KISS Rocks Vegas and Blows Up the Joint on Blu-ray, DVD, and CD

I know what many of you are thinking. "KISS put out another live album? Why?" It's really quite simple and makes a whole lot of sense to followers of the group. First, a new live album serves as a gauge of the band's career as performers. Secondly, it's a fantastic way to mark the milestone and celebrate 40 years of KISS hits. That's really all the reasons KISS Army members need to embrace a new live record.

November of 2014 saw KISS take up residence at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. For nine eruptive nights, the group unleashed their powers and legendary songs on the masses who attended these special performances. Bringing with them all the show-stopping vivacity they've become known for, KISS left the venue in a shambles of explosions, smoke, confetti, and blood.

Every single wonderful trope of a KISS performance is included in “KISS Rocks Vegas”, and they should be. Here is a band delivering the goods to many times folks from all walks of life. Some have never seen them before in a live setting. Just as they always do, KISS puts their best foot forward and strives to win over newcomers and make new fans. That’s how a rock group becomes immortal.

Now that we've addressed the visual performance of the band briefly, let's get on to the musical aspect featured on the CD. KISS trims out quite a bit of material in between the songs that leave dead space which doesn't make much sense if you can't see it. What this does is allow the listener a no-nonsense, rapid and well-paced run through the group's four decades of musical output.

When watching a band as visually pleasing as KISS live, it's easy to get distracted from their actual performance. Explosions and other pyrotechnics can mesmerize an audience and keep them from fully taking in the actual musical output. KISS once again proves that they deliver on all levels of audio-visual excellence.

KISS injects vigor and exuberance into every tune they play for the Vegas spectators. You can hear the passion each member still has for the material, whether it be a song off of the band's 1974 debut album or their latest release, "Monster". They play new or older tunes with just as much energy as they did the first time.

Eric Singer pounds the drums with ferocity while steadily carrying the tempo. Tommy Thayer continues to fill the Spaceman's seven-inch leather heels very well while adding his own flavor of lead guitar playing. Starchild Paul Stanley delivers his unique vocals and onstage banter with the same pure energy he always has. Gene Simmons growls and croons his way through each of his trademark beastly tunes while commanding his legions of fans.

As a sort of special feature, KISS also includes one of their acoustic performances they held for the folks who bought VIP and Meet and Greet tickets for the shows. We get to see the four members of KISS in a much more relaxed setting playing a list of songs we don't get to see often when the band hits the stage in full makeup. Without their masks on, the group's individual personalities shine through. It's fun to see Gene interact with kids and ham it up for the audience of around 150. Paul, Gene, Tommy, and Eric even harmonize like a barbershop quartet at one point, much like they did with the "Scooby-Doo! and KISS" original song "Don't Touch My Ascot".

"KISS Rocks Vegas" is literally the whole package. You get either the Blu-ray or the DVD and a CD capturing the band's highly successful, both musically and visually, residency at the Joint in Hard Rock Cafe. The digibook the discs come in contain great liner notes and tons of exciting behind-the-scenes and live performance photos. No matter if you're in your living room in front of your TV or sitting behind the wheel of your car, you have the Hottest Band in the World at your fingertips to enjoy over and over again.

"KISS Rocks Vegas" is available now in a Blu-Ray / DVD + 2 CDs Deluxe Edition, Blu-ray + CD, DVD + CD, and LP + DVD versions. 

KISS Rocks Vegas and Blows Up the Joint on Blu-ray, DVD, and CD

I know what many of you are thinking. "KISS put out another live album? Why?" It's really quite simple and makes a whole lot of sense to followers of the group. First, a new live album serves as a gauge of the band's career as performers. Secondly, it's a fantastic way to mark the milestone and celebrate 40 years of KISS hits. That's really all the reasons KISS Army members need to embrace a new live record.

Blu-Ray Review: "Psycho IV: The Beginning"

"Psycho IV: The Beginning" holds the honor of being one of the first genre films to go back and explore the back story of its main character, which is something we see all the time now (ie. "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning", "The Thing", "Exorcist: The Beginning". The story of young Norman Bates is excellently framed by a fresh tale of terror, much like an anthology film. If you've kept up with "Bates Motel", this almost feels like a condensed version of that.

A seemingly rehabilitated Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) is drawn to a late night radio show where the host (CCH Pounder) encourages him to share his views on the topic of matricide. Reliving his childhood, Norman recounts his trials of a young boy (Henry Thomas) living with his widowed schizophrenic mother (Olivia Hussey). These haunting memories are more than just disturbing visions of the past; they threaten to rekindle his killing urge in "Psycho IV: The Beginning".

The bonus material alone for "Psycho IV: The Beginning" makes Scream Factory's Blu-ray release worth a new purchase of the film. They include new audio commentary With Director Mick Garris, Actors Henry Thomas and Olivia Hussey, a new featurette entitled "The Making Of Mother – An Interview With Make-up Effects Artist Tony Gardner", rare behind-the-scenes footage from Director Mick Garris, and a photo gallery of rare photos from Mick Garris.

"Psycho IV: The Beginning" is rated R for violence and gore, language, nudity, adult situations, and disturbing and intense scenes.

"Psycho IV: The Beginning" is available now on Blu-ray.

Blu-Ray Review: "Psycho IV: The Beginning"

"Psycho IV: The Beginning" holds the honor of being one of the first genre films to go back and explore the back story of its main character, which is something we see all the time now (ie. "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning", "The Thing", "Exorcist: The Beginning". The story of young Norman Bates is excellently framed by a fresh tale of terror, much like an anthology film. If you've kept up with "Bates Motel", this almost feels like a condensed version of that.

DVD Review: "The Huntsman: Winter's War" Extended Edition

Chris Hemsworth borrows a little of his Thor persona to battle Snow White's delightfully wicked stepmother Charlize Theron and sullen snow queen Emily Blunt. "The Huntsman: Winter's War" is a typical fantasy-based hero's journey with the right amount of dazzling special effects and CGI to keep the viewer interested. In essence, what we get is Universal Pictures taking another cash grab at Disney's ever popular "Frozen" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" movies without Kristen Stewart's Snow anywhere to be found except in flashbacks.

Betrayed by her evil sister Ravenna (Charlize Theron), heartbroken Freya (Emily Blunt) retreats to a northern kingdom to raise an army of huntsmen as her protectors. Gifted with the ability to freeze her enemies in ice, Freya teaches her young soldiers to never fall in love. When Eric (Chris Hemsworth) and fellow warrior Sara (Jessica Chastain) defy this rule, the angry queen does whatever she can to stop them. As war between the siblings escalates, Eric and Sara try to end Ravenna's wicked reign in "The Huntsman: Winter's War".

Special features for "The Huntsman: Winter's War" include deleted scenes with optional commentary by Director Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, a gag reel, "Winter's Vistas: The Making Of 'The Huntsman: Winter's War'" featurette, and commentary with Director Nicolas-Troyan.

"The Huntsman: Winter's War" is rated PG-13 for fantasy action violence and some sensuality.

"The Huntsman: Winter's War" is available now on Blu-ray, DVD, and as a Digital Download.

DVD Review: "The Huntsman: Winter's War" Extended Edition

Chris Hemsworth borrows a little of his Thor persona to battle Snow White's delightfully wicked stepmother Charlize Theron and sullen snow queen Emily Blunt. "The Huntsman: Winter's War" is a typical fantasy-based hero's journey with the right amount of dazzling special effects and CGI to keep the viewer interested. In essence, what we get is Universal Pictures taking another cash grab at Disney's ever popular "Frozen" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" movies without Kristen Stewart's Snow anywhere to be found except in flashbacks.

Wrestlemaniacs Unite for "Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon"

First off, let me say that I love Scooby-Doo in all the different incarnations he's appeared in over the years. Some are better than others, like "What's New, Scooby-Doo?" and "Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated". As much as I detest Scrappy-Doo, I can even tolerate the shows with him in them.

Others like "A Pup Named Scooby-Doo" and "Shaggy and Scooby-Doo Get a Clue" are less appealing to me. However I'll still watch them. The newest direct-to-DVD feature, "Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon" is now on my short list of movies and shows I'd rather not view if given the choice.

In "Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon", the clue-sniffing canine and his gang stumble upon a menacing phantom at an off-road racing competition. With the help of some WWE superstars, they try to save the race before it's too late.

Basically, imagine “Wacky Races” if Scooby-Doo and his buds went up against a group of WWE wrestlers while solving a mystery. Every time they’re not racing, a brawl ensues between the annoyingly charismatic muscleheads. For millions of wrestling fans around the world it’s a recipe for fun and big laughs. I just groaned and shook my head in bewilderment for the majority of its 80 minute run time.

I'm not going to tell you there wasn't some funny parts in "Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon". The look of the villain was cool. There was just way too many wrestling references and in-jokes that a person who doesn't keep up with the "sport" won't get or understand.

Did I mention how annoying the race announcer's dialogue was? Every single line he spewed was a pun of some sort. It got to the point where when I heard his voice, I wanted to mute the TV.

Both the Blu-ray and DVD editions of "Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon" have a few special features the kids will enjoy. A new featurette is included entitled “Revved Up with the Monster Jam Scooby-Doo Truck”. There’s also a couple of bonus cartoons from the different television shows to enjoy.

"Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon" is not rated. There’s some cartoon and wrestling violence. If you’ve seen Scooby-Doo movies or TV shows before, it’s on the same level as any of those.

If you're not a wrestling fan, you might find "Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon" to be one of the first Scooby-Doo movies you never watch more than once. I guess the same could be said about “Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery”, which I loved. I'm just not the demographic for this particular animated feature and that's alright. With Scooby-Doo, you always know there will be a next time.

"Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon" is available now on Blu-ray, DVD, and as a digital download.

Wrestlemaniacs Unite for "Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon"

First off, let me say that I love Scooby-Doo in all the different incarnations he's appeared in over the years. Some are better than others, like "What's New, Scooby-Doo?" and "Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated". As much as I detest Scrappy-Doo, I can even tolerate the shows with him in them.

Sir Christopher Lee Heard From Beyond the Grave in "The Time War"

There are so many independent sci-fi and horror films coming out every week, that it’s virtually impossible for anyone to keep up with them all. My e-mail inbox is flooded with press releases for new genre movies that I never get around to promoting or seeing. Every once in awhile, one catches my attention that I’m emotionally driven to write about.

As anyone who reads my work on a regular basis knows, I’m a huge Hammer horror fan and love both Peter Cushing and Sir Christopher Lee. Like many other lovers of Sir Lee, I was saddened to hear of his death in 2015. Not only did the fine actor bring many of my favorite monsters to life in gory technicolor, he also played some great supporting characters in some of the most beloved franchises in cinema history like James Bond, “Star Wars”, and the “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” movies.

Now fans of Sir Christopher Lee can celebrate in knowing that there’s at least one more film out there they can hear the booming voice of the late great actor in. Filmmaker Neil Johnson’s (“Humanity’s End”, “Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter”) indie sci-fi feature “The Time War” contains an opening narration by Lee. It’s the type of movie that perfectly fits in the roster of outlandish projects Lee worked on in his illustrious career.

“The Time War” imagines what would happen if Adolf Hitler traveled back in time and rewrote history. Matters are made much worse when an attempt is made to stop him.

Aside from Lee’s opening narration, “The Time War” stars award-winning actors Tracey Birdsall and Barry Corbin. Birdsall is known from her roles in daytime soaps like “Loving”, “The Young and the Restless”, and action film “Tick-Tock”. Corbin is a veteran who many will recognize from “Northern Exposure”, “No Country for Old Men”, “WarGames” and genre fare like “The Twilight Zone” and “Critters 2”.

Sir Christopher Lee’s narration was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in 2010. At the time, it was questionable as to whether Writer / Director Neil Johnson’s movie would ever get finished. Johnson was so sure of himself and his project, he paid Lee to come into the famous London studio and record the opening description of the action about to unfold before future audiences.

Although the synopsis for “The Time War” might sound ludicrous and that of a B-movie destined for direct-to-DVD status, Sir Christopher Lee’s participation adds a layer of professionalism and class to the project. It also reflects Lee’s real-life service in World War II to king and country. Johnson explains the correlation further.

"Mr Lee had killed a number of Nazis during WW2, so it was very apt that the great Nazi Hunter gave his great talent to this wonderfully unique film.”

Sir Christopher Lee Heard From Beyond the Grave in "The Time War"

There are so many independent sci-fi and horror films coming out every week, that it’s virtually impossible for anyone to keep up with them all. My e-mail inbox is flooded with press releases for new genre movies that I never get around to promoting or seeing. Every once in awhile, one catches my attention that I’m emotionally driven to write about.

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers [Collector's Edition]" Lands at Home on Blu-ray

Scream Factory brings a new 2K restoration of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" to blu-ray in a Collector's Edition that will leave sci-fi and alien enthusiasts absolutely giddy with satisfaction. Director Philip Kaufman ("The Right Stuff") helmed the 1978 remake from a screenplay by W.D. Richter ("Dracula", "Needful Things") based on Jack Finney's novel. An all-star cast of amazing actors is headed up by Donald Sutherland and co-stars Brooke Adams, Leonard Nimoy, and Jeff Goldblum.

One by one, the residents of San Francisco are becoming drone-like shadows of their former selves in "Invasion of the Body Snatchers". As the phenomenon spreads, two Department of Health workers, Matthew (Donald Sutherland) and Elizabeth (Brooke Adams), uncover the horrifying truth: Mysterious pods are cloning humans — and destroying the originals! The unworldly invasion grows stronger with each passing minute, hurling Matthew and Elizabeth into a desperate race to save not only their own lives, but the future of the entire human race.

Director Philip Kaufman did a masterful job of visualizing a dark state of paranoia in "Invasion of the Body Snatchers". Michael Chapman's ("The Lost Boys", "Ghostbusters II") cinematography is effective and unsettling just the way it was intended to be. It was also a delight to take in a film knowing that all the special effects were practical versus the CGI we're given today.

A cameo by original "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" actor Kevin McCarthy has him playing a man running down the road from a group of cloned aliens. He slams into the car Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams's characters are in and proclaims, "They're here! They're here!" It's almost as if he had been running from the pod people for 20 years and finally made it to San Francisco. Don Siegel, who directed the 1956 version also briefly appears as a taxi cab driver.

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is rated PG for nudity, violence and gore, profanity, alcohol and drug use, and frightening and intense scenes. There are some unsettling parts where the alien replicants are being "born" which some will find gooey and gross. Apparently the display of a woman's breasts didn't merit a movie an R-rating in the 1970s as they do now.

The Collector's Edition of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is jammed full of all the bonus material we've come to expect from Scream Factory. There are new interviews with Actress Brooke Adams, Actor Art Hindle, Writer W.D. Richter, and Composer Denny Zeitlin. New audio commentary is provided by Author/Film Historian Steve Haberman.

It also contains older featurettes that delve into the special effects, sound effects, and cinematography. A classic episode of "Science Fiction Theatre" directed by Jack Arnold ("It Came From Outer Space", "The Creature from the Black Lagoon") based on Jack Finney's short story "Time Is Just A Place" is included as well. A theatrical trailer, TV spots, radio spots, and a photo gallery round out the special features.

I wish I liked "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" as much as most critics do. There's plenty of disturbing moments that impressed me. It was also great seeing Leonard Nimoy outside of his Spock persona. Witnessing a young Jeff Goldblum was the cherry on top. Ultimately, I felt like I was watching a bunch of people running around with some chillingly unsettling sequences thrown in every ten or fifteen minutes.

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers [Collector's Edition]" is available now on Blu-ray.

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers [Collector's Edition]" Lands at Home on Blu-ray

Scream Factory brings a new 2K restoration of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" to blu-ray in a Collector's Edition that will leave sci-fi and alien enthusiasts absolutely giddy with satisfaction. Director Philip Kaufman ("The Right Stuff") helmed the 1978 remake from a screenplay by W.D. Richter ("Dracula", "Needful Things") based on Jack Finney's novel. An all-star cast of amazing actors is headed up by Donald Sutherland and co-stars Brooke Adams, Leonard Nimoy, and Jeff Goldblum.

Ace Frehley Plays Dallas, TX's Gas Monkey Live! August 18th

KISS's former lead guitarist has been a lot more active in the past couple of years supporting two different albums. Spaceman Ace Frehley is out and about again. He'll be making a stop at the Gas Monkey Live! tomorrow in Dallas, TX promoting his latest album, "Origins, Vol. 1". If you've seen Frehley before, you know the sort of electricity you can expect from one of the founding members of the Hottest Band in the World.

For those living under a rock, Ace recently released an album of cover songs entitled "Origins, Vol. 1" that showcases rock cuts he favors or feels have influenced his career. Songs include classics like "The White Room" by Cream, The Rolling Stones's "Street Fighting Man", and "Spanish Castle Magic" by Jimi Hendrix to name a few. Frehley even covers "Rock and Roll Hell", a KISS song written by Gene Simmons, Bryan Adams, and Jim Vallance that was put out after he had technically left the band. Ace even teamed up with Paul Stanley for a version of Free's "Fire and Water".

If you get the opportunity, definitely don't miss Ace Frehley at Gas Monkey Live! on August 18th. It's sure to be a rocking good time for all the legendary guitarist's Rock Soldiers to treat their eyes and ears to. You can look forward to songs off the Spaceman's solo albums as well as selections from his time with KISS.

For information on how to get tickets to see Ace Frehley tomorrow at Gas Monkey Live!, go to the venue's official website.

Ace Frehley Plays Dallas, TX's Gas Monkey Live! August 18th

KISS's former lead guitarist has been a lot more active in the past couple of years supporting two different albums. Spaceman Ace Frehley is out and about again. He'll be making a stop at the Gas Monkey Live! tomorrow in Dallas, TX promoting his latest album, "Origins, Vol. 1". If you've seen Frehley before, you know the sort of electricity you can expect from one of the founding members of the Hottest Band in the World.

My Own Worst Enemy Revealed in All-Star Batman #1

DC Comics launches another limited title revolving around the Dark Knight with All-Star Batman #1. I know many readers out there are thinking to themselves, "Seriously, another Batman book?" However, the combined strengths of Writer Scott Snyder and Artist John Romita Jr. should be enough to garner at least enough curiosity in a comic fan to give the debut issue a try. If you take a peek inside the pages, you might just find yourself coming back for more.

In All-Star Batman #1, the Dark Knight must take Two-Face to a destination out of Gotham City. The duplicitous villain has a two of spades up his sleeve. Every assassin, bounty hunter and ordinary citizen with something to hide is on their tails with one goal: kill Batman!

All-Star Batman #1 does exactly what it's supposed to do. The reader is left with unanswered questions that demand you come back for more. Romita Jr.'s illustrations guide you through each panel as the tension continues to build up until the last page.

Scott Snyder also pens a backup story focusing on Batman's new partner, Duke, and his training. Artist Declan Shalvey brings Snyder's words to life. He provides disturbing imagery that pounds home the intensity of what we should expect in upcoming chapters giving us background on Duke's preparation to fight side-by-side with the Caped Crusader.

I'm enjoying how Batman is trying to approach the training of Duke. Instead of treating him like his sidekick, he see him as more of a protege to ultimately stand with him on a level playing ground. The stubborn Dark Knight is giving us a glimpse of personal growth and showing that he knows he won't always be able to do it all and needs help.

Issue #1 of All-Star Batman is rated T for Teen. It contains violence, profanity, and frightening and intense scenes. The content seen here are standard for what's going on in the monthly titles for DC Comics.

All-Star Batman #1 gives two of the most renowned comic book creators a chance to pool together their talents for what promises to be quite a tense tale of adventure and mystery. A premiere issue set up as well as this one is a good example of what makes serial storytelling so engaging and successful. Scott Snyder's fabulous talents as a writer is complemented by the unique penciling skills of John Romita Jr.

All-Star Batman #1 is available now in print and digital editions.

Below is a preview of All-Star Batman #1 provided by CBR. Click on the page to enlarge.