Super 8 (Blu-ray) Criticize This! Pick of the Week – Directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg, Super 8 feels like one of the great PG-13 films from the ’70s or ’80s and is in the same league as The Goonies, E.T., and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It’s not without flaws, but I watched it with a geeky, child-like grin and loved every moment of it (twice!). The film revolves around a group of kids who are out one night filming a movie when a train crashes near them. The cargo on the train is not what it seems though, and soon the military has taken over their small Ohio town and are looking for something that is hiding in the bushes. Something big! This is a must-have title on Blu-ray as it just looks and sounds amazing in high-def. Special features include audio commentary with J.J. Abrams, making-of featurettes, deleted scenes, and more. A regular DVD and digital copy of the film is included as well. Film **** Blu-ray **** (out of 5 stars).
Prep & Landing – ‘Tis the season for every Christmas special to come out on DVD. Disney’s Prep & Landing, about the elves who help get the houses ready for Santa to leave presents at, is thankfully one of the better contemporary ones. Although it’s only 22-minutes long, the animation looks great and it’s quite well made. Dave Foley and Sarah Chalke (both Canadians) also lend their voice talents to the film. Special features include the shorts Operation Secret Santa (featuring the voice of Betty White as Mrs. Claus and Tiny’s Big Adventure, plus more. Film *** DVD ** (out of 5 stars).
Final Destination 5 (Blu-ray) – One of the worst films of the year, Final Destination 5 is a pointless and lame attempt at cashing in on the 3-D fad. It’s terribly written and acted, and there’s not even any good death scenes to get excited about. The 3-D gags also look silly when watching it on regular DVD or none 3-D Blu-ray. Do something better with your time and skip this one. Special features on the Blu-ray include making-of featurettes, deleted scenes, and more. A regular DVD and digital copy are included as well. Film * Blu-ray ** (out of 5 stars).
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