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The Land Unknown, a review by GSyren

The Land Unknown (4-041036-370213)

United States 1957 | Released 2014-08-15 on Bluray from Anolis Entertainment, Hollywood Classics, Universal Studios International

78 minutes | Aspect ratio 2.35:1 | Audio: German DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono

Directed by Virgil Vogel and starring Jock Mahoney, Shawn Smith, William Reynolds, Henry Brandon, Douglas R. Kennedy

My thoughts about The Land Unknown:

I love fifties sci-fi and horror movies. Even when they are bad they are entertaining. The Land Unknown isn't really bad. It has it's weaknesses and its strength. You know it's far from perfect when the lizards are scarier looking than the dinosaurs. The T-Rex is just embarrassing. I can overlook that, but only just. Some of the special effects look quite good, though. The story is essentially fine. It's kind of The Land that Time Forgot, but at the other pole. Is it sexist? Yeah, by today's standard, but you can't measure a 50+ year old movie with today's yardstick. The German blu-ray release looks fantastic. I enjoyed this very much, but of course Jurassic World it is not.

I rate this title

(From Reviews and ramblings by Gunnar on June 13th, 2015)

San Andreas, a review by GSyren

San Andreas (5-051892-189637)

United States 2015 | Released 2015-10-12 on Bluray from WarnerHome Video

114 minutes | Aspect ratio 2.40:1 | Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1, Italian Dolby Digital 5.1, Audio Descriptive Dolby Digital 5.1

Directed by Brad Peyton and starring Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario, Ioan Gruffudd, Archie Panjabi

After the infamous San Andreas Fault finally gives, triggering a magnitude 9 earthquake in California, a search and rescue helicopter pilot and his estranged wife make their way together from Los Angeles to San Francisco to save their only daughter. But their treacherous journey north is only the beginning. And when they think the worst may be over...it's just getting started.

My thoughts about San Andreas:

Loves: Disaster movies Likes: The Rock Dislikes: Illogical scripts Hates: Overuse of CGI Let's get the CGI part over with first. I don't hate CGI. However, I hate in-your-face CGI, the kind that screams "Look what we can do!" The kind where they use lots of CGI when just a little would be enough to tell the story. And there are several such moments in this film. But if the action and the acting is good enough I can look past that. I can also get hung up on illogical details, like - why is the tsunami coming towards the quake zone rather than going away from it? Or - isn't Carla Gugino a bit young to be Alexandra Daddario's mother? Dwayne Johnson isn't likely to win any Academy Awards, but he works well as an action here. Carla Gugoni and Paul Giamatti are fine. Alexandra Daddario looks

I rate this title

(From Reviews and ramblings by Gunnar on November 4th, 2015)

Charmed Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

"From Fear To Eternity"
Original Airdate: February 10, 1999
Every 1,300 years, a unique demon appears that feeds on the fears of witches. This time it is targetting the Halliwell sisters and they receive aid from their Wicca ancestors just as they are close to their own fearful deaths.

My Thoughts:
This is another one of my favorites of the season.This episode has the first of several appearances by the demon of fear... played (excellently) by Billy Drago. I thought the storyline was well thought out and played nicely by all.

"Secrets And Guys"
Original Airdate: February 17, 1999
A kidnapped boy (David Netter) with special powers sends cryptic cries for help to Prue. The search for the boy leads to the unveiling of a special secret about Leo, Piper's beau.

My Thoughts:
Leo is back (for now)... and Phoebe finds out what Leo is... but she must keep it a secret from her sisters.

"Is There A Woogy In The House?"
Original Airdate: February 24, 1999
Phoebe's fear of a "Woogyman" who lives in the basement is an ongoing source of amusement for her two sisters. That is, until a violent earthquake unleashes a long-dormant shadow-demon that turns Phoebe against her siblings.

My Thoughts:
Really good episode... and the first time they come out with the fact that Phoebe could be a power of good or a power of evil.

"Which Prue Is It Anyway?"
Original Airdate: March 3, 1999
In an effort to protect Phoebe, Prue chants an incantation to multiply her strength. Surprisingly, the spell results in the creation of multiple Prues.

My Thoughts:
Another good episode... but not one I would call a favorite. Andy is getting closer to figuring out what is going on with the sisters...


"That '70s Episode"
Original Airdate: April 7, 1999
The Halliwell sisters must cast a spell that returns them to the mid-'70s in order to save themselves from a warlock that is immune to the powers of the Charmed Ones.

My Thoughts:
This is an episode that is lots of fun... One I enjoy very much. It was fun to see Grams and the sisters mother basically for the first time (though I do believe we seen Grams before). I also enjoyed seeing what the sisters (2 of them anyway) were like as kids.

"When Bad Warlock Turns Good"
Original Airdate: April 28, 1999
Outrageous situations arise when Phoebe tries to help Piper make a love connection, and Prue meets a young man who is fighting against his destiny to become evil.

My Thoughts:
A decent episode... but not one of my favorites. Don't know what else to really say about this one... just a basic filler episode.

"Out Of Sight"
Original Airdate: May 5, 1999
The sisters attempt a dangerous rescue of a boy who has been kidnapped by a Grimlock, and Prue's secret is shattered when a reporter witnesses her using her magical powers.

My Thoughts:
A good episode. This is the first appearance of the Grimlocks... and the episode where Andy finally finds out the truth about the sisters. I really thought that Phoebe would hook up with the blind guy she got info from... there chemistry seemed so good on the show... but some reason they decided not to go there.

"The Power of Two"
Original Airdate: May 12, 1999
The evil spirit of a serial killer escapes from Alcatraz Island seeking revenge. It's up to Phoebe and Prue to figure out how to vanquish this evil spirit and stop him from killing again, and they must do it without Piper.

My Thoughts:
This is a good basic episode... this time dealing with the Ghost of Alcatraz. It almost seems strange having Andy go to the sister when an "unusual" case crosses his desk... but it really fits... I like him knowing.


(From Charmed Marathon on February 28th, 2008)