Cloverfield (2008) DVD

So I managed to get the Cloverfield DVD a day early, freakin rad! So I spent the day going through it. I found lots of bonus features all of which were produced by a guy I worked for on the Lone Gunmen DVD and Boomtown DVD. Pretty cool. So there are several documentaries, one on the making of the movie, another on the FX and some great Commentaries.
If you get motion sick and decided not to see it in the theater, go buy this DVD and watch it at home. the shaking isn't too bad when you watch it on TV at home.
Americas Monster Movie is what this film was intended to be, so far, I have yet to see any Cloverfield toys. It was inspired by J.J. Abrams trip to Japan and seeing all the Godzilla stuff in the toy stores. You wont find any more answers to the film on this DVD. It is still left pretty ambiguous. But the tick is to watch the end, very closely.
Matt Worley

Shine A Light

The new concert film Shine A Light, directed by Martin Scorcese is almost like a bookend to both Gimme Shelter, the 1970 documentary about the Rolling Stones at Altamont and Scorcese's first concert film, The Last Waltz (1978). Both films reflect the lasting careers of both the Stones and "Marty."

Going into this film, I was not aware that it was really just a concert film. I was sort of expecting something more like Gimme Shelter. There was some backstage and preparation footage, but mostly just the concert, shot from about a dozen different film cameras. The cinematography was great with the Beacon theater being used in several creative ways.

The film overall is a testament to the amazing longetivity of the Rolling Stones. These guys put on the same energized performance as they did in the 60s. This concert, which was a benefit for the Clinton Foundation from October 29, 2006. I do not consider myself a huge Stones fan, but I was definitely entertained by the show. If you get the chance, it is also playing in IMAX around the country. (122 minutes - PG-13)

Mike Worley

Leatherheads (2008)

Last night we went out with some friends and saw Leatherheads at the local Century Theatre. Seeing as there was nothing else showing that had any redeeming quality and not rated "R".
So we took a chance on Clooney's next vehicle. Well, the premise of this film was, the birth of profitable pro-football and the tale of war legends that weren't really legends. Sorry if that spoils if for you but it is still a enjoyable movie to watch. Set as a period piece in the 1920's, needless to say I was not around in the 20's but if I was, I bet it looked a lot like this film.

George Clooney plays a 40-something "pro" football player struggling to keep his team going strong, while trying all he can to entice the public to be interested in paying to come to the games. John Krasinski is the war hero and college football player. Clooney's pro team brings the young hotshot to add interest to the game. Renée Zellweger plays the reporter out to expose anything about the squeaky clean hero.

In summery, this is a great date movie, since it is classified as a romantic comedy. The pacing is a little on the slow side, yet is it is still enjoyable. The use of stylized photos to help tell more story was excellent. Overall it was fun.
Matt Worley

Sweeney Todd (2008 DVD)

Sweeney Todd was released on DVD April 1st, No Joke. Katie and I saw this in the theaters right when it came out, and we really enjoyed it. Granted, it has pretty graphic bloody violence. Which wasn't much worse then Sleepy Hollow. The combination of Burton, Carter and Depp was spectacular, throw in some Sondheim music and WHAM you got a great film.
Being a fan of the film I had to buy the Special Edition, if you haven't been able to tell yet I'm a movie geek. First thing I decided to do was watch all the bonus stuff because that is the telling point of good pre-production. They knew this film would be good, so the production value that went into the special features was excellent! Among some of the bonus features are a press conference, the making of, The history of The Demon Barber and a whole lot more. The latter was brilliant! My recommendation is to go buy this film, whether you get the standard version or the special edition.
The film it self is 116 Min. the bonus material is well, they never tell you how much there is, but there is a lot!
Matt Worley