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- Review count57
- Helpfulness votes48
- First reviewAugust 17, 2018
- Last reviewAugust 25, 2023
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- Average rating4.6
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- First answerApril 28, 2019
- Last answerSeptember 17, 2023
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![Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 [SteelBook][Dig Copy][4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [Only @ Best Buy] [2023]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/304b2327-370a-41e7-956a-951dd4939472.png)
Customer Rating
5
Excellent Bookend for The GotG Trilogy! ❤️ Cosmo!
on August 25, 2023
Posted by: doc8998
Verified Purchase:Yes
What a wonderful finish for this iteration of the GotG in the MCU!
Perhaps above any other MCU film. GotG3 manages to handle all of the aspects we've come to expect in an entry- action, humor & character studies- not just with part of that "soup of categories," handled well & other parts acceptable at best- but with all these ingredients earning an A+.
The end result is- maybe only 2nd to Sony's MCU Spidey: No Way Home- a film punching you in the "feels" as we say good-bye to this version of The GotG as we know them.
Perhaps above any other MCU film. GotG3 manages to handle all of the aspects we've come to expect in an entry- action, humor & character studies- not just with part of that "soup of categories," handled well & other parts acceptable at best- but with all these ingredients earning an A+.
The end result is- maybe only 2nd to Sony's MCU Spidey: No Way Home- a film punching you in the "feels" as we say good-bye to this version of The GotG as we know them.
While there's PLENTY to love about GotG3- our characters & story- the standout amongst newcomers is Cosmo the Space Dog. Our whole family loved her and laughed along each time she appeared onscreen, looking for validation of being a "good dog". Cosmo looks primed to be a part of a new Guardians team, and one can only hope that the teased team will be given their time in a theater, even if James Gunn is now working for the competition at DC/WB. (And yes, we were aware that Cosmo is now a female, but honestly... just didn't care, even with no explanation offered. If you're unable to roll with the punches and simply enjoy the experience the way Gunn chose to make his vision and feel the need to turn it into some weird major issue in a fictional universe where the dead never STAY dead, then you just very well may not enjoy GotG3, which is a shame, but at least I've offered fair warning to any who may read this review and fall into that category).
Length of ownership: 28
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Plot a course for astronomical adventures on your PS5 console with the DualSense Galactic Purple wireless controller. Part of an expanded line-up of galaxy-themed accessories, this sleek purple controller is the perfect companion for exploring new gaming universes.
Customer Rating
5
Love the DualSense!
on June 10, 2023
Posted by: doc8998
Verified Purchase:Yes
My 3rd DualSense to have one for my wife, myself (red) & my son (packed in white).
Sony's controllers have all felt more natural to me than Microsoft's (altho, I still use those for XB1 & PC/VR gaming,) but there's little doubt that the DualSense has outright set the standard of offical controllers this gen. Strong, sturdy, touch pad, and of course, the amazing haptic feedback (altho, it really needs to be used more by devs. When it IS used, it just adds immersion to a game).
Do wish the purple here was ever so slightly brighter, but still another gorgeous color to add for our family's controller bank.
Other than that, not much to say except I'm writing this review because of a reminder from Best Buy that I'd be entered for a $400 gift card drawing! LOL.
Sony's controllers have all felt more natural to me than Microsoft's (altho, I still use those for XB1 & PC/VR gaming,) but there's little doubt that the DualSense has outright set the standard of offical controllers this gen. Strong, sturdy, touch pad, and of course, the amazing haptic feedback (altho, it really needs to be used more by devs. When it IS used, it just adds immersion to a game).
Do wish the purple here was ever so slightly brighter, but still another gorgeous color to add for our family's controller bank.
Other than that, not much to say except I'm writing this review because of a reminder from Best Buy that I'd be entered for a $400 gift card drawing! LOL.
Length of ownership: 22
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Value
4
Ease of Use
5
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Marvel's Avengers is an epic, third-person, action-adventure game that combines an original, cinematic story with single-player and co-operative gameplay*. Assemble into a team of up to four players online, master extraordinary abilities, customize a growing roster of Heroes, and defend the Earth from escalating threats. In a future with Super Heroes outlawed, a young Kamala Khan must reassemble the Avengers to stop AIM. Marvel's Avengers continues the epic journey with new Heroes and new narrative delivered on an ongoing basis, for the definitive Avengers gaming experience.
Customer Rating
4
Not Everybody's Tony Stark
on June 9, 2023
Posted by: doc8998
Verified Purchase:Yes
Marvel's Avengers was lambasted upon release, with good reason(s). Microtransactions galore for new, desired outfits, new characters, and more (I do NOT consider the "Spider-Man Drama" among these. In the same vein that Sony players shouldn't expect Master Chief in their games, don't expect Spidey to show up on other platforms- remember, Marvel was pulling a Titanic & in bankruptcy, only able to tread water due to Sony stepping in to purchase the rights to Spider-Man, so if you're carrying expectations for access to Spidey outside of Sony's desires, you need to keep those in check).
While a purchase now will not net you all the goodies, those of us who gave Avengers a shot via PS+ or purchased the game & earned a trophy prior to the ending of support on Avengers netted (almost) all the DLC for free, so if you played via PS+ and earned a trophy prior to support end, a pickup may still net you these.
Regardless of the now free stuff, spending time with Avengers can find you a solid, if not very fun, action game. It doesn't hit the notes of Square's follow-up GotG game, but this is more Diablo looter-shooter than story driven.
If you're soured on Avengers just based on what you've read, you may have a hard time getting over that hill. If you're looking for a fun time-sink, happy just to play with Marvel's flagship team, you may end up surprised.
Hard to recommend to *everyone* but fans willing to look past the serious missteps Square took from the outset and just play the game, minus the outside drama, but fun... and quite a bit of it, CAN be had here.
Length of ownership: 133
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Shazam! Fury of the Gods (Limited Edition Steelbook 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray) [UHD] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/bec28a59-7a6f-4075-b2a8-949e35ea57f5.jpg)
Shazam! Fury of the Gods (Limited Editi
Customer Rating
4
Unfairly Treated, Lightning DIDN'T Strike Tix 2X
on June 6, 2023
Posted by: doc8998
Verified Purchase:Yes
Again, dear Best Buy, I wish you allowed 1/2 star increments, because the true rating here probably falls at 4 1/2 stars, IMHO.
Shazam: Fury of the Gods pulled a similar surprise as the first, but whereas the first became a huge surprise after little expectations, SFG was expected to raise the bar even higher and fell flat... and that's truly shocking. Whether it was word of mouth that fans (myself & my family, incl my 9y/o son,) didn't enjoy it, or... and a sneaking suspicion this played a larger role, that SFG was a moot point, regardless of whether it sank or swam... heck, even if it was Michael Phelps... with the Big Red Cheese having no apparent plans in new DC Films' Head, James Gunn's future for a new DCEU, SFG came out with the short end of the stick at the box office.
Shazam: Fury of the Gods pulled a similar surprise as the first, but whereas the first became a huge surprise after little expectations, SFG was expected to raise the bar even higher and fell flat... and that's truly shocking. Whether it was word of mouth that fans (myself & my family, incl my 9y/o son,) didn't enjoy it, or... and a sneaking suspicion this played a larger role, that SFG was a moot point, regardless of whether it sank or swam... heck, even if it was Michael Phelps... with the Big Red Cheese having no apparent plans in new DC Films' Head, James Gunn's future for a new DCEU, SFG came out with the short end of the stick at the box office.
But, despite what some fans may claim, it didn't in what it provided. The humor, the action, the story all showed the same effort & was one heck of a follow up, with a final third of the film employing as much as they possibly could from creatures straight from Greek mythology, as well as a dragon and others.
What we seem to be getting from superhero films as of late, in my opinion, isn't worse product, as fans voice disappointment after disappointment... it's simply fatigue. Unless a superhero film offers something *TRULY* remarkable, the tried & true formula after 30 films has gone stale for them. The last superhero film that got rave reviews from everyone had the dazzle by bringing all the actors that have played Spider-Man over 2 decades together on the big screen.
If you're here for the power trip fantasy that superhero films offer & can stand back to realize they're just that- 2hrs of spectacle that have roughly 2-3 variations on a theme outside of the big teamups to save the world (itself its own variation on a theme) because one hero can't do it alone, you'll be fine.
If you're expecting the wheel to be reinvented continuously with these movies, or haven't stood back & recognized it yet, that little voice in the back of your head is going to, with each successive movie, tell you, "it's not as good as Tony Stark announcing 'I AM Iron Man!'" Or seeing the Avengers all together onscreen at once after a decade of teasing, nor top seeing the first Spider-Man, one of the originators (along with the XMen, 20yrs ago,) or his follow-up in the mask, walk onscreen into the universe where Tom Holland currently holds the title.
SFG is more of the same... more of the same action, same message of family, and the same fun, goofy humor delivered expertly by Zachary Levi reliving being a barely-there teen. It's fine, it's fun, and it's a shame it appears to have hit its end.
Length of ownership: 18
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
4
Same Fun in the MCU, Even If...
on May 19, 2023
Posted by: doc8998
Verified Purchase:Yes
I expected much, MUCH worse after reading reviews, but my family & I had a blast... even if that blast has become overly familiar.
At this point, you're either onboard with the MCU formula, you've never been aboard, or you're growing tired of it, and Quantumania isn't going to change your mind.
MCU films are very, VERY much like the comics- some are largely fun, throaway stories that contain pieces of the puzzle to a large crossover event and others are either the crossover event themselves or a large chunk of the upcoming event. In some cases what you've gotten out of the story has obvious pieces, and in others, those pieces won't reveal themselves until further into whichever phase is coming to a conclusion.
With Quantumania, it feels as if there's very obvious large chunks being fed to you and the story is built around this rather than a self-contained story with stealthily placed clues.
That said, Paul Rudd's time as Ant-Man has often had a bit more levity involved than some of the more serious stories, and in Quantumania, you're getting a bit of both, but a little more seriousness than is typical, which I enjoyed.
This was a fun adventure my whole family- between me (50s) wife (40s) & son (9) all enjoyed... but, we go into any & all MCU films with the expectations of a lot of action, loud & bombastic; some laughs; some clues or direction-pointing to the "end of phase event," and lastly, a SOLID story. Quantumania delivered on all fronts.
It seems to me people have come to expect Shakespeare instead of comic book fare. This isn't to say there isn't excellent story-telling that comes to fruition in these films- there certainly is- but that's a bar that shouldn't be expected to be cleared with every release, and the disappointment over Quantumania is quite baffling to me. It seems to carry quite a bit of what to expect from the upcoming Kang Dynasty, and that volume of setup was appreciated.
By now, you either enjoy the MCU for what it is or you don't. Expecting these "old dogs" to learn new tricks is only setting you up for disappointment. Quantumania employs the action, humor, and more FX than most MCU films that you should expect. If you have your hopes up for something else, then don't expect Quantumania to feel fulfilling, but I'd add to not expect any MCU release at this point to change your mind. You're either in it for the long haul at this point or be prepared to start backing out.
At this point, you're either onboard with the MCU formula, you've never been aboard, or you're growing tired of it, and Quantumania isn't going to change your mind.
MCU films are very, VERY much like the comics- some are largely fun, throaway stories that contain pieces of the puzzle to a large crossover event and others are either the crossover event themselves or a large chunk of the upcoming event. In some cases what you've gotten out of the story has obvious pieces, and in others, those pieces won't reveal themselves until further into whichever phase is coming to a conclusion.
With Quantumania, it feels as if there's very obvious large chunks being fed to you and the story is built around this rather than a self-contained story with stealthily placed clues.
That said, Paul Rudd's time as Ant-Man has often had a bit more levity involved than some of the more serious stories, and in Quantumania, you're getting a bit of both, but a little more seriousness than is typical, which I enjoyed.
This was a fun adventure my whole family- between me (50s) wife (40s) & son (9) all enjoyed... but, we go into any & all MCU films with the expectations of a lot of action, loud & bombastic; some laughs; some clues or direction-pointing to the "end of phase event," and lastly, a SOLID story. Quantumania delivered on all fronts.
It seems to me people have come to expect Shakespeare instead of comic book fare. This isn't to say there isn't excellent story-telling that comes to fruition in these films- there certainly is- but that's a bar that shouldn't be expected to be cleared with every release, and the disappointment over Quantumania is quite baffling to me. It seems to carry quite a bit of what to expect from the upcoming Kang Dynasty, and that volume of setup was appreciated.
By now, you either enjoy the MCU for what it is or you don't. Expecting these "old dogs" to learn new tricks is only setting you up for disappointment. Quantumania employs the action, humor, and more FX than most MCU films that you should expect. If you have your hopes up for something else, then don't expect Quantumania to feel fulfilling, but I'd add to not expect any MCU release at this point to change your mind. You're either in it for the long haul at this point or be prepared to start backing out.
As far as the steelbook goes, this is a fun, eye-popping design & Best Buy's deal to carry these continues to reap dividends! Keep up the great work!
Length of ownership: 7
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Pearl - BLU-RAY [Standard]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/d8fb25f4-d79f-41af-81b5-dfc6a8a467b7.jpg)
With her husband in the trenches of World War I, young Pearl (Mia Goth) had no options but to look after her parents' Texas farm and her infirm father (Matthew Sunderland) under the eye of her domineering mother (Tandi Wright). To fall back on, she had fantasies provided by the local movie house and dreams of personal showbiz glory-and her efforts to obtain them will lead to a horrific psychotic break. Ti West's stylish and shocking InchXInch prequel co-stars David Corenswet, Emma Jenkins-Purro. 102 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack English.
Customer Rating
4
A Touch of a Let Down, but Gimme More!
on March 31, 2023
Posted by: doc8998
Verified Purchase:Yes
Look, Pearl turned out to be a solid movie that wasn't *required* viewing to enjoy X, and giving one of the primary antagonists of X their own story- making a character that ended up much more surprisingly fleshed-out for a slasher than the majority of the genre- was excellent.
Loved the concept, the execution, the stars & pretty much everything about Pearl.
So... why the 4 stars?
Quite simply, to temper expectations.
I loved X, which was a much more traditional slasher & it did better than most of its inspirations in the decades prior ever did & Pearl more than adds to understanding the character of Pearl.
But, after all the hubbub surrounding Pearl, I was set to love this MORE than X, which did NOT happen.
Should you AT LEAST see Pearl?
Of course!
Is it required viewing? Actually, no. Her motives & history were so well *shown* in X, that *telling* it isn't *necessary* but BOY IS IT APPRECIATED!
Should you own Pearl?
I'm glad I do!
Should you believe the hype-train behind Pearl?
That's where I say no. Expect a way to appreciate the character more, to have a fun ride for 90mins & to leave satisfied. Just don't expect it to TOP X. I did & felt a bit of a sting as Pearl rolled credits. It's less a slasher film than a character study, which is where it excels.
Loved the concept, the execution, the stars & pretty much everything about Pearl.
So... why the 4 stars?
Quite simply, to temper expectations.
I loved X, which was a much more traditional slasher & it did better than most of its inspirations in the decades prior ever did & Pearl more than adds to understanding the character of Pearl.
But, after all the hubbub surrounding Pearl, I was set to love this MORE than X, which did NOT happen.
Should you AT LEAST see Pearl?
Of course!
Is it required viewing? Actually, no. Her motives & history were so well *shown* in X, that *telling* it isn't *necessary* but BOY IS IT APPRECIATED!
Should you own Pearl?
I'm glad I do!
Should you believe the hype-train behind Pearl?
That's where I say no. Expect a way to appreciate the character more, to have a fun ride for 90mins & to leave satisfied. Just don't expect it to TOP X. I did & felt a bit of a sting as Pearl rolled credits. It's less a slasher film than a character study, which is where it excels.
Length of ownership: 30
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
5
4.5 Star Movie 5 Star Steelbook
on October 28, 2022
Posted by: doc8998
Verified Purchase:Yes
Begin with the steelbook- if you're a collector of the steels due to the often much better art, the beauty of steel & often display these "faced forward" so visitors will have their eyes caught & begin conversations as a way to introduce new movies to them; Punisher: War Zone will do that, especially with sweet clear red plastic slip overlaid the steel. Just a gorgeous job. The movie itself is kind of all over the place with the actors involved, and unfortunately, Ray Stevenson as Frank Castle/ Punisher is one of the weakest involved, with a monotone delivery throughout, struggling with the scenes that require emotional depth of a character wracked with grief- not bringing back Thomas Jane was a real miss here. The other issue is that there's almost two movies in play- when we get to the big bads & one particular group of parkour loving henchmen, they play their roles almost cartoonishly- not necessarily a bad thing, in and of itself- but a stark contrast to (outside one comic relief officer & Wayne Knight as Micro being semi-comic relief... think of his role in Jurassic Park & you'll get an idea of the "everyman" with a funnybone) all the "good guys" who all play their roles straight & all have major sources of loss in their life, and you have a tone that's just sort of jumping around scene by scene. It's not all bad, it's just a weird shift that plays out almost at every change of scene within PWZ. The good? The VERY GOOD? Oboy does PWZ NAIL the chaos & violence that Punisher causes every time he's unleashed. Where the original, Thomas Jane-led film played almost reserved in its violence, no punches are pulled in War Zone, with graphic depictions & lingering camera shots. In THIS regard, Punisher fans will be happy. War Zone is a wild, loud, bombastic ride that's sure to leave smiles on faces of Punisher fans, even if it feels, at times, like there were two different films made and spliced together for one product. It may have two different voices speaking, but they're both screaming, and the result is... a War Zone.
Length of ownership: 11
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
5
One of Very Best Vamp Films Gets New Fangs
on October 7, 2022
Posted by: doc8998
Verified Purchase:Yes
At this point, if you haven't seen Fright Night 85, you need to adjust your priorities & correct this wrong in your life.
When a new neighbor moves in next door to Charley Brewster & his mother, things quickly go wrong when Charley discovers that the man next door is no man, but a vampire. With no one believing him, including his girlfriend, Amy, his horror obsessed best friend, "Evil" Ed, and down on his luck former Hollywood Vampire Killer, Peter Vincent, will Charley be able to end this supernatural reign of terror before everyone he cares about ends up in neighbor Jerry Dandridge's thrall?
When a new neighbor moves in next door to Charley Brewster & his mother, things quickly go wrong when Charley discovers that the man next door is no man, but a vampire. With no one believing him, including his girlfriend, Amy, his horror obsessed best friend, "Evil" Ed, and down on his luck former Hollywood Vampire Killer, Peter Vincent, will Charley be able to end this supernatural reign of terror before everyone he cares about ends up in neighbor Jerry Dandridge's thrall?
The extras here are the same as Sony's long overdue blu ray release from a couple years back, including the long-coveted 3hr documentary, "You're So Cool, Brewster!" And you really couldn't ask for a better collection, which leads to the final question of the transfer.
For a film pushing 40 years old, the master must have been well-kept. I've seen worse transfers from much younger films, for sure.
There is one issue here in the transfer in that you *may* need to mess with whatever standard picture settings you have for most of your 4K films.
In my case, I typically keep a neutral color temperature, along with a bright TV & HDR setting each.
Here, this made the picture look relatively washed out, but swapping to a warm temperature setting seemed to put color back in the actors' cheeks vs them all (especially Roddy McDowell) appearing to be vampires themselves. Switching to "normal" brightness settings offered some change, and it was a coin toss as to whether it helped or not- just make sure you go with that warm temperature setting if the picture appears washed out, particularly in skin tones.
There is one issue here in the transfer in that you *may* need to mess with whatever standard picture settings you have for most of your 4K films.
In my case, I typically keep a neutral color temperature, along with a bright TV & HDR setting each.
Here, this made the picture look relatively washed out, but swapping to a warm temperature setting seemed to put color back in the actors' cheeks vs them all (especially Roddy McDowell) appearing to be vampires themselves. Switching to "normal" brightness settings offered some change, and it was a coin toss as to whether it helped or not- just make sure you go with that warm temperature setting if the picture appears washed out, particularly in skin tones.
If there was a 1/2 star rating, Fright Night 85 would have garnered a 4.5 from me. The film still stands tall as one of the very best vampire films available in movie history (for me, it sits tied at #1 with Near Dark, criminally overlooked by coming out the same year as Lost Boys, but a far superior movie in 87, and even better now heading into 2023, where Lost Boys has been stuck in its 80s time capsule & films like Fright Night 85 & Near Dark have proven to be as timeless as possible,) its extras are above & beyond typical fare, truly only comparable to boutique distributors like Shout/ Scream Factory that go out of their way for these beloved classics often ignored or rushed out by the major studios that produced them.
In fact, it's a shame Shout Factory hadn't been handed the responsibilities for Fright Night 85 here. It's only conjecture on my part, but from experience, their transfer process has that "true love" behind it that may have avoided the need to fiddle with your preferred settings to get a better quality, and had they been given license for the plethora of extras Sony DID lovingly craft for FN85, my guess is, based on 99% of their releases of 80s horror, we would have gotten some exclusive bonuses, as well.
Very lastly- as a steelbook collector who rotates out "front faced" steelbooks to offer a fresh display of conversation-starters and ways to introduce new films to my younger friends (who didn't see films like Fright Night 85 in theaters, as I was lucky enough to do as a 13yr old,) this is a GORGEOUS steel cover art piece of the original movie art that will find a mostly permanent spot to catch the eye! Kudos!
Length of ownership: 8
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Pitch Black - 4K Blu-Ray [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/b769e8ce-ab5b-4b5c-837d-caac4c95cdb0.jpg)
THERE'S A NEW REASON TO BE AFRAID OF THE DARK. A sci-fi/horror sleeper hit that birthed a franchise and launched the career of a new action movie icon, Pitch Black holds it's own today as a nerve-shredding creature-feature in which the monsters outside finally meet their match against a monster within. When an intergalactic transport ship crashes on a remote desert planet with no sign of help on the horizon, the survivors, led by Fry (Radha Mitchell), band together to find a way back home. Among the passengers is Riddick (Vin Diesel), a convicted murderer being transported by marshal Johns (Cole Hauser) - and now freed of his chains and on the loose. But as a solar eclipse plunges the planet into total darkness, a threat even worse than Riddick reveals itself, and the last humans standing may have to form an uneasy truce with the cunning fugitive (whose eyes have been surgically altered to see in the dark) to last the long night. Boasting crackerjack direction and a whip-smart script by David Twohy, as well as a star-making performance by Diesel, Riddick's first outing is freshly unleashed in an illuminating, brand new 4K restoration, with hours of exclusive bonus content.
Customer Rating
4
Vin's Other Diesel-Soaked Series
on September 9, 2022
Posted by: doc8998
Verified Purchase:Yes
Great movie, solid transfer, but, and I'm basing this on prior excellent work out of Arrow, it appears the master had some damages that just couldn't be repaired in the transfer process, leading to portions in the rich blacks (which is funny on two levels, just due to the blacks being so deep, a high praise, considering I'm on a mid-tier 4K TV & a non-dedicated 4K player (XB1) and that this is a film with "black" right there in the title,) that end up with "scratchy-snow" dancing throughout them in some scenes, where some a perfect & quite breathtaking, compared to the black levels I've encountered in other films.
Unfortunately, this is a chance you take with some older films being upgraded to 4K nowadays (has it really been two decades since Pitch Black hit theaters? Wow, I'm old lol).
Unfortunately, this is a chance you take with some older films being upgraded to 4K nowadays (has it really been two decades since Pitch Black hit theaters? Wow, I'm old lol).
For fans of Pitch Black, the entire trilogy, or Vin Diesel, this is a must-own, ESPECIALLY at this under-$20 price tag & it including the "Director's Cut" (tbh, it's about 3mins of footage & I couldn't tell you what was added/changed, it's been so long, but I'm sure hardcore fans will know immediately).
For others, if you're happy with your blu ray, the price point may be enough incentive, but otherwise, dampen your expectations at a pristine transfer.
Length of ownership: 12
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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In late 19th century France, land baron Seamus Laurent (Alistair Petrie) didn't care for the Roma caravan on his property-or how brutal his means were for their removal, as an elder was slain. In short order, his young son Edward (Max Mackintosh) ran off, animalistic murders terrorized the community... and visiting pathologist John McBride (Boyd Holbrook) sought an explanation that might prove unholy. Old-school chiller also stars Kelly Reilly, Nigel Betts, Roxane Duran. AKA InchEight for Silver.Inch 111 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack English.
Customer Rating
5
FINALLY! Werewolf Film Worth Its Runtime!
on May 13, 2022
Posted by: doc8998
Verified Purchase:Yes
It's hard to believe that it's been 40 years since not one, but TWO werewolf films set a standard that have barely seen a challenger until The Cursed.
When American Werewolf in London and The Howling hit in 1981, it seemed to be a warning that werewolves were here to stay and be given films that should be paid attention to.
Unfortunately, with rare exception, the vast majority of werewolf films in the following 4 decades have barely hunted in the same forest as those two, let alone joined their pack.
Oh, there's certainly been some entertainment to be had, with some even being oh *SO* close- Dog Soldiers is an amazing romp. The Ginger Snaps films are smart takes, despite me finding the 3rd entry, perhaps the one with less to say outside straight entertainment, my favorite. Wolf Man remake is unfairly hated. Werewolf: The Beast Among Us, the sequel to The Wolf Man remake has a lot of heart and out punches the budget of a film meant to fit into a doomed shared universe. Silver Bullet is King at some of his most focused. Howl is a unique spin (funny how it & arguably the other "best since," Dog Soldiers, are out of the UK). Big Bad Wolf is a ton of fun. Wes Craven's Cursed is another one unfairly treated, but deserves to be given the fabled Director's Cut. Skin Walkers has a great cast of "hey! I know that actor!" But falls short in its story carrying its runtime. Wolves, even with Jason Momoa, can't quite give itself enough character to feel like it was an answer to Twilight.
And, with Underworld's Lycans needing truckloads of Rogaine, better CGI, and to be treated as something other than the answer to The Matrix as a way to explain crazy action scenes, I'd STILL rather watch the follow up sequels to both AWIL & The Howling.
That was probably the most infuriating thing with both those masterpieces from 1981- how their own sequels turned out to be dumpster fires with The Howling spawning another seven entries, with each managing to get progressively worse, while American Werewolf in Paris somehow is a thing. A very bad, forgettable thing.
When American Werewolf in London and The Howling hit in 1981, it seemed to be a warning that werewolves were here to stay and be given films that should be paid attention to.
Unfortunately, with rare exception, the vast majority of werewolf films in the following 4 decades have barely hunted in the same forest as those two, let alone joined their pack.
Oh, there's certainly been some entertainment to be had, with some even being oh *SO* close- Dog Soldiers is an amazing romp. The Ginger Snaps films are smart takes, despite me finding the 3rd entry, perhaps the one with less to say outside straight entertainment, my favorite. Wolf Man remake is unfairly hated. Werewolf: The Beast Among Us, the sequel to The Wolf Man remake has a lot of heart and out punches the budget of a film meant to fit into a doomed shared universe. Silver Bullet is King at some of his most focused. Howl is a unique spin (funny how it & arguably the other "best since," Dog Soldiers, are out of the UK). Big Bad Wolf is a ton of fun. Wes Craven's Cursed is another one unfairly treated, but deserves to be given the fabled Director's Cut. Skin Walkers has a great cast of "hey! I know that actor!" But falls short in its story carrying its runtime. Wolves, even with Jason Momoa, can't quite give itself enough character to feel like it was an answer to Twilight.
And, with Underworld's Lycans needing truckloads of Rogaine, better CGI, and to be treated as something other than the answer to The Matrix as a way to explain crazy action scenes, I'd STILL rather watch the follow up sequels to both AWIL & The Howling.
That was probably the most infuriating thing with both those masterpieces from 1981- how their own sequels turned out to be dumpster fires with The Howling spawning another seven entries, with each managing to get progressively worse, while American Werewolf in Paris somehow is a thing. A very bad, forgettable thing.
There are, as listed, some very entertaining entries since 1981, but that's largely the best that can be said about them. The best efforts have come not from Hollywood/ USA, with Ginger Snaps being Canadian & both Dog Soldiers & Howl out of the UK.
But, finally... 40 years later, The Cursed has blessed us. It's not the tablescraps offered from typical H'wood productions unwilling to invest the money to bring believable & frightening werewolves to the screen, leaving any wolf film to languish with no budget given by big studios nor no budget to be had from smaller ones.
The Cursed is filmed smartly, using its views of these unique, body-horror werewolves (seriously, the most mind-buggered werewolves I've seen onscreen as a 50y/o werewolf aficianado,) in small doses (if at all) that get a bit longer in each scene they appear until the biggest, most stunning reveal occurs, leaving unsuspecting, tough man hunter characters eyes wide, jaw slacked, and stomach retching as each moment passes in this drawn out pathology scene. Odds are, your brain will, if a fan eagerly awaiting the next great werewolf film, manage to both retch with the characters while also shouting "OH. MY. WORD!"
Every moment of The Cursed is a step into its' world. Every camera shot meticulously crafted, the score perfectly curated. The late 1800s setting seems so vivid, so utterly real that its less like watching a film & more like looking through a window in a time machine. The acting is sublime, from top to bottom, especially impressive with just how many children are on hand (despite not necessarily being the leads throughout, but occasionally meant to lead scenes, important scenes at that,) and expected to take charge of lines and scenes that carry weight.
The Cursed is filmed smartly, using its views of these unique, body-horror werewolves (seriously, the most mind-buggered werewolves I've seen onscreen as a 50y/o werewolf aficianado,) in small doses (if at all) that get a bit longer in each scene they appear until the biggest, most stunning reveal occurs, leaving unsuspecting, tough man hunter characters eyes wide, jaw slacked, and stomach retching as each moment passes in this drawn out pathology scene. Odds are, your brain will, if a fan eagerly awaiting the next great werewolf film, manage to both retch with the characters while also shouting "OH. MY. WORD!"
Every moment of The Cursed is a step into its' world. Every camera shot meticulously crafted, the score perfectly curated. The late 1800s setting seems so vivid, so utterly real that its less like watching a film & more like looking through a window in a time machine. The acting is sublime, from top to bottom, especially impressive with just how many children are on hand (despite not necessarily being the leads throughout, but occasionally meant to lead scenes, important scenes at that,) and expected to take charge of lines and scenes that carry weight.
The Cursed is a rare werewolf film... even a horror film... that transcends the genre. AWIL forced the Oscars' hand for special FX, but The Cursed should force it for at least cinematography & score considerations, as well as recognition for the young actress in the center of this movie for a supporting role. It won't happen, of course, but everything within The Cursed is so well crafted, it makes me wish & hope for a sequel/ prequel to gain further understanding of these very cool, very uniquely envisioned werewolves and it offers hope for the werewolf sub-genre. We can only cross our fingers that that hope is fulfilled, whether it be via a second entry or completely new stories given the same care in their crafting... and that we aren't forced to wait another 4 decades of such promise wasted.
Length of ownership: 8
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting go. Against a backdrop of Norse Realms torn asunder by the fury of the Aesir, they~ve been trying their utmost to undo the end times. But despite their best efforts, Fimbulwinter presses onward. Witness the changing dynamic of the father-son relationship as they fight for survival; Atreus thirsts for knowledge to help him understand the prophecy of ~Loki~, as Kratos struggles to break free of his past and be the father his son needs. See for yourself how fate will force a choice upon them: between their own safety or the safety of the realms. All the while, hostile Asgardian forces assemble~ Venture through all Nine Realms towards the prophesied battle that will end the world. Vanquish Norse gods and monsters alike in fluid, expressive combat. Explore in wonder through stunning mythological landscapes.
Will the ps5 be in there
The actual PS5 console? No.
This is a collector's edition of the game that includes a large replica statue of Mjolnir (Thor's hammer,) along with a few other small physical items and some digital "goodies" to redeem for use in the game in the PlayStation Store... it also (as I recall) does NOT include an actual game *disc* you DO get the game, but it will be via a digital code you, again, redeem on PlayStation Store... despite the ridiculousness of including a steelbook *FOR THE DISC* lol (this is done to tempt some into possibly purchasing God of War's regular edition at another $60).
This is not a God of War-themed PS5, like the recent SpiderMan PS5 that sold out quickly.
While I find the lack of the game disc (which costs pennies to print) to be a scummy practice, these high priced, highly-sought collector's editions are becoming necessary by developers. The cost to make these big-budget games rivals that of huge Hollywood productions, while the $60 price paid (now becoming $70) for the "regular" edition of games has been the standard for near 2 decades. (Heck, back in the day when there wasn't an "across the board" standard for video games, some new Nintendo games were being sold up to $100).
So, developers have, more and more, begun relying on these collector's editions to help offset the costs associated with development, because scaling the $60 from 20 years ago to keep up would be closing in on $100 today. By issuing these collector's editions, which sell out to either the mega-fans of the series or characters (or the "sharks" who swoop in, cause them to sell out in a minute after going up for purchase, only to post on eBay for double the price to the actual fans,) this helps bring in cash they'd otherwise lose if they attempted to sell their games at $100 apiece.
There ARE, on occasion, "branded" versions of consoles (like the aforementioned, recent Spider-Man PS5 console,) but they are always clearly marked as the PS5 (or XBox) CONSOLE. Many will include the game (the Spider-Man PS5 is being released to hype up the upcoming Spider-Man 2 video game. The game comes out next month, and as such, does not include the game, because it's not out yet).
So, while the price may have your eyes watering, this is simply the game and both physical and digital goodies for the hardcore God of War fan, but no PS5 console/ system included. As this is becoming more common from developers, please remember, if the console IS included, it will say so, and, in the photos, often likely show the system.
Hope this helps!
Warmest regards!
This is a collector's edition of the game that includes a large replica statue of Mjolnir (Thor's hammer,) along with a few other small physical items and some digital "goodies" to redeem for use in the game in the PlayStation Store... it also (as I recall) does NOT include an actual game *disc* you DO get the game, but it will be via a digital code you, again, redeem on PlayStation Store... despite the ridiculousness of including a steelbook *FOR THE DISC* lol (this is done to tempt some into possibly purchasing God of War's regular edition at another $60).
This is not a God of War-themed PS5, like the recent SpiderMan PS5 that sold out quickly.
While I find the lack of the game disc (which costs pennies to print) to be a scummy practice, these high priced, highly-sought collector's editions are becoming necessary by developers. The cost to make these big-budget games rivals that of huge Hollywood productions, while the $60 price paid (now becoming $70) for the "regular" edition of games has been the standard for near 2 decades. (Heck, back in the day when there wasn't an "across the board" standard for video games, some new Nintendo games were being sold up to $100).
So, developers have, more and more, begun relying on these collector's editions to help offset the costs associated with development, because scaling the $60 from 20 years ago to keep up would be closing in on $100 today. By issuing these collector's editions, which sell out to either the mega-fans of the series or characters (or the "sharks" who swoop in, cause them to sell out in a minute after going up for purchase, only to post on eBay for double the price to the actual fans,) this helps bring in cash they'd otherwise lose if they attempted to sell their games at $100 apiece.
There ARE, on occasion, "branded" versions of consoles (like the aforementioned, recent Spider-Man PS5 console,) but they are always clearly marked as the PS5 (or XBox) CONSOLE. Many will include the game (the Spider-Man PS5 is being released to hype up the upcoming Spider-Man 2 video game. The game comes out next month, and as such, does not include the game, because it's not out yet).
So, while the price may have your eyes watering, this is simply the game and both physical and digital goodies for the hardcore God of War fan, but no PS5 console/ system included. As this is becoming more common from developers, please remember, if the console IS included, it will say so, and, in the photos, often likely show the system.
Hope this helps!
Warmest regards!
2 years, 8 months ago
by
doc8998
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G Cell Phone for AT&T: This Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G cell phone can perform more daily routines efficiently and is packed with power while equipped with an intelligent battery that's big enough to share. The 6.9" Infinity-O display creates near-perfect images and features high-quality cameras with 3D depth sensing and 100x Space Zoom capabilities, capturing more details to create a realistic image. Backward-compatible with 4G networks.
Do you get any kind of discount by trading in S9+ for an unlocked S20 Ultra 5G? If so, how much? Also, since my old phone service is with AT&TV Wireless can I transfer info from the S9+ to the new phone and use it?
For the first part of your question- you should receive a discount on your old S9+, as long as it's in working condition and in good shape. How much of a trade in depends on these variables, but I can say that my old S8+ in working order, with no nicks or.scratches netted me $200 towards the S20 Ultra.
As for the 2nd part of your question: yes! Once you bring your phone in and begin the process of registering and setting up your new phone, part of the process will be to transfer your photos, contacts, messages, and apps over to your new phone. This can be a bit of a lengthy process, depending on how much you have on your old phone. To expedite the process, you're best served to backup your photos onto your computer or into the cloud and delete them, as well as any apps you may have on your phone that you no longer use. Some of your apps will continue to download in the background even after you leave with your new phone, but this part of the process took about an hour. And yes, I'm an AT&T customer, as well.
All told, I spent about an hour and a half in store, and some larger apps finished downloading once I was home on my WiFi connection. Good luck on your new phone!
As for the 2nd part of your question: yes! Once you bring your phone in and begin the process of registering and setting up your new phone, part of the process will be to transfer your photos, contacts, messages, and apps over to your new phone. This can be a bit of a lengthy process, depending on how much you have on your old phone. To expedite the process, you're best served to backup your photos onto your computer or into the cloud and delete them, as well as any apps you may have on your phone that you no longer use. Some of your apps will continue to download in the background even after you leave with your new phone, but this part of the process took about an hour. And yes, I'm an AT&T customer, as well.
All told, I spent about an hour and a half in store, and some larger apps finished downloading once I was home on my WiFi connection. Good luck on your new phone!
6 years, 2 months ago
by
doc8998
Gather your friends together for wild adventures in JUMANJI: The Video Game for PlayStation 4. Team up with friends locally or online to confront dangerous enemies and avoid deadly traps. New outfits and weapon styles are unlocked as you play so that no two rounds of JUMANJI: The Video Game are ever the same.
Is this a 2 player game?
Jumanji supports up to 4 players locally, so feel free to gather the whole family around the TV!
In order to do so, everyone will need a controller, but local play- as long as everyone has a controller- supports anywhere from someone playing alone, all the way up to 4 players.
I'm unaware of how "busy" the online portion of the game is, but it does also feature online play for 2-4 players.
It's a fun family game, with no major systems to learn, so even the young ones can enjoy it. Our family of 3, including a 6 year old, has had a blast playing together- the only part that may be frustrating to a younger gamer would be a lack of a map; some levels, with twists and turns, may present a challenge until they're learned.
Outside of that, the 3 of us enjoy sitting down to play Jumanji together!
In order to do so, everyone will need a controller, but local play- as long as everyone has a controller- supports anywhere from someone playing alone, all the way up to 4 players.
I'm unaware of how "busy" the online portion of the game is, but it does also feature online play for 2-4 players.
It's a fun family game, with no major systems to learn, so even the young ones can enjoy it. Our family of 3, including a 6 year old, has had a blast playing together- the only part that may be frustrating to a younger gamer would be a lack of a map; some levels, with twists and turns, may present a challenge until they're learned.
Outside of that, the 3 of us enjoy sitting down to play Jumanji together!
6 years, 5 months ago
by
doc8998
BEST SPORTS/RACING GAME - The Game Awards 2019 BEST RACING GAME OF 2019 - IGN BEST RACING GAME - Brazil Game Awards 2019 Crash is back in the driver~s seat! Get ready to go fur-throttle with Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled. It~s the authentic CTR experience plus a whole lot more, now fully-remastered and revved up to the max:
How many players can play
Crash Team Racing features both couch competition and online racing.
As long as you have the required controllers, up to four players can play split screen in a variety of race types.
Online, up to 8 players can share a track, again with a variety of race types, as well as track voting.
Thankfully, racing online is stable, and coins you earn here also come back with you to your home to put towards unlocks of new character skins, vehicle bodies, paint jobs, and tires.
As long as you have the required controllers, up to four players can play split screen in a variety of race types.
Online, up to 8 players can share a track, again with a variety of race types, as well as track voting.
Thankfully, racing online is stable, and coins you earn here also come back with you to your home to put towards unlocks of new character skins, vehicle bodies, paint jobs, and tires.
6 years, 11 months ago
by
doc8998
Defy the gruesome odds in World War Z for PlayStation 4. Six class levels provide distinct combat styles, and Swarm Engine technology unleashes massive flocks of zombies for an intense battle galore setting. Aim to be the last squad standing in a fast-paced free-for-all on player-versus-player-versus-zombies mode in World War Z.
does this pro-order coming with the Lobo Weapon Pack???
Yes, but keep in mind the following:
The Lobo pack is nice, but if you don't get it (I had no code with the game, it was just in my inventory,) it's no big deal. Yes, the multi-tool is different, but does the same damage as the machete (and honestly, the machete is cooler, IMHO).
Yes, you get 3 gold varient weapons that do more damage than their base counterparts... but, this is where it gets tricky. Those gold varients are NOT as powerful as the highest level weapons. And THIS is where it's important: those Lobos did not earn XP while using them. So, if you want to eventually unlock the most powerful AK-47 (well, their version of it,) you won't be earning any XP towards it while using the Lobo AK. AND, ATOP THAT, the Lobos are not silenced. While the basic rifle versions eventually earn that as you level, the starting varient pistol begins silenced, while the Lobo doesn't. Most maps, the opening section is almost always set up in a way where silenced weapons are a bonus to have.
So, if you don't get the Lobo pack, you can, (I believe) purchase it separately via PSN, but honestly, they hamstring progress towards the best versions to own.
The Lobo pack is nice, but if you don't get it (I had no code with the game, it was just in my inventory,) it's no big deal. Yes, the multi-tool is different, but does the same damage as the machete (and honestly, the machete is cooler, IMHO).
Yes, you get 3 gold varient weapons that do more damage than their base counterparts... but, this is where it gets tricky. Those gold varients are NOT as powerful as the highest level weapons. And THIS is where it's important: those Lobos did not earn XP while using them. So, if you want to eventually unlock the most powerful AK-47 (well, their version of it,) you won't be earning any XP towards it while using the Lobo AK. AND, ATOP THAT, the Lobos are not silenced. While the basic rifle versions eventually earn that as you level, the starting varient pistol begins silenced, while the Lobo doesn't. Most maps, the opening section is almost always set up in a way where silenced weapons are a bonus to have.
So, if you don't get the Lobo pack, you can, (I believe) purchase it separately via PSN, but honestly, they hamstring progress towards the best versions to own.
7 years, 1 month ago
by
doc8998