The voice cast includes Academy Award nominee Casey Affleck (The Killer Inside Me ), Tempestt Bledsoe (“The Cosby Show”), Jeff Garlin (Toy Story 3), John Goodman (Red State, Matinee, Monsters, Inc.), Bernard Hill (Titanic), Academy Award nominee Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air), Leslie Mann (Rio), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Fright Night 3D, How to Train Your Dragon), Kodi Smit-McPhee (Let Me In) and Tony and Emmy Award winner Elaine Stritch (“30 Rock”), Tucker Albrizzi (Good Luck Charlie), Alex Borstein (“Family Guy”), Jodelle Ferland (Case 39, Silent Hill, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse).

A misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead, takes on ghosts, zombies and, worst of all, moronic grown-ups, in order to save his town from a centuries-old curse.

Source: Yahoo! Movies

3D today

Recently, RealD 3D has been really revolutionizing the 3D process. I remember being highly skeptical of it, based on my previous 3D experiences. Anaglyph systems took the color out, leaving the image just red and green. Fortunately, RealD or Polarization systems leave the film much like a traditional 2D film. We have color, clarity, and above all, filmmakers have really embraced this format. Avatar and Alice in Wonderland have been gigantic successes, not only in terms of box office receipts but in fan acceptance.

Face it: 3D is here to stay and it’s here in our homes. Samsung and Panasonic has just released new 3D TV’s, a LED and a Plasma for consumer purchase. As skeptical as some still are on 3D in cinema, people are really apprehensive about 3D at home. Having tested out the Samsung 55″ LED 3D TV recently, I’m here to offer my opinions from a consumer standpoint.

Pros

Right off the bat, the Samsung model number UN55C7000WF is a superb set. You got your basics: 240 HZ, 1080p, ultra-slim design, and whether it’s a Blu-ray movie or HDTV, you’re treated to gorgeous colors and amazing HD. Well, duh, right? Samsung has quickly become the leader in HDTV’s and this is no different. But the added capabilities on 3D is this set’s calling card. Currently, the only 3D Blu-ray to test out is Monsters vs. Aliens. Seeing the film at the theaters in RealD 3D, I had a great resource to compare the home video version too, and in all honesty, it looks exactly like it did theatrically. The DreamWorks film is a superb launch title on 3D home video. I noticed nary an issue in the 3D. Dimensionality and objects looks superb in 3D. I think maybe it would have looked better if the store I was at dimmed the lights more, because darker is an ally to 3D, but the set accurately recreates the theatrical polarization system of 3D.

While you must buy a new Blu-ray player, as I tested it out on the new Samsung 3D Blu-ray player and have a HDMI cable with 1.4 abilities, I’m eager to see more. The TV itself has the ability to offer three modes of 3D. Currently planned are the World Cup televised on PPV in 3D and some cable/satellite companies are planning a slew of 3D only channels, so having a few different modes will help out. ESPN will broadcast 3D differently than say HBO. Also, the TV can take films that are not in 3D originally, and convert them to 3D. How does this work? Well, the set takes the image and adds background dimensionality to it. I tested out Pirates of the Caribbean and everything from the opening titles to when Jack Sparrow’s first appearance on the port offered some wow factor. I was pretty impressed with this gimmick. I think it’ll add some new flavor to old favorites.

All in all, first impressions of mine were high.

Cons

Looking at the market, the economy is still slow, but getting better, and new technology is always pricey. Granted this 3D is essentially a bonus to a great set, $3,000 is pretty steep now, especially if there’s currently only one title released and if you recently just bought a new set. Samsung is offering a free starter kit when you purchase the TV, that includes Monsters vs. Aliens 3D and two pairs of glasses. But remember, you need the new 3D Blu-ray player, so that’s another $400.

Blu-ray stumbled slightly out of the gate when it was launched, with high disc and player prices, making the average Joe a bit nervous to adopt. Not only that, but the economy crashed. 3D TV doesn’t have the competition like Blu-ray did against HD-DVD, but the economy and lack of titles hurt this launch. The glasses by themselves are pricey as well. Yes, they are just like the ones you get at the theater, but these are powered helping out to take full advantage of the 3D, so you can’t use the million you have sitting around. Not only that, but they are a tad fragile as the store I was at said they had three but two quickly broke (out of consumer negligence mostly).

No Avatar (It’s a Panasonic exclusive until 2012). That’s what everyone is saying. Currently Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, along with the fore-mentioned Monsters vs. Aliens are possibly the only three titles we got in 2010. James Cameron at the Avatar official announcement party said this: “There just aren’t that many players and screens yet. We have more of a long-term strategy, in that area. But, I think it would be a shame to hold back the Blu-ray when people want it now, and I love it. I think it’s a great format.” He’s right. Currently, there’s about 25 titles released for 3D Blu-ray. We have two reviewed on the site.

The once lack of titles, the fragile glasses, and price are the early cons of what is essentially a superb idea and TV set. There wasn’t a chance for me to explore films like Freddy’s Dead that use the old Anaglyph 3D on its DVD or Coraline that uses an updated Anaglyph 3D on its Blu-ray, so I have no opinion on the use for films like those on this set.

To Home 3D or Not to Home 3D?

Again, Cameron said it best: “If you’re going to go 3D, go big. Get the biggest set you can, and then sit as close as you can stand. That’s my advice. Get the coffee table out of the way and slide the couch over, right in front of the TV.” I think if one understands 3D, which many don’t, the future is bright for this technology at home. People still think 3D must pop out at you to wow you, and with films like Up and Avatar, 3D has shown filmmakers and audiences that opening up an environment can be just as impressive as a pick-axe being thrown at you like in My Bloody Valentine. Also, some people can get 3D to work for them due to personal issues with their eyes. I read where having near perfect eyes, like 20/20, really benefit those over people who don’t in enjoying 3D.

But in all honestly, for the average Joe, 3D is here and while it’s a bit pricey out of the gate at launch, consider making your next TV purchase a 3D capable one. I know the Panasonic Plasma is getting some positive chatter, but the Samsung LED is just jaw-dropping gorgeous. Still, I say wait. Since players are new and $400 and the lack of live-action titles (although rumors of Avatar 3D Blu next year are swirling), waiting isn’t a bad option. Plus, once studios find a happy medium to releasing 3D and once sports and television programs jump on-board, 3D is here and it is no longer a gimmick.

In case the constant slew of 3D theatrical titles aren’t convincing you yet, let Killer Film say this: 2011 is the defining year for 3D and this new Samsung model is a prime example of why. Still not convinced? Read Consumer Reports thoughts here and if you have experienced 3D TV, tell us what you thought below!

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Selick has always been working in and out with the Disney family for quite some time, ever since his widely popular stop-motion animated feature A Nightmare Before Christmas hit it big in 1993 and still continues to create revenue. Here’s a bit more on Selick’s brief viewpoint on the sudden deal from Variety.:

“I’ll quote Dick Cook right after ‘James and the Giant Peach’ was finished. He said, ‘We don’t believe this is a viable medium anymore, and we’re not going to do it,’?” Selick told Daily Variety. “A few years later they shut down 2D. It’s great that both of those things are back.”

The animation department in Disney has always been particularly strong, especially within the last twenty to twenty five years. Between their Disney golden age of 2D animation to the emergence of Pixar, they’ve always managed to have a constant firm hold on the medium. What do you think of this deal?

Coraline definitely warranted the attention to get itself nominated for Best Animated Picture at this year’s Academy Awards, this is something that can be agreed upon especially if you got the chance to go and watch the feature on the big screen in 3D. Let’s open it up to you, what did you think of Coraline and do you think it deserves to be nominated with the rest of the movies in this year’s Oscars?

PGA Producer of the Year Award in Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures:

PGA Producer of the Year Award in Documentary Theatrical Motion Pictures:

• Burma VJ -
Producer: Lise Lense-Moller
• The Cove -
Producers: Paula DuPre Pesman, Fisher Stevens
• Sergio -
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.
• Soundtrack for a Revolution -
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination

David L. Wolper Producer of the Year Award in Long-Form Television:

• Georgia O’Keeffe - Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.
• Grey Gardens - Producers: David Coatsworth, Lucy Donnelly, Rachael Horovitz, Michael Sucsy
• Little Dorrit - Producers: Lisa Osborne, Anne Pivcevic
• Prayers for Bobby - Producers: Stanley M. Brooks, Damian Ganczewski, David Permut, Daniel Sladek, Chris Taaffe
• The Prisoner - Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.
• Taking Chance - Producers: Lori Keith Douglas, Ross Katz, Brad Krevoy, Cathy Wischner-Sola

Best Direct-to-DVD Horror Film: Laid to Rest (read the original review here)

Best Wide Release Horror Film: (TIE) Zombieland (read the original review here); The Collector (read the original review here).

Best Documentary: The Cove (read the original review here)

Best Limited Release Film: Medicine for Melancholy (read the original review here)

Honorable Mention Films: Che (here), The Girlfriend Experience (here), Coraline (here), Food, Inc. (here), and Observe and Report (here).

And now (insert drum roll) my Best Films of 2009, all in alphabetical order:

(500) Days of Summer

You know ladies, guys can be crushed from break-ups as well, as this film does so wonderfully well to depict. A great soundtrack, a clever premise and construction of the falling in and then out of love, with two solid leads, makes for one superb film.

Antichrist

Brutal, sickening, demented, and sorely misunderstood. There are images here so talked about, that will never leave your memory, but Von Trier gives us more than some gore scenes. The story of a couple’s descent into depression is harrowing, yet beautifully photographed. One of the prettiest films of the year, as well as, a borderline masterpiece. A modern Salo: Or, the 120 Days of Sodom. (read the original review here)

Avatar

I was one of this film’s biggest skeptics, until I saw it in the glorious IMAX 3-D. Say what you will about it’s simple story arc, it’s the event of the film, with the scope of Cameron’s vision, that makes the culture of aliens so appealing. This is what the Star Wars prequels should have been: a spectacle of effects, story, and event. (read the original review here)

Goodbye Solo

An intimate film about a friendship and tragedy and hope. Some superb acting, with Ramin Bahrani’s distinct direction. A small film in terms of budget, but a great film that I hope finds some Oscar love. (read the original review here)

Hunger

Riveting and heart-wrenching, a film I’m sure many of you haven’t caught theatrically. Please get the Criterion DVD soon, because you’ll be treat to some astounding filmmaking of the Irish Hunger Strike. There’s a 25 minute scene done in one take that is as powerful, as any 90 minute feature. (read the original review here)

The Hurt Locker

In a star making role, Jeremy Renner anchors this unique Iraq war film, that doesn’t parade heroism. Some people are just war junkies, and this film explores the why. (read the original review here)

Inglourious Basterds

Tarantino’s best script.  Granted the whole Mike Myers sequence could have been deleted, the first 45 minutes are so good, who cares? Funny, epic, a sprawling American fantasy of how WWII should have ended. (read my original review here)

The Messenger

A heart-breaking look at the team sent out to notify loved ones that their kin has died in war. Ben Foster is excellent, as is the under-appreciated Samantha Morton. (read the original review here)

The Princess and the Frog

Disney return to the Princess formula and cell animation is a stunning showcase of wonderful animation, great songs, and great storytelling. Pixar is not needed this time. (read the original review here)

Up in the Air

A keen look at both our economic woes and a man finding redemption, makes for a comedy that could nab the one Oscar, comedies don’t win: Best Picture.

What are you favorites from this year? Feel free to leave a comment!

• “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel”
• “Astro Boy”
• “Battle for Terra”
• “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”
• “Disney’s A Christmas Carol”
• “The Dolphin – Story of a Dreamer”
• “Fantastic Mr. Fox”
• “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs”
• “Mary and Max”
• “The Missing Lynx”
• “Monsters vs. Aliens”
• “9”
• “Planet 51”
• “Ponyo”
• “The Princess and the Frog”
• “The Secret of Kells”
• “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure”
• “A Town Called Panic”
• “Up”

Which of these films do you hope will make the cut?

Source: AwardsDaily

The Film:

I can only hope Henry Selick continues to make stop-motion animated films for the rest of his career. In a time where everything is or perhaps has to be CG, seeing something like this adds something to the overall film. Characters are three-dimensional; a real treat outside of 3-D modeling in the CG animated fare. Hand-crafted pieces of fine art, each character is beautifully designed and structured. Yes, I’m gushing, because I’m happy that there’s something outside of the short film world that is fully stop-motion animated. But truth be told, it doesn’t matter the medium necessarily because no matter how you use the medium of choice, it all comes down to story. Coraline is a great film, shades below a timeless masterpiece that Nightmare Before Christmas is, but I’ll take that over anything, any day of the week.

The story is a clever mixing of the fantastical and the real, as Caroline is a frustrated little girl, who her parents ignore her for their work, so naturally her imagination runs wild. Being displaced from her friends in Michigan, for a big empty house in a drab, dreary Oregon, there is little she can actually do. With a new, annoying friend for her, he hands her a doll his grandma has that is strikingly similar to her. The doll is the bait and hook for Caroline to enter this other world that has better cooking, better parents, and is more colorful.

It doesn’t sound like much, but the juxtaposition between the two worlds is fun and as inventive as any animated film this side of Pixar. Selick is going to be a master at this medium; each of the sets are so vivid in detail, so well-constructed, they feel used and homely. This sense of location is important to Coraline as it adds the comfortable and the uncomfortable feelings for her and us, and that plays with our conceptions of what we felt. Based off a novel by Neil Gaiman, I cannot say if it follows closely or not, but the film’s only flaw is its rather conventional, rushed climax and ending. While gorgeously animated, it wraps up too easily, and feels like an instructional video to beat the “bosses” in the tie-in video game.

Regardless, Coraline is a beautiful film, dark enough to scare kids, but nothing too adult, and adult enough for us to enjoy, without being kiddie. A rare animated treat from a medium that isn’t computer orchestrated, so for that, it’s an easy recommendation. Coraline is a mature kid’s tale, full of great characters, and has the joy that we rarely have outside of cracking open a Grimm fairytale. It also has a sense of wonder, we rarely get whisk away into.

The Blu Ray:

Audio/Video: Universal has delivered a near-perfect presentation for this high def disc. What a kick the audio is. Each effect is fully utilized with deep bass, active surrounds, and clear center speaker action, making it easy to get swept up into the film’s visuals. Speaking of that, we are allowed two viewing options for the film. The traditional experience, 2-D, is perfect. Each color is vivid, each black ink-level deep, it’s a fine demo material here.

The other option is the 3-D. We get 4 glasses, with that new anaglyph presentation as seen in My Bloody Valentine Blu Ray. The process wows theatrically, but on disc, it washes out colors-a key component in Coraline-but the 3-D is pretty good, if not as good as in MBV. If you have a really good LCD TV, north of 37″, and sit in front of the screen as much as possible, you’ll maximize the effects. It’s pretty good, and kudos to Universal for keeping this feature on the Blu Ray.

Overall, the audio is impressive and the 2-D or 3-D video is equally as such.

Besides including the 3-D glasses, you’ll get the DVD and a digital copy of the film in this 3-disc set.

Commentary: Selick and his composer sit for a great chat on all things this film. They discuss the original novella, the hard work in animating everything, and rarely repeat information seen in the all extras. This is a great, soft listen, full of wonderful tidbits.

P-i-P: Here we have 3 picture-in-picture tracks that follow the voice cast, as we see video of them recording, animatics of the film running next to the finished film, and standard behind-the-scenes material. Decent stuff covered here.

All extras are in HD.

Making of Coraline: Watch it in parts or in a full documentary form, running 36 minutes, this will cover every aspect in full detail, no fluff. This is a must watch.

Creepy Coraline: Neil Gaiman is interviewed here for about 6 minutes, giving us some little insights into his book. It’s okay, but he looks bored and I wanted a more discussion about the film’s translation of his novella.

Voicing the Characters: About 11 minutes of the cast talking about the film. Short and sweet.

Deleted Scenes: These are actual finished scenes, not animatics, with Selik giving an introduction on why they were deleted.

Conclusion: A fantastic fairy tale film, filled with joy, awe, and terror is a must watch. Universal delivers a home run here for the Blu Ray. A must own.

The Film: Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Blu Ray: Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Don’t forget to support Killer Film by clicking on the DVD covers of any of the above DVDs to purchase them from Amazon, because every DVD sold from this site sends a little coin our way and that coin helps us stay online.

Welcome back to Killer Film’s New Release Tuesday for July 21st! They’re some exciting releases today, and remember you can click the cover art to buy these titles and more from Amazon!

Watchmen

I have a feeling this will be one of the most decisive, debatable, and much talked about superhero films made. Some love it as much as the famous graphic novel, others feel it’s “just okay”. If you remember my review (here) I liked it a lot, but felt it was a bit lifeless at times. You can buy just the theatrical cut on DVD, or the new Director’s Cut, making the film well over 3 hours. Or you can wait till end of the year, when Warners releases a big box set of the film. Or, even still, you can be like me and just own the Blu Ray. Jon says: Buy Donny says: Buy

Coraline

Probably one of the better films in 2009, not too many people talk about now, but this film is pure magic. Fantastical, dark, imaginative, what more can one want? I would be shocked if this isn’t Oscar nominated for Best Animated Film. We get both options for the 3-D or traditional. Also on Blu Ray. Jon says: Buy Donny says: Buy

The Great Buck Howard

I’m a sucker for anything John Malkovich does. Heard good things. Also on Blu Ray. Jon says: Rent Donny says: Rent

Visioneers

Here’s a little seen indie comedy starring Zack Galifianakis from The Hangover. Again, heard good things. Jon says: Rent Donny says: Buy

Super Capers

Danielle Harris in spandex. Nuff said. Jon says: Rent   Donny says: Rent

New to Blu

300: The Complete Experience

I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry

Midnight Express

Echelon Conspiracy

As always, keep it here at Killer Film for the reviews of these discs and more!

This weekends final numberes were:

Friday the 13th————–42.2 million

He’s Just Not That Into You———19.6 million

Taken———————————19.2 million

Confessions of a Shopaholic——15.4 million

Coraline—————————–15.3 million

Paul Blart: Mall Cop—————-11.7 million

The International——————-10 million

The Pink Panther 2——————9 million

Slumdog Millionaire—————-7.1 million

Push————————————6.9 million

Push

He’s not just not that into  you

Coraline opens in 1,004 3D screens and 1.294 regular screens

The Pink Panther 2

Slumdog Millionaire expands it’s theatre count to 1,724 theatres

Fanboys get it’s long awaited release and comes out in 44 theatres today. Theatres include:

44 screens
 
New York               

AMC    Empire 25   New York   
AMC    Lincoln Square 13   New York   
AMC    34th Street 14   New York   
REGAL  Union Square Stadium 14   New York   
AMC    Raceway 10   Westbury   
REGAL  Farmingdale Stadium 10   Farmingdale   
NTLAMU Commack Multiplex 15   Commack   
REGAL  New Roc City 18   New Rochelle   
AMC    Palisades Center 21   West Nyack   
AMC    New Brunswick Theatre 18   New Brunswick  
 
Los Angeles   
            
AMC     Century City 15   Los Angeles   
WESTAR  Mann Chinese 6   Hollywood   
AMC     Broadway Cinemas   Santa Monica   
PACIFIC Beach Cities All Stadium 16   El Segundo   
AMC     Rolling Hills 20   Torrance   
REGAL   Long Beach Stadium 26   Long Beach   
AMC     Burbank 16   Burbank   
AMC     Promenade 16   Woodland Hills   
PACIFIC Winnetka All Stadium 21   Chatsworth   
AMC     Block 30 @ Orange   Orange   
PACIFIC Culver City
     
Chicago               

AMC River East   Chicago   
AMC Pipers Alley   Chicago   
AMC South Barrington 30   South Barrington   
    
Philadelphia
 
LNDMRK Ritz at the Bourse 5   Philadelphia   
AMC    Neshaminy 24   Be nsalem   
REGAL  Marketplace @ Oaks 24   Oaks   
REGAL  Warrington Crossing 22   Warrington   
AMC    Cherry Hill 24   Cherry Hill   
    
San Francisco-Oak-San Jose               

AMC AMC Metreon 15 + Imax   

San Francisco
   
CINMRK Century 16 Mountain View   Mountain View   
CINMRK Century 20 Daly City   Daly City   
AMC    AMC Bay Street 16   Emeryville   
AMC    AMC Mercado 20   Santa Clara   
CINMRK Century Northgate 15 Cinemas   San Rafael   

Houston               

AMC  Gulf Pointe 30 Theatres   Houston   
AMC  Studio 30 Theatres – Houston   Houston   
CITY Angelika Film Center   Houston   
      
Seattle-Tacoma               

AMC    Cinerama – Seattle   Seattle   
AMC    Pacific Place 11   Seattle   
REGAL  Alderwood 7 Theatres   Lynwood   
CENTRN Lincoln Square Stadium 16   Bellevue   
REGAL  Parkway Plaza 12   Tukwila   
      
Austin               

CSCO Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (Ritz)   Austin

Check out the latest trailer to Coraline here

Source: youtube

View the trailer here.

Source: Borders