THE STEAM ENGINES OF OZ -- Blu-ray/DVD Review by Porfle

Originally posted on 5/31/18

 

THE STEAM ENGINES OF OZ (Cinedigm, 2018) is one of those dystopian Oz tales in which L. Frank Baum's wonderful fairytale land has gone to pot and needs someone to restore the magic.

And much like writer-director Sean Patrick O'Reilly's HOWARD LOVECRAFT AND THE FROZEN KINGDOM, it's also one of those modestly-rendered digital cartoons that will probably look decidedly low-tech to someone who's more used to lush, polished Disney and Pixar product.  (Although, ironically, it would've looked amazingly cutting-edge back in the "dawn of CGI" days of the 80s.)

As such, the character/background design and execution are of uneven quality throughout, with the underground and city sequences looking the best and the forest/battle scenes often having a somewhat unfinished look.  Not surprisingly, the film's steampunk angle is one of its most appealing elements.

The story begins in the vast subterranean world beneath the Emerald City, where a plucky young "Mary Sue" type named Victoria, whose job it is to help keep the city's massive steam engines running, is chosen by good witch Locasta and her flying monkeys to help defeat the city's tyrannical ruler and restore order to Oz.

Surprisingly, this dreaded tyrant is none other than the Tin Man, who rules with an iron fist (so to speak) in his quest to abolish magic and spread his steam-engine technology throughout the land to the detriment of the environment (giving the story an ecological slant).

A flashback in black-and-white motion-comic form--one of the film's best-looking sequences--explains Tin Man's motives (he's doing it all for love) but that doesn't lessen the image of him as a snarling metal monster (more of a sinister, hulking Doctor Doom than the benevolent little tin fellow we're used to) trying his best to chop the good-guy characters to pieces with his massive axe during the big battle sequence that occurs about halfway through the story. 

The film doesn't hold back on such imagery, portraying Tin Man's armies as goose-stepping fascists wielding lethal weapons (indeed, in one scene a likable main character is melodramatically shot to death with a lightning-bolt rifle).

Leading up to all of this, Victoria emerges "topside" for the first time in her life so that she can escape the Emerald City and seek out the help of the Munchkins as well as that of the fabled Wizard of Oz (here voiced by none other than William Shatner). 

Accompanied by her friends Mr. Digg and a comical Munchkin named Gromit, whom she freed from their dungeon cells as "honored guests" of the Tin Man, Victoria enlists the aid of Magnus, son of the Cowardly Lion, and the rest of his pack in what will eventually lead to the aforementioned battle with Tin Man's forces as THE STEAM ENGINES OF OZ becomes a bonafide war movie.

During all this we'll recognize obvious callbacks to various other action movies such as THE MATRIX, 300, and KILL BILL.  At one point, one of the Munchkin leaders exhorts his troops with the phrase, "Let's go, Munchspendables!"

Later, Victoria and company return to the Emerald City, entering Tin Man's dreaded steam engine chamber in search of the imprisoned Scarecrow and resuming the film's "quest" theme, which will eventually be resolved in a "love conquers all" ending.

I'm not sure how little kids will respond to THE STEAM ENGINES OF OZ, since it seems aimed mainly at those who read the graphic novel and/or prefer their Oz stories with a hefty dose of adult grit and grime.  I spent most of its running time reacting to it rather than actually enjoying it, my assessment varying as wildly as the gauges on one of Tin Man's smoldering steam engines. 


CAST
Ron Perlman ("Sons of Anarchy," Hellboy)
William Shatner ("Star Trek," Miss Congeniality)
Julianne Hough ("Dancing with the Stars," Footloose)

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Format: BD+DVD / Digital (iTunes, Amazon, Vudu and more)
SRP: BD+DVD:$19.97
Running Time: 75 mins.
Genre: Animation/Family
Audio: Dolby 5.1
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 (1.78:1)
Subtitles: English
Extras: none
Street Date: June 5, 2018

THE STEAM ENGINES OF OZ -- Blu-ray/DVD Review by Porfle

FLIPPER: SEASON ONE -- Blu-ray Review by Porfle

 

Originally posted on 8/26/17

 

Even as a kid, I avoided producer Ivan Tors' "Flipper" because I thought it just another dumb show about a kid and his freakishly intelligent pet getting him out of trouble all the time.  Now, however, with the 3-disc Blu-ray FLIPPER: SEASON ONE from Olive Films, I've been binge-watching this show like there's no tomorrow.

It's basically the same sort of kids-and-pets premise as "Lassie" (a boy and his dog on the farm) or "Fury" (a boy and his horse on a ranch) or "Gentle Ben" (a boy and his grizzly bear wherever they were) only instead of a dog or a horse, the rambunctious young freckle-faced kid (Tommy Norden as Bud) and older brother Sandy (Luke Halpin) are having adventures on the Florida coast with their beloved dolphin while helping Dad (Brian Kelly as Ranger Porter Ricks) with his duties as a park ranger for a marine preserve.

The uncomplicated plots still manage to generate conflict and suspense, usually on the mild side (although Dad occasionally has to get rough with various poachers, smugglers, etc.) 

This is a good example of how they used to be able to cram lots of story into a half-hour episode without any filler and keep us sufficiently entertained the entire time.  It also takes us back to a more innocent television era when such stories were simple and fun.

The characters are surprisingly realistic, frequently engaging in sincere, understated father-son exchanges that ring true while teaching valuable lessons to both kid and adult viewers.  Moreover, their actions rarely strain credulity or descend into forced humor or bathos.

Even the fantasy element of Flipper seeming to understand and respond intelligently to Bud is done sparingly and with some subtlety (we only occasionally get the standard "Go get help, Flipper! Find Dad!" scene).

Dad's job as aquatic park ranger is fodder for a wealth of exciting stories.  In the pilot, "300 Feet Below", a shark-attack victim calls for help from his boat before passing out, and it's up to Flipper to make sure he gets needed plasma in time for a transfusion. (A young Jessica Walter appears as his wife.)

In another story, lobster trap poachers overpower Ranger Ricks during a nocturnal arrest and leave him stranded in the middle of the ocean to die.  (Andy Devine guest stars.) A hurricane threatens coastal inhabitants in "The Second Time Around", with an impossibly young Linda Day as a former water-skiing champion who loses the will to live after being confined to a wheelchair.

Stories such as this emphasize the human element that the series handles with ample skill.  Most are involved enough for adults but with a vicarious fantasy element that should appeal to kids as they watch Bud and Sandy living on the beach, constantly swimming and scuba-diving, having fun adventures with Flipper, etc.  It's enough to make me wish I were a kid again myself. 

Kelly is solid as the stern but easygoing Dad, with Luke Halpin ably portraying a likable teen on the verge of manhood while satisfying the "16 Magazine" readers in the audience. Red-headed Tommy Norden is ideal as the precocious kid who gets into trouble sometimes but is basically a model son.

The show benefits from colorful, simple, down-to-earth production values as well as the active participation of underwater expert Ricou Browning (CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON).  Olive Films' three-disc Blu-ray (full screen, mono, English subtitles, no extras) nicely preserves the show's brightness and clarity despite some occasional wear in the original elements.

Even if you weren't a fan of this series the first time around, you may find yourself warming up to it considerably upon reappraisal.  It's great light viewing if you're in the mood for something simple and uncomplicated.  As for me, FLIPPER: SEASON ONE is the kind of easy-to-take family entertainment that I can binge watch till it's coming out of my ears.


Buy it at Olive Films

YEAR: 1964-1965
GENRE: DRAMA
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME:  780 mins
RATING: N/R
VIDEO: 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; COLOR
AUDIO: MONO
RELEASE DATE: August 29

Read our review of Season Two

FLIPPER: SEASON ONE -- Blu-ray Review by Porfle

"NANCY DREW AND THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE" Out In Theaters March 15 -- See The Trailer HERE!

Classic Girl Detective Nancy Drew Is Back On March 15 In An All-New Adventure!

"NANCY DREW AND THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE" - Out In Theaters March 15

The iconic mystery solving teenager from the classic Nancy Drew books is back with an all-new movie in theaters March 15 from Warner Bros.!

Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase is Co-Produced by Ellen DeGeneres, and the film stars Sophia Lillis (IT and “Sharp Objects”), Sam Trammell (“True Blood” and “This is Us”), and Linda Lavin (“The Good Wife” and Alice), and follows Nancy Drew in her new town, making new friends and on a mission to solve the case!

WATCH THE TRAILER:

Synopsis:
After the death of his wife, Carson Drew decides to leave Chicago behind and make a fresh start with his daughter in River Heights.  But for 16-year-old Nancy Drew, life in a small town is mighty dull. She longs for excitement, adventure, and the chance to make a difference.

Nancy gets that opportunity when she is asked to help solve the ghostly activity at the Twin Elms mansion.  Can she help explain the creaking footsteps, exploding lightbulbs and the ominous creature?  Is it the handiwork of high-school bully Derek Barnes? Or is it possible that the ghost of original owner Malcolm Colfax is back for revenge? Recruiting her best friends George and Bess, along with local “mean girl” Helen, Nancy Drew is on the case!

Nancy Drew has been a  #1 female heroine for young girls since the 1930s.  There have been over 80 million books sold. The books have been translated in over 45 languages. There have also been other movies, a TV series and Nancy Drew video games.

Generation after generation Nancy Drew is re-introduced to new fans – and new and old fans alike will love this all-new feature film!

"NANCY DREW AND THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE" Out In Theaters March 15 -- See The Trailer HERE!

Disney's "THE LITTLE MERMAID" 30th Anniversary Edition on Digital Feb 12 & Blu-ray Feb 26

Make the Treasured Animated Musical Part of Your World
 
“The Little Mermaid” Dives Into the Walt Disney Signature Collection

Digitally in HD, 4K Ultra HD  and Movies Anywhere on Feb. 12 and 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray™ on Feb. 26

For the first time ever in sparkling 4K Ultra HD  and featuring a fin-tastic sing-along mode along with over 45 minutes of exciting new bonus features for new and old fans alike to enjoy

BURBANK, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2019) — In honor of its 30th anniversary, two-time Academy Award®-winner (Best Original Score and Best Original Song “Under the Sea,” 1989) “The Little Mermaid,” dives into the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection with all-new bonus features and a sing-along mode. The magical, musical tale of mermaid princess Ariel — along with loveable sidekicks Sebastian and Flounder, and the love-to-hate sea witch Ursula — is shore to make a splash with all generations when it comes home for the first time Digitally in HD, 4K Ultra HD  and Movies Anywhere on Feb. 12, and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray™ on Feb. 26.

The Signature Edition of “The Little Mermaid” showcases its award-winning musical score and iconic songs such as “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World” with a sing-along mode allowing you to accompany this beloved cast of characters on their journey.   Never-before-seen bonus features bring legendary composer Alan Menken and some of Disney’s most recognizable leading ladies together around a piano to reminisce, sing and celebrate “The Little Mermaid.” The latest installment of “Stories from Walt’s Office” compares Walt and Ariel’s love of collecting treasures. Viewers will also receive an inside look at the “The Little Mermaid” cast in their original recording sessions, explore hidden treasures and fun facts from the film, and enjoy a special performance of “Part of Your World” by a cappella singing sensation DCapella. Plus, fans will have access to hours of additional classic bonus features!

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale about a beautiful mermaid princess who dreams of becoming human, “The Little Mermaid” was directed by John Musker and Ron Clements (“Aladdin”). It features the voice talents of Jodi Benson (“Toy Story 2,” “Toy Story 3”) as Ariel, Pat Carroll (“Laverne & Shirley”) as Ursula, Samuel E. Wright (Broadway’s “The Lion King”) as Sebastian, Christopher Daniel Barnes (“The Brady Bunch Movie”) as Eric, Kenneth Mars (“Young Frankenstein”) as Triton, Buddy Hackett (“The Music Man”) as Scuttle, Jason Marin (“Back to the Future”) as Flounder and René Auberjonois (“The Patriot”) as Chef Louis. The film was originally released in theaters on Nov. 15, 1989 and is the 28th film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the first in what many described as a new Disney animation renaissance.

“The Little Mermaid” is the seventh title to join the Walt Disney Signature Collection, which includes groundbreaking films created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney, featuring timeless stories and characters that have touched generations. The film takes its place alongside “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pinocchio,” “Bambi,” “The Lion King” and “Lady and the Tramp.”

All-New Bonus Features*:

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL
⦁ Sing-Along Mode – Sing along to the movie in this  sing-along version of the film.

⦁ Alan Menken & the Leading Ladies Song – From the voice of a mermaid to the tunes of a muse, the music of Alan Menken has scored the soundtrack for some of Disney’s most iconic leading ladies. Join Alan, Jodi Benson (Ariel), Paige O’Hara (Belle), Judy Kuhn (Pocahontas Singing Voice), Lillias White (Calliope) and Donna Murphy (Mother Gothel) as we celebrate the music of their films in honor of the one that started it all … “The Little Mermaid.”  In this discussion, the ladies will share their memories of musically creating their characters with Alan, discuss what it means to be part of the Disney Princess/leading lady legacy and create new memories as they sing with Alan around a baby grand piano.

⦁ “What I Want From You…Is YOUR VOICE” – Enter the recording studio and get an inside look at the cast of “The Little Mermaid” in their original recording sessions.

⦁ Stories From Walt’s Office – Gadgets & Gizmos – Like Ariel, Walt Disney was a collector of many different things from miniatures to early mechanical characters that inspired the invention of audio-animatronics. We take a look at some the collections that Walt kept in his office in the third episode of this series.

⦁ #TreasuresUntold – Join Ruby Rose Turner and Olivia Sanabia from the Disney Channel Original Series “Coop and Cami Ask the World” as they take a deep dive to explore some hidden treasures and fun facts about Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”

⦁ DCapella “Part of Your World” Music Video

⦁ Classic Bonus Features – revisit four exciting bonus features from previous releases including:
⦁ Deleted Character: Harold The Merman
⦁ Under The Scene: The Art Of Live Action Reference
⦁ Howard’s Lecture
⦁ Audio Commentary With Ron Clements, John Musker and Alan Menken

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVES
⦁ “Part of Your World” - A 30-Year Retrospective – Songwriter Alan Menken and Jodi Benson, the acting and singing voice of Ariel, sing the epitome of Disney “I Want” songs “Part of Your World” and discuss its impact since it was first heard 30 years ago.

⦁ Classic Bonus Features – Over 3 additional hours of previously released classic bonus features including Deleted Scenes, Easter Eggs, Music Videos and more!

*Bonus features may vary by retailer

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:
Product SKUs: Ultimate Collector’s Edition (4K UHD+Blu-ray+Digital Code); Multi-Screen Edition (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital Code), Digital UHD/HD/SD, DVD and On-Demand
Feature Run Time:   Approximately 83 minutes
Rating:      G in U.S. and Canada
Aspect Ratio:    16x9 1.78
Audio:                             4K UHD BD: English Dolby Atmos, Latin Spanish, & French-Canadian 5.1 Dolby
Digital
Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, Latin Spanish and French-Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital
DVD: English, Latin Spanish, and French-Canadian 5.1 Dolby Digital
4K UHD Digital: English Dolby Atmos (some platforms), English 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital
HD Digital:  English 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus (some platforms), English 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital
Languages/Subtitles: 4K UHD BD Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish & French
BD Subtitles: English SDH & ESL, Spanish & French
DVD Subtitles: English SDH & ESL, Spanish & French
Digital Subtitles: English SDH, French Canadian, Latin Spanish
Digital & DVD Captions: English

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook:      Facebook.com/DisneyTheLittleMermaid
Website:      Movies.Disney.com/The-Little-Mermaid
Instagram:     Instagram.com/DisneyAnimation
YouTube:     YouTube.com/user/DisneyMovies

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY SIGNATURE COLLECTION:
The Walt Disney Signature Collection includes groundbreaking films created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney, featuring timeless stories and characters that have touched generations. Each release will offer special features for every member of your family plus a unique digital experience. To date, the collection includes “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pinocchio,” “Bambi,” “The Lion King” and “Peter Pan.”

ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS:
For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; and Lucasfilm. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

ABOUT WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS:
Combining masterful artistry and storytelling with groundbreaking technology, Walt Disney Animation Studios is a filmmaker-driven animation studio responsible for creating some of the most beloved films ever made. Located in Burbank, WDAS continues to build on its rich legacy of innovation and creativity, from the first fully-animated feature film, 1937's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to 2013's Academy Award®-winning Frozen, the biggest animated film of all time. Among the studio's timeless creations are Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Big Hero 6 and Zootopia.

ABOUT MOVIES ANYWHERE:
Movies Anywhere simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Movies Anywhere brings together the movies from Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox Film, Universal Pictures (including DreamWorks and Illumination Entertainment), The Walt Disney Studios (including Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), and Warner Bros. Participating digital retailers are iTunes. Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV and FandangoNOW. Movies Anywhere offers a library of over 7,500 digital movies, including new releases, and will continue to expand the consumer experience as more content providers, digital retailers and platforms are added. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can connect their Movies Anywhere account with participating digital retailers and enjoy their favorite digital movies from the comfort of their living room and across multiple devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire devices; Android devices and Android TV; Apple TV; Chromecast; iPhone, iPad and iPod touch; Roku® devices, Windows 10 and Xbox devices; and popular browsers. Consumers can also redeem digital codes found in eligible Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD packages from participating studios and enjoy them through Movies Anywhere.

©2019 Disney

Disney's "THE LITTLE MERMAID" 30th Anniversary Edition on Digital Feb 12 & Blu-ray Feb 26

Olive Films Announces October 2017 DVD & Blu-ray Releases (Includes "Return of the Ape Man", "Vampire's Ghost")

Olive Films is proud to announce the following October 2017 releases:

Flipper Season 3
Rock-A-Doodle
Stay Hungry
The Miracle Worker
The Madness Of King George
S.O.S. Tidal Wave
The Vampire’s Ghost
Return Of The Ape Man


FIRST TIME ON
BLU-RAY!

US+CANADA
PREBOOK:      10/17/17
STREET:         10/31/17

FLIPPER SEASON 3        DVD     
CAT:                 OF1372
UPC:       887090137218
SRP:                 $34.95

FLIPPER SEASON 3        BD       
CAT:                 OF1373
UPC:       887090137317
SRP:                 $39.95
FLIPPER SEASON 3
BRIAN KELLY
(Around the World Under the Sea, TV’s Straightaway, TV’s 21 Beacon Street)
LUKE HALPIN
(Island of the Lost, Shock Waves, Nobody’s Perfekt)
TOMMY NORDEN
(Five Miles to Midnight, TV’s Search for Tomorrow, TV’s Naked City)

Flipper, created by Ricou Browning and Jack Cowden and shepherded to the small screen by Ivan Tors, the veteran producer of the TV classics Sea Hunt, Science Fiction Theatre and Daktari, featured one of the catchiest theme songs (written by William “By” Dunham and Henry Vars) ever composed for television.

YEAR: 1966 -1967
GENRE: DRAMA
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME:  728 mins
RATING: N/R
VIDEO: 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; Color
AUDIO: MONO


No one you see, is smarter than he! They call him Flipper …

The classic TV series Flipper, starring Brian Kelly (Around the World Under the Sea) as Porter Ricks, Chief Warden and Park Ranger at Coral Key Park and Marine Preserve, comes to DVD and Blu-ray in a beautiful new presentation that captures the pristine aquatic Florida backdrop in all its glory. Ricks, along with his two young sons Sandy (Luke Halpin, Island of the Lost) and Bud (Tommy Norden, Five Miles to Midnight) share weekly adventures aided by Flipper, their friend and pet, a highly intellectual and daring dolphin adept at protecting the preserve and sleuthing out unsavory characters.

Throughout its three-season run (1964 through 1967), Flipper featured a galaxy of guest stars including Burt Reynolds (Shark), John Kerr (South Pacific), Jessica Walter (Play Misty for Me), Martin Sheen (Apocalypse Now), Barbara Feldon (TV’s Get Smart), David Soul (TV’s Starsky and Hutch), Bo Svenson (Heartbreak Ridge), Huntz Hall (The Bowery Boys), Daniel J. Travanti (TV’s Hill Street Blues), Marshall Thompson (It! The Terror from Beyond Space), Julie Sommars (TV’s Matlock), Pat Henning (On the Waterfront), Denise Nickerson (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory), John Castle (Blow-Up), Michael Conrad (TV’s Hill Street Blues), Aline Towne (The Invisible Monster), John Abbott (Gigi), Jon Cypher (TV’s Major Dad), Karen Steele (Marty), Andy Devine (The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance), Wende Wagner (Rosemary’s Baby), Jean-Pierre Aumont (Day for Night), and Gloria DeHaven (Summer Stock).
 

FIRST TIME ON
BLU-RAY!

US+CANADA
PREBOOK:      10/17/17
STREET:         10/31/17

ROCK-A-DOODLE           DVD     
CAT:                 OF1358
UPC:       887090135818
SRP:                 $24.95

ROCK-A-DOODLE           BD       
CAT:                 OF1359
UPC:       887090135917
SRP:                 $29.95

CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER
(The Sound of Music, Beginners, The Man Who Would Be King)
GLEN CAMPBELL
(True Grit, Norwood, The Cool Ones)
PHIL HARRIS
(The Jungle Book, Robin Hood, The Aristocats)
EDDIE DEEZEN
(Zapped, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Grease)
SANDY DUNCAN
(Star Spangled Girl, The Fox and the Hound, The Million Dollar Duck)
ELLEN GREENE
(Little Shop of Horrors, I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can, Leon: The Professional)
DEE WALLACE
(E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Howling, Cujo)
CHARLES NELSON REILLY
(Cannonball Run II, Body Slam, TV’s The Ghost & Mrs. Muir)

Directed by
DON BLUTH
(An American Tail, Anastasia, The Land Before Time)

From director Don Bluth, the creative force behind the animated features An American Tail, All Dogs Go to Heaven, The Secret of NIMH and Anastasia, comes the song-packed, hip-swiveling, heart-tugging Rock-A-Doodle featuring the voice talents of Glen Campbell, Christopher Plummer and Sandy Duncan.

YEAR: 1991
GENRE: ANIMATION
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 74 mins
RATING: G
VIDEO: 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio; COLOR
AUDIO: STEREO


Chanticleer’s (Glen Campbell, True Grit) a rooster who’s quite literally the cock of the walk. His ability to wake the sun with his morning crow is the envy of all. With one exception. The Grand Duke of Owls (voiced by Christopher Plummer, The Sound of Music) is one very foul fowl. Bent on destroying Chanticleer, the jealous Duke devises a plan so that it appears that the sun can rise on its own without Chanticleer’s help. Shunned by the farm animals whose reaction is swift and pitiless, Chanticleer heads to the big city to start a new life, leaving the farm on the edge of disaster.

With his career on the rise, thanks to his manager Pinky Fox (Sorrell Booke, TV’s The Dukes of Hazzard) with an assist from the duplicitous Grand Duke, Chanticleer’s future is looking golden.  But he’ll soon realize that family, friends and home mean more than fleeting fame in the touching and comic animated film for the entire family, Rock-A-Doodle.

Rounding out the Rock-A-Doodle voice talent cast are Sandy Duncan (The Fox and the Hound) as Peepers, Eddie Deezen (1941) as Snipes, Ellen Greene (Little Shop of Horrors) as Goldie, Dee Wallace (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial) as Dory, Charles Nelson Reilly (Cannonball Run II) as Hunch and Phil Harris (The Jungle Book) as Patou.

FIRST TIME ON
BLU-RAY!

US+CANADA
PREBOOK:      10/17/17
STREET:         10/31/17

STAY HUNGRY   DVD     
CAT:                 OF1369
UPC:       887090136914
SRP:                 $24.95
 
STAY HUNGRY   BD       
CAT:                 OF1370
UPC:       887090137010
SRP:                 $29.95

JEFF BRIDGES
(Hell or High Water, The Last Picture Show, TRON)
SALLY FIELD
(Places in the Heart, Norma Rae, Not Without My Daughter)
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
(The Terminator, True Lies, Predator)
ED BEGLEYJR.
(Cat People, Goin’ South, TV’s St. Elsewhere)
SCATMAN CROTHERS
(The Shining, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Silver Streak)

Directed by
BOB RAFELSON
(Five Easy Pieces, The Postman Always Rings Twice, The King of Marvin Gardens)

Stay Hungry features a stellar cast of award-winning actors including Jeff Bridges (Academy Award for Best Actor, Crazy Heart – 2010), Sally Field (Academy Award for Best Actress, Norma Rae – 1980, Places in the Heart – 1985) and Arnold Swarzenegger (Golden Globe for Best Acting Debut in a Motion Picture, Stay Hungry – 1977).

YEAR: 1976
GENRE: COMEDY/DRAMA
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 102 mins
RATING: R
VIDEO: 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio; COLOR
AUDIO: MONO


You meet the most amazing people at the gym. The rich, aimless Craig Blake (Jeff Bridges, Hell or High Water) is about to find that out firsthand in the comedy-drama Stay Hungry.

Director Bob Rafelson (Five Easy Pieces) effortlessly guides his cast through a plot that involves shady business dealings, romance and body building when Craig, the hapless hero of the piece, becomes smitten with Mary Tate Farnsworth (Sally Field, Places in the Heart), the free-spirited receptionist at a tiny gym he’s been tasked with observing for slimy con man Jabo (Joe Spinell, The Godfather: Part II), who has a penchant for land grabs. And Jabo has his sights set on demolishing the gym to make way for new high-rise construction.

What begins as an errant errand soon turns into the adventure of a lifetime for Craig, Mary Tate and Joe Santo, a Mr. Universe-title-seeking body builder and bluegrass fiddler portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Flexing his acting muscles in his first sustained screen role (and using his actual voice), Mr. Schwarzenegger, for his efforts, would take home a Golden Globe for “Best Acting Debut in a Motion Picture” in 1977.



FIRST TIME ON
BLU-RAY!

US+CANADA
PREBOOK:      10/17/17
STREET:         10/31/17

THE MIRACLE WORKER  DVD          
CAT:                 OF1380
UPC:       887090138017
SRP:                 $19.95

THE MIRACLE WORKER  BD         
CAT:                 OF1381
UPC:       887090138116
SRP:                 $29.95

ANNE BANCROFT
(The Graduate, The Elephant Man, Heartbreakers)
PATTY DUKE
(Valley of the Dolls, Billie, TV’s The Patty Duke Show)
VICTOR JORY
(Gone with the Wind, Papillon, The Man from the Alamo)
ANDREW PRINE
(Chisum, Kiss Her Goodbye, Advance to the Rear)
INGA SWENSON
(Advise & Consent, The Betsy, TV’s Benson)
KATHLEEN COMEGYS
(Mr. Belvedere Rings the Bell, The First Time, Birth of a Baby

Directed by
ARTHUR PENN (Bonnie and Clyde, Little Big Man, Alice’s Restaurant)

The Miracle Worker’s Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke would take home Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress Academy Awards for their performances in Arthur Penn’s (himself a three-time Academy Award nominee for Best Director, The Miracle Worker – 1963, Bonnie and Clyde – 1968, Alice’s Restaurant – 1970) screen adaptation.

YEAR: 1962
GENRE: DRAMA
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 106 mins
RATING: N/R
VIDEO: 1.66:1 Aspect Ratio; B&W
AUDIO: MONO

The powerhouse performances of Anne Bancroft (The Graduate) and Patty Duke (Valley of the Dolls) are the heart and soul of director Arthur Penn’s (Bonnie and Clyde) screen adaptation of The Miracle Worker. Working on familiar ground (having directed Bancroft and Duke in the Broadway play), Penn would find a fresh approach in transitioning the story of Helen Keller from stage to screen by opening up the action with on-location shooting, unique camera work by Ernest Caparros (TV’s Naked City), razor sharp editing by Aram Avakian (Lilith) and several bravura set pieces.

The young Helen, blind and deaf since infancy as a result of scarlet fever, becomes prone to violent outbursts that grow more frequent and intense, resulting in her parents, Captain Arthur Keller (Victor Jory, Gone with the Wind) and Kate Keller (Inga Swenson, Advise & Consent), reaching out to a school for the blind for help. That help arrives in the form of Anne Sullivan, a teacher whose personal struggles have provided her with the tools to assist Helen. And so begins a battle of wills between the obstinate Helen and the equally stubborn Anne (a breakfast scene between the two becomes a virtual wrestling match). Through sheer willpower and compassion, the walls separating Helen from the outside world begin to crumble, as student and teacher forge a connection.

The Miracle Worker is directed by Arthur Penn, written for the screen by William Gibson (based upon his stage play), produced by Fred Coe and features music by two-time Academy Award nominee Laurence Rosenthal (Best Score, Becket – 1965; Best Musical Adaptation, Man of La Mancha – 1974).



FIRST TIME ON
BLU-RAY!
US+CANADA
PREBOOK:      10/17/17
STREET:         10/31/17

THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE            DVD     
CAT:                 OF1384
UPC:       887090138413
SRP:                 $24.95

THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE            BD       
CAT:                 OF1385
UPC:       887090138512
SRP:                 $29.95

NIGEL HAWTHORNE
(Amistad, Demolition Man, The Object of My Affection)
HELEN MIRREN
(The Queen, The Debt, Trumbo)
IAN HOLM
(Another Woman, Time Bandits, Brazil)
RUPERT EVERETT
(My Best Friend’s Wedding, Dance with a Stranger, The Comfort of Strangers)
RUPERT GRAVES
(TV’s Sherlock, Death at a Funeral, Damage)
AMANDA DONOHOE
(The Lair of the White Worm, Liar Liar, One Night Stand)

Directed by
NICHOLAS HYTNER
(The Crucible, The Object of My Affection, The History Boys)

Nicholas Hytner (The Crucible) made his film directing debut with The Madness of King George which would garner four 1995 Academy Award nominations including Best Actor (Nigel Hawthorne), Best Supporting Actress (Helen Mirren), Best Writing Adaptation (Alan Bennett), with Ken Adam and Carolyn Scott taking home awards for Best Art Direction.

YEAR: 1994
GENRE: DRAMA
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 111 mins
RATING: PG-13
VIDEO: 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio; COLOR
AUDIO: STEREO

Based on the true story of the deteriorating mental health of Britain’s King George III, The Madness of King George is historical drama at its entertaining best. With a cast of British acting royalty led by Nigel Hawthorne (Amistad) as the “Mad King”, George III, the film features Helen Mirren (The Queen) as Queen Charlotte, the King’s wife and staunchest supporter; Rupert Everett (My Best Friend’s Wedding) as George, eldest son and the Prince of Wales; Ian Holm (Time Bandits) as the caring Dr. Willis whose radical treatment of mental disorders is viewed with skepticism by the royals; Rupert Graves (TV’s Sherlock) as Captain Greville, the King’s equerry; and Amanda Donohoe (The Lair of the White Worm) as Lady Pembroke, attendant to the Queen.

The Madness of King George is directed by Nicholas Hytner (The Crucible), written by Alan Bennett (based on his stage play The Madness of George III), photographed by Andrew Dunn (Precious, Gosford Park) and features a selection of classical compositions by George Frideric Handel, adapted and arranged by George Fenton (Dangerous Liaisons, The Crucible).

FIRST TIME ON
BLU-RAY!
US+CANADA
PREBOOK:      10/17/17
STREET:         10/31/17

S.O.S. TIDAL WAVE        DVD     
CAT:                 OF1374
UPC:       887090137416
SRP:                 $19.95

S.O.S. TIDAL WAVE        BD       
CAT:                 OF1375
UPC:       887090137515
SRP:                 $24.95
S.O.S. TIDAL WAVE
RALPH BYRD
(Jungle Book, A Yank in the R.A.F., Desperate Cargo)
GEORGE BARBIER
(Yankee Doodle Dandy, The Man Who Came to Dinner, The Return of Frank James)
KAY SUTTON
(Carefree, Lawless Valley, Li’l Abner)
FRANK JENKS
His Girl Friday, Christmas in Connecticut, Woman on the Run)
MARC LAWRENCE
(Flame of Barbary Coast, Marathon Man, From Dusk Till Dawn)
DOROTHY LEE
(Roar of the Press, Too Many Blondes, The Curtain Falls)
FERRIS TAYLOR
(A Man Betrayed, Magnificent Doll, Bringing Up Father)

Directed by
JOHN H. AUER (The Eternal Sea, Johnny Trouble, Hell’s Half Acre)

Every film deserves a great film score, and six-time Academy Award®-nominee Cy Feuer (Cabaret, Ice-Capades, Hit Parade of 1941, She Married a Cop, Storm Over Bengal, Mercy Island – shared with Walter Scharf) was one of a team of musical talent working behind the scenes on S.O.S. Tidal Wave.


YEAR: 1939
GENRE: ADVENTURE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 62 mins
RATING: N/R
VIDEO: 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; B&W
AUDIO: MONO

S.O.S. Tidal Wave is both a political thriller and one of the earliest examples of the disaster film genre.  The corrupt Clifford Farrow (Ferris Taylor, A Man Betrayed), his sights set on winning the New York City mayoral race with backing from the nefarious political boss Melvin Sutter (Marc Lawrence, Flame of Barbary Coast), sees the world as his oyster.

That’s until stalwart television journalist Jeff Shannon (Ralph Byrd, Jungle Book) unmasks a system that would place the unscrupulous and unqualified Farrow into power. S.O.S. Tidal Wave remains true to its crime thriller roots until a very surprising twist. The devious Farrow and Sutter, using stock horror film footage of a tsunami-like tidal wave, try to convince an unsuspecting public that the killer wave is about to hit New York, thereby throwing voters into a War of the Worlds-type panic. Will Jeff be able to convince the public of this hoax in time to save the election?



FIRST TIME ON
BLU-RAY!
US+CANADA
PREBOOK:      10/17/17
STREET:         10/31/17

THE VAMPIRE’S GHOST  DVD          
CAT:                 OF1376
UPC:       887090137614
SRP:                 $19.95

THE VAMPIRE’S GHOST  BD          
CAT:                 OF1377
UPC:       887090137713
SRP:                 $24.95

JOHN ABBOTT
(Gigi, Mrs. Miniver, Gambit)
CHARLES GORDON
(Captain Tugboat Annie, Swamp Fire, Road to Alcatraz)
PEGGY STEWART
(The Runaways, That’s My Boy, Beyond Evil)
GRANT WITHERS
(Rio Grande, Fort Apache, My Darling Clementine)
ADELE MARA
(Sands of Iwo Jima, Wake of the Red Witch, You Were Never Lovelier)
EMMETT VOGAN
(The Mummy’s Tomb, The Mummy’s Ghost, San Quentin)

Directed by
LESLEY SELANDER
(The Catman of Paris, Dragonfly Squadron, Brothers in the Saddle)

John Abbott (born John Albert Chamberlain Kefford) would lend his substantial British charm to the role of Webb Fallon, the suave and sophisticated nosferatu in The Vampire’s Ghost.

YEAR: 1945
GENRE: HORROR
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 59 mins
RATING: N/R
VIDEO: 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; B&W
AUDIO: MONO

Vampires and voodoo and priests, oh my!

The Vampire’s Ghost, starring John Abbott (Gigi), Charles Gordon (Road to Alcatraz), Grant Withers (Rio Grande) and Peggy Stewart (The Runaways), grabs the viewer by the throat and doesn’t let go.

In the African port town of Bakunda, the undead are restless. Webb Fallon (Abbott), having fallen under the curse of the vampire, is unable to find eternal peace. With an unquenchable thirst for blood, Fallon wanders the vast landscape in search of sustenance and the local missionary Father Gilchrist (Withers), along with friends Roy Hendrick (Gordon) and Julie Vance (Stewart) could very well be his next … victims!

Directed by Lesley Selander (Dragonfly Squadron) and written by John K. Butler (Drums Across the River) and Leigh Brackett (The Big Sleep, The Long Goodbye) based on an original story by Brackett, The Vampire’s Ghost is the quintessential 1940s horror film – when an ominous shadow and a widened eye conveyed all one needed to know of the horror to come. 



FIRST TIME ON
BLU-RAY!
US+CANADA
PREBOOK:      10/17/17
STREET:         10/31/17

RETURN OF THE APE MAN  DVD
CAT:                 OF1378
UPC:       887090137812
SRP:                 $19.95

RETURN OF THE APE MAN  BD
CAT:                 OF1379
UPC:       887090137911
SRP:                 $24.95

BELA LUGOSI
(Dracula, Voodoo Man, The Ape Man)
JOHN CARRADINE
(Voodoo Man, Blood and Sand, The Grapes of Wrath)
GEORGE ZUCCO
(Dead Men Walk, Voodoo Man, The Black Raven)
FRANK MORAN
(The Corpse Vanishes, Sullivan’s Travels, The Palm Beach Story)
MARY CURRIER
(Joan of Arc, Angel in Exile, The Valley of Decision)

Directed by
PHILIP ROSEN
(Murder by Invitation, Captain Tugboat Annie, It Could Happen To You!)

Bela Lugosi, no stranger to the world of mad scientists and demented doctors (Voodoo Man, The Ape Man, The Raven, Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Black Cat) would once again entertain his legions of fans with his performance as Professor Dexter in Return of the Ape Man.

YEAR: 1944
GENRE: HORROR
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (with optional English subtitles)
LABEL: OLIVE FILMS
TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 61 mins
RATING: N/R
VIDEO: 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; B&W
AUDIO: MONO


The titular ape man (incarnated by Frank Moran, The Corpse Vanishes, and fleetingly by George Zucco, Voodoo Man) is featured alongside Bela Lugosi (Dracula), John Carradine (Voodoo Man) and Mary Currier (Joan of Arc) in the fright fest Return of the Ape Man.

Directed by Philip Rosen (Murder by Invitation), Return of the Ape Man stars Lugosi as Professor Dexter, the doctor who put the mad in mad scientist. On the verge of restoring a recently unearthed simian from its frozen sleep, Dexter’s plans for the apesicle will have chilling consequences when he sets about transplanting a human brain into his frozen find. With unwitting (and unwilling) help from fellow scientist Professor Gilmore (Carradine), Dexter hopes to unravel the mystery of the “missing link.”

Return of the Ape Man also features Michael Ames (From Hell It Came), Judith Gibson (Bluebeard), Ed Chandler (The Ghost and the Guest) and Ernie Adams (Invisible Ghost).

Olive Films Announces October 2017 DVD & Blu-ray Releases (Includes "Return of the Ape Man", "Vampire's Ghost")

"30 YEARS OF GARBAGE: THE GARBAGE PAIL KIDS STORY" -- Documentary In Theaters Aug. and DVD/VOD Sept.

30 Years of Garbage: The Garbage Pail Kids Story
“From Counter-culture to Candy Culture”

West Hollywood, California (Tuesday, August 8th) - Indican Pictures is set to release the pivotal documentary on the Garbage Pail Kids. Titled 30 Years of Garbage: The Garbage Pail Kids Story, this documentary revisits the artists, who made these collectibles famous. Showing a rare glimpse into the corporate culture of Topps as they launched Garbage Pail Kids through the height of the cards fame, the downfall from the legal battle with the Cabbage Patch kids and their untimely demise.

The film is jam packed with interviews of over a half dozen artists. Each artist penned these counter-culture trading cards and each artist gives you the inside story of why these cards poked fun at: the collectibles’ movement, the 80’s culture of greed and gave kids a unique piece of historical fun. Details on the film’s theatrical and home entertainment launch are available here.

This documentary interviews actors from the ‘80s film, Garbage Pail Kids the Movie (1987). Interviews take place with: Mackenzie Astin, Debbie Lee Carrington and others. It also includes interviews with Pulitzer-prize winning novelist Art Spiegelman, Pumpkinhead screenwriter Gary Gerani, comic book artists Tom Bunk and John Pound. It even includes an interview with TV producer Adam F. Goldberg (creator of the Goldbergs TV Series).

Many of the artists from the original series are revisited, for their take on what made these cards so popular. The film also includes collectors, of the cards, who share their nostalgic memories and collections with the world, in this one-of-a-kind documentary. All of these people and more give their take on what made The Garbage Pail Kids so famous, such a worldwide sensation.

30 Years of Garbage: The Garbage Pail Kids Story hits theatres this summer in select cities. Indican Pictures will launch this title in several theatres, starting August 18th and continuing throughout the month of August and September. On 9/20/17, 30 Years of Garbage: The Garbage Pail Kids Story will show in front of an even larger audience as the film is launched nationwide, throughout the United States. All of the release details on this artistic movement and the collectors are hosted here.

The trailer for: https://vimeo.com/228398601

The film’s official synopsis: In the 1980′s some eclectic underground cartoonists parodied a popular doll craze (whose name cannot be spoken…). The resulting pop culture commercial trading cards/stickers tapped into an international zeitgeist that was brewing in a young generation who felt that this product spoke to the revulsion they had for the corporate junk that was being fed to them. Learn the truth behind the myth of The Garbage Pail Kids, the lawsuit that ensued and the resulting iconic status!

Release Date: August, 2017 (U.S., Limited Theatrical) and September 20th, 2017 (VOD/DVD).

Director/writer: Jeff Zapata, Joe Simko.

Interviewees: Art Spiegelman, John Pound, James Warhola, Adam F. Goldberg, Tom Bunk, Jay Lynch, Mark Newgarden, Gary Gerani, Len Brown, Mackenzie Astin, Debbie Lee Carrington, Arturo Gil.

More film details at Indican: http://bit.ly/2flLdAX

The film’s homepage: https://www.30yearsofgarbage.com/

About Indican Pictures

Indican Pictures acquires and distributes feature films to a broad range of entertainment outlets by providing a diverse selection of movies across: theatrical, home video, TV, VOD, PPV and streaming platforms.

"30 YEARS OF GARBAGE: THE GARBAGE PAIL KIDS STORY" -- Documentary In Theaters Aug. and DVD/VOD Sept.