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KANSAS CITY, MO —
1) LIFE OF PI (PG)
SHAWN
‘Life a Pi” is a spectacular visual treat supported by a fascinating and amazing story. Will it work as well at home as it did on the big screen/ not sure. “Life of Pi” is one of the few movies that i believe should only be seen on the big screen.
RUSS
Although the 2001 bestselling novel was thought to be unfilmable, thanks to recent developments in cinematic technology and a daring filmmaker named Ang Lee, “Life of Pi” is a visually stunning and absorbing movie experience. It’s was the best film of 2012.
SHAWN
Not sure it was the best but it is very good and did win the most Oscars at the recent Academy Awards. And you’ll be rewarded by checking this movie out. It’s impossibly beautiful. The extras include the mini-documentaries “Remarkable Vision,” “Epic Journey” and “Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright” and the storyboards. The Blu-ray/3D combo features deleted scenes and VFX progression.
RUSS: 5 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 5 Popcorn Bags
2) HITCHCOCK (PG-13)
SHAWN
Alfred Hitchcock is arguably one of the greatest movie directors ever. He’s an iconic figure who hada larger than life personality. So why was this movie so dull?
RUSS
Although Alfred Hitchcock was a heavyweight champion of filmmaking, the movie “Hitchcock” is surprisingly lightweight. It’s an oddly timid portrait of the ‘Master of Suspense.’
SHAWN
This guy deserves a much better movie because “Hitchcock” plays out like more of a stage play and not a very engaging one. Extras include standard commentary and deleted scenes. But you also get “Becoming the Master: From Hopkins to Hitchcock” “Obsessed With Hitchcock” and a really good “Remembering Hitchcock.”featurette.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags
3) RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (PG)
SHAWN
“Rise of the Guardians’ is a fun and playful animated feature that cleverly has Santa, the Easter bunny, the tooth fairy and the Sand Man led by Jack Frost who team up to protect the innocence of children all around the world.
RUSS
Russ says the story is uninspired, but the effective voice talent and the colorful computer animation help make it a passable family holiday flick. The extras include commentary with director Peter Ramsey, the first black to direct an animated feature for a major studio, a “Dreamers and Believers” cast and character featurette; “Sandy’s Dream Guide,” interactive guide in which the Sandman helps interpret dreams. Also, on Blu-ray: four-part behind-the-scenes featurette; “The Man Behind the Guardians” on author William Joyce; two games: “Jack Frost Snowball Showdown!” and “Rock, Paper, Scissors With Sandy.”
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags
4) CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY (PG)
SHAWN
“Cirque Du Soleil” is an incredible experience if you witness it live. Just saying. i guess this movie version will suffice if you plan on never attending one of the many “Cirque” sohws in person.
RUSS
Russ agrees and says this DVD release is a cinematic recreation of many of the stunning acrobatic acts from the various Las Vegas Cirque shows. It’s beautiful to look at and lovingly filmed, but somehow lacks the dynamism of the live Cirque shows.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
