DVD: Queen - Live In Budapest

On July 27th of 1986, British rock legends Queen performed at the Népstadion in Budapest, Hungary, becoming the first western act to perform in front of a stadium crowd behind the “Iron Curtain”. János Zsombolyai, one of the country’s leading cinematographers and directors, captured that landmark event on 35mm film.

DVD: Peter Gabriel - So (Classic Albums series)

2011 marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the release Peter Gabriel’s fifth album So and it was featured that year on the Classic Albums documentary series that ran at the time. In October of 2012, the episode was released on DVD and Blu-Ray by Eagle Rock Entertainment.

While I was very familiar with the album (click here for my review of the album), there was a lot I did not know about the behind the scenes of this landmark record. I had the opportunity to review this DVD this week and thought I would share a few of my thoughts on it.

DVD review: Get A Real Job, Numbnuts

Get a Real Job, Numbnuts is the four-disk box set featuring a decade's worth of stand up comedy from Christopher Titus. It is available through his website http://christophertitus.com for the low price of $75 plus shipping. When you consider you are getting all four of his specials (over six hours of comedy) and each set comes signed by the comedian himself, that's a pretty sweet deal. You can also purchase each of the shows individually.

Now, long-time readers of my blog know I am a huge fan of Titus' comedy (just click here to read my 2007 post - go ahead, I'll wait...). Given that, it is no surprise then that I was very eager to pick up this collection. I've already watched the set through one time since I got it at the end of next week and will no doubt be viewing these shows again and again.

DVD: The B-52's - With the Wild Crowd

Last October I reviewed here on the blog the CD release of The B-52's - With the Wild Crowd live in concert (click here for that review).

This month, Eagle Rock Entertainment has issued the accompanying DVD of that concert, recorded from Athens, Georgia, on February 18th, 2011.

DVD: Santana - Live At Montreux 2011

Just released by Eagle Rock Entertainment is a two-disk DVD set of a live performance by Santana, recorded in Montreux, Switzerland, in July of 2011.

The show and Santana go together like peanut butter and jelly. The Santana band got its big break by playing Woodstock in 1969. Two years earlier, Claude Nobs established the Montreux Jazz Festival, an annual celebration of music from around the world.

The two came together when Carlos Santana played the festival in 1970, and that was the beginning of a long standing relationship.

DVD: Queen - Days of Our Lives

The title of this 2011 BBC documentary about the legendary rock band Queen comes from a track from their 1991 album Innuendo, their final studio release with lead singer Freddie Mercury. Drummer Roger Taylor penned a song called “These Are the Days of Our Lives” for that record. The title too could reflect a bit of the American soap opera by the same name for, as this documentary points out, the band went through quite a bit of trials and tribulations in their twenty years as a group.

DVD: Rolling Stones - Some Girls: Live in Texas ‘78

Last month, just in time for a holiday gift idea for that classic rock lover on your list, Eagle Rock released Some Girls Live in Texas ‘78, a concert DVD of the Rolling Stones from their huge 1978 tour. This performance was filmed on July 18th, 1978, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Forth Worth, Texas; it was right about the time that their Some Girls album was peaking at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 200 charts.

DVD: God Bless Ozzy Osbourne

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Ozzy Osbourne has lived a very infamous rock and roll lifestyle. From the days of Black Sabbath in the 70’s to his solo career in the 80’s to the Osbournes reality show on MTV in the 2000’s, his life has always been one of public display with over-the-top moments.

In 2011, his son Jack Osbourne and film directors Mike Fleiss and Mike Piscitelli put together a documentary film entitled God Bless Ozzy Osbourne, a very intimate and honest look at the rock legend’s life. Starting with growing up as one of six children of a factory worker in war-torn Birmingham, England, it chronicles the events of Ozzy’s career and personal struggles, ending with the over-60 rocker still touring to sold-out arena stadiums all over the world.

DVD: The Love We Make

Just released on DVD is The Love We Make, a documentary film directed by Albert Maysles and Bradley Kaplan. This ninety-four minute narrative follows Paul McCartney's activities and encounters during the days post-September 11, 2011 in New York City.

From the introduction, we learn that McCartney was on a jet waiting on the tarmac to take off when the 9/11 attacks occurred. The flight was postponed and he got to feel first hand what the great city was going through during those chaotic and emotional times.

DVD: Lindsey Buckingham - Songs From the Small Machine (Live in LA)

American singer/guitarist/composer Lindsey Buckingham has enjoyed a successful career for nearly four decades, both as a member of Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist. In September of 2011, he released his sixth solo album Seeds We Sow on his own label. In April of 2011, he filmed a concert in support of that album at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills; this month that show has been released on DVD and Blu-ray.

Having the opportunity to review this two-disk package this week, I thought I would share my thoughts with you all.

DVD: Peter Gabriel - New Blood: Live in London

Last month, rock legend Peter Gabriel released his ninth studio album New Blood, a collection of re-recordings of tracks through out his musical career but done with a full orchestra instead of a rock band. The idea for the record came about when he was doing some orchestral work for the second half of 2010 tour. On the record he worked with arranger John Metcalfe.

To go along with the CD, Gabriel filmed two performances in March of 2011 at the Hammersmith Apollo in London to be released as a 3D film experience as well as on DVD and Blu-Ray. I had the opportunity to check out the DVD of the concert this week and thought I would share my thoughts with the readers here.

DVD: Glee (season 2)

This week, the complete season 2 of Glee was released on DVD (also season 2 volume 2 for those folks, like me, who bought the first half of season 2 on DVD back in January). The six disks contain all twenty-two episodes from the season in widescreen format. The extras are plentiful with behind the scenes info and more. My favorite part is the Glee Music Jukebox feature that allows you to jump to the musical performances within each episode, for when you want to hear that favorite song.

For me, the sophomore season of Glee was a mixed bag. There were aspects I loved and aspects that just didn't work for me. I thought I would take a few paragraphs, broken down by topic, to hit what I consider some of those highlights and lowlights of the season.

DVD: the Big Bang Theory (season 4)

This week, season 4 of the Big Bang Theory came out on DVD.

Besides the 24 episodes as seen on TV, the set also includes a few features like: looking at the theme song by the Barenaked Ladies, a gag reel, and three segments where the actors ask each other questions. I picked up my copy at the local Target which had an exclusive fourth disk that included the show's San Diego Comic-Con panel discussion from the summer of 2010 (bridging season 3 and 4).

As most know, this happens to be one of my favorite comedies on TV right now. I love the whole geek-vibe of the show (from the science terms to the social awkwardness to the comic book references).

DVD review - Buffy season 5 episodes 20, 21 and 22

Completing my viewing and reviewing of Buffy season 5 (it made sense to view these all in a full block):

*** SPOILERS ***

B5-20 Spiral (written by Steven S. DeKnight, airdate 5/8/01)
B5-21 The Weight of the World (written by Douglas Petrie, airdate 5/15/01)
B5-22 The Gift (written by Joss Whedon, airdate 5/22/01)

Episode 20 was a bit out there, for me. Okay, first we get that looney tunes moment (thanks for pointing it out, Anya) when Glory asks "Any last words?" and Buffy says "Truck". That was cute. Anya then suggests running and Buffy agrees. So, it's the roadtrip from hell in the worst camper ever. I love when Xander drops the comic references for us geeks (with Sgt. Rock, twice) and the fact that he gets car sick on roadtrips. Then, it gets surreal with the Knights on horseback chasing down the camper. Saving grace: "Aim for the horsies". Giles gets impaled (shades of Walsh!), causing the wreck. Then they have to hold up in an old gas station with only Willow's ever growing magic to keep the army out. It all just felt so odd to me. And, of course, we have to get Ben there so he can become Glory and take Dawn. Not a good one for me at all.

Episode 21 was a bit weird too with the whole catatonic Buffy and Willow going into her head. Sure, we get to find out why she hasn't been up to par, how all this has been weighing down on her, and a reminder that "death is Buffy's gift". The back and forth of Glory and Ben fighting with herself/himself was really out there too. At least this one had more focus than the previous one did, for me. In the end, Giles points out that the only way to stop Glory is to kill Dawn - the very last thing that Buffy does not want to do.

Episode 22, of course, is written by Joss as most season enders are (and it was the 100th episode to boot). He gets to pull it all together. This one, I understand, was first considered a series finale so why not go out with something big. Of course, we all know it wasn't - but it had pieces of that there. We get elements from earlier in the season brought back in (the Dagon Sphere, Olaf's Hammer, "Summers blood") as well as resolutions needed: Willow using her powerful magic to not only slow Glory down but to restore Tara, Spike being allowed back in Buffy's home - a sign of how far their relationship has come, Xander and Willow having one final romp before the end of the world (just in case) and then his proposing to her, and one more appearance by Doc (Joel Grey). The fight was good, as was Giles doing the one thing heroes don't do: taking care of Glory while in Ben form. The sacrifice Buffy makes and her speech was very moving (okay, I teared up a bit - I am such a sap) but it seems like there will be a lot of mess to clean up afterwards - some nasties did bleed out when the portal between realms was open.

All in all, mostly a good season with a few clunkers in there along the way. Naturally, things are going to be a bit different when season 6 starts. But that's what gives the show new blood.

DVD review - Buffy season 5/Angel season 2 episodes 19

Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 5 and Angel season 2...

*** SPOILERS ***

B5-19: Tough Love (written by Rebecca Rand Kirshner, airdate 5/1/01)

It is time for Buffy and Willow to really grow up and be responsible. Buffy has to be more firm and structured with Dawn, so social services don't come and take her away fromher. Willow, meanwhile, has a fight with Tara causing the later to go off alone - making her the perfect target for Glory (since Tara is the newest one to the group). Glory shows her truly twisted evil by crushing Tara's hand, but Tara won't betray Dawn. When Glory concludes that Tara is not the key, she scrambles her mind before Willow can arrive. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, though! And Willow goes to the darkest of magiks to get some payback. But it looks like Glory has the last laugh - finding Willow, Tara, Dawn and Buffy and raining on their picnic lunch. Befuddled Tara, who can now see the truth, tips off to Glory (unintentionally) Dawn's true nature. Uh oh! This doesn't bode well at all.


A2-19: Belonging (written by Shawn Ryan, airdate 5/1/01)

This episodes finds all of the gang a bit out of sorts. Wesley can't seem to impress his father despite the fact that he is in charge of the agency. Cordelia gets a national commerical only to realize that garbage she has to put up with from the director. Angel tries to defend Cordy's honor and only causes more problems. Gunn is not there for his friends in the 'hood, and he loses another one to the vampires. Then, there is Lorne, the karoake host. His past comes showing up from his home realm when portals open up, the first unleashing a demon and the second bringing along his clan-cousin. Even as they track down the beast, Angel finds he is best served as the warrior while Wes finds himself questioning his position. In the end, they defeat the beast and plan to send the cousin home - but something goes awry. In the words of Cordelia, now on Lorne's home turf - "oh crap". Indeed. Looks like this is a nice set up for another episode to follow.

Between both these endings, it might be time to finish off a season on one and then the other. Ladies first...

DVD review - Buffy season 5/Angel season 2 episodes 18

Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 5 and Angel season 2...

*** SPOILERS ***

B5-18: Intervention (written by Jane Espenson, airdate 4/24/01)

So, Buffy goes on her quest in the desert (minus any peyote) and gets the advice that "death is your gift". Okay, that doesn't sound like it will bode very well, does it? Meanwhile, Warren delivers to Spike the Buffybot, and it is exactly what the vampire ordered. Ewwww. Of course, the real fun starts when the 'bot interacts with Xander, Anya, Willow and the others (I loved how Giles is appaulled that Spike didn't even bother to have it programmed with the correct pronounciation of his name - LOL). The best part though - when the minions snag Spike, thinking he is the key, and Glory tortures him brutally Spike shows his true loyalty. He won't betray Dawn because it will hurt Buffy. I love that Willow loves the challenge to fix the broken 'bot and that Xander feels sorry for Spike having to lose his toy after getting beaten up so bad. Buffy does a great job pretending to be the 'bot to find out where Spike's loyalty lies. Though disgusted by his feelings, she can't deny that he has stood by her.


A2-18: Dead End (written by David Greenwalt, airdate 4/24/01)

Interesting character studies here. First, focus on what visions do to Cordelia - how they keep hitting her until the situation is resolved. That is having some wear on her. (Note: over the past couple episodes I've noticed Carissma's tramp-stamp tattoo, given the clothes she has been wearing.) Of course, the biggest focus is on Lindsey - how he goes day to day with just the one hand, how W&H decide to invest in him to get a mystical transplant, how well he plays the guitar and sings at the karoake bar, oh - and how you can't be sure just where that hand has been. LOL. I love how Angel and Lindesey have to work together, reluctantly, but they did make a good team. In the end, they both realize what must be done with W&H's body bank (ewwww, ick place). I also love Lindsey's "performance" at the review meeting - beware "I've got this evil hand" thing - very nice. He manages to get himself off the hook, stick it one last time to Lilah (by giving her the job) and gets to walk away from it all. Final great touch - the scene at the truck when Lindsey is ready to leave town (and Angel's little "farewell" gift). A good episode.

DVD review - Buffy season 5/Angel season 2 episodes 10

Continuing my viewing and reviewing of Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 5 and Angel season 2...

*** SPOILERS ***

B5-10: Into the Woods (written by Marti Noxon, airdate 12/19/00)

Marti excels at writing stories that are lower key and more on a personal level, and this episode qualifies. We have Joyce recovering from surgery, Xander and Anya watching over Dawn for a night while Buffy and Riley celebrate their own way (all the while lovesick Spike waits outside her house). Spike, however, discovers Riley's little secret of sneaking out and getting his kicks by paying vampire women to suck his blood; and Spike can't resist letting Buffy know the truth. His logic comes forth when Riley threatens Spike: Riley just doesn't have enough monster in him for Buffy. Of course, Buffy is hurt by Riley's betrayal and takes it out on the vamps' hangout and then them as well (nice javelin throw dusting!). Of course, it takes Xander's words to help Buffy realize that if Riley leaves with his army buddies that it is her choice. She choses to forgive but is too late. Xander, meanwhile, makes sure Anya knows how much he really loves her. Nice character bits all the way around.


A2-10: Reunion (written by Minear & Ryan, airdate 12/19/00)

This was another awesome episode. Angel realizes that now that Darla has been bit, the only way to save her is to dust her when she rises. But how to find her? Drusilla is her usual trippy best - love the whole references to Darla as both grandmother and daughter (as Gunn put it, that's one messed up family tree). Gunn shows how to think out of the box by realizing the "nursery" Dru wants to prepare is a true plant nursery. But Angel arrives too late and a great three-way fight ensues with Angel, Dru and Darla. The ladies escape only to end up at Wolfram and Hart, and Holland is foolish enough to let them both walk out. The girls have another fight and then make up once Darla has fed. Then, they do what girls do best - go shopping! In the end, karma comes back to bite the special projects team at Holland's little wine tasting party. Turns out, Dru and Darla have other tasting in mind - and Angel facilitates by locking them all into the converted bunker and letting the girls feast!!! Naturally, Gunn, Wesley and Cordelia are shocked by his behavior and point out that they are the only ones keeping him morally ground. So he fires them! Wow. Just wow. Great stuff here and a nice twist. So glad I don't have to wait a month between episodes like the folks in 2000/2001 did. I would have gone crazy wondering what would happen next.

Justice League: the New Frontier DVD

I happened to be at Best Buy yesterday afternoon, after a nice lunch of wings with my son at Buffalo Wild Wings. My son was looking for a video game to buy so I checked out the new DVD releases. There, on the shelf, was the two disc special edition of Justice League: the New Frontier - complete with special edition collectible Green Lantern figure. The price was right so I picked it up to add to my animated DVD collection.

Now, I did read the comic book this film was adapted from but I heard a lot of nice things about it. It is a take on the origin of the Justice League set in the 1950's and tying in with real world events like the Korean War, the scare of Communism, etc. My son and I sat down and watched the film when we got home and I enjoyed it pretty well.

I liked the focus on Hal Jordan (voiced by David Boreanaz) as he begins to work for Carol Ferris (voiced by Brokke Shields) and learns the true purpose of Ferris Aircraft. I liked Barry Allen/Flash (voiced by Neil Patrick Harris) when he was working solo - like against Captain Cold - but not so much when he had the inferiority complex around the others. I never felt Barry Allen felt himself inferior to anyone.

Some of the special features on the two-disk set were pretty cool too. Disk one had along with the movie a comprehensive history of the Justice League, with a lot of cool industry pros giving commentary. It was nice to see these folks - to put faces with writers' names. Heck, they even mentioned the Detroit years (yes, I liked the Detroit years - for what it was worth). Disk two had a documentary on various DC villains that was also enjoyable. It also included three bonus Justice League animated episodes - which I have on the other DVD sets.

All in all, a nice package for the price.