UP (DVD)

I swear, Pixar's films get better with each new release.

One thing that’s been consistent with Pixar’s films is how much they amaze me each time I watch. Although, I was a little let down by Bolt. However, Up restored my faith in Pixar’s ability to create a technologically advanced and profound film. The animation and story for Up is one of Pixar’s best to date. With the DVD finally out, us viewers finally get a chance to bring it home. As always, Disney puts out a high quality set with the 4-disc Blu-ray & DVD Combo Pack. With crystal clear video and amazing sound quality, this is a must have set. Packed with extra features galore including commentaries, an original short film about my new favorite movie dog named Dug, and alternate endings that the filmakers thought of using to get rid of the enemy known as Muntz! Seriously, I can’t tell you how entertaining this set really is without seeing it for yourself. Overall, Up is one of the most adventurous animated films in recent years that has a subtle way of reminding you to not let life pass you by. I highly recommend checking it out.

Skillet - Awake

Veteran hard rockers known as Skillet are out with a new album called Awake. Notice I used the word “veteran”, because well, they’ve been around the Christian rock scene for some time. However, recently they started getting more recognition in the music industry. I remember seeing them featured not too long ago for Awake in a Best Buy circular under the hot new acts section. It’s funny though because Skillet isn’t really a new act. Like I said, they’ve been around for some time. Well, I guess they’re new if you’re not too familiar with Christian rock. Anyway, if you never heard them, Awake is a great album to start with. I’d say if there’s an album that will thrust them into the limelight, this will be the one. Skillet is one of those bands who’s at their best when their rocking hard AND playing sweet ballads. It’s hard to pull off songs on both extremes like that, but Skillet does it quite well here. For example, one of the album’s harder tracks called Monster is trademark Skillet. It’s an aggressive song that deals the internal struggles that most of us can relate to. On the other hand there is the slower song Don't Wake Me, which is the perfect example of how they can pull off a nice ballad. Overall, this is an album worth checking out whether you’re a long time fan, or just finding out about Skillet.

SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES (DVD)

Get ready for an awesome film experience with the latest animated DC Universe Animated Original Movie: Superman/Batman: Public Enemies. This is one tense film. With a Kryptonite asteroid on its way to hit Earth and Lex Luthor as the nation’s President, things don’t look too bright. Add in the fact that Luthor puts out a $1 billion bounty on the heads of Superman and Batman and declaring them enemies, things look pretty bleak. But leave it to the Man of Steele and the Dark Knight to rise up against some insurmountable odds. This film (out now on DVD) takes a unique look at what it would be like to see an enemy become a President, and our heroes become outlaws. Like every other DC Universe Animated Original Movie, this one is rated PG-13 and it appeals to grown-ups hungry for a good action film, as much as younger viewers. The animation, story and action scenes are very impressive in this film. Overall, it’s hard to pick my favorite out of these DC Original movies that WHV keeps putting out. But I would have to say that this one is definitely in the top 3. Overall, it’s a film I definitely recommend to anyone looking for a good superhero film.

MUTEMATH - LIVE AT NOKIA THEATER NYC

I saw MUTEMATH in concert this weekend. This marks the 4th time that I’ve seen them in NYC, and so far I’ve never been disappointed. The last 3 venues I saw them play were B.B. Kings, Gramercy Theater, and Irving Plaza. This time was different as they played right in the heart of Times Square at the Nokia Theater. I was reminded how far this quartet from New Orleans has made it when on my way to find parking, I saw their video for Typical played on the big screen outside the theater. This show was part of their “Armistice Fall Tour”, so I already expected to not hear the soaring intro that they’ve always done to start off their shows before exploding into Typical. This time, the band wasted no time when they took the stage as the floor started rumbling to the thunderous track The Nerve. With the crowd singing “Set it on fire!” along with Paul Meany, it was a great way to bring in their new material in a live setting. I admit when I first heard the Armistice album, I wasn’t as impressed as I thought I would be. However, it grew on me after time and I enjoyed it each time I played it. Hearing them played live was a different experience. If you thought hearing songs like Backfire, Clipping, and Armistice were great, wait until you hear them in concert! The execution of each track was flawless, giving me a new appreciation for their latest album. Of course, it wouldn’t be a real MuteMath show without hearing songs like Control, Chaos, Typical, and Break The Same (which they all played). However one of the best surprises of the night came when they played a song that only the most loyal MuteMath fans would recognize: Peculiar People! I was real happy to see them play that song, as it is the second song I heard from them back in 2005, after hearing Control. Overall, MuteMath put on a hell of a performance, giving these Tri-State fans exactly what they came to see: a loud, energetic, and unforgettable performance. If you never saw this band live, I highly recommend doing so the next time they come around.

ZORRO THE COMPLETE FIRST AND SECOND SEASON (DVD)

Get ready for some action with ZORRO!

No, we’re not talking about Antonio Banderas version. I’m talking about the ORIGINAL, black and white Disney series that’s been re-released on an awesome DVD collection. Seasons 1 and 2 have been brought to DVD and they come in a special tin collector’s case and contain each episode in some really clear audio and video quality. These sets are definitely a must have for any fan. As always expected from Disney, they provide this time some really high quality sets for Seasons 1 and 2. I enjoyed watching these very much. To be able to relive this classic show and see it in all its DVD glory was a lot of fun. To give you an idea of what’s on these sets, check this out:

All 78 episodes
Both sets hosted by Leonard Maltin
Each set includes a Zorro pin, an authenticity certificate, and exclusive Lithograph

David Dark - The Sacredness of Questioning Everything

David Dark is a pretty smart guy. He’s the kind of guy that uses big words that will have you grabbing your dictionary to understand. His writing is thought-provoking and engaging. With all of that said, he’s got a new book out. This one is called The Sacredness of Questioning Everything, and it will really stretch your mind. As you can tell from the title, this book encourages “questioning”. Questioning what, you may ask? Question our pre-conceived notions about God, philosophy, politics, you name it. In fact, he says true questioning is actually healthy. Using lots of pop-culture references, personal stories, and his unique perspective on things, this book is definitely an eye-opener. It may shake some people out of their comfort zone, but it is definitely a valuable piece of literature.

David Crowder Band - Church Music

There’s much more to David Crowder than the beard.

David Crowder Band is one of the most creative bands you’d hear these days. The thing is, they make music for the church (Christian). So chances are if you’re not a Christian, you probably haven’t had the chance to hear this great band. There’s been this ongoing debate about what defines “Christian” music, and whether or not it simply all sucks. There is the “Christian version of a mainstream act”, which usually equates to a lack of creativity from an artist where they see their music strictly to share their faith. While I can see where they are coming from, the quality of the music is usually low. Now here’s the kicker with David Crowder Band. They are definitely “Christian” as far as the messages in their songs. That part is clear so you know where they stand with that. But the quality of their sound is definitely original and I would even say better than some mainstream acts. The thought just popped in my head if there’ll be a day when we’ll see a mainstream version of a Christian band. One thing is sure, if that day ever comes, David Crowder Band would be the band that people copy from. Take their latest album Church Music for example. If I had to choose one word to describe it, I would say EPIC. From start to finish this is a well produced, hypnotic album that takes you away with each track. With this band, you never know what to expect with their wide range of influences. Here, they incorporate everything from rock to electronica to create probably their best album to date. Another nice surprise is the guest appearances by the band Eisley and Lacey from Flyleaf on various tracks. So if you’re already a fan of the DCB, then you’ll see they upped their standard a bit more on this release. And I must say, even if you’re not a believer, give this album a try. You’ll be in for a surprise. Trust me.

Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs (DVD)

The gang is back from Ice Age, and this time they meet some more prehistoric friends. As if the Ice Age films weren’t good enough, adding dinosaurs to the cast makes it a whole lot better! Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs finds Manny as a proud new dad, and Sid thinking he is one. When Sid finds some abandoned eggs, he takes them as his own, not realizing they’re dino-eggs! That sets off a chain of events that put the gang against some Jurassic giants! This film was lots of fun to watch. Just like the others, everything from the animation and comedy is in top form. The DVD is out now and it contains lots of fun extra features such as two special Scrat shorts, deleted scenes, director’s commentary, and an Ice Age digital story book maker. Make sure you don’t miss out on this one!