Retro DVD/Blu-Ray Update Week #36

DVD & Blu-Ray Collection Update #34 "Bond"
Date Posted: November 26, 2012
Summary: New DVD & Blu-Ray Collection Update. Check out my DVD & Blu-Ray collection update featuring old and new movie releases. Television Series' also featured. Mini Review included.

Retro DVD/Blu-Ray Update Week #18

DVD Update #16 "Dexter"
Date Posted: August 23, 2009
Summary: My return to DVD Updates! This is my 16th DVD Collection Update. Dexter Intro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emz_Wr24ctQ&feature=channel_page. Dexter: A male given name; an American television drama series that airs on American premium channel Showtime.

Retro DVD/Blu-Ray Update Week #14

DVD Update #12 "Risked"
Date Posted: November 23, 2008
Summary: 12th DVD update featuring The Nightmare Before Christmas Ultimate Collectors DVD Set. Wanna see the video in High Definition? Apparently if you add &fmt=22 to the link the video willbe in HD format.

DVD & Blu-Ray Update March 2013

#1. Skyfall

After the the lifeless and mediocre Quantum of Solace, Skyfall manages to resume the top notch writing and character exploration initially set up in the first Daniel Craig Bond film, Casino Royale. Skyfall introduces a villain more in line with the classic era of Bond antagonists, played wonderfully by Javier Bardem, delivers some spectacular and exciting action sequences captured with glorious cinematography, offers the greatest Bond song since Goldeneye, and continues to explore the relationship between Bond and M in a compelling story that results in one of the best films of 2012.

#2. Mulan/Mulan II 3 Disc Special Edition

For whatever reason, Mulan does not have the reputation of being one of the great Disney films. Perhaps this was because the film was released near the end of Disney's resurgence and most were tired of the tried and true formula of a misfit hero seeking something more in their life with the help of comedic animals? Who knows...but as far as I am concerned, this film is excellent. The three main problems with the film are that the songs  (with the exception of "I'll Make a Man Out of You") are not particularly memorable, some of the antics of Eddie Murphy's Mushu character fall flat at points where it seems the writers were trying too hard to be comical, and the transition into the final act feels extremely forced (The final scene is also really lame). However, these are relatively minor problems in a film that has fantastic visuals in addition to the lively and engaging characters. Perhaps most impressive is the films ability to truly develop and explore the relationship between Mulan and the supporting characters. Disney tends to rush through the details of romances and motivations, but in this film a lot of attention is giving to forming these story points through conversations. Mulan is not nearly as flawless as some of the Disney greats, but the film is certainly strong and entertaining enough to belong in their company.

#3. The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2 Movie Collection

While I would argue that Mulan is a far better film that given credit...The Hunchback of Notre Dame is far less easy to defend. The main problem with the film is that the protagonist, Quasimodo, feels like a supporting cast member whose desire to experience life outside the church walls is pushed aside to focus on the motivations of antagonist Frollo and the romance between Esmeralda and Phoebus. Quasimodo is constantly a plot device used to progress their stories and only towards the end of the film does he finally become the primary participant. One could argue that considering his isolation from the real world, this is a perfect role for his character to play in the film, but even in that case the film still could have focused more on exploring his goals and thoughts rather than designating the task of motivating Quasimodo to the supporting cast. I do not share the hate most have for the Gargoyles, but they admittedly feel unnecessary and while some of their jokes offer laughs, at least as many fall flat. In fact, the comedy in this film is really weak and it drags the slapstick moments of hijinks on far too long. Conversely, the film is bold in it's exploration of the dangers of lust and the hypocrisy of religion while the animation, musical score, and songs are actually very damn good. It is a film with noticeable and cringe worthy flaws, but there is also a lot to admire about this film. Far from perfect, but an amusing watch.

#4. Wreck-It Ralph Collectors Edition

While the Disney Renaissance may have ended with Tarzan, some have argued that beginning with The Princess and the Frog Disney has begun a Third Golden Age. Considering the both Tangled and Wreck-It Ralph, the two films to follow Princess and the Frog, are excellent films, I would be inclined to agree with such statements. While the first two films are of the classic Disney Fairy Tale sort, Wreck-It Ralph would be the first modern times, high concept, type of Disney film (Oliver & Company, The Rescuers, ect.) of this proposed Third Golden Age and fortunately, it is a success. Granted, the films narrative is a little too predictable for its own good (even the biggest twist of the film, which admittedly caught me off guard, will have those who are surprised by it acknowledging that they should have caught on) and those who are bothered by puns will quickly find this film irritating. However, the film is filled with colorful characters who are brought to life with passion and personality by a great cast of voice-actors and even at its most predictable, the film is not afraid to go to cruel lengths to test our characters while hurrying through the more tiresome cliches. Fans of video games will find all kinds of little gems and gags geared directly towards them and the creativity behind the video game world is highly admirable (Sugar Rush game and theme are the best!). Also, as someone who gets a kick out of puns, the humour was right up my alley. Simply put, Wreck-it Ralph was made with a lot of love and is a lot of fun.

#5. Lincoln 4-Disc Combo Pack

Following Munich, the last truly great Steven Spielberg film before 2012, it was a difficult time to be a Steven Spielberg fan. While I would have and will continue to defend Spielberg as a genuinely great filmmaker, the period following Munich made it hard to do so. Indiana Jones 4, The Adventures of Tintin, and War Horse were fine films but no doubt failed to live up to the Spielberg greats and one could not help but groan at announcements of Spielberg's intentions to remake untouchable films such as Harvey or Old Boy. Then Spielberg may as well have walked up to me, given me the finger, and told me to never doubt him again with his newest film: Lincoln. Lincoln is a quiet and intimate film driven more by characters and performances than anything else. Both the content of the film and the way it is shot resembles 12 Angry Men in its ability to capture beautiful shots in simple locations such as offices with a script that is both intriguing and informative. Of course the brilliant Daniel Day-Lewis delivers a performance of legend, but every single actor and actress contributes greatly to this film in their ability to create such engaging characters. Considering the film literally consists primarily of people talking behind closed doors, those uninterested in politics may find themselves easily bored by this film. However, those like myself who are fascinated by the political world will be entranced by Lincoln, a film which presents a heist-film-like story where votes are the goal and both Abraham Lincoln and politics themselves are presented as flawed and in need to some rule bending in order to see justice prevail over ignorance. This is without a doubt one of the top 3 films of 2012.

#6. Peter Pan Diamond Edition

It had been years since I had last seen Peter Pan and while it was never one of my favourite Disney films as a child, I did develop a new found appreciation for the film when I finally revisited it on Blu-Ray. The voice acting is enthusiastic, making up for some characters who can, frankly, be annoying and/or uninteresting, the animation is imaginative and vibrant, and most importantly...the comedy is genius. Turning to physical gags and slapstick comedy, the film offers some big laughs, especially during the antics between Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. A classic film that gets a much deserved outstanding restoration on this Diamond Edition Blu-Ray.

#7. Breakfast at Tiffany's 50th Anniversary Edition

Little known fact about me: I have a huge 'thing' for Audrey Hepburn. Aside from the fact that she was beautiful beyond words, she was also an immense talent and legend with the kind of class all too uncommon today. Yes, I understand the flaws of creating an "idea" of someone. Like any human being she was probably far from perfect and had her own demons. However, as an actress, humanitarian, and public figure...she was nothing less then exemplary. Breakfast at Tiffany's features Audrey Hepburn in what is widely considered her most iconic role and for good reason. Her performance is extraordinary and is aided by an outstanding supported cast directed masterfully by Blake Edwards. Many have called Hepburn's character to be one of the earliest examples of the 'manic pixie dream girl' stock character featured in films such as Garden State or (500) Days of Summer. This statement really sells Hepburn's performance short. With Hepburn's talent, Edwards' direction, and George Axelrod's writing, together these artists have created a character far more fascinating and real than a brief four word description. A little cheesy? Perhaps. However in a time where 'real cinema', as pretentious douchebags would call it, must be harsh and dreary to reflect the tragic reality of life....a film like Breakfast at Tiffany's remains a testament that films for hopeless romantics like myself have their merit when handled with care and can become one of the greatest films of all time.

#8. Schindler's List 20th Anniversary Edition 

Many film snobs have written Schindler's List off as mere piece of Oscar baiting, emotionally manipulative, Hollywood fluff. They would be wrong. As someone who has seen his fair share of films centered around the Holocaust which take the lazy "it's the Holocaust...how can you not cry!" route, I can say with absolute conviction that Schindler's List is a masterpiece. The film can have it's detractors such as Terry Gilliam or Michael Haneke (the former mistakes it as a film that depicts the Holocaust as a triumph while ignorant to the fact that it is by Spielberg's own admission one singular story which took place during the Holocaust, while the latter has had the scene they criticized proven to be historical fact by actual survivors), but at the end of the day...none of it matters. Shot beautifully with a haunting score from John Williams, the film uses the black-and-white effect to create a raw and authentic feel to the film that immerses the audiences into the horrors of history. Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes lead a supporting cast and every single performance in this film is outstanding. Not only is this one of the greatest Spielberg films (I would argue THE greatest) but it is also one of the most important films ever produced. This moving film shocks, enlightens, and humbles you in ways that make for not only a superb film, but a transformative experience. 

Retro DVD/Blu-Ray Update Week #11

DVD Update #9 "Hero"
Date Posted: August 30 2008
Summary: Ninth DVD Update

Retro DVD/Blu-Ray Update Week #8

DVD Update #6 "Graduation
Date Posted: June 29 2008
Summary: A DVD gift and something I forgot to mention in my original video.

Retro DVD/Blu-Ray Update Week #7

DVD Update #5 "Askewniverse"
Date Posted: June 25 2008
Summary: A trip looking for Coldplay's latest album resulted in 2 new DVD's.

Retro DVD/Blu-Ray Update Week #6

DVD Update #4 "Trippy" Part 1
Date Posted: June 22 2008
Summary: My fourth update, sorry but I end up rambling, and going off topic, and giving sort of mini reviews.

DVD Update #4 "Trippy" Part 2
Date Posted: June 22 2008
Summary: Part 2, again, more rambling, reviewing and going off topic.

Retro DVD/Blu-Ray Update Week #4

DVD Update #2 "Epic"
Date Posted: June 13 2008
Summary: My second DVD Update where I make a silly mistake.

Retro DVD/Blu-Ray Update Week #3

Superman Ultimate Collectors Edition
Date Posted: June 10 2008
Summary: Showing off my tin superman box set.

Retro DVD/Blu-Ray Update Week #2

DVD Update #1 "Impact"
Date Posted: June 10 2008
Summary: My first DVD update.

Top 12 Best DVD's & Blu-Ray's In My Collection

Now that I have retired from doing DVD and Blu-Ray Collection Update videos, I decided to reflect on the movies I've gathered so far. Which are my favourites?


I take a look back at every
•Steelbook
•Metal case
•Iron pack
•Digibook
•Box set
•Giftset
•Complete Television/TV Season
•Complete Series
•Complete Collection
•Ultimate Edition
•Collector's Edition
•Deluxe Edition
•Extended Edition
•Special Edition
•Limited Edition
•Anniversary Edition
•Statue/Figure/Mask/Briefcase Edition
•Standard Edition
to decide which are my twelve most prized possessions!

Casablanca and Ben-Hur DVD/Blu-Ray Update: http://thethinkinglens.blogspot.ca/2012/12/dvd-blu-ray-update-christmas-2012.html

The various use of media material is protected by the Fair Use Clause of the U.S Copyright Act of 1976, which allows for the rebroadcast of copyrighted materials for the purposes of commentary, criticism, satire/parody and education.

Retro DVD/Blu-Ray Update Week 1

In order to keep this blog active, I have decided to post weekly videos from the archives of my Youtube Channel, primarily the DVD and Blu-Ray Update videos. So please enjoy and continue to look for all new material in the future!

Mini DVD Collection Part 1
Date Posted: June 6 2008
Summary: The first video I ever uploaded featuring a look at my DVD Collection before I began actively collecting films on home video format.

Mini DVD Collection Part 2
Date Posted: June 6 2008
Summary: The first video I ever uploaded featuring a look at my DVD Collection before I began actively collecting films on home video format.

DVD & Blu-Ray Update Christmas 2012

Greetings! I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and that Old Saint Nick was kind to you all! This year I was fortunate enough to receive several films on DVD and Blu-Ray and I hope many of you cinema enthusiasts were just as lucky!

Welcome to the new format my DVD and Blu-Ray Collection Updates will take on!

1. Garfield Holiday Celebrations

For years I would anticipate the annual Garfield Christmas and Halloween holiday television specials While they ceased airing on television in the United States by the year 2000, Canadians were fortunate enough to have the specials continue to air on the youth-aimed channel YTV. However, this year I was sad to learn that neither the Garfield Halloween nor the Garfield Christmas specials would be airing this year. While it certainly was not the end of the world, part of what made both holidays so special to me were the TV specials, especially these two. Fortunately, the large gaping whole would not be there long as I received the DVD collection of the three Garfield Holidays cartoons. Now, no matter what the networks decide, I'll have these hilarious and heartwarming specials at my disposal to enjoy every year! Both the Halloween and Christmas specials are excellent and should be viewed at least once while the Thanksgiving special remains unseen by me...until Thanksgiving 2013!

2. Wall-E (Blu-Ray + DVD)

Pixar's Wall-E is nothing less than a masterpiece. Yes, people complain that the second half of the film is noticeably inferior to the first half, and yet I cannot bring myself to agree with that sentiment at all. Indeed the film takes on a completely different tone than it initially opened with, however in my view it was not in any way that even minimally changes the quality of the film. It is still just as endearing and well-crafted as the first hour. The animation is spectacular, the score is beautiful, and the story and characters are all engaging. What else can  be said? This one is beloved for a reason.

3. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition (Blu-Ray + DVD)

I'm not going to lie. As a child I was that boy who hated all 'girly' things and thought they were stupid. Fortunately I have grown up and realize that a lot of the things (films especially) that I loathed for being 'girly' are actually pretty good (especially the Disney princess films). Over the years I have gained a greater appreciation for most of the Disney princess films, however Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs remains the one Disney Princess film that I have not seen since childhood and thus have not been able to appreciate with the benefits of age and wisdom. The film is primarily known for its innovation in film animation as the first feature length animated film and for how it launched Walt Disney Animated Pictures into the realm of legends. Since then and to this day Disney has produced some of the greatest animated films of all time that endear us as children and only grow stronger as we get older. Disney has a great track of releasing Blu-Ray's with outstanding picture and sound quality, so I am eager to watch this film for the first time in ages.

4. 12 Angry Men Criterion Edition (Blu-Ray)

I first saw this film in a Canadian Law class I took back in high school and I have to admit that I was skeptical. That year I heard nothing but praise from fellow students for the Paul Haggis film Crash and found myself not only disappointed by the film once we watched it in class, but frankly I despised it for its mediocrity. So when 12 Angry Men became the subject of discussion, I was very wary of the positive buzz I had heard now that it was also coming from the same Crash loving crowd. Fortunately, I was proven wrong and could not have been happier. This film is outstanding. Easily one of the most gripping times I have spent watching a film and that is thanks to all the elements of film making. The direction, the performances, the script...it all adds up to this masterpiece that deserves every amount of praise it gets.

5. Cars 2 Future Shop Exclusive Metal Case (3D Blu-Ray + Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital Copy)

Yes, the Cars films are the lowest points for Pixar. You know, I know it. No need to dwell to much on that fact or why this may be. Why? Because frankly, while they may the studios worst films, neither of them are nearly as terrible as the public claims. Cars is odd, predictable, and unremarkable...but no more than a lot of other films. There is nothing about it that warrants absolute loathing. At best the film deserves apathetic reactions, but hate? There are far worse films out there. In fact while it is not a grand slam, I do think that some of the themes in the film are worth being explored. Cars has its heart in the right place. Cars 2 on the other hand? Well...once again I do not think it deserves the amount of hate it gets, but while Cars was underwhelming, the sequel is just baffling. Again, there is nothing downright awful or offensive about it, but for the first time Pixar produced a film where the humour, story, and message did not amount to anything more than fluff for very young children who need to be babysat by uncle TV for an hour or two. So why ask for the film on Blu-Ray? Well, I am a completest. Yeah.

6. Finding Nemo Future Shop Exclusive Metal Case (3D Blu-Ray + Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital Copy)

I will not dwell on this for too long. Finding Nemo is beloved by just about everyone and for good reason. It has a great story with an important message for parents more than children, the humour is great with mature jokes, the characters are endearing, the score is beautiful, and the animation is spectacular. While it may not be my pick for the best Pixar film, it is certainly among their five best works in my estimation and it is actually one of the few Pixar films where my opinion of it never changes. It is an outstanding film for all. Not surprisingly, it looks stunning on Blu-Ray.

7. Ben-Hur Fiftieth Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition (Blu-Ray)

I first saw Ben-Hur in a high school history class and surprisingly found myself engaged with it the whole way through. The story was fascinating and the journey Ben-Hur goes through was enticing in its danger and emotional turmoil. The film is grand in every way possible. From the locations, to the sets, to the score, to the costumes, to the performances and of course the famous chariot race...this film is the very definition of an epic and continues to immerse me into its world every time I watch it. It is a massive achievement and excels in all aspects of filmmaking. This set comes with a grand amount of goodies such as a replica of Charlton Heston's journal, a 64 page booklet filled with rare pictures from the films prodction, and of course the film itself along side hours of special features. This film comes highly recommended and if you like it than this set is one to own as well.

8. Casablanca 70th Anniversary Limited Edition Giftset (Blu-Ray)

What can I say about Casablanca that you have not heard already? Well let us start with this set in paticular. Alongside the film itself on a Blu-Ray transfer with a mountains worth of extra features, this set also contains some great goodies as well. Inside you will find some coasters, a mini-poster for the films french release, and a 60 page booklet with production notes, drawings, and photos from the set. If you are a fan of this film this set is a must own! As for the classic film itself? Once again, it deserves the place it holds in history. An endearing story, great characters, masterful performances. This films ranks among the best films of all time and deserves no less than such appreciation. I highly recommend  both this set and the film. Bonus! Does my family know me or what? My brother got me these replicas of Harvey Dent's 'lucky' coin from The Dark Knight. One piece is from his glory days as Gotham City's District Attorney and one from after his transformation into the villain Two-Face, complete with the ashes covering one side as depicted in the film. Rest assured I will be using the second coin to make all the unimportant decisions. What are your thoughts on these films? What did you get for Christmas? Sound off below and thanks to everyone one who checked this post out!

Every Journey Has An End

This is it. Following my latest DVD & Blu-Ray Collection Update video (seen above) I revealed that it would also, in fact, be my last. This was a long time coming and there is little to no chance I will go back on this decision, but what does this mean for the future of my Youtube channel and my involvement in this Film Fan online community that I’ve become a part of? Well here’s the deal:

1) I’m Not Going Anywhere: My Youtube channel will remain open and all previous videos will still be available for viewing. I’ll still be watching and commenting on videos from the people I’m subscribed to, especially from those who were kind enough to take the time to regularly view my own, and I’ll still be present online where the DVD Collecting Community generally ‘hang out’ on social networking sites such as Twitter, Tumblr, Last.FM, DVD Aficionado, and Gomiso.

1) No More DVD/Blu-Ray Collection Update Videos: This is a final decision. The reasons come down to the basic fact that even when putting a minimal amount of effort into getting the update videos online and with at least some sense of quality, it still takes more time than the rewards are worth. I don’t want to come across as someone whining about a lack of comments or views on my videos recently, but facts are facts and there seems little point in putting work into something without an audience. Naturally I will still be collecting films on DVD and Blu-Ray, and I will still share my recent buys with the online community, however these new “updates” will either take the form of a simple image of recent hauls or a blog post featuring brief reviews of the films I’ve collected. This takes me to my next point…

3) The Thinking Lens Blog!: Considering I’m now in full-time University studies in a Film Studies program, I’ve more than decided that a career in film journalism is the path I’d love to pursue. While I’ve made blog posts in the past, I’ve generally done them sporadically and in moments of boredom. Now I’ve decided, for the time being at least, to focus on this blog first, foremost, and with greater frequency. While Tumblr is a great place to write, posts can easily get lost among the reblogged images, GIF’s, and works from others. This blogspot site will be devoted exclusively to whatever written posts I may conjure up. If nothing else the writing will be good practice for whatever future endeavors I may embark on. This blog will unsurprisingly focus on film, television, music, literature, politics, and everything else going on in the world worth discussing! Hopefully many of you will swing by and visit!

4) Future Youtube videos?: Does the end of DVD/Blu-Ray Updates mean the end of new videos? Not permanently…but probably for a while. While a traditional short Christmas related video will likely be up for the holidays, chances are it will be the last video of any sort for some time. So what’s planned for the future? Some of you may have watched two of my videos uploaded under the title The Thinking Lens (and to those who did, I thank you) which focused on analyzing various media related topics of my choosing. While the videos didn’t exactly turn out how I planned, I have learned from them and developed new ideas for the ‘series’ in the process. Therefore the future for my Youtube channel will consist of videos part of a series titled The Thinking Lens which will continue to explore and discuss all things media. The key difference this time is that I will be putting a lot more effort into these videos in terms of producing better quality work. Hence why it may be a while before you see new videos as it will take considerable time to get them to where I want them to be and I am still a full-time student with other responsibilities. Some would argue why quit making Collection Update videos due to low viewership only to begin making more ambitious ones? We’ll my logic is that if I’m going to put up videos at all, they may as well be ones I’m proud of putting up and hopefully the audience can grow from that. I’ll update you all on when you can expect to see these videos, however in the meantime this blog is where I will be most active. Hopefully you will stick around here now and in the future!

There you have it. I’ve enjoyed my time sharing the films I’ve collected with you all and will continue to share in the discussions with all of you. This is far from the end for me on Youtube or as a member of this great community. It’s a fun group which looks to be adding newer and greater members as time goes on and I look forward to future material from all of you. This is just a step in a new direction for me that I hope turns out well. Until then, thanks for the support and take care!

-Seb