Posts

5 Movies That Need Blu-Rays - Films At Home Crossover!

Image
It's crossover time! In this episode, we're collaborating with the awesome YouTube channel Films At Home for a discussion about movies we wish were on Blu-ray! The five movies presented here are just half of the conversation, so be sure to check out Films At Home's video for the other half! Check out Films At Home's 5 choices HERE Subscribe to Films At Home HERE

Review: This is the Night (1932) - Cary Grant's Debut and The Glimpse of a Darker Hollywood

Image
1932's  This is the Night  comes from the short--but wonderful--pre-code era of cinema. More specifically, it was made before the days when the Hays Code (aka the Motion Pictures Production Code, which guaranteed the decency and moral value of each and every Hollywood production) was being firmly enforced. Those that consider movies of the thirties and forties to be gentrified might be surprised at just how bold and risque some of the films from the early days of cinema actually were, and sometimes still are.

Tex Avery Animation, Underwater Adventure, and a Guillotine! (Warner Archive Spotlight #4)

Image
In our latest spotlight on Warner Archive, we discuss Tex Avery Screwball Classics Vol. 1, which features 19 restored MGM animated shorts directed by the great cartoon icon! We also talk about a half-dozen other gems from the label which have recently arrived on Blu-ray!
Image
Sonic the Hedgehog has arrived in theaters! How does Sega's greatest and most famous mascot fare in his transition from the small screen to the big screen? Find out in this Five Minute Review!

Thrift Store 21 - Thrifting With Billy Blanks and Frank Sinatra

Image
In the latest installment of the thrift store series, we chill with the Rat Pack, watch cigarette commercials, hang with Mel Brooks, and do a little Tae Bo before finally saying Aloha to Hulk Hogan!

"Under the Blade: Horror Author Matt Serafini Dissects Vinegar Syndrome, Streaming Services, and Doctor Sleep" By Joshua Jabcuga

Image
Under the Blade and Microscope: Wherein author-screenwriter Matt Serafini dissects physical media, standouts of streaming services, and Mike Flanagan’s film adaptation of Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep, with comics writer Josh Jabcuga. (Note: The following interview was conducted via email, beginning in early November 2019, and wrapping up February 7 th , 2020.) JOSH JABCUGA: Over on your Twitter account (@MattFini) you encouraged your readers to support Mike Flanagan's film adaptation of the Stephen King novel Doctor Sleep when it had just been released theatrically. One of those tweets struck a chord. Your comments went viral, even catching the attention of Stephen King himself, who then quote-tweeted you. This film had so much going for it, if nothing else than being a sequel to, in my opinion, a classic King novel and a classic horror film. As if the sheer potential wasn't enough, you said: "Flanagan stages an incredible adaptation that somehow bridges TW...

Review: Vibes (1988)

Image
Before Mill Creek Entertainment announced 1988's Vibes  as part of their latest wave of retro VHS-style slipcover Blu-rays , I hadn't even heard of the movie, at least not that I can remember. Yet, something about it immediately ignited my interest. In part, it was the cast: Jeff Goldblum, Cyndi Lauper, and Lieutenant Columbo himself, Peter Falk. Maybe it was that cover image, recreating the stunning video cassette box art. Maybe it was even the font of the title logo, which screams 1988 and ignites my nostalgia for the long-gone days of my childhood. Regardless, I couldn't wait to pop Vibes  into my Blu-ray player. I was not disappointed. The movie is delightfully quirky, seemingly in service of no particular direction or tone. At some points, it's a comedy about characters who are gifted with psychic abilities, while at others, it's a romance. Still at other times, it's an adventure movie that seems to be chasing Raiders of the Lost Ark  and Romancing t...

Unboxing Robby the Robot from Forbidden Planet!

Image
Robby the Robot, the mechanical masterpiece made famous in the 1956 science fiction film Forbidden Planet, has arrived on Walmart toy shelves! In this video, we unbox the toy robot, which speaks, walks, and lights up! Check your local Walmart for Robby HERE

The Creature Columns: The Aesthetic Appeal of Movie Posters - Sequel Posters (Part 2) By Tom "Creature" Jeffers

Image
DISCLAIMER: Remember art is completely subjective. 😀 I also realize that there are multiple posters for many  films. I am simply comparing particular versions that show artistic growth. Read Part 1 HERE Movie sequels: we love them or we hate them. Some have surpassed the original films as in the  case of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and perhaps The Godfather 2 . Many others go on to  be notoriously bad pictures or box office flops. However, along the way new ideas on how to  promote such films rise up and grab our attention. I wanted to showcase a few franchises that, in  my opinion, did this in a spectacular fashion. Some of the changes to movie posters are very  obvious, and some are more subtle. Here are a few of my favorites.

Birds of Prey / Harley Quinn Spoiler-Free Review and Discussion

Image
Cereal At Midnight sits down for a spoiler-free discussion about the latest DC movie from Warner Brothers: Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn ! Margot Robbie is back as the iconic anti-hero, and this time, she's got friends!

Retro VHS Blu ray Unboxing, Plus Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt!

Image
The latest releases in Mill Creek Entertainment's Retro VHS Blu-ray line have arrived, and so has Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: The Complete Series! Join us as we unbox each item and stick around for a look at the ENTIRE Retro VHS Blu-ray collection so far! All of our Mill Creek Entertainment Retro VHS Slipcover Blu-ray videos can be viewed in this handy dandy playlist!

Elton John: Live From Moscow 1979 - Elton Unplugged!

Image
Elton John: Live From Moscow 1979 is a brand new live album from the BBC archives! It captures Elton at the tail end of the 1970s as he ends a string of concerts in the USSR, but what makes the concert even more spectacular is that it presents a man alone with his piano. Here's our review!

The Creature Columns: The Aesthetic Appeal of Movie Posters (Part 1) by Tom "Creature" Jeffers

Image
DISCLAIMER: Art is completely subjective. The appreciation of cinema is completely objective. I wanted to get that out of the way before I proceed with what is a deep passion of mine. Movie posters are like book covers. They can draw or repulse. They can even draw a person in because they repulse. Bad movies can have spectacular posters. Excellent films can have terrible posters. This is the first article that I have in a planned series that discusses this notion from a purely artistic standpoint. A review of a movie poster in no way reflects a film. It is a total and separate entity. What I am also offering here is my own opinion based on hours of research and art appreciation. I am in no way a complete expert. Therefore, if my opinion is different from yours, dear reader, please do not take offense. My intention is not to be negative in any way. I am simply offering my observations and opinions. Thank you for your understanding! A movie poster can make a film or break it. That...

Interview with Body By Starfleet Author Robb Pearlman

Image
Cereal At Midnight recently had the opportunity to speak with author Robb Pearlman about his new book  Body By Starfleet , a fitness guide that uses the worlds and characters of Star Trek to promote physical health! C@M: Robb, thank you so much for speaking with us!  Body By Starfleet combines physical fitness with the themes, characters, and ideals of Star Trek. Some readers may be surprised at how naturally these two topics fit together. What was the genesis of this project, and what led you to combine your love of Star Trek with personal fitness? RP : A few years ago I decided to make a change in my life and go where I'd never gone before: they gym. I found a great local place, Tutela Training Systems, in Clark NJ. Though I was initially intimidated to even walk through the door, I quickly warmed to it as I realized that the other guys working out were not only of all different body types, backgrounds, and careers, but all completely supportive and encouraging of e...

The Mindy Project - Complete Series Blu-ray Review!

Image
The Mindy Project: The Complete Series has arrived on Blu-ray from Mill Creek Entertainment! In this review, we discuss the show, the cast and guest stars, and break down all the details of the new box set!

Review: Underwater! (1955)

Image
“Skin Diver Action! Jane Russell As you’ve never seen her before!” So declares the poster for 1955’s Underwater! , an adventure movie centered around the perils of deep-sea treasure hunters and the dangerous world they inhabit. And what a world it is! Our two intrepid leads spend their time navigating their boats into the waters where ships sank hundreds of years ago in hopes that they’ll be able to dive deep beneath the ocean surface, uncovering gold and riches untold among the wreckage of the past. This means they’re constantly contending with not only the dangers of the deep sea--including sharks, lack of oxygen, or becoming pinned beneath a piece of debris--but also the human threat of pirates and scavengers. Oh, and let’s not forget dynamite. Miles from the coast, it would seem that threats are everywhere.

Dollar Tree Movie Haul!

Image
It's movie time at Dollar Tree! In this video, we share our complete DVD and Blu-ray haul! As mentioned in this video, here's a link to our review of True Believer, starring Robert Downey, Jr. and James Woods! Here's a link to The Creature Columns review of Kill List, a movie discovered at Dollar Tree!

The Creature Columns: Kill List (2011): A Movie Review by Tom "Creature" Jeffers

Image
When I first heard of the movie  Kill List , I was curious as to what it was about. Many sites had labeled it Lovecraftian in nature. Boasts of a shocking ending were plentiful. I decided to seek out this film and view it. I almost ordered it several times online from various outlets, but for some reason, I didn’t. I was patient, and like so many times, that was rewarded. Imagine my surprise when I found this film at my local Dollar Tree. I grabbed the single copy they had and excitedly headed home. Within the next few days, I watched the movie and knew that I was going to review it for Cereal at Midnight. The reasons for this are many, but suffice it to say that this film falls into the category of unique horror. I will be careful to not spoil it in this review so read freely.

The Gentlemen Non-Spoiler Review (Guy Ritchie, Hugh Grant, Matthew McConaughey))

Image
The Gentlemen have arrived! Guy Ritchie's new movie features all the gangsters, the violence, the colorful characters (and language) that fans associate with the director, and we're covering it all in this non-spoiler review!

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks - New Documentary about Martial Arts Movies!

Image
Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks has arrived! From Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan to Jim Kelly, this new documentary covers the entire history of martial arts cinema. We've got your full review, complete with all the forbidden temples, tests of skill, mini-bosses, and flying fists of fury!

Fox Film Noir Collection Complete! Plus Noir Talk!

Image
We've completed our Fox Film Noir Collection! Fifteen years after the line first began and twelve years after it ended, we have finally collected all 26 volumes! Join us as we reach the finish line of this noir-stained quest! Plus, stick around for some general film noir talk, including how these tales form the darker side of the street factor into future Cereal At Midnight plans! As if that wasn't enough, the official Cereal At Midnight dance makes its debut in this video! Be sure to check out our Spotlight on Fox Film Noir HERE

Cheap Comics, Hardcovers, and Omnibuses At Ollie's!

Image
It's comics-hunting time at Ollie's Bargain Outlet! In this video, we score a sweet haul of Marvel and DC trade paperbacks, hardcovers, and even an omnibus! Check out all of our Ollie's Comics videos via this handy-dandy playlist!

30 Rock: The Complete Series Headed to Blu-ray and DVD from Mill Creek Entertainment!

Image
Mill Creek Entertainment has announced that they will be bringing 30 Rock : The Complete Series to DVD and Blu-ray on April 21, 2020! All 138 episodes from the show's seven-season run will be available for the first time in a complete series package. The 20-disc Blu-ray set also marks the North American debut of the show on the HD disc format! 30 Rock is executive produced by Lorne Michaels, creator of Saturday Night Live , and chronicles the inner workings of a late night variety show. It stars Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, and Jack McBrayer. Guest stars include Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Aniston, Jon Hamm, Salma Hayek, Steve Martin, Jerry Seinfeld, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrell, Julianne Moore, Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte, Carrie Fisher, and Matt Damon. 30 Rock  is the winner of 16 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor (Alec Baldwin), Outstanding Lead Actress (Tina Fey), Outstanding Writing, Cast, and more....

The House by the Cemetery - Three Disc Limited Edition Review! (Lucio Fulci, Blue Underground)

Image
In this video, we visit Lucio Fulci's House By the Cemetery, a 1981 Italian horror film that has been newly restored from a 4K scan!   The three-disc limited edition package from Blue Underground that also includes the film's soundtrack on CD, and we've got your complete review, including screenshots of the new restoration!

Ultraman Ace and Ultraman X Announced for Blu-ray by Mill Creek Entertainment!

Image
The next two Blu-ray releases in the Ultraman franchise have been announced for release by Mill Creek Entertainment! Ultraman Ace , which aired from 1972-1973 and is the fifth entry in the series following Return of Ultraman , will be available in both standard and Steelbook versions, both featuring the 52-episode series on six discs. Mill Creek Entertainment has posted the following synopsis: "Alternate Dimension Being Yapool started invading Earth with an entourage of “Terrible-Monsters” that were more powerful than ordinary monsters. The Terrestrial Defense Force was annihilated by Terrible-Monster Verokron. Two youngsters, Seiji Hokuto and Yuko Minami, lost their lives trying to save people from the attack of Verokron. Ultraman Ace, who was sent from Nebula M78 Land of Light to stop Alternate Dimension Being Yapool’s malicious ambition, vested his life and power in Seiji Hokuto and Yuko Minami. Hokuto and Yuko, who received a new life, joined the Terrible-Monster Attackin...