Releasing on a single-disc Blu-ray package, the 1954 sci-fi comedy "The Atomic Kid" features a frenetic slapstick farce based on the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards. This film directed by Leslie H. Martinson revolves around a young uranium prospector's fate after surviving the radiation exposure in an atomic bomb testing site. It stars Mickey Rooney, Robert Strauss, and Elaine Devry. The story begins with a uranium search in a remote part of Nevada. Coincidentally, when a man gets caught up in
Home Video
Blu-ray Review: ‘Men in Black 3’
This third installment to the "Men in Black" series shines as a fan-pleasing offering. A surprising success to a relatively aging franchise, it returns to the screen as a strong compliment to the sci-fi action and comedy brand. "Men in Black 3" comes out on a two-disc set consisting of a Blu-ray disc and a DVD. This home video release contains the film's HD, SD, and UV digital copies, as well as a handful of supplements. This highly entertaining sequel helmed by
Blu-ray Review: ‘Rio’
The "Rio" Blu-ray release features a two-disc set consisting of a Blu-ray disc and DVD, along with some digital download materials. Aptly set in Rio de Janeiro, this 96-minute 3D animation is helmed by Brazilian director Carlos Saldanha, also the man behind "Robots" and the "Ice Age" films. The filmmaker shows love for his hometown with this movie project that showcases the fun and festive culture of the Brazilian city. Filled with dazzling imagery and contagiously fun music, "Rio" tells the
Blu-ray Review: ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition
The 1971 fantasy musical "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" releases its "40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition" featuring a three-disc set with one Blu-ray disc and two DVDs. This screen adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" tells the story of an underprivileged boy who finds one of the five golden tickets to visit Willy Wonka's famed chocolate factory. He and four other lucky children find themselves in an unusual adventure with the world's greatest chocolate maker
Blu-ray Review: ‘The Hangover Part II’
"The Hangover Part II" releases on a two-disc set, which houses the film's Blu-ray, DVD, and digital copies. This 2011 sequel to the blockbuster comedy "The Hangover" moves from Las Vegas to Bangkok as the Wolfpack gets into another pre-wedding, post-blackout misadventure. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, and Ken Jeong reprise their roles in this popular black comedy offering. Visuals "The Hangover Part II" is as hot and humid as its shooting location. The warmly saturated images for
Conceptualizing and creating special effects for home movies
Today's technology already makes it practical to create special effects work even for home movies. This typically requires generating graphics and animation in image-editing, video-editing, special effects, and animation programs. Many of these effects are combined with live-action footage to produce shots that are not practical, too expensive, or impossible to shoot. Some of the most popular effects include big explosions, blizzards, tidal waves, space backgrounds, magical or surreal environments, and morphing and shape-shifting elements. Format and Software Requirements The format
Blu-ray Review: ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" comes out on a single-disc Blu-ray package featuring Tim Burton's rendition of the Roald Dahl novel about the eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka and the children visiting his renowned chocolate factory. This astonishing and enduring visionary piece is filled with jaw-dropping sights and visually appealing oddities. It showcases a star-studded cast including Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, Helena Bonham Carter, Deep Roy, Danny Elfman, and David Kelly. This 2005 motion picture adaptation tells the story of Charlie and
Movies for Mother’s Day: Musicals with memorable mom characters
While it is expected that movies for Mother's Day should primarily feature likeable mom characters and stories about a mother's love, going a little more festive and distinct can actually add a more special appeal to the celebration. Choosing fun or heartwarming musicals for a Mother's Day movie marathon or for a movie night to cap off a pleasing family day can make the occasion even more vibrant, touching, and memorable. With the many ways to celebrate Mothers' Day from fine
Oscar-nominated movies to watch on Father’s Day
Spending quality time with dads in celebration of Father's Day can be most fitting when watching movies that particularly touch on father-child relationships. Dads and their children have varying tastes and interests when it comes to movie genres. Yet, choosing from a diverse list of the best Oscar-nominated movies with memorable father characters can be quite ideal, especially when trimming down options or looking for interesting themes for movies to watch on Father's Day. "Big Fish" On a personal note, "Big Fish"
Blu-ray Review: ‘The Descendants’
"The Descendants" releases on a two-disc set consisting of a Blu-ray disc and a DVD. The package houses the HD, SD, and digital copies of this Oscar-winning family drama by Alexander Payne. Based on the novel of the same title by Hawaiian author Kaui Hart Hemmings, this 2011 film explores the ups and downs in the lives of an American family living in Hawaii. It stars George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller, Nick Krause, Judy Greer, Matthew Lillard, and Beau Bridges.