Transforming To DVD

"Transformers: Revenege of the Fallen" is now out on DVD and Blu-ray. It's the biggest film of the year. Through August, Optimus and the gang have grossed more then $800 million dollars worldwide. There's a bunch of different versions at many outlets throughout the country. I picked up the "Big Screen Edition" which includes the IMAX scenes from the film. No, I don't have an IMAX at my home, but the "Forest Battle" is my favorite scene in the movie and you can see more of the fight with the wide angle lens. There's even an Optimus Prime replica for blu-ray fans that are interested.

I'm a special features type of guy, and "Big Screen Edition" does not disappoint. There's over 3 hours of features, including deleted scenes, interviews with Michael Bay and Steven Speilberg, and loads of behind the scenes footage. The movie is one of the biggest spectacles ever put together, and you can certaintly see that in the special features.

I grew up with "Transformers" so I was excited when I heard about the possibility of a movie. The first movie was AWESOME and the sequel expands the world of gigantic robots by ten times! The original is still my favorite, but this film takes special effects to a whole new level. Pop some popcorn, call over a few friends, and sit down and enjoy the show!

In Which We Talk To Whitney Matheson

She writes a daily blog for USAToday.com called "PopCandy," and a little while back, we got a chance to talk with Whitney Matheson about her experiences at this year's Comic Con in San Diego.
Yes, it's a little late, but she's an extremely busy person.
Check out the interview below:

PS: What do you think will be the biggest "sleeper" movie or TV show to come out of Comic Con?

WM: "I'm not really sure how to answer this, because these days Comic-Con is pretty much dominated by the big-budget movies and series. But the film I was most impressed with was "Kick-Ass," a movie that didn't have a distributor when it came to the convention. The filmmakers received a standing ovation, and, sure enough, it now has a distributor and a release date."




PS: What are you most looking forward to on TV this fall?

WM: "FlashForward" is interesting. I've also heard great things about "Stargate Universe," though the premiere is still on my DVR!

(*PS: In related news, ABC just picked up "FlashForward" for a full season!)

PS: What one thing from Comic Con (movie or TV show) can you just not
wait to see?

WM: "I hate to repeat myself, but it might be "Kick-Ass" - that movie looked so good! Also, I'm intrigued by "Avatar" ... who isn't?"

PS: What was one of the most revealing items from the "Lost" panel?

WM: "Ooh, there was so much I wrote a blow-by-blow description! I was happy to hear that Elizabeth Mitchell would be returning. And each video clip was extremely revealing (do a YouTube search to see them), even though I'm still not entirely sure what they all mean."

Our thanks to Whitney for taking time to answer a few questions! Be sure to check out her writing every day in PopCandy on USAToday.com

Take A Break?

Paramount has recently announced that "Transformers 3" will be released in 2011. Director Michael Bay already has a few ideas rolling through his head and has already met with Hasbro to talk about adding some new robots to the mix. I love Transformers, but I'm on the other side of the fence on this one. Don't get me wrong I want a third installment, but I just don't want it rushed into my face...I mean Hollywood never does that right?? I had hoped that Bay would take a break from Optimus and focus on something else for a change. He had plans to make a small budget movie before completing the trilogy. This would help him get a new perspective on the things he has done so far and how he can supplement them.

I am THE biggest Transformers fan, but it's no secret that there are a few problems with "Fallen," -- you can find some of my complaints in an older post. I'm also one of those that stand behind Bay -- instead of the thousands that continue to bash him all the time over the web. I will still be first in line for the third movie, I just wish he would do something else first.

Can directors learn from their mistakes? We will find out soon enough. Sam Raimi says he has learned from "Spider-Man 3" and hopes to make the fourth installment much better -- he actually did another movie before jumping back on the wall crawler.

Optimus Prime is one of my favorite icons. Is there anything wrong with waiting an extra year before we see him slash up a few more Decepticons??

Patience is a virtue.

"The Twilight Zone" Turns 50

Submitted for your approval...

50 years ago today, Rod Serling's classic series "The Twilight Zone" made its debut on CBS. The show featured not only the best writing around, but top notch talent and acting that made you think--really think about what you were seeing and the message of the story.

I have far too many favorite episodes to just pick out just one. Among those I really enjoyed, Burgess Meredith as the bookish bank teller who just wants to read, then when he does get all the time in the world, he breaks his glasses. I believe the title is "Time Enough At Last."

Of course, who can forget Earl Holliman in the very first episode, "Where Is Everybody," as the subject of a military experiment on isolation gone awry. There are big stars in just about every episode of the series. They were all really morality tales, and Rod Serling's prologue and epilogue was nothing short of poetry--the kind of writing English teachers dream of, and has no equal on TV today. 

I'm so grateful (and you should be too), that this truly legendary series has been preserved on DVD so future generations can enjoy the iconic storytelling.

What's your favorite episode?

Theme from the Twilight Zone - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra/Erich Kunzel

You've Got A Friend In Pixar

That's right ladies and gentlemen, Pixar is going back to its roots to release "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" in 3D! The move is the first of many as the company gets ready for "Toy Story 3" next Summer. It's actually a double feature -- you pay for one ticket and get to see both films, a preview of "Toy Story 3," and an intermission thrown in between. Many people argue that most movies these days aren't worth the $40 dollars you would spend at the theater -- with "Toy Story" you don't have to worry about that.

I know, I know, seeing Buzz and Woody fly around in 3D seems like a gimmick, but I'm a fan of the latest 3D films. "Monsters Vs Aliens" was great in 3D and last week i became really hungry all of a sudden during "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs" thanks to my 3D glasses. Pixar did not originally create these two movies for a 3D release, but early reviews online say that the films look great on screen.

So, if you wondering what to see at the movies this weekend or if you just need a break from the real world -- check out "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" in 3D! They are only in theaters for 2 weeks, so grab your Woody shirt and get to the movies quick!

You can't go wrong with Pixar.

"FlashForward" Reviewed

By now, most people have seen the new ABC show "FlashForward," which has been hyped as "the next Lost." So, as you may imagine, I was really looking forward, no pun intended, to its debut last week. 

The storyline was intriguing--people all over the world black out for 2 minutes, 17 seconds, a time when many of them see a vision of the future. We learn that these futures, although different for every person, are in fact connected. 

After everyone wakes up, we see that there has been some sort of global attack, and streets are in chaos. We're still working on that mystery.

Let me first say that I'm in. The show has a high "what happens next" factor, and I'll tune in for that reason alone. Having said that, the show is, by no means, another "Lost." The only way I can connect it to "Lost" is the big mystery, and a lot of characters. The minute you start comparing a TV show or movie to an already established hit, you're setting a near impossible goal. To both satisfy fans of the existing product, while also drawing in new ones. Very tough indeed. 

I read a recent article with which I must agree. Whereas "Lost" immediately developed characters you cared about, loved, or hated, then added the "what's going on here" element, "FlashForward" has done just the opposite. First we get the "what's going on?" then the characters. The show has a fine cast of talented actors, notably Joseph Fiennes and John Cho, among many others, but really needs to work on character development.

Where "Lost" gave us an onion that's been slowly peeled week after week, "FlashForward" has chopped up the onion, and now we have to see how in the world it all fits back together. 

You can watch "FlashForward" Thursday nights at 7 on ABC.

Another "Legendary" Season

Season 4 of "How I Met Your Mother" arrives to store shelves today. The show is a love story in reverse, it's based on a true story that the creators actually lived through. In the future, Ted (Josh Radnor) sits down with his two kids and begins to tell the story of how he met their mother. He decides that it's time to find that special someone after his roomates Marshall (Jason Segel) and Lily (Alyson Hannigan) get engaged. With the help of Marshall, Lily, and his new best friends Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) and Robin (Cobie Smulders), Ted sets off on the journey to find Mrs. Right. The show is narrated by Bob Saget. It took on a few unexpected twists last season (sorry, not going to mention any spoilers here). I'm a big fan of HIMYM and own all the seasons on DVD. It may be the only sitcom ever to end a season in the middle of a word! This Spring's surprise hit, "I Love You, Man" helped get co-star Jason Segel on the map. Along with Segel, Neil Patrick Harris is back in the limelight and has put the days of "Harold and Kumar" behind him thanks to the CBS hit. In a world where "Reality" shows try to fight for every ounce of our viewing pleasure (or maybe it's displeasure), I'm glad that there are still a few sitcoms out there to help us laugh, but also give us some food for thought.