DVD Collectors Online

ParaNorman, a review by Danae Cassandra

ParaNorman
Year of Release:  2012
Starring:  Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck
Directed By:  Sam Fell, Chris Butler
Genre:  Adventure, Comedy, Horror

Overview:
From the makers of Coraline comes the story of Norman, a boy who must use his ability to see and speak with the dead to save his town from a centuries-old curse.

In addition to spooky zombies, he'll also have to take on mysterious ghosts, wily witches and, worst of all, clueless grown-ups. But this young ghoul whisperer will soon find his paranormal abilities pushed to their otherworldly limits. Featuring the voice talents of Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Mann, Jeff Garlin and John Goodman, it's a frightfully funny and magically thrilling adventure for the whole family in eye-popping stop-motion.

My Thoughts:
This was a fun film to watch over at our friend Katrina's house.  I must say one of the things Hollywood is doing right these days is animated films.  There have really been a lot of great ones in recent years.  ParaNorman is no exception.  It as very well-done on every level:  good animation, clever dialogue, plenty of humor  and scares, a genuinely creepy atmosphere, a couple of twists in the plot that you don't see coming, and great underlying message.

Lots and lots of fun - recommended for everyone except very small children.  Might be a bit dark for them.  Safe for a movie night for a group where people have drastically different tastes in films.

Bechdel Test:  Fail

Overall:  3.75/5

(From ParaNorman on June 3rd, 2013)

Underworld: Awakening, a review by dfmorgan

Underworld: Awakening (2012/United States) (United Kingdom) Director: Writing: Len Wiseman (Screenwriter), John Hlavin (Screenwriter), J. Michael Straczynski (Screenwriter), Allison Burnett (Screenwriter), Len Wiseman (Story By), John Hlavin (Story By), Kevin Grevioux (Original Characters By), Len Wiseman (Original Characters By), Danny McBride (1976) (Original Characters By) Length: 89 min. Video: Widescreen 2.35:1 Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 7.1 Subtitles: English

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Stars:
Kate Beckinsale as Selene
Stephen Rea as Dr. Jacob Lane
Michael Ealy as Detective Sebastian
Theo James as David
India Eisley as Eve

Plot:
KATE BECKINSALE returns as the ultimate vampire warrioress Selene in Underworld: Awakening, the stunning new installment of the epic saga for the first time in 3D.

Having escaped years of imprisonment, she finds herself in a changed world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species. Now Selene must battle the humans and a frightening new breed of super Lycans to ensure the death dealers' survival.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• Featurettes
• Music Videos
• Outtakes/Bloopers

An enjoyable film. The series is moving forward and this film sets up ready for the next installment.

Rating:

(From Dave's DVD/Blu-ray Reviews on May 20th, 2012)

Tom's Random Reviews, a review by Tom

Title: Kujibiki Unbalance: The Collection
Year: 2006
Director:
Rating: NR
Length: 375 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78
Audio: English: Dolby Digital Stereo, Japanese: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: Commentary, English

Stars:


Plot:
Chihiro has always had rotten luck in life. But at the prestigious Rikkyouin Academy, where everything is decided by drawn lot, or kujibiki, he finds his luck changing when he draws the lot for student council president. He and his harem of student council candidates undergo a year-long, impossible apprenticeship under the current ruling body, which happens to be led by one of Chihiro's childhood friends. The road to success is filled with zany misadventures, innocent romances, and a wild humor that is sure to please.

Each disc includes an episode of Genshiken!

Extras:
Commentary
Genshiken OVAs
Trailers

Originally this was a fictional series in the Genshiken series. Then they re-imagined it and made a real series out of it. I bought this one, because it includes three additional Genshiken episodes, which bridges the first and second season of Genshiken. It introduces my favorite Genshiken character Ogiue.
The Kujibiki Unbalance series is nothing which I can really recommend. It had some fun scenes and episodes, but overall I can recommend this set only to fans of Genshiken to have that anime series completed. The Genshiken episodes are great!

Kujibiki Unbalance

#	Episode	Rating
01	Everyone Gets Surprised at School. 7 pts.
02	You Have to be Able to Keep Promises. 2 pts.
03	Siblings Are a Pain. 6 pts.
04	Want to Hang Out Sunday? 5 pts.
05	Friends Might Change. 1 pt.
06	I Swear I'll Keep It a Secret. 8 pts.
07	I'll Listen to My Superiors. 4 pts.
08	I've Forgotten About the Past. 7 pts.
09	The Fireworks Looked Pretty. 5 pts.
10	Though We Look For It, It's Not There. 3 pts.
11	Stumbling In the Dark. 0 pts.
12	Let's Make Our Dream Come True. 9 pts.

Genshiken OVA

#	Episode	Rating
01	My Name is Ogiue and I Hate Otaku
02	I Am From the Planet Otaku
03	Then I'll Undress You!

(From Tom's Random Reviews on January 7th, 2010)