Fulvue Drive-In.com
Current Reviews
In Stores Soon
 
In Stores Now
 
DVD Reviews, SACD Reviews Essays Interviews Contact Us Meet the Staff
An Explanation of Our Rating System Search  
Category:    Home > Reviews > Horror > Supernatural > Demonic Possession > Monster > Camp > Teens > Dinosaurs > Science Fiction > Superh > Altered Perception (2018/Cinedigm DVD)/Horror Of Party Beach (1963/Severin Blu-ray)/Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018/Universal 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray w/Blu-ray)/Justice League: 100 Greatest Moments (

Altered Perception (2018/Cinedigm DVD)/Horror Of Party Beach (1963/Severin Blu-ray)/Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018/Universal 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray w/Blu-ray)/Justice League: 100 Greatest Moments (2018/Chartwell Books/Hardcover)/Rapid Fire (1992/Fox/Twilight Time Limited Edition Blu-ray)



4K Ultra HD Picture: A Picture: B-/B/B+/B+ Sound: B-/C+/A/B+ Extras: C-/C+/B/C+ Films: C-/C/B/C+ Book: A



PLEASE NOTE: The Rapid Fire Blu-ray is now only available from our friends at Twilight Time, is limited to only 3,000 copies and can be ordered from the links below.



The following are interesting, even key genre releases for you to know about....



Altered Perception (2018) is a low budget drug thriller that follows four couples that are all feuding with one another and are hoping to reconnect, but when they take a study and a experimental drug, things go from bad to worse as past demons resurface.


The film stars Jon Hurtas, Jennifer Blanc, Jade Tailor, and Matthew Ziff.


Altered Perception feels like a stage play at times and aims to be controversial with its varied views on drugs, homosexuality, and violence but is ultimately held back by mediocre acting and filmmaking. The performances feel a little flat at times and the idea that has been done better in other films such as Enter The Void.


The film is presented in anamorphically enhanced standard definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and a lossy 5.1 Dolby Digital mix. The colors seem fine for the format and the look isn't over-stylized.


The only extras are trailers for similar films Followers and Writers Retreat.



Actually better, if based on a sillier storyline, Del Tenney's Horror Of Party Beach (1963) is actually back, getting an unexpected upgrade to high definition in a decent new Blu-ray from the savvy people at Severin Home Video. The story of nuclear waste accidentally spilling into local waterways onto human bones and turning them into killer sea creatures (?!?) at least is consistent in its illogic. Campy, sometimes politically incorrect and wacky all around, (white) teens dance and party to (bad) pop/rock music, so many of them are doomed to die!


The creatures look more at home on The Simpsons, the acting is almost as non-existent as the budget and its not very memorable, yet it is amusing when viewing. The makers were determined to make this work somehow and it made a profit by default. That the film survived at all in an age where so many orphan films (i.e., not tied to major studios, though this was distributed by one) are not surviving as well if at all. All fans of Horror monster, music and campy films should see this one at least once, though so much of it is bad. I give it points for ambition by default.


The 1080p 1.85 X 1 black & white digital High Definition image transfer can show the age of the materials used, but this is far superior a transfer to all previous releases of the film via a 2K scan of what is convincingly identified as the original camera negative that shows how surprisingly good the film has held up visually. Detail and depth of the monochromatic 35mm stock will surprise many. The DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 2.0 Mono lossless mix is unfortunately limited, slightly compressed and cannot hide its age or limited dynamic range.


Extras include an archival interview with Director Tenney, an Original Theatrical Trailer, Return to Party Beach: A Retrospective Documentary on The Horror of Party Beach, It's the Living End: An Encounter with The Del-Aires interview with band members Bobby Osborne and Ronnie Linares and Shock & Roll: Filmmaker Tim Sullivan on Rock & Roll Horror Movies.


Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park (now World) series has always been a favorite of mine and now we have the new sequel and fifth entry, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) out on 4K UHD disc. The film gets right about as much as it gets wrong in terms of how it measures up to previous installments. While it delivers the goods in terms of special effects and action, it suffers in plot logistics and moments of groan-worthy acting. At the end of the day, this popcorn flick is big loud fun and should be taken for the blockbuster entertainment that it is.


Fallen Kingdom stars Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, James Cromwell, Ted Levine, Justice Smith, Geraldine Chaplin, Daniella Pineda, Toby Jones, Rafe Spall and Isabella Sermon, B.D. Wong and a cameo by Jeff Goldblum. The film is directed by J.A. Bayona and produced by Colin Trevorrow (director of the first Jurassic World, the prior film).


The sequel/follow-up to 2015's Jurassic World, Fallen Kingdom takes place several years later and the island where the (now closed) park sat is now a free-for all for the dinosaurs. When its discovered that a volcano is going to erupt on the island and kill wipe out the creatures, a group of freedom fighters (led by Pratt and Howard) end up on the island in an attempt to help save them. However, as always with a Jurassic film, the rich have a plan of their own for the dinos.


You have to hand it to this sequel for trying to take things in a different direction, especially with the ending that sets up a promising third film. However, some characters (especially Pratt's) are almost too 'strong' in the film and never really seem to be in danger despite being in danger. You know that despite the stakes presented... there will always be some way for these heroes to be one step ahead of death. Still, the dinosaurs make up for some of the false reality, though the finale's Indo-raptor sequence is a bit too long and drawn out for its own good.


This is a great looking 2160p HEVC/H.265, Dolby Vision/HDR (10; Ultra HD Premium)-enhanced Ultra High Definition image presentation, brought to us in its original 2.40:1 widescreen aspect ratio and a choice of several top notch audio mixes including a cutting edge English DTS:X Master Audio 11.1 lossless mix (DTS-MA 7.1 mixdown) and other tracks in lossy Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish and French DTS-HD High Resolution Audio 7.1. The film shows the strength of detail possible in this new format with impeccable and lifelike details on the dinosaurs at all times. Colors are at nice level and no visible issues are evident. The fantastic score and vibrant sound mix is on full display and help make this a demo-worthy disc to show off a high end home entertainment system.


Also included in the set is a 1080p Blu-ray disc with similar specs ( and a digital copy. When comparing these versions of the film to the 4K, the changes are plain as day.


It is also worth noting that if you're a fan of this and the other Jurassic Park/Jurassic World films, then you should definitely check them in their full picture and sound clarity out now on 4K UHD disc as well. They are definitely worth the upgrade (see the end of this section of review link).


Special Features include...


The Kingdom Evolves - Filmmakers discuss how the second chapter in the Jurassic World Trilogy pushes the franchise in a new direction.


Return to Hawaii - Cast and crew discuss shooting the film in Hawaii.


Island Action - A behind-the-scenes look at the bunker scene and runaway gyrosphere sequence.


Aboard the Arcadia - Cast and crew discuss working with the animatronic dinosaurs.


Start the Bidding! - A behind-the-scenes look at the auction scene.


On Set with Chris & Bryce - Go behind the scenes with Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard.


Birth of the Indoraptor - An inside look at the genetically designed monstrosity known as the Indoraptor.


Death by Dino - Go behind the scenes as the Indoraptor faces off with a key character.


Monster in a Mansion - Director J.A. Bayona discusses how Jurassic Park and John Badham's Dracula (1979) influenced his approach to directing the monster in a mansion scene.


Rooftop Showdown - A look at the terrifying showdown on the rooftop of the Lockwood Mansion.


Malcolm's Return - Behind the scenes with the one & only Jeff Goldblum.


VFX Evolved - The team at ILM discuss their cutting-edge approach to creating dinosaurs.


Fallen Kingdom: The Conversation - Filmmakers and cast sit down for a candid and casual conversation about Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.


Chris Pratt's Jurassic Journals


Vivian Baker, Makeup Artist


Mary Mastro, Hair Stylist


Chris Murphy, 1st Assistant Sound


Dean Bailey, Stunt Edge Car Driver


Peter Harcourt, Diver


Daniella Pineda and Justice Smith, Actors


Jody Wiltshire, Set PA


Kelly Krieg, Assistant Script Supervisor


J.A. Bayona, Director


James Cox, Stunt Performer


Rachelle Beinart, Stunt Double


Bryce Dallas Howard interviews Chris Pratt, Actor


A Song for the Kingdom - Justice Smith sings for the cast and crew of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.


Jurassic Then and Now (presented by Barbasol) Key moments from the Jurassic saga that tie into Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.


While it doesn't hold up to the first two Spielberg Jurassic Park films in terms of quality, I'd say Fallen Kingdom is better than Jurassic Park 3 and a tie with Jurassic World. While one can't help but wonder how it would be if Spielberg was still in the director's chair, the franchise is at least still trying new things this time instead of spending too much time with fan service and homaging the original.


You can read more about the original film and rest of the series in their 4K releases at this link...


http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/15174/It+Takes+From+Within+(2014/First+Run+DVD)/Ju



DC Comics' Justice League is one of the most coveted of all superhero franchises and is glorified here in this beautiful new hardcover book: Justice League: 100 Greatest Moments (2018). Highlighting some of the best moments over the span of the brand's existence and making note of the ups and downs, Robert Greenberger's book is highly detailed and a must have companion piece for DC fans. Whether you are a hardcore comic nerd or a fan whose intrigued with the franchise through the films and curious to dive into the comic world, or even if you just want some background on the characters, then this is worth checking out.


Batman, Superman, Wonder-Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Cyborg and MANY others make up the Justice League, which clearly give Marvel's Avengers a run for their money. While we are just now seeing some of these heroes on the big screen, this book highlights their humble beginnings to epic crossovers and team-ups over the years.


The book weighs in at 304 full color pages with beautiful DC artwork on each page. While flipping through it, its evident to see how many different incarnations of the characters that there have been over the years and how many great stories could still lend themselves to translation in further movies and animated films.


This isn't simply a book made to cash in and random events picked out of a hat... this is an trustworthy list that consists of nominations from larger Facebook fan groups as well as former JLA scribes Mark Waid, Kurt Busiek, J.M. DeMatteis, Bob Rozakis, Gerry Conway, Marv Wolfman and former DC editors Michael Eury and KC Carlson. Researcher and comics historian John Wells and current JLA editor Brian Cunningham also offered input on the most book in an effort to make it as accurate as possible.


I, for one, found it easy to get lost in the pages of this great new book on the World's Greatest Super-Heroes and would recommend it to anyone who loves DC.



Last but not least, an early film by a star lost too soon, but on his way to greatness. Brandon Lee (son of Bruce) stars in the fast paced action film Rapid Fire (1992), which was made just before his iconic role in The Crow. Rapid Fire is directed by Dwight H. Little, who horror fans know also directed the much maligned Halloween 4.


Joined with Powers Boothe (Sin City), this all but forgotten film finds new life in this fantastic new release from Twilight Time. It really is tragic that we lost Lee right as he was starting to get very good at his craft as is evident here. There are many impressive pieces of stunt work done by Brandon here and his acting was better than most! Plot-wise there isn't anything too innovative or groundbreaking, and the film is slightly dated in some respects... but recommendable.


Rapid Fire also stars Nick Mancuso, Raymond J. Barry, Tzi Ma, Kate Hodge, and Tony Longo.


Brandon Lee plays a talented art student who also just so happens to be trained in martial arts. When he sees a mafia gangster get murdered by his Chinese gang rival, all hell breaks loose as Lee gets stuck between a gang feud. With the help of a police officer (Boothe), Lee kicks all kinds of butts and takes names!


Presented in 1080p high definition with a 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio and a English 2.0 DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) Stereo lossless mix, the film has been nicely restored to Blu-ray. This is the film's first release in HD domestically and the colors and condition of the film is in top condition. Levels are properly saturated and detailed and the mix is on point.


Special Features...


BTS Featurette


Introducing: Brandon Lee original featurette


HD Theatrical Trailer


and a Color Insert Booklet with great essay by Julie Kirgo.



While it's totally a '90s action flick, this is worth checking out for Brandon Lee's performance and his innovative fight choreography.



To order the Rapid Fire limited edition Blu-ray, buy it and other great exclusives while supplies last at these links:


www.screenarchives.com


and


http://www.twilighttimemovies.com/



- Nicholas Sheffo (Beach) and James Lockhart

https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/


Marketplace


 
 Copyright © MMIII through MMX fulvuedrive-in.com