DVD Talk: December 2016 Archives

TV on DVD and Blu-ray remains very popular with more and more favorites being released. New TV reviews include: The Twilight Zone: The Complete Series - the shows for this HD release of the classic series have been canned from the original 35mm negatives, and the set is chocked full of extras; Star Trek: The Original Series - The Roddenberry Vault - the episodes look and sound fantastic and the bonus content is a delight, offering plenty to both the faithful and tourists alike; and Gunsmoke: The Twelfth Season, Volume 1 - it took nearly two years but CBS/Paramount has finally gotten around to releasing the next volume of Gunsmoke, the series' sixth year after transitioning from a 30-minute show to an hour one, and the first in color. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVD Talk database.

The week after Christmas is one of the slowest of the year when it comes to new releases, so check out some of these highly recommended titles that have been released in 2016: The Iron Giant - a last gasp for traditional feature animation this classic film from Brad Bird tells the story of a robot from outer space and the boy he befriends on Earth; A Mighty Wind - a little masterpiece of film comedy, this movie is terrific and gets a great looking and sounding Blu-ray loaded with extras; and Inside Llewyn Davis: Criterion Collection - Joel and Ethan Coen's film marks another fine effort from the beloved writing and directing duo: loaded with great performances, terrific dialogue, and a compelling story about a "failed" musician's life in a crowded world. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Some cool discs have been reviewed over the past week. Check out these recent entries: Being Evel - a true â€˜70s icon's biggest jumps and bigger fall; The Captive (1915) - believed to be lost for roughly half a century, Cecil B. DeMille's 1915 silent melodrama comes to Blu-ray in a pleasingly crisp new scan; and Blair Witch (2016) - more brutal than the original and offers an intense climax, but it mostly runs in circles. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

With the holiday buying season in full swing, now is a great time to look back at some of the awesome complete series sets that have been released in 2016 including: Fear The Walking Dead Season 2 - an improvement over the first seasonâ€¦ the show is finding its footing, expanding on the series' universe and creating more interesting characters while placing them in some increasingly perilous situations; Chicago P.D.: Season Three - this show is undeniably compelling, slickly produced, and boasts a strong ensemble cast; and Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Collector's Edition - whether you're a die-hard Cubbies fan or just enjoy great baseball, this set makes good on its promise of delivering all seven Fall Classic games (plus a bonus one from the NLCS) in one convenient high-definition package. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVD Talk database.

Our reviewers have been busy this week, filling the DVD Talk Review Database more great entries. Some new reviews of note include: Suicide Squad: Extended Cut - Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn is terrific and the introduction to her and the rest of the squad, especially Will Smith's surprisingly effective Deadshot, gets things off on the right foot; Moby Dick - one of director John Huston's best filmsâ€¦the movie is pretty much a complete success, impressively unlike any other seafaring adventure drama; and Kicks - an assured first feature from a director who shows a lot of promiseâ€¦ its' unique style and focus on the themes of the story turns it into a refreshing and engaging experience. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Check out DVD Talk's latest reviews of movies that are in theatrical release. This week's crop includes: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story [a second review] - this film represents exciting new possibilities for the Disney-Star Wars merger, while offering a wholly satisfying side story from the vast Star Wars universe; La La Land [a second review] - writer/director Damien Chazelle has crafted a true masterpiece in La La Land... it speaks to the heart and soul in a way that manages to exist in a dream-like perspective and a gut-wrenching reality at the same time; and Passengers - this is a fun time at the cinema... there isn't a single dull moment to be found in its two-hour running length. Other recent films include: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Manchester by the Sea, Things to Come, Arrival, Hacksaw Ridge, Doctor Strange, The Handmaiden, and Deepwater Horizon. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

With the holiday buying season in full swing, now is a great time to look back at some of the awesome complete series sets that have been released in 2016 including: Freaks and Geeks: The Complete Series - Paul Feig, Judd Apatow and company perfectly capture growing up; Dexter: The Complete Series - this show remains just as engaging and entertaining as it did throughout its initial run. The final season is bound to disappoint, but the rest of the journey is well worth your investment of time and money; and Twin Peaks: The Original Series, Fire Walk With Me & The Missing Pieces - you can enjoy all of David Lynch's iconic and ground-breaking series with this impressive set. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVD Talk database.

There are a few new releases this week that you won't want to miss. Check out these hot titles: Dreamscape (Collector's Edition) - entertaining, visually arresting and nicely acted, this film offers consistent entertainment and Shout! Factory's Blu-ray sports a new 2K transfer and some excellent bonus features; The Asphalt Jungle - an absolute classic, a remarkably tense heist film that stands as an excellent example of just how compelling film noir can be; and Creepshow 2 - even though this sequel never approaches the dizzying heights of the original Creepshow, this sequel is still better than average for a horror anthology, and it is thrilling to see it lavished with the white glove treatment on this Arrow release. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

This week the DVD Talk Review Database has some great new entries, including a few discs you may have overlooked. Recent reviews include: The BFG - the imagination of Roald Dahl and the direction of Steven Spielberg have culminated into something truly wonderful; Gleason - this excellent biopic of football player Steve Gleason who has been diagnosed with ALS is filled with moments that shatter you in varying degrees; and Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer: 30th Anniversary - one of the horrordom's most beloved bastard children receives an impressive 30th anniversary Blu-ray release from Dark Sky Films... the film looks and sounds better than it ever has on home video and includes some very worthwhile new supplements. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Several great movies and programs have come out recently, including a few that shouldn't be missed: The Secret Life of Pets - fun and breezy (with an unusually dark underbelly) the excellent animation and delightful voice performances make for an enjoyable time for everyone watching; and Don't Think Twice - writer/director Mike Birbiglia gives viewers a group of people you can't help but enjoy in his new movie about a fictitious improvisational comedy troupe. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Some great DVD and Blu-ray reviews have been added to the the DVD Talk Review Database recently including: Pete's Dragon - a great movies for small children... it's neither an outright musical nor a comedy but this big furry green remake is great for sensitive small fry -- plenty of heart and not too violent; T.A.M.I. Show / The Big T.N.T. Show - this convenient two-disk Blu-ray set is absolutely required viewing for any music fan.... they are full of iconic performances from a wide array of hot 1960s acts and these movies capture a moment in time like few other music documentaries; and Short Cuts: The Criterion Collection - Robert Altman ties together several stories adapted and inspired by the writings of Raymond Carver into a glimpse at "unremarkable" people living in Los Angeles and it remains one of the strongest examples of the intersecting narrative subgenre to date. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Planning a trip to the local multiplex this week? Here are DVD Talk's reviews of the latest theatrical releases: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - this story by J.K. Rowling taking place seventy years before Harry Potter and far away from Hogwarts is an enjoyable reintroduction to the world of wizards; Manchester by the Sea - Kenneth Lonergan wrote and directed this film that's a certain Oscar contender... one of those films where everything works to perfection; and Things to Come - a quiet piece of arthouse cinema, writer/director Mia Hansen-Love has crafted a deeply intelligent film that discusses the philosophy of love, loss, and revolution in the public and private spheres. Other recent films include: Arrival, Hacksaw Ridge, Doctor Strange, The Handmaiden, Deepwater Horizon, and The Birth of a Nation. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

Interested in the latest TV on DVD reviews? DVD Talk has you covered! This week's notable entries include: Better Call Saul: Season 2 - the roots are in the ground and taking hold, and the fruit from the tree starts to bloom in its second season; Game of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Season - the show returns triumphantly in its sixth season allowing the characters which have suffered for years to finally take control of their own destinies... and with magnificent results; and Mystery Science Theater 3000: XXXVII - this set of four episodes of the classic series is good fun. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVD Talk database.