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Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 11 A Night at the Opera

11. A Night at the Opera

Otis P. Driftwood (Groucho Marx) is tasked with making Mrs. Claypool (Margaret Dumont, who is a perfect foil to the Marx Brothers, see Animal Crackers or Duck Soup) a member of high society. Of course Driftwood is in it just for the money. Driftwood introduces Mrs. Claypool to the biggest jerk at the Opera, Rudolfo Lassparri (Walter Woolf King) who likes nothing better than abusing members of the Opera. None more so than his dresser, Tomasso (Harpo Marx). Rudolfo harbors a crush for the beautiful soprano Rosa Castaldi (Kitty Carlisle), who has caught the eye of Ricardo Baroni (Allan Jones). A love triangle soon appears with the star of the opera going against the lowly choir boy, who is managed by Fiorello (last but not least Chico Marx), who cons his way into a contract for Ricardo, setting up a fun jaunt from ocean liner to the musical stage.

A Night at the Opera is the Marx Brothers at their best. All of them are given moments to shine and steal the picture, which balances slapstick and witty banter with the best comedies of all-time. Some might argue Duck Soup is the Marx Brothers at their best, and they would also be correct.

A Night at the Opera contains some of the funniest scenes committed to film, from the abrupt opening at a restaurant to the “Stateroom” the film oozes with classic scenes and dialogue, such as this gem;

Driftwood: It’s all right, that’s in every contract. That’s, that’s what they call a sanity clause.

Fiorello: Ha ha! You can’t fool me. There ain’t no Sanity Claus!

Grade: A+

A Night at the Opera Video Quality

A Night at the Opera brings the house down with a stunning 4K scan that removes scratches and imperfections giving way to a highly detailed film. The black and white picture is near flawless with detail oozing in every scene. I read that there is a longer version of this film that was trimmed due to World War II, and those minutes have never been found.

Grade: A+

A Night at the Opera Sound Quality

A Night at the Opera mostly hits all the notes with its DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio. Dialogue and sound effects all sound great, however there is a little hiss that pops up in a couple of scenes, it doesn’t truly distract you, but it is there.

Grade: B+

A Night at the Opera Bonus Features

Audio Commentary by Leonard Maltin: Have I mentioned that I love listening to Leonard Maltin talk about film, here you get a full length commentary, which he discuss the abrupt opening and how World War II’s politics changed the film, this feature is worth the price of the disc alone.

Remarks on Marx: A nice documentary about the Marx Brothers with interviews with the likes of Carl Reiner, Dom DeLuise and more.

Groucho Marx on the Hy Gardner Show (1961 Broadcast) A really cool interview that showcases Groucho’s wit.

3 Vintage Shorts: Los Angeles: Wonder of the West, Saturday at the Trocadero, and Robert Benchley’s Academy Award Winning How to Sleep: A cool collection of shorts that were shown before the film, it’s fun experiencing the film the way it was originally shown in theaters.

Theatrical Trailer

Grade: A+

A Night at the Opera is comedy gold. It is a standard that all comedies should be measured. From razor sharp dialogue to slapstick scenes, it is one of the funniest films ever made. Warner Archive did an amazing job bringing this all-time classic to blu-ray.

Grade: A

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Top 21 Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 12 Roman Holiday

12.Roman Holiday

Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn who won an Oscar for this role) is touring Europe and is tired of living a sheltered and structured life. When Princess Ann makes a stop in Rome, she plans an escape. She makes it out of the palace at night and onto the streets, where she can finally enjoy life as someone who is anonymous.

Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) is an American journalist who is also not looking forward to a very “vanilla” interview with the Princess.

Unbeknownst to Joe, he runs into the Princess, who is under the influence of a sleeping pill she took earlier in the night. Thinking he has found a helpless drunk woman on the streets of Rome, Joe places her in a cab. Joe tries to leave her in the cab and tells the cabbie to take her home. The cabbie doesn’t want the responsibility, so Joe allows Princess Ann to stay in his room.

The next morning Joe learns the identity of his mysterious woman and promises his editor a real news story. What Joe doesn’t count on is falling in love with Princess Ann, and along the way the two have quite the adventure.

Roman Holiday is one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time. Anchored by its charming stars, the film is a breezy, fun-filled romp. Hepburn is so great, Roman Holiday is considered her breakout role and it’s easy to see why. Hepburn, like in so many of her films is charming, beautiful and willing to make fun of herself. Gregory Peck is at the top of his game as well. Handsome and funny, Peck is one of the greatest actors of all-time as well and he puts in the charm throughout the film.

The locals also add so much to the film. The real life streets of Italy come to life with traffic, people and sounds. Director William Wyler keeps the film moving and makes the City of Rome a character as well. The whip smart script by Dalton Trumbo (who was blacklisted and left of the credits. According to Wikipedia he would not receive credit until the DVD release in 2003 and not full credit until 2011, yikes) Ian McLellan Hunter (who fronted for Trumbo and actually received the Oscar for the screenplay, man Hollywood was messed up in the 40’s and 50’s) and John Dighton has so many great moments Roman Holiday requires multiple watches.

Grade: A+

Roman Holiday Video Quality

Roman Holiday is stunning on blu-ray. Paramount did a fantastic job cleaning the film up as part of their Paramount Presents series. The film is presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, the black and white film looks completely natural. The details are exquisite and well defined. An absolute stunner of a transfer.

Grade: A+

Roman Holiday Audio Quality

The Vespa’s are alive and well with a n awesome Dolby TrueHD 2.0 lossless. And while Roman Holiday won’t punish your sound system, it is a great sounding film. Dialogue is front loaded which is good became the ambient sounds of Rome would drown them out. The music, the sound effects are all crystal clear with no age or other hiccups to distract the viewer.

Grade: A

Roman Holiday Bonus Features

In a shocking turn of events, Paramount actually gives Roman Holiday a truly special release on their Paramount Presents line. This disc is loaded.

Filmmaker Focus: Leonard Maltin on Roman Holiday-I love Maltin. I could listen to him talk about movies all day long. I wish his features on Paramount Presents were longer, but I will take what I can get.

Behind the Gates: Costumes-A truly fascinating look at the costumes that appear in classic Paramount films and the important work that Archivist Randall Thropp does.

Rome with a Princess-A look at the filming locations.

Audrey Hepburn: The Paramount Years-A look at the iconic actor’s iconic work at the iconic studio. A nearly 30 minute documentary that covers not only her films but also her life and charity work.

Dalton Trumbo: From A-List to Blacklist-My personal favorite feature on the disc which details Trumbo’s political views and how it landed him on Hollywood’s blacklist.

Paramount in the 50’s-A look at the studios most loved films from the 1950’s.

Remembering Audrey-A neat interview with Hepburn’s son Sean Hepburn Ferrer and her partner Robert Wolders as they discuss Hepburn’s life including her childhood in Nazi occupied Holland.

Trailers and Galleries

Grade: A+

Roman Holiday is one of Hollywood’s greatest romantic comedies. It’s funny and charming with an unexpected ending. The stars are stunning, the direction first class. Paramount delivers one of their best blu-rays ever for one of their finest films.

Overall: A

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Top 21 Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 13 Mortal Kombat 4K Best Buy Exclusive Steelbook

Earth warriors must defend our realm from the forces of Outworld led by the sorcerer Shang Tsung (Chin Han). Liu Kang (Ludi Lin) and fellow champion Kung Lao (Max Huang) must train new warriors, Cole Young (Lewis Tan) Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee) Kano (Josh Lawson) and Jax (Mehcad Brooks)led by Lord Raiden (Tadanobu Asano).

Also joining the fight is the ice cold assassin Sub Zero (Joe Taslim) who posses the incredible power of ice.

Before we join the fight, Mortal Kombat opens in 17th Century Japan. In a tranquil village Hanzo Hasashi (Hiroyuki Sanada) is tending to his garden with his wife and child. Bi-Han (Taslim, of course this is Sub-Zero before he is “Sub-Zero”) and his fellow Lin Kuei attack Hanzo’s clan killing his wife and child and everyone else. Hanzo and Bi-Han engage in a brutal fight, which leads to the death of Hanzo, who in his dying breath tells Bi-Han he will kill him and have his revenge. Hanzo’s body is engulfed in flames and it sinks into the Netherrealm.

Fast forward to present day, we meet MMA fighter Cole Young trying to earn money for his young family. He’s approached by Jax, who tells Cole that he posses a dragon birthmark, making him a chosen warrior for Earthrealm and its fight against the Outworld and Shang Tsung.

Cole does not bite and chooses not to help Jax. Later that night he and his family are attacked by a near superhuman Sub Zero.

Cole soon joins the fight to save Earthrealm.

Mortal Kombat is a really fun movie. I am bias as I love the video game, so anything more entertaining the the two films released in the 90’s would be a win. The new movie however benefits from two more decades of a fleshed out story and characters. The Scorpion and Sub-Zero conflict is one of the best in video games and the film does it justice. The opening 15 minutes are awesome. Director Simon McQuiod has a deft hand and delivers some bone crunching fights and beautiful carnage.

Mortal Kombat also benefits from some truly great casting. Lewis Tan’s Cole Young acts as an avatar for everyone who is not up with Mortal Kombat mythology. His character is a little dull, but I understand why he is there, Tan does however have the martial arts skill to bring the character to life. The best of the bunch hands down is Taslim and Sanada. Both are badass and the climactic battle between Sub-Zero and Scorpion is epic. Josh Lawson as Kano is the sneaky MVP. I am not a fan of Kano in the game (he’s too slow) but here he is funny and a bastard, a perfect combo.

Some have accused this movie of disregarding some of the characters as just cannon fodder, my argument has always been, someone has to die and they do die in this film, in spectacular-ly gory ways. I am not beholden to game cannon as it changes constantly. I just want to be entertained and see Fatalites and Mortal Kombat delivers those punches.

Grade: A

Mortal Kombat Video Quality

Mortal Kombat delivers a knock out blow on 4K. With the theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 the screen fills with eye popping color and detail. The clothes look natural, the lighting brings he film to life in a vibrant and dark way. Each area has a unique color palette and the disc delivers true to life colors.

Grade: A

Mortal Kombat Audio Quality

Finish Him! Sounds incredible with Mortal Kombat’s impressive Dolby Atmos presentation. The music is clear and bombastic, the punches all hit their mark, the blood and guts are appropriately squishy. Dialogue is heard and easily understood. This is a great mix.

Grade: A+

Mortal Kombat Bonus Features

Mortal Kombat is packed with some awesome bonus features which can be found on the Blu-ray Disc.

The Best Buy exclusive steelbook is awesome to look at. The front cover features Scorpion and is gold and black, naturally. The back cover is Sub-Zero, and in a fun twist he his actually upside down. This is a sharp and highly desirable steelbook.

The on disc content is just as good.

From Game to Screen: The Making of Mortal Kombat-A slightly over 20 minute look at the making of the film. Featuring key members of the kast and krew. A fun piece that is more substantial than the standard EPK fluff.

Mortal Kombat: Fan Favorite Characters-A look at the characters in the movie, think of it as a quick overview of them, like a character select screen. There are 11 in total and the feature includes, Cole Young, Sonya Blade, Kano, Sub-Zero, Jax, Lord Raiden, Scorpion, Shang Tsung, Liu Kang, Kung Lao and Mileena.

Fight Koreography-The stunts and the fights are highlighted.

Into the Krypt: Easter Eggs of Mortal Kombat-Director Simon McQuoid lets us in on the nods and winks to the games.

Anatomy of a Scene-7 quick looks at some of the coolest scenes in the movie.

Deleted Scenes

Grade: A

Mortal Kombat is just plain fun. It’s over the top gory, the story isn’t the deepest but I want to see these characters fight and kill each other with otherworldly powers. Mortal Kombat does exactly that. It isn’t beholden to the lore of the games and that’s ok. It isn’t quite a flawless victory, but for this Mortal Kombat fan, I was entertained. The Best Buy steelbook is the way to go, it features an awesome design that perfectly captures the film.

Overall: A

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Top 21 Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s 21 Blu-Rays-Number 14 Carole Lombard Collection II

14. Carole Lombard Collection II (Hands Across the Table/ Love Before Breakfast/ The Princess Comes Across)

One of the best parts about having a podcast about movies and friends with different tastes in film, you discover films/actors/directors that they recommend. Zach is a big Jack Benny fan (cue the violin) and he said you should watch To Be or Not to Be. Benny is great in the film, but the actor I could not take my eyes off was Carole Lombard. She absolute radiates every scene she is in. Lombard was unafraid to be silly, charming and beautiful, sometimes all at once.

My admiration for Lombard only grew. I discovered a couple more of her films when I watched all of Cary Grant’s films. Her small but unforgettable role in The Eagle and the Hawk and the against type powerful performance in the drama In Name Only solidified my love of Lombard.

Kino Lorber dropped a second volume of Lombard films and each film is really good.

Hands Across the Table

Lombard stars as Regi Allen, a manicurist who is looking for Mr. Right or rather marry a rich husband. Regi is dispatched to a hotel room where a wheelchair bound and wealthy Allen Macklyn (Ralph Bellamy) to give him a manicure. Allen is smitten with Regi but she does not feel that way with him, she confides in him that she is looking for a rich husband to marry as she grew up poor and believes money is the answer to happiness.

Regi leaves Allen and meets Theodore Drew III (Disney Legend, Fred MacMurray). Attracted to Regi, he makes an appointment to get a manicure. What Regi doesn’t know is Drew lost his money in the Great Depression and he too is marrying for money, a woman with a pineapple fortune.

Theodore was to be a cruise to the Bahamas but he drunkenly fell asleep at Regi’s apartment, and must stay there until his boat returns.

An early screwball comedy that showcases Lombard’s incredible timing and her acting chops as well as she commands the screen throughout the film’s runtime. The premise is silly and I couldn’t help feel sorry for poor Ralph Bellamy but Hands Across the Table is buoyed not only by the stars, but the incredible costumes, set design and direction.

Grade: B

Love Before Breakfast

Kay Colby (Lombard) is engaged to Bill Wadsworth (that dastardly Cesar Romero!). But she has another suiter, Scott Miller (Preston Foster). Miller buys the oil company Wadsworth works for, which in turn sends him to Japan, where he will be out of the way so Miller can woo Kay. Miller has a fiancé too, Countess Campanella (Betty Lawford) and sends her away to Honolulu. Will all this manipulation work on Kay, or will she send Miller down the river?

Another wacky set up but carried so well by Lombard. She was so gifted as an actress that you immediately fell in love with her on screen. Love Before Breakfast benefits as well with an A+ crew and actors. Costumes are fantastic and Director Walter Lang keeps the film moving at a brisk pace.

Grade: B+

The Princess Comes Across

Did you hear? Princess Olga (Lombard) is coming to New York aboard the cruise liner, Mammoth! Only Princess Olga is really a Brooklyn-born actor named Wanda Nash with the hopes of making it in Hollywood. Aboard the ship she meets Joe Mantell (MacMurray, again) a band leader and former criminal.

Also, on board the ship is Robert Darcy (Porter Hall) who knows both Nash and Mantell’s secret’s and attempts to blackmail them. Soon, Darcy turns up dead and Nash and Mantell are the prime suspects.

A high concept comedy/murder mystery that is a fun watch. MacMurray has good chemistry with Lombard. Although the premise is far-fetched it doesn’t matter. The comedy is spot on and so too is the tension.

Grade: B+

Carole Lombard Collection II Video Quality

All three movies look stunning in their blu-ray debut. The softness and clarity of the black and white film holds up remarkably well. Although a few scratches and blemishes do appear in all films, they look sharp.

Grade: B+

Carole Lombard Collection II Audio Quality

All three films sport a DTS-HD Master Mono Audio, and while they won’t blow your speakers away, they all are free from pops and other imperfections. Dialogue is clearly heard which in a Carole Lombard screwball comedy is the most important aspect.

Grade: B

Carole Lombard Collection II Bonus Features

Hands Across the Table

Audio Commentary with Filmmaker Allan Arkush and Filmmaker /Historian Daniel Kremer

Trailers

Love Before Breakfast

Audio Commentary with Film Historians Alexandra Heller-Nichols and Joshua Nelson

Trailers

The Princess Comes Across

Audio Commentary Filmmaker Allan Arkush and Filmmaker/ Historian Daniel Kremer

Trailers

The commentaries are wonderful and informative and well worth a listen.

Grade: A-

Carole Lombard is by far one of the greatest actors of all time. Although her life was tragically cut short in an airplane accident, excellent sets like this from Kino Lorber will keep her alive forever.

Overall: A

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Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 15 Street Fighter Steelbook

15. Street Fighter Steelbook

M. Bison (Raul Julia) has taken hostages and threatens the world! Colonel Guile (Jean-Claude Van Damme) and his fellow soldiers (fighters) join the fight and take it to Bison on his island hideout!

This movie is not good. The dialogue, subpar directing and weird choices, (seriously what’s up with Blanka’s design?). Making Van Damme from Louisiana as a way to explain his accent.  It does make for a fun watch though, with classic lines as;

“Now, who wants to stay at home…and who wants to go with ME!”

“I know you like to look at yourself on television, you sick son of a bitch! So look at this! (Guile flips Bison off!)

“No you’ve lost your balls!”

“No thanks! I already found something worthwhile.” “I don’t understand” “I know you don’t”

Raul Julia is pretty great in the film. He chews the scenery with great command. Julia knows exactly what kind of movie he is in and he embraces it. And his performance is that much better after watching the bonus features and learning how sick he was and he still rallied and gave a memorable performance.

Grade: D+

Street Fighter Video Quality

Street Fighter isn’t quite a champion in the video department. I wasn’t expecting a great transfer, because honestly the film doesn’t deserve it. The film is pleasing to look at and the colors do look better than I remember, but I hadn’t seen the film in 20 years so who knows if I am seeing the best version of the film. Some scenes look great, others especially if they are dark are not as polished, Good not great.

Grade: B

Street Fighter Audio Quality

Kicks and punches hit the mark with a solid DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. It is really loud and doesn’t have many quiet moments. But that’s ok, I want to hear the cringe worthy dialogue and it delivers crystal clear.

Grade: B+

Street Fighter Bonus Features

Street Fighter as a movie is lame and not very good. Sometimes however these make for the best bonus features as long as everyone involved is honest and this disc is worth owning for the great special features.

Operation Shadaloo: Making of Street Fighter: Writer/Director Steven E de Souza delivers an informative and fun interview. The troubled production, Raul Julia’s courageous fight, and Jean-Claude Van Damme’s casting.

I Will Crush You: Ken vs Chapa: Another fun interview with the actor who played Ken.

Game Over: Scoring Street Fighter: An interview with Composer Graeme Revell

It Was Tuesday: Producing Street Fighter: A short but good interview with Edward Pressman

The Strongest Woman in the World: Ming-Na vs Chun-Li: The great Ming-Na Wen talks about playing Chun-Li, another really great interview.

Ultimate Badass: JCVD at Universal: If only this was an interview with the action star, but it is a great one with author David J. Moore.

Attack Me if You Dare: Game vs Film: Possibly my favorite interview, this one is with Street Fighter Historian (I want that job) Oliver Harper.

Also ported over are some legacy features, which include;

The Making of Street Fighter

Outtakes

Deleted Scenes

Crisis in Shaladoo

Archives

Commentary

Trailers

Bonus! A replica of M. Bison money is included in the steelbook! Dope!

Grade: A+

Street Fighter is not a good movie. The acting, the writing, the direction, the production design and some of the casting leave a lot to be desired. It is fun though and Mill Creek did a great job bringing this to blu-ray. A cool looking steelbook and some truly awesome bonus features make this a fun purchase.

Overall: A

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Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 16 Godzilla vs Kong 4K

16. Godzilla vs. Kong 4K

Two of the biggest monsters in Hollywood square off in an epic battle for dominance in Godzilla vs. Kong!

There are human actors in this movie, but who cares. I want to see Kong and Godzilla fight, and boy do they ever. Director Adam Wingard (You’re Next) understands this and doesn’t waste too much time getting the heavyweights into their first battle, in the middle of the ocean!

The film does bring characters in from Godzilla: King of the Monsters, like Madison (Millie Bobby Brown) but the story involving them is just there. Wingard fully understands what people want in this film and he delivers. Godzilla and Kong tussle three times, with a clear winner, which is also welcome.

The movie does have a “twist” near the end and it makes for one killer slugfest that will have you cheering.

The special effects are amazing (how in the world was this not nominated for an Oscar?) and the film is beautiful. Godzilla vs. Kong is sonically one of the most impressive movies you will hear. A truly fun, epic way to spend two hours.

Grade: B

Godzilla vs. Kong Video Quality

“Godzilla vs. Kong,” now available in the 4K Ultra HD format from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

Wow. Godzilla vs. Kong destroys most other films in video quality. The movie has a bunch of different locales, from Skull Island, Hollow Earth and the streets of Hong Kong each scene pops. Neon lights bathe the monsters in Hong Kong and cool blues splash them in the ocean. The details are mind blowing. Kong’s fur, Godzilla’s scales have weight and texture that is unrivaled.

Grade: A+

Godzilla vs. Kong Audio Quality

The roars have never been more earth shaking than on this release. The bone crunching punches, the fire breath all will shake your home system. Yes, it is aggressive but that’s exactly how this movie should be heard.

Grade: A+

Godzilla vs. Kong Bonus Features

The 4K disc does not have any features aside from the audio commentary, the included blu-ray does house some pretty neat features.

Audio Commentary: Director Adam Wingard takes you on a really fun track that touches on everything, even some continuity errors. It’s a fun listen.

The bonus features break up into monster specific areas:

The God (Godzilla): Godzilla Attacks-Cast and crew talk about Godzilla

The Phenomenon of Gojira, King of the Monsters-Another set of actors talk some more about the legend that is Godzilla.

The King (Kong): Kong Leaves Home-A fun piece that includes cast and crew talking about this version of Kong.

Kong Discovers Hollow Earth-An overview of the creation of the middle of Earth.

Behold Kong’s Temple-Dives into Kong’s origin story and the building of the set.

The Evolution of Kong, Eighth Wonder of the World-A look at the legend of Kong.

The Rise of Mechagodzilla-Spoilers! The true villain of the film is explored here.

The Battles-Round 1: Battle at Sea

Round 2: One Will Fall

Round 3: The God and The King-Three featurettes that highlight the battles in the film

Overall, the package is really nice and does a good job exploring the making of the film.

Grade: A

Godzilla vs. Kong is not trying to be anything but one hell of a good time, and the film delvers in spades. The video and the audio are first class and the extras are more substantial than the standard EPK stuff that is just slapped onto discs.

Grade: A

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Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 17 The Woody Woodpecker Screwball Collection

17. The Woody Woodpecker Screwball Collection

I am a sucker for old cartoon shorts, and Universal delivers a stellar collection of some of Woody Woodpecker’s zaniest moments.

This ridiculously cheap set (it’s on sale on Amazon right now for $10!) comes with 25 newly remastered cartoons from Woody’s first staring cartoon (his first appearance was in the Andy Panda short “Knock Knock”) up to 1961’s “The Bird Who Came to Dinner” Mel Blanc was the first actor who voiced Woody, but his tenure was short, ending with Woody’s third cartoon “The Screwdriver”. In fact, Woody’s voice actor would change quite a bit, but his manic delivery stays true throughout this set.

The cartoons included in this set are;

“Woody Woodpecker”

“The Screwdriver”

“Pantry Panic”

“The Hollywood Matador”

“Ace in the Hole”

“The Loan Stranger”

“The Screwball”

“Ration Bored”

“Barber of Seville”

“The Beach Nut”

“Ski for Two”

“Chew-Chew Baby”

“Woody Dines Out”

“The Loose Nut”

“The Reckless Driver”

“Fair Weather Fiends”

“Woody the Giant Killer”

“Wet Blanket Policy”

“Wild and Woody”

“The Woody Woodpecker Polka”

“Born to Peck”

“Termites from Mars”

“Under the Counter Spy”

“Niagara Fools”

“The Bird Who Came to Dinner”

All of the cartoons are pretty funny, with only a couple that wear out their welcome. Woody’s persona is Daffy Duck cranked up to 11, but he still is really funny and while he doesn’t reach the heights of that great duck, he is no slouch in the cartoon short cannon.

Grade: A-

The Woody Woodpecker Screwball Collection Video Quality

I love that all these classic cartoons are getting the HD treatment. Universal touts this set as “Newly Remastered” shorts and they deliver. I used to watch these shorts on my old VHS tapes which were full of scratches and pops. The ‘toons on this disc are almost blemish free, with natural grain and eye popping colors. It’s like watching them for the first time.

Grade: A

The Woody Woodpecker Screwball Collection Audio Quality

Woody laughs his way with a great Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono track. Sound effects and music are paramount for cartoon shorts, and Universal answers the bell with a clean well rounded experience. A couple of moments of hissing and popping do not distract from a solid presentation.

Grade: B+

The Woody Woodpecker Screwball Collection Bonus Features

Wow. This set totally delivers on some great features and there are a lot of them. It takes you on an exhaustive journey in not only the creation of Woody Woodpecker but also the people that brought him to life.

Bird Gone Wild

Walter, Woody and the World of Animation

The Origin of Woody Woodpecker

Creating the Stories

Animating Woody

The Development of Woody

Creating Woody Woodpecker

Photographing Animation Cells

The Inking Department

The Painting Department

Sound Effects in Cartoons

That’s a lot of ground to cover and the disc does a great job taking you on the journey. The features are a mix of old and new. It is great that Universal cared enough to bring all of these great features onto the disc.

Grade: A+

The Woody Woodpecker Screwball Collection deserves a place on animation fans shelf. With hilarious cartoons, awesome remastered video and a plethora of informative and fun bonus features it’s a no-brained purchase.

Overall: A

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Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 18 Zack Snyder’s Justice League 4K

18. Zack Snyder’s Justice League

The journey that Justice League took to the big screen was one of legend. Even more so after the film was released and panned, not only by critics but also fans. Joss Whedon took over for director Zack Snyder following a family tragedy. Whedon reportedly said the movie was garbage and reshot much of the film while trimming some of its core story.

Fans begged Warner Bros to release the “Snyder Cut”, and to everyone’s surprise not only did they release the film, they allowed Snyder to release his film as a 4-hour epic.

Superman (Henry Cavill) is dead. Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) starts recruiting more heroes, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), Flash (Ezra Miller) and Aquaman (Jason Mamoa) to help him stop the threat of Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds) as he attempts to bring Darkseid to Earth to transform it into Apokolips. The heroes soon learn that they are overmatched by the parademons and Steppenwolf. If they have any chance to save Earth, they must find a way to bring Superman back to life.

Right away, Snyder’s Justice League is leaps and bounds better than the theatrical release. The over four hour runtime gives each hero more time and story to breath. The hero who benefits the most is Cyborg. But there is a rub with that as well. The Cyborg story is just not that interesting. Fisher is fine as the conflicted hero, but his journey is not compelling. I was much more interested in Affleck’s torn and beat down Bruce Wayne. He anchors the film and when he is not on screen his absence is felt. Gadot is a standout as well, her Diana is well rounded and she is full of charisma.

Superman is absent in the film for about 3/4 of its runtime, making his return that much more impactful. Flash is given a sweet scene saving a woman with some truly impressive visual effects.

There is still some issues with the film. There is too much slow motion. It looks cool but it really drags the film down. Although the four hour runtime is warranted there is a bit of fluff and pacing issues throughout the film. Which I actually think is a problem in a lot of the streaming movies, where the filmmakers are given a slate to make their film as they see it. Which is a double edged sword. On one hand I love the creative freedom the filmmakers are given, on the other hand they sometimes need to be pulled in and make their films tighter. The film looks incredible and Snyder is a talented director with a great eye.

Of all the scenes that are added the end Knightmare scene with Batman and the Joker is cool and totally unnecessary. It doesn’t really add anything to the story, it’s just cool. Same can be said for the reveal of Martian Manhunter. It’s cool in theory but not needed in the film. It feels like fan service and nothing more.

The film does correct a lot that is wrong with the theatrical release of Justice League. And although it does suffer from pacing issues and some underdeveloped ideas, it is a winning film not only for fans but for Snyder as well.

Grade: B-

Zack Snyder’s Justice League Video Quality

Justice League takes the fight to your home system with an impressive 4K UHD picture. The film is framed in IMAX-style 1.33:1 open matte. It gives the film a unique look which is not commonplace for home viewing. Justice League is not really colorful as Snyder’s film has a washed out quality to it, but it is highly detailed and stunning to look at. The details in the slo-mo shots, especially Flash breaking through a window highlight the depth and beauty of this release.

Grade: A

Zack Snyder’s Justice League Audio Quality

Justice League kicks all sorts of ass in a sonic delight of sound design. Like most Snyder DC films, JL fills your room with music, sound effects and crystal clear dialogue. Justice League is a film that will have your living room shaking and quaking.

Grade: A+

Zack Snyder’s Justice League Bonus Features

Man, I wish this release had a commentary by Snyder. I would’ve loved to hear him talk about the film and the process of making it after being away from it for over three years. Instead we do get a solid, albeit short making of called The Road To Justice League. Snyder is joined by several stars and crew members that just scratches the surface of the production.

Grade: C-

Zack Snyder’s Justice League deserved to be released. The turmoil that surrounded the production and the tragic passing of Snyder’s daughter made the viewing experience an essential one. Snyder earned the right to have his film released and hats off to all the fans that pestered Warner Bros into making it happen. Although it’s not without its faults, Justice League more than makes up for it in telling a stirring and solid superhero epic.

Overall: B+

Articles, Review, Top Blu-rays

Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 19 Pig

19. Pig (2021)

Choosing to leave his former life behind, a well known chef, Rob (Nicolas Cage) lives in the Oregon wilderness with his beloved truffle pig. They hunt and gather truffle’s for an up and coming restaurant supplier, Amir (Alex Wolff).

One night Rob is assaulted and his pig is stolen. Rob leaves his cabin and returns to Portland with Amir to find his pig. Along the way we learn that Rob remembers every meal he has ever prepared and uses this skill (and a few others) to find his pig.

Pig, is a revenge movie. But not in the traditional sense. Rob’s journey is one of discovery, heartbreak and violence. Again, the violence is not over the top, it serves as a way for Rob to get information about his pig. Rob actually doesn’t inflict violence on anyone, he uses his knowledge and his memory to tap into something much more visceral.

Nicolas Cage is outstanding in the film. After having to endure his over the top antics in several movies last year it was really nice letting him just be an actor er, I mean a thespian. His performance is subtle and powerful, that anchors a well told story.

I went into this movie almost oblivious to what it was about. I knew how it was sold and it doesn’t come close to how the movie plays out. I have left my review purposely broad and not too specific because you should experience this movie with as little knowledge of the film as you can, it makes it that much more impactful.

Grade: A

Pig Video Quality

Pig arrives on blu-ray finding a solid, not overwhelming video presentation. The film overall has a somewhat depressing color palette which fits the film properly, however there are some instances where the grain becomes pixelated which can be distracting. Overall, a pleasant viewing experience.

Grade: B

Pig Audio Quality

Pig squeals its way onto high definition with an impressive 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix that brings the film to incredible life. The film relies heavily on dialogue, where some of the most heartbreaking moments occur, in quiet places, making the crystal clear words that much more important. One scene delivers a couple of blows that hit the mark.

Grade: A

Pig Bonus Features

Nicolas Cage Cooks: This is one of the coolest most interesting bonus features I have watched in a long time. Broken up in two parts, Nicolas Cage works with some really talented chefs to create two dishes. First is “Three-Mushroom Tart” with Chef Chris Czarnecki, the second is “Pigeon and Pommes Anna” with Chef Gabriel Rucker. What I loved about these mini docs, is that Cage is in the middle of production of the film and is learning how to make these dishes for the film. The cameras are in the kitchen with Cage and the Chefs pull no punches. They get after him when he doesn’t prepare the dish properly, and to Cage’s credit he embraces the challenge and asks questions. A seemingly fluffy bonus feature is a great one.

Deleted Scenes

Theatrical Trailer

Overall: B+

Pig is one of the most surprising and great films of 2021. Anchored by an incredible performance by Nicolas Cage, Pig should not be missed.

Overall: A-

Articles, Review, Top Blu-rays

Top Blu-Rays of 2021: Ryan’s Favorite 21 Blu-Rays-Number 20 Hot Saturday (1932)

20. Hot Saturday (1932)

A young banker Ruth Brock (Nancy Carroll) is a fun-loving woman who likes to have fun and flirt with the men around town. She is the object of many of their affections, she receives invitations from several of them at her job. One such man is the rich playboy Romer Sheffield (Cary Grant), who although has a woman living with him, is smitten with Ruth.

At the bank, Romer tries to get Ruth to go out with him, when she rebukes his advances, she agrees instead to go on date with fellow banker Connie Billop (Edward Woods) on Saturday. Romer becomes aware of this and invites Ruth and Connie along with Connie’s crew to his mansion with free food and booze with the hidden intention of wooing Ruth.

When Connie arrives at the party, Romer gets Ruth way from Connie and the two spend the day together by walking around the lake. Connie finally catches up with Ruth and takes her on a nighttime boat ride, when she turns down Connie’s advances, she leaves him on the shore and runs to Romer’s home. While there, we learn that Romer is not the playboy he is made out to be but a thoughtful, and caring person.

The next morning, out of spite Connie spreads a rumor about Ruth that becomes the talk of the town. Ruth, heartbroken that everyone believes the lie, runs into the arms of the dashing Bill Fadden (Randolph Scott). Will he ignore the rumors and except Ruth for who she is, or will she end up with Romer?

Hot Saturday is a really interesting look at the power of words and how they can affect a person. Ruth’s reputation takes a hit, but what is more shocking is how not only her friends, but her family accept this as fact without any evidence. The film seems more relevant today as well because of the toxic climate we find ourselves in currently.

Nancy Carroll is great in the lead role of Ruth. She is flighty and flirty at first but becomes heart broken and resilient towards the end. She anchors the film with humor, charm and a healthy dose of defiance. Cary Grant makes his 6th film appearance and he really starts to own the screen in this film. He plays Romer as the cocksure playboy he is, but pulls the layers back to reveal a misunderstood hopeless romantic.

Grade: B+

Hot Saturday Video Quality

Hot Saturday takes a lovely stroll along the beach with a really well-done video transfer. The image is clean and almost free of scratches and distortion. They do exist put do not hinder the viewing experience. I own this film on Universal’s MOD Vault Series and this new transfer is leaps and bounds better.

Grade: B+

Hot Saturday Audio Quality

Hot Saturday parties down with a solid audio track. The film was released in 1932 and the limitations on the disc have more to do with the era than the actual disc. Having said that, the film is clear from noise pops and scratches with dialogue crystal clear. I enjoy the film more now because the sound quality is that much better.

Grade: A

Hot Saturday Bonus Features

Audio Commentary by Author/Film Historian Lee Gambin: A really fun and informative commentary track, Gambin keeps momentum throughout with only a few quiet moments. One of my biggest pet-peeves on older films is a lot of times the commentary track is dry and although informative tend to be on the boring side, not so on Gambin’s.

Theatrical Trailer

The slipcover is also reversible!

Grade: B+

Hot Saturday is a good, pre-code Hollywood melodrama. With star turning performaces by  Nancy Carroll, Cary Grant and Randolph Scott, it is a must own for fans of Golden Age Hollywood.

Overall: A-

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