Off the Shelf | GO, SEE, TALK!

Off the Shelf…’The Lion King’

November 4th, 2011
By Marc Ciafardini
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There’s more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done. Disney’s amazing and beloved feature The Lion King roars to life on Blu Ray and for a film that is 17 years old the transfer is just stunning. The tale of young Simba traumatized by the loss of his father is a powerful (and Shakespearean) story that can be appreciated by all age groups and all walks of life. Hakuna Matata this is always such a great film to revisit! Read more

Off the Shelf…’Cars 2′

November 1st, 2011
By Marc Ciafardini
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With all Pixar films you are sure to get a mixed bag of signature elements that is something along the lines of believing in/it’s OK to be yourself, friendship, family bonds etc. But now you can add international espionage to that as well. Spanning 4 countries and introducing tons of new characters, Cars 2 gets quite a ways from the quiet comfort of Radiator Springs that’s for sure. Trading the down home simplicity of the original for this nostalgic homage to James Bond, this sequel is full of excitement, action and all the trappings of a well crafted spy film. Taking Cars 2 for a second spin, it’s a much more enjoyable trip than the theatrical screening and I have to say it looks FANTASTIC on Blu Ray. The characters are so detailed they’ll nearly drive into your living room…and I’m not even talking about the 3D transfer! Read more

Off the Shelf…’Winnie the Pooh’

October 27th, 2011
By Marc Ciafardini
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If there’s one Disney staple that I am the most ignorant of it is Winnie the Pooh. Not that the world is hard to comprehend or that I’m oblivious of the characters but I’ve just not had much time with everyone’s favorite rumbly tumbly bear and his endless quest for honey. Not like it takes a lot to become familiar with the inhabitants of A. A. Milne‘s stories, I’ve just never been drawn to those characters. That said, after seeing this newest (and infinitely pleasing) story about Pooh and his friends I don’t mind telling you I am growing quite fond of them all. Read more

Off the Shelf…’Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’

October 19th, 2011
By Marc Ciafardini
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Halloween is just around the corner and in recent years I don’t think any character has been more popular than Pirates of the Caribbean mascot, Jack Sparrow. Kids love him (as do adults) so it’s no mystery why his appeal goes way beyond his persona on screen. That said, back for his fourth time as Capt. Jack, Johnny Depp is joined by friends old and new as he sets out continuing his quest for the Fountain of Youth. Just as exciting as it was in the theater, the terrific Blu Ray transfer of PotC 4: On Stranger Tides is a real treat (with great commentary and extras should you opt for the 3D version) as high definition is the only way to experience Jack Sparrow and his latest rousing adventure. Read more

Off the Netflix Queue…’Cracks’

August 3rd, 2011
By Marc Ciafardini
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There’s that old saying that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree“…and in the Scott family it seems that anyone sharing lineage with Sir Ridley is destined for greatness. Enter one Jordan Scott, daughter to Mr. Gladiator himself, who in her feature length directorial debut shows us she’s going places. Creating something original in Hollywood is tough enough but harder still is adapting someone else’s material. But from just the first 10 minutes or so this film, from 2009, shows us Scott has a solid career ahead of her that is coming up fast. Read more

Off the Shelf…’Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’

July 26th, 2011
By Marc Ciafardini
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For years I have been a huge (and yet still increasingly interested) fan of British comedy. I much prefer the subtle and quasi dry humor to the slapstick and over-the-top humor that dominates American cinema. There’s just something about a joke when it can be done with less animation but still evoke gut busting laughter. Growing up with Life of Brian, I guess I could call that (and other Monty Python creations) the “School of Dry Knocks”. Moving on to A Bit of Fry and Laurie, throw in some of The Office, a dash of Guy Ritchie and finish up with a huge helping of Little Britain, I am completely sold on British humor and my thirst has yet to be quenched. After seeing a trailer for The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy years ago, I figured this was right up my alley…and I was not disappointed (especially with narration from Stephen Fry). Read more

Off the Shelf…’Lost In Translation’

July 11th, 2011
By Marc Ciafardini
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Man, I don’t think I could ever say enough good things about this movie. Lost In Translation is a borderline perfect movie and I don’t think enough credit can be given to Sofia Coppola for crafting this absolutely beautiful modern classic. I hadn’t expected to see this back in 2003 as it was making the rounds at some smaller, more independent theaters. A good friend of mine told me about the very positive buzz it was getting so I took a chance on it and was sooo glad I did. There are so many reasons why I absolutely LOVE this movie and it is one of my all time favorites. While very different movies, this comes in very close to Casablanca (which is my all time favorite) and that says a lot. Read more

Off the Shelf…’Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’

June 27th, 2011
By Marc Ciafardini
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Cinema in 2011 has been so far so good as we’ve seen the most anticipated films knocking film fans right out of their socks (Green Lantern not withstanding). On Wednesday Michael Bay will unveil his final installment to the epic Transformers franchise. As I like to do my homework before a sequel hits theaters, this weekend I rewatched the first two Transformers films.

Without fail, 2007′s Transformers delights with the added bonus of looking simply stunning on Blu Ray. It’s so good I really don’t need to waste any time gushing over it. But like any film that was “the first one” maybe it unfairly get put on too high a pedestal. I don’t think anyone expected a Transformers film to work but (like Iron Man) it did and then some. Then the highly anticipated (and over-hyped) follow-up happened and as Nic Cage said in one of Bay’s more favorable films “it’s something we wish we could dis-invent“. Not Kingdom of the Crystal Skull bad mind you but still pretty awful. At least it looked good while it went down inflames (btw the Revenge of the Fallen ‘Big Screen’ Blu Ray Edition still takes my breath away). Read more

Off the Shelf…’Cars’

June 23rd, 2011
By Marc Ciafardini
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Let’s just come right out and say it. Cars was not up to par with the rest of the Pixar catalog. Sure it has tons of fans, most of whom are in the 6 to 8 year old age bracket, but something felt like it was beneath what they’re capable of producing. Yet while people, myself included, have called it the weakest link in the Pixar chain, there is a significant message that gets hidden behind the giant cartoonish eyes of Lightning McQueen. It’s on that merit the film has more going for it than the story of the toy car who lost his way. Read more

Off the Shelf…’Jurassic Park’

June 22nd, 2011
By Marc Ciafardini
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With Super 8 making waves (with Spielberg himself serving as inspiration) over the last few weeks, and the third Transformers (Sir Steven again happily producing) coming out next week, I thought it was a good time to go back and look at one of his biggest monster/action pieces that found him behind the camera, not just next to it writing checks. Jurassic Park was a mammoth success and while the sequels weren’t up to par, back in 1993 old Stevie boy was at the top of his game continuing his hit streak. Like the Camerons, Jacksons and Nolans of the world Steven makes going to the theater a real experience and JP is no exception. Read more