Blu-ray Review: DEATH RACE 2050 (2017)

DEATH RACE 2050
Directed by  G.J. Echternkamp
Distributed by:  Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

 Very seldom do I come across a sequel to a film that really captures the look, feel, and atmosphere of the original...especially a sequel that came out over 40 years after the original film.  That is just what DEATH RACE 2050 has succeeded in doing, though.

  Here is the basic plot from the Universal Home Entertainment website:

  Legendary filmmaking icon, Roger Corman, is back with his most outrageous film yet in this sensational, action-packed and darkly humorous reboot of the original Death Race 2000! It’s the year 2050 and America is controlled by an all-powerful corporate government ruled by The Chairman (Malcolm McDowell). The masses have been brainwashed with violent virtual-reality entertainment. The event of the year is the Death Race, in which a motley crew of violent drivers compete in a cross-country road race, scoring points for shamelessly running people over and driving each other off the road. The reigning champion and fan favorite, Frankenstein (Manu Bennett), who’s half-man half-machine, wants to take the crown, but his rebel spy co-pilot threatens his legacy.

 There is no doubt that this is a sequel to Roger Corman's DEATH RACE 2000.  It has the exact look of the original film with the crazy cars and even features the comically sped up footage of the race cars like the original film had.  The cars look about as futuristic as the ones in the original DEATH RACE 2000 which I found surprisingly satisfying.  The cars and the film overall have the exact same campy feel as the original film.

  The film also contains the awesome kills you would expect, including some that are pretty gory, like a guy getting sliced in half.  My only fault with this is most of the gore scenes are CGI, and don't look very realistic at all.   That doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the film, though, in fact it goes right along with the campiness of the rest of the film.

  Overall the acting in this film is excellent, with one of my favorite performances being that of the character, Perfectus, played by Burt Grinstead.   While at first I found the character somewhat annoying, he really grew on me and later became one of the highlights of the film for me.

  If you are a fan of Roger Corman's original DEATH RACE 2000, you should love this new film.   DEATH RACE 2050 is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Universal Home Entertainment and contains the following special features:

*  The Making of Roger Corman's DEATH RACE 2050
*  The Look of 2050
*  Cars!Cars!Cars!
*  Cast Car Tours
*  Deleted Scenes


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray/DVD

Blu-ray Review: THE BOY (2016)

THE BOY
Directed by  William Brent Bell
Distributed by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

  This is a film I remember really wanting to see in the theaters, but never got a chance to.  The previews looked so creepy, I just had to see it.  Finally I got the chance now that THE BOY has been released to home video.  I am happy to report that the film lived up to the creepiness of it's trailer!  For those unfamiliar with the film, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of the Universal Pictures Home Entertainment website:

  The Boy is a frightening thrill ride directed by William Brent Bell (The Devil Inside) and starring Lauren Cohan (The Walking Dead). Greta (Cohan) is a young American woman who takes a job as a nanny in a remote English village. She soon discovers that the family’s 8-year-old is a life-sized doll that they care for just like a real boy, as a way to cope with the death of their son 20 years prior. After violating a list of strict rules, a series of disturbing and inexplicable events bring Greta’s worst nightmare to life, leading her to believe that the doll is actually alive.

 Dolls in horror movies have always creeped me out.  Just when you think they can't get any worse comes THE BOY!  This is honestly one of the creepiest dolls I have ever seen in a horror film. 

  The film looks amazing, taking place in a beautiful English countryside.  The shots and cinematography are top notch.   The acting is very good as well, especially from Lauren Cohan, who plays Greta in the film.  Most all horror fans will recognize Lauren as Maggie from THE WALKING DEAD.  It was nice seeing her in something other than TWD, and she did an amazing job here.

  This is not a gory, over the top horror film at all.  Instead, it is a very atmospheric, low key film that exudes a creepy, disturbing vibe throughout the film.  Well, that is until the last 20-30 minutes of the film, all that goes out the window and it is an action packed free for all!  I won't tell you anything more about that, so as to not spoil anything for you.  You'll just have to check that out for yourself!

  I know a lot of horror fans shun PG-13 rated horror films, often saying that a "real" horror film has to be rated 'R'.  This is a film that will probably change the mind of a lot of those type of people.  PG-13 films can be scary, and THE BOY is proof of that for sure!    I highly recommend this one and urge you to check it out as soon as you can!

  THE BOY was just released to DVD and Blu-ray this week from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.   You can find it at all major retailers or click below to purchase from Amazon.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD or Blu-ray