The Dark Knight Rises HMV Exclusive Steelbook

'Or perhaps he's wondering why someone would shoot a man before throwing him out of a plane'

Fig 1. The Cowl.. A Dark but Effective Steelbook

The last instalment of Mr Nolan's Dark Knight Series was no doubt a great ending to a Re-Imagined and Re-invented DC Superhero, but can the film live up to the huge success that was 'The Dark Knight'? Read on and see what my thoughts were and are.

When the Commissioner (Gordon) finds out about a plot to destroy the city, Bruce Wayne gets back into action as The Batman. Waiting for him is the sinister Selina Kyle and Bane, a lethal walking wrecking machine on a crusade to tear apart Batman's legacy piece by piece, fist by fist. Tom Hardy (Bane) plays the part extremely well and I could not have thought of or expected anyone else to play the villain. But is there a little puppet pulling his strings?. I won't spoil it for you as I try not to do that, but believe me you are in for one hell of a thrill ride. You can't compare this to 'The Dark Knight' as Batman comes out of retirement and is not as youthful as he used to be. But it does have  innovation and a rich story development. The steelbook has a nice matte finish but some are saying lacks style. I for one like this dark image and it sums up the movie, there is inside artwork if you read through and scroll down you can view it.

Fig 2. A sodden Rain Drenched Rear



VIDEO****
Presented to you in a Aspect Ratio of 2.39:1 and 1.78:1 IMAX in 1080p
Don't you just love IMAX? it makes the movie more dynamic and there are quite a few out there now (Transformers Revenge Of The Fallen, Transformers Dark Of The Moon) but lets talk actual PQ shall we. Contrast has been ramped up to detail a little over the top, the colour has been boosted quite a bit which is a slight shame really, that along with some severe edge halos litter the image. And it is a little bit of a distraction, But don't let that put you off. Warm hues wash the homes of the city's dweller's, there is a Brown like tinge colour that covers Bruce's stint in prison, and crisp white snow falls on a captive Gotham. Skin tones are absolutely lovely. (Except a few orange faces) I do suggest you try and keep your contrast down a little as mentioned at the start, it is set way to high in the first place. Detail is nothing short of extraordinary and Edges are sharp and natural. What more could you want from a disc?, apart from maybe a little more attention to obvious flaws. The IMAX sequences are a different matter. Just as It's Prequel it looks fantastic in ALL the action scenes..
So what can I rate it then... ?, it's not a straight 5/5, but I can't make halves so 4.5 it is.. Enjoy it over and over again. As I did and still do



AUDIO*****
DTS MASTER HD 5.1 English, English Dolby Digital 2.0, French Dolby Digital 5.1
German Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 and Thai Dolby Digital 5.1
Demo material is what I shouted when I first watched this Spinner at home (not so at my local Cineworld.. You let me down big time). BASS is rampant when the action scenes come on, but there is also some very nice midrange and high end effects to. Bullets and screeching tyres sound very life like, but it's the LFE output that is bloody ferocious, giving it's full weight behind every devastating explosion, every showing of the Tumbler, and booming from that Bat jet type thing, blinking colossal. As for the music score Hans Zimmer has done a great job of keeping you right in the middle of the surround mix, all 5 speakers get a great work out. For me I love the opening sequence with the plane being ripped apart and wings and bits of cockpit shooting past and around your ears.. Bat-tastic.
5/5 right here.. if I went to 6 then it would get that.. YES it's that damn good.

Fig 3. Bane or The Cowl?.. You Decide.. Both Are Equally Nice


EXTRAS****
A GIRLS GOT TO EAT.
Anne Hathaway and Christopher Nolan talk Catwoman
GAME DAY DESTRUCTION.
How the special effects team blew up the football field
CONCEPT ART.
Pictures of the movies artwork
GOTHAM'S RECKONING.
Tom Hardy on how he bulked up to play Bane
BATMAN Vs BANE.
A feature about the fight between Batman and Bane
RETURN TO THE BATCAVE.
What went into making the Batcave
All in all I couldn't really ask for more. Maybe a little longer on the concept of Re-inventing Bane but we can't have it all can we.?
4/5 for me guys

Fig 4. Tom Hardy as the Villain 'Bane'

Not in your own collection then? Tumber time, pick it up from Amazon.co.uk store.

Grab it today from 'New' for £8.49 on normal Amaray

 

Let Me Know What You Think. Do You Own It?... If Not Are You Going To Get It

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Birthday Gifts From Family and Friends

It's Was My Birthday on the 26th of June and My Family and Friends Got Me Some 'New' Blu Ray's to add to the Collection Plus Another Little Collectable .

Fig 1. Yes Finally the Brilliant 'Wreck It Ralph' 3D

Filmed in 2.39:1 and in 1080p and with a Audio soundtrack featuring DTS MASTER AUDIO HD 5.1 English
Dolby Digital 2.0 English, DTS 5.1 Spanish, Dolby Digital 5.1 Portuguese and Dolby Digital 5.1Catalan..
Now The movie from what I can tell is about a Game character who doesn't want to be a good guy anymore and see's another 'New' character come along and wants to be the bad guy. So starts the madness where he decides to jump into another game and has a plan to do one thing.. Win a Gold Medal. As the film goes on he eventually Wrecks all around him. With a little twist that I won't divulge.

Fig 2. The Highly Talked About 'Lincoln'

Filmed in 2.39:1 and in 1080p and with a Audio soundtrack featuring DTS MASTER AUDIO HD 7.1 English, Spanish DTS 5.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, German Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian Dolby Digital 5.1, Russian Dolby Digital 5.1 and Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1..Phew

It's a movie about a country divided by war and conflict. Change is need and Abraham Lincoln pursues a course of action wanting to end the war and unite the country and abolish slavery. This is one I'm really looking forward to.. If I get a chance to review it without giving away to much then I will. It might not be for all but for me its a must watch.

Fig 3. Based on a True Story 'The Impossible'

The Aspect ratio is also 2.39:1 in full glorious 1080p with only one Audio track DTS MASTER AUDIO HD 5.1
Ewan McGregor Stars in this 'Based On A True Story' Movie alongside Naomi Watts. Just another one I've been after ever since seeing the trailer. Basically a family are on holiday in Thailand when the 2004 Tsunami hits and then split apart from each other. Father with 2 of the younger children and the oldest son with his mother. What happens next is a Harrowing story of Love, Care and utter devastation that could happen to any family, along with a multitude of other emotions. One I'm Going to watch next week..

Fig 4. Another Academy Award winning Film From Director Kathryn Bigelow

Filmed in Full Screen 1.85:1 in 1080p and with a variety of audio tracks including
DTS MASTER HD English 5.1, French DTS 5.1, German DTS 5.1, Italian DTS 5.1 and
Spanish DTS 5.1.
The hunt for Osama Bin Laden. A much talked about subject and a very controversial subject told through the eyes of the military and intelligence agency's. What made them look where they did?, how did they gather the intel and finally get there man?. I for one have also heard nothing but great things about this film. So It's just another one I'm looking forward to viewing.

AND FINALLY ANOTHER 'POP' FIGURE

Fig 5. 'The Walking Dead' Bicycle Girl from Season 1


Thank you to ALL that Treated me on me 42nd Birthday. You ALL mean so much to me.





Cheers To Those Who View.. Let Me Know What You Think?.

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Week Starting 24th June 2013

Well another week and more 'New' Blu Rays to add to the Collection.

Fig 2. The Great Kill Bill Vol 1 and 2 Zavvi Steelbook

 

 

Zavvi decided to release the 'Kill Bill' erm double bill,(Terrible Pun) and the some of the artwork was chosen by High Def Ninja's (Check them out with the link at the bottom) I think it was the inside and the rear but please have a look at the site to confirm. Anyway back to the steelbook. I have to admit I only got this this morning and have not opened it yet, but some of my youtube friends have and once again it's a nice looker. I already have the Amaray's but couldn't help myself on a 'Double Dip'. It's a matte finish with Uma's sword on the back sort of shimmering if you catch it in the right light.

It's a 2 Disc obviously. Still available so be quick.

Fig 2. 'Sinister'. Well I certainly looks it. Gulp!!!!!

 

Next up a movie I have been after for a while now and I wanted the slipcover as well so that's why I held off. Now I'm going to watch this at the weekend, as I love horror, and I mean Love Horror.

From what I've heard its a little disturbing but that's the kind of film I like something that makes you think and plays on your mind for days.. brilliant

Once I've watched I will do a FULL review.

I paid £9.00 off of Ebay inc postage so I think a bargain.. Oh and it's sealed.

 

 

If you like what you see and are interested in Blu Ray's and Steelbooks as well as Home Cinema of course then let me know on the Contact Me page.

 

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Week Starting 17th June 2013

Well another week and more 'New' Blu Rays to add to the Collection.

Fig 1. The Dark Knight Collection.. 'Batman Begins', 'The Dark Knight' and ' The Dark Knight Rises'

I am so glad that I picked these up, Germany and the States have different cover art versions, but I really like these they have a shiny metallic sort of matte look. It's hard to describe. There is no difference on the transfers from the original releases, but still nice to add to the ever growing collection.

Still available from Amazon.co.uk and Zavvi also try Sainsbury's. I paid £12.80 with a discount from Amazon. So shop around

 

 

If you like what you see and are interested in Blu Ray's and Steelbooks as well as Home Cinema of course then let me know on the Contact Me page.

 

Let Me Know In The Comments Below

Crank Extended Cut Blu Ray Steelbook Germany

How'd you like that one, tough guy? How fricking awesome was that, huh

 

Fig 1. Maybe a Little Dull for Some, but I Kind of Like the Matte Finish

 

 

 Chev Chelios (Jason Statham) Plays a Hitman who has taken a little bit of a wrong turn in his life and screwed one of his Hit givers over and decided not to do 'One Last job'. Now infected with a Deadly cocktail, he must find a cure and save himself as well as hunt down the ruthless gangsters who gave him it and kill them all, at any cost to himself and the rest of New York. A thrill ride from the very first minute you slip the disc in to the time you eject it.. It's a Popcorn, Fast Paced lunatic Movie that keeps your Adrenaline Pumping from Beginning to end.. This is a Mans film and I Love it.

 

Fig 2. I'm Afraid it's ALL in German, so I can't make head nor tale of what the movies about. But take my word for it.. You Won't Be Disappointed.

 

 

 

 

VIDEO*****

Presented at 1.85:1 in brilliant 1080p
Ah Full screen action at it's best and i'm not just talking about the Movie, Right from the very start Detail looks amazing, the stubble on Statham's face is exceptional as are the washed out colours. But don't be put off by this as its highly intentional. We have come to expect so, so much from Blu Ray and this is right up there, and I think compared to the DVD you can tell the difference in a Side by Side comparison. Blacks are deep and that's just the way I like them and you lose no shadow detail either, so that's a great thumbs up. You would have thought it was filmed yesterday.
I can't go any less than 5 out of 5 on this Transfer here.. Pick It up and you will see for yourselves.


AUDIO*****
DTS MASTER HD  5.1 English and DTS MASTER HD 5.1 German
When it comes to Lionsgates audio release this is right up there with the very, very best of them. Why because it matches the PQ all the way, with fast paced action SHOULD come a fast paced soundtrack and it certainly does. Bass is Booming, Music Blasts out of Every speaker and corner of the room when it kicks in and that is in all forms of Genre from Rock to Thrash and Heavy Metal they all get a work out here. Dialogue is not a problem here either, it's right up there and never gets drowned out. For my pleasure the surround speakers are used nearly ALL the way through this movie and that's thanks to the soundtrack. So once again a rare 5 from 5 from me, but I'm a little biased as it is one of my fav action flicks.

Fig 3. Inside the Artwork works well with the Steel, Giving it a well Steel Look.. Nice

 

 

EXTRAS***

SHOOTING CRANK.

A 7 minute making of Documentary

STUNTS OF CRANK.

17 minutes of how they made the action come to life

PUSHING CRANK.

 co-directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor and executive producer Peter Block discussing the marketing efforts behind the movie

CRANK AT COMIC CON.

11 minutes of discussions and insight with Statham and Co

MORE STORIES FROM CRANK.

  25 minutes which gives the filmmakers, Statham, Ramirez, Biddle and Cantillo plenty of time for anecdotes and jokes

Not that bad but could have done a little better, maybe on set a little more or even making the 7 minute documentary a hour?. 3 from 5 comes to mind. But hey that's only my opinion.

 

 

 

 

Not in your own collection then? Get a shot of Adrenaline and Hit the Amazon.De store.

Grab it today from  Amazon Germany 'New' from wait for it £48.00 on normal Amaray from £13.99.

 

Let Me Know What You Think. Do You Own It?... If Not Are You Going To Get It

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Ade The Bloody's Complete Steelbook and Special Editions Collection

Ade's Steelbooks, Collectors Editions and Boxset Blu Ray Collection 2013.. 'Amazing'
Every once in a while I get taken back by some of the Collection Photo's I get sent and this is one of those occasions. From Floor to the ceiling this has got to be the Biggest Steelbook Collection I have seen.. Welcome to Ade 'The Bloody's' world.

Fig 1. Included in the Collection are the Warner 'White' Steelbooks, Ranging From 'Heat', 'Blade Runner' to 'Inception' and 'Se7en', and the newly Acquired 'Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunter's'.

 Fig 2. There are a few Amaray's in the Collection.. Eye Spy 'The Walking Dead'.. Now that's a Collector with Taste.. As well as 'Day' and 'Dawn' of the Dead. One of my Favourites is the 'Jurassic Park' Steel Tin. Personally One of Better Releases that came out.

Fig 3. 'Four From The Top Please Bruce'.. The 'Dredd' oversized Steelbook From Amazon France, 'Shotgun Assassin', 'John Carter' from China and 'Inception' I think from Japan.. Beautiful Artwork and very Alternate.

Fig 4. And to Finish off we have 'The Evil Dead' UK Edition, one of the best Movies from 2013 'Zero Dark Thirty' from The States. The Brilliantly Re-Mastered 'Zombie Flesh Eaters' from Arrow Films, German Edition of 'Halloween', 'DeathProof' and 'The Mist' another Great Movie. So not Just any Old Movie Collector, someone with a lot of taste.

Fig 5. Running out of room..?. Maybe but for now let's just Admire and oh pick our jaws up from the floor..

Fig 6. Nice Collection of Boxsets and Collector's Editions.. My personal Favourite is the 'Terminator Salvation' Head and The Still Sealed 'Titanic' from Amazon UK.. Now Unfortunately 'Sold Out'. It's also nice to see a Fellow 'Scarface' Admirer got to be one of the Most Iconic Gangster Movies Ever made?.

Now if this isn't a Collection to be Proud, Jealous or Admire, then I don't know what is.. Time, Money and Dedication is what Collecting is all About.. As well a passion for Movies. Has this guy got it?, you decide, all I know is Ade will collect until he has the desire to stop and I cant see it being anytime soon.. Well let's hope not anyway.

 AdeTheBloody

Subbed for a While Now. Check him out, Great Weekly or Fortnightly Reviews and Unboxings.

Please give his videos the thumbs up and if you like what he does subscribe to him. His channel link is in Orange Above.

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Xbox Does A U-Turn On 'Always Connected To Internet' and 'Game Trading'

Microsoft does a Massive Xbox One U-Turn.. Are Furious Angry Gamers To Thank.?

Fig 1. The Console

 

Connected Or Kinected Or 'Always Connected?'... Well Not Anymore.. According to many, many sources to mention and as I don't get paid by any of them I won't mention them..

But Microsoft have gone and done what our government here in the UK are always doing and made a massive U-Turn on the Following things.

At first launch they told us that the console would have to connect to the internet at least once a day or every 24 hours or it would block your games and that they would NO longer support game sharing with friends and that you would only be able to play your game on your console and not be able to take it with you to your mates anymore as it wouldn't work as it was registered to YOUR own console at home.

WELL now they have decided that all they told us was rubbish and that YOU can now share and not need to connect to the internet, just register with Xbox Live..

What I want to know is, was this THERE decision or was it pressure from Sony and there PS4 or more importantly US the Gamers?

So you can now play offline again.. so I guess i'll be switching back to Microsoft again.. Now that makes me happy, I sold my PS3 as I Always used my Xbox so I for one am very happy.

And isn't it funny that about a week or so after one of there Chief Exec's said 'We have a console for Offline gamers it's called the Xbox 360' and Sony saying that they will have NO restrictions on internet connection and game sharing, that now a few months before launch the company has made a so called U-Turn and gone back on ALL they said.. Amazing

Below is there Official Statement from Don Mattrick

 

"Since unveiling our plans for Xbox One, my team and I have heard directly from many of you, read your comments and listened to your feedback. I would like to take the opportunity today to thank you for your assistance in helping us to reshape the future of Xbox One.

"You told us how much you loved the flexibility you have today with games delivered on disc. The ability to lend, share, and resell these games at your discretion is of incredible importance to you. Also important to you is the freedom to play offline, for any length of time, anywhere in the world.
"So, today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360."

• "An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games - after a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24-hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360.
• "Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today - there will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360."

Trade-off

The rules apply to games bought as physical discs only, and do not affect games downloaded via the online Xbox store. Which is what we have anyway on OUR Xbox 360's

So it looks and sounds like they have listened to US and YOU

 

 Have they just pulled back there LOYAL customer's and Hardcore gamers?

Well I will see nearer the time, but for me I'm Happy again, the sun is shining in Gamer and Home Cinema Land once again.

It's just the price now...

 

 

What do you think about Microsoft making this announcement? Will you Still Buy There Console or are you now PS4 all the way?

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