Check out clips from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Author: Francine Brokaw
‘Brigadoon’ on Blu-ray from Warner Archive Collection
For the first time in HD Blu-ray, viewers can experience the splendor of this 1954 musical tale. Gene Kelly, Van Johnson, and Cyd Charisse star Brigadoon, an enchanting tale of a little Scottish town that has had a curse put on it. The town and everyone in it are put to sleep for 100 years at a time. They only awaken once every century yet for them it has only been one day. So, the town is mired in the past. The caveat of the curse is that if any townsfolk leave the town during the one day they are out in the open, the village is doomed. But if an outsider truly loves someone in the village, he/she is welcomed and becomes part of the fabled village.
New Yorkers Tommy (Kelly) and Jeff (Johnson) get lost while hunting in the Scottish Highlands. All of a sudden they see a small village that isn’t on any of their maps. While exploring this place, and looking to find a way home, they enter the mysterious village and learn of the curse put on it and everyone who dwells there.
Tommy meets Fiona (Charisse) and they are instantly attracted to each other. Fiona is preparing for her sister’s wedding. The entire town is excited about the event. Today’s the day.
Tommy and Jeff also get caught up in the excitement and are embraced by the folks there. With many wonderful dance numbers and memorable songs, the story unfolds over the period of this one glorious day.
At the end of the day the town – and everyone in it – disappears into the mist and is lost for another hundred years. Or are they? True love has a way of winning out.
Under the direction of famed musical director Vincent Minnelli, Brigadoon was nominated for several awards. This is not the only time Kelly and Charisse were teamed together. Charisse appeared in several films in which Kelly also acted and they had some wonderful dance duos including The Band Wagon and It’s Always Fair Weather.
Brigadoon was a hit Broadway play before becoming a celebrated movie musical. The Lerner and Lowe songs are lyrical and memorable: “Waitin’ for My Dearie,” “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean,” “Heather on the Hill,” and “Almost Like Being in Love” will have viewers singing and humming for days.
And speaking of singing, there is a ‘Song Selection’ bonus on the Blu-ray in which viewers may select a song and watch just that scene. Also included on the disc are four deleted scenes/songs. They are not as tuneful as the ones left in the final cut, however the audio of Kelly singing “There But for you Go I” is a wonderful song.
You can purchase Brigadoon on Blu-ray at the Warner Archive website or where DVDs and Blu-rays are sold. Brigadoon is rated G for everyone.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
‘Mickey Mouse: Merry & Scary Holiday Collection’ on DVD
If you’re looking for a way to spice up the holiday season or start a new family tradition, Mickey Mouse: Merry & Scary Holiday Collection will do just that. The DVD is fun for the entire family.
“The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular!”
This story has Mickey, Donald, and Goofy doing their best to tell a scary story for Donald’s nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie and Mickey’s nephews Morty and Ferdie Fieldmouse. The stories aren’t scary enough for the five little boys. That is until Mickey comes up with a super scary tale of five little boys getting baked into pies by the old witch. That does it. Everyone, even Donald and Goofy are scared by the story. The show includes some music and a lot of mayhem by the five little fellows. Vampires, witches, and ghouls, oh my!
“Duck the Halls: A Mickey Mouse Christmas Special”
This second story on the disc is all about Christmas. It’s time for Donald, Daisy, and all the ducks to migrate south for the winter. After all, ducks don’t do well in the cold weather. But Donald decides to stay with his friends and celebrate Christmas, something he has never been able to do. He learns why ducks migrate south. Donald doesn’t handle the cold and snow like the thought he would. In the meantime, Daisy and the rest of the ducks are in a warm climate having fun in the sun and sea.
There are five bonus shorts included on the DVD. They are pretty much meant for Halloween time. The disc is a fun new way to bring holiday cheer to your house.
With about an hour of animated fun, this DVD is a good way to entertain kids when the weather is bad outside or just to get some Halloween and Christmas spirit in the house. It’s not just for kids. Adults will also enjoy the many clever quips and references.
Mickey Mouse: Merry & Scary is rated TV G for everyone.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
‘Poldark’ returns for season 3 on PBS’ Masterpiece
Poldark, the saga of the Poldark clan in Cornwall in the 18th century, returns Sunday, October 1, 2017 on PBS’ MASTERPIECE. Season 3 centers around the three prominent couples; Ross & Demelza Poldark, George & Elizabeth Warleggan, and Dwight & Caroline Enys.
Now that George Warleggan (Jack Farthing) manipulated widowed Elizabeth (Heida Reed) into marrying him, he is a few steps closer to total wipe out of the Poldark realm. George would stop at nothing to move up the ladder to aristocracy once he bought his way into Trenwith, the Poldark family home, and the mines. He might be a so-called covetous sociopath since nothing can make up for New Money George’s inferiority complex. In Season 3, George’s self-loathing is manifested by his consuming political ambition. He might just get what he desperately desires – the ultimate revenge on Old Money Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner), his archenemy!
Ross is known for his numerous unconventional choices from the get-go. He busted out his farmhand from a jail with the help of his friend Dr. Enys (Luke Norris). He allowed his starving miners take food and cargo from a ship wrecked on his shore. He managed to pay off his debt by helping smugglers. He did follow his passion against maid-turned-wife Demelza’s (Eleanor Tomlinson) better judgment and desperate plea, including a midnight rendezvous with Elizabeth, the one that got away. Years of fighting social injustice as well as George’s relentless onslaughts take its toll on his marriage.
Ross Poldark is proud and pigheaded to a fault, but this man of principle seeks liberty, equality, and fraternity. Bravo! Despite his reckless behaviors, I’d say he is still my hero because I’m not married to him! When you marry a hero or a man on a noble mission with a moral compass intact, his family almost always comes last. Stop whining and scheming, Demelza! Get with the program or get out! Keep reminding yourself: How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?
Immature men versus practical women. Whether you live in the 18th century Cornwall or 21st century Los Angeles, the human experience doesn’t change that much, does it?
About the Author
Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of human drama worth watching. She is a member of Television Critics Association as well as Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
50th Anniversary Edition: The Best of The Carol Burnett Show
From 1967 to 1978 The Carol Burnett Show entertained millions of viewers. This variety show was not expected to last more than half a season, but the wonderful ensemble made it a “must see” for viewers. This 50th Anniversary Edition from Time/Life includes 6 discs filled with memorable episodes from the award-winning show, as well as a look back at the show with members of the cast.
Besides the amazing comedic ability of Burnett, not to mention her singing talent, the ensemble included Vicki Lawrence (who was just out of high school when she was cast), Harvey Korman, Lyle Waggoner, and Time Conway. The show was noted for the comedy sketches that had the cast breaking out in laughter and chuckles while they were performing them.
The episodes include the first one and the last one, bookending a compilation of episodes that spanned the 11 years. They incorporated many returning characters, like Mama and Eunice, that was later a spin-off as Mama’s Family, Mrs. Wiggins and Mr. Tudball, The Oldest Man, The Charwoman, and recurring sketches with parodies of Shirley Temple, feature films, and soap operas.
Throughout the seasons Burnett performed duets with her costars and the rest of the cast also took part in musical numbers. The episodes always began with Burnett taking questions from the studio audience. This became a beloved part of the show and in later years Burnett took this on the road and answered questions from audiences around the country.
There’s no doubt The Carol Burnett Show was a memorable variety show filled with plenty of laughs and music. Besides this wonderful compilation of episodes, fans of Burnett should also check out her books: “This Time Together” in which she discusses her life and career and gives insights into the variety show, and “In Such Good Company” in which she focuses entirely on the show. For a more personal experience, check out the audio versions of the books. Listening to Burnett as she discusses her life and career makes the stories more interesting.
The Carol Burnett Show is consistently ranked as the top variety show in TV history. And it’s no wonder. The ensemble and writing were the cream of the crop. It’s good, old-fashioned, family entertainment.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
Brian Cox is ‘Churchill’ on DVD and Blu-ray
Churchill is an interesting look into the mind of Winston Churchill. This film stars Brian Cox as the cigar-smoking British patriot, Miranda Richardson as his wife, and John Slattery as General “Ike” Eisenhower.
Churchill is in turmoil over the Allied plans for D-Day. He feels the plan, named “Overlord”, is going to fail and the soldiers will be slaughtered. His mind keeps drifting back to World War I and the horrific Battle of Gallipoli in 1915, when more than 500,000 people died.
Confronting Eisenhower, Montgomery, and Ramsey, Churchill voices his concerns in front of the King. This is not what the Allied Command wanted to hear. Yet, in the end, they went through with their plans and came out the victors. King George VI is leaning toward Churchill’s side however he feels the planners know what they’re doing. In the end, he sides with the plan and informs Churchill that their jobs are to back up the military and keep the people at home feeling confident and secure. That’s a tall order, but Churchill intends to be the calming voice for the nation.
In the end, Winston Churchill became a hero for the country. He is considered one of the most loyal Brit in history who only wanted the best for the country.
The film includes a “making of” feature, taking viewers behind the scenes. The film was written by Alex von Tunzelmann who is a British historian as well as a writer. Her story portrays the conflict within Winston Churchill and shows a different side of the lead up to D-Day. The film shows Churchill as a man with flaws as well as a driving force to lead his people through the war.
Brian Cox completely inhabits the iconic Prime Minister in every way. He is a pleasure to watch his performance. And Miranda Richardson portrays Mrs. Churchill as the woman behind the man who helps him through his challenges, although they did have a problematic marriage.
Churchill is rated PG for thematic elements, brief war images, historical smoking throughout, and some language.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
New psychological thriller ‘Liar’ premiers on SundanceTV
Have you noticed that the TV world has gone darker and bleak over the last couple of years? Death, destruction, devastation, blood, and gore reflect the national doom and gloom. This fall you’ll get more of the same plus military/heartland shows.
This summer when I attended over 140 press conferences, I looked for my kind of human drama and realized why This is Us (NBC) is called TV’s Unicorn. I wouldn’t expect another unicorn so soon, but come on! It will be a lackluster fall for sure, but I managed to find a few shows worthy of your time.
SundanceTV’s new psychological thriller Liar is perfect for those of us who love to psychoanalyze. Shortly after breaking up with her boyfriend, Laura Nielson (Joanne Froggatt), an English teacher, goes out with Dr. Andrew Earlham (Ioan Gruffudd), a renowned surgeon. A fun evening with flirting and wine…and more wine. She wakes up with practically no memories of what happened, but instinctively knows she was violated last night. Hence a typical ‘he said/she said’ riddle follows and secrets and lies slowly unravel with a far-reaching consequences on their families and friends.
“The show plays with the idea of the lie and the audience’s perception of that. They’re often in the wrong and we’re not sure where we stand between these two characters. That’s the endgame we had in mind when coming up with this show,” said co-creator Harry Williams.
Harry’s brother and co-creator Jack Williams also pointed out, “What’s interesting about the show is everyone has their version of the truth. And both Laura and Andrew seemed very deeply to believe what they are saying.”
“These characters believe their own lies, potentially. There is a world where that’s the case. And that’s such an interesting area, the drama of the characters who are coming clashing. It’s just a really rich area to explore for us,” said Harry. Indeed!
Don’t get me wrong. Date rape hardly is a lighter subject than other tough social issues TV shows deal with lately. The saving grace of this show is the flashbacks as objective and reliable truths the Williams brothers dispersed throughout the episodes. In this day and age of the post-truth world, we’ve pretty much given up on finding out what the truth is. I find it quite comforting to experience what Jack called “brief slivers of insight into what really happened.”
Liar premieres Wednesday, September 27. In only six episodes, you’ll find out the truths. How is that for a change?
About the Author
Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of human drama worth watching. She is a member of Television Critics Association as well as Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
‘Kid Galahad’ on Blu-ray from Twilight Time
Kid Galahad is a simple, fun, little film with all the Elvis charm and plenty of music. This 1962 movie has Elvis boxing his way to fame and fortune as he earns enough money to buy a little garage, which is his dream. He’s a wiz at mechanics.
When he is discharged from the Army, Willy Gulick (Presley) returns to Cream Valley, the small town in which he was born. It’s there where an unscrupulous man who runs a boxing camp takes him under his wing. Willy Grogan (Gig Young) only thinks about himself and he is really a man without any appeal. His mind is only on the bottom line, in other words, how he can make money. He had no feelings for others.
Walter is tagged with the name “Galahad” because he is so charming and respectful of women and others. The camp’s trainer (Charles Bronson) helps Walter in the ring, but he doesn’t need any help on the outside. He and Willy’s sister Rose (Joan Blackman) fall in love, to the dismay of Willy who still sees his sister as a little girl, not the young woman she has become.
Willy has been stringing along his own girlfriend Dolly (Lola Albright) for three years. This man has no scruples. He is only into anything that helps himself. And he has managed to get deeply involved with the mob, although he doesn’t want to be.
So, there’s Walter, who’s only fighting until he makes enough money to fulfill his dream. There’s Rose who is falling in love with him. There’s Dolly, Willy’s girlfriend he has been stringing along for three years. And there’s Willy, the low-life who doesn’t seem to have anyone’s good will in mind except his own. And the mob is out to make money off of Willy who has managed to get himself in deeper trouble with the bosses. Now mix that with Elvis’s songs and you have a simple, tuneful, simple little story that is typical Elvis Presley.
Interestingly enough, Presley and Blackman starred together the previous year in the hit film Blue Hawaii. And Blackman and Albright costarred on the TV series Peyton Place.
If you’re an Elvis fan, then you’ll definitely enjoy Kid Galahad. The new Twilight Time Blu-ray edition includes a booklet about the film, which is described as a “warm, genial, corny slice of Americana with considerable charm.”
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
GIVEAWAY – Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales – Digital Copy
Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films present Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is a rollicking new tale of the high seas, infused with all the elements of fantasy, humor and action that have resulted in an international phenomenon for the past 13 years. Johnny Depp returns to his Academy Award®-nominated role as the outrageous, swashbuckling scoundrel Captain Jack Sparrow, and is joined by Oscar winners Javier Bardem and Geoffrey Rush. It was announced today at D23 Expo, that “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”—the fifth film in the now-iconic “Pirates of the Caribbean” film franchise—will sail home on Digital in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ on September 19, and on 4K Ultra HD™/Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on October 3.
We have one DIGITAL copy of the film to Giveaway to a lucky reader!
To be eligible to win a copy of a digital copy of Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales, email us at [email protected] with “Pirates Digital Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).
The deadline for this giveaway is September 20, 2017.
‘Downsizing’ trailer
Downsizing imagines what might happen if, as a solution to over-population, Norwegian scientists discover how to shrink humans to five inches tall and propose a 200-year global transition from big to small. People soon realize how much further money goes in a miniaturized world, and with the promise of a better life, everyman Paul Safranek (Matt Damon) and wife Audrey (Kristen Wiig) decide to abandon their stressed lives in Omaha in order to get small and move to a new downsized community — a choice that triggers life-changing adventures.
