think about “Weird” Al Yankovic in listening to this theme, considering it is all about food, but it really is an original song. At one point, Rumaner even encourages the audience to bypass all of the chain restaurants out there (ironically) and patronize the locally-owned and operated restaurants and businesses that are at the heart of every American town. It is ironic considering he is the owner of a chain of restaurants.
Rumaner has appeared on Food Network alongside Guy Fieri on his program, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games, and Guy’s Big Bite, and on Food Network’s Big Bad BBQ Brawl and Cutthroat Kitchen. He has also appeared on Travel Channel’s Pizza Paradise and Man vs. Food, Spike TV’s Bar Rescue, Animal Planet’s Eating The Enemy, Discovery Channel’s Monster House, Destination America’s BBQ Pitmasters, PBS’ BBQ With Franklin and ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
Along with appearing alongside Fieri on television, Rumaner has also toured alongside Fieri on the nationwide Foodapalooza Roadshow and the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
Additionally, Rumaner is part of a group of celebrity chefs known as Messlords that entertains and feeds America’s military forces worldwide.
More information on Rumaner’s new single and video is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
philspicks 