Your Entertainment Ticket

The home video and DVD of one of the biggest blockbuster of 2013 produced by T-Series & Vishesh Films, AASHIQUI 2, is released. Back in 1990, Gulshan Kumar along with Mahesh Bhatt presented the musical rage AASHIQUI, now to add on to the DVD collection of the audience, DVD’s of AASHIQUI 2 are now available in your nearest stores. The blockbuster of 2013, that received a humongous response by the …

Excerpt from:
Aditya Roy Kapur & Shraddha Kapoor starrer AASHIQUI 2 DVD is out

Review by John Delia

The film’s not your average Glee offering, but a nice Welsh take on a drama teacher facing some tough going with her musical in the film Hunky Dory.  The movie features a fine young cast lead by a charming performance by Minnie Driver who makes the film work.  If you are a romantic, arts lover or just like a sweet movie then this little jewel is worth a look. Read more…

By John Delia

Using one of their most noted songs, the film Hava Nagila:The Movie traces some of the history of the Jews back to the tune’s beginning in the Ukraine.  Used as a joyful repose, the high spirited dance that most often accompanies it continues at weddings and other events even today.  You don’t have to be Jewish to watch this nicely spooled out documentary and it just may get you rockin’ in your seat.

Most all ancestries have music attached to their lives as a thread that keeps them together.  While my Italian heritage perks up their ears whenever the Tarantella gets played at special events, Hispanics come alive with the Flaminco and for the Irish the strains of Danny Boy can put a whole room in sweet tears.  But, with Hava Nagila the tradition goes even deeper into their culture forming a bond that gets stronger with every wedding, bar mitzvah, and yes, even in the face of persecution, holocaust, relocation or other disparaging act upon them.   Read more…

Not many musical plays get translated to screen with pleasing results and Les Miserables barely makes the cut.  The lavish film production of the heartfelt story wins with sets, music and cinematography, but not desirable enough in the acting development. While the strongest performances come from support characters the leads just couldn’t make the grade with the vocals. For stage production purest, this may not be your cup of movie magic.

The light opera opens with Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) on the day of his release from prison for stealing food.  Tired and crushed by seventeen years of incarceration, Valjean jumps parole and makes his way to a small town where he gets befriended by a priest who allows him to steal valuable items and start a new life.  Hunted by Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe) for breaking the law of his conditional release, Valjean finds himself avoiding major French cites and settles in one where he finances a factory and becomes its mayor.  In a quark of fate Javert gets transferred to Vanjean’s town and narrowly misses capturing his quarry. When Valjean gets confronted by Fantine (Anne Hathaway), an ailing factory worker of his who was fired without his knowledge, he agrees to care for her illegitimate child Cosette. So starts an adventurous journey of hide and seek that leads to a remarkable resolve.

Most musicals do not have a lot of story and audiences accept this because the vocals by the actors overshadow any need for a lot of drama.  In Les Miserables the story plays a major role spanning three decades of liberty, romance and justice. In this production you may need the drama however, because music delivery by both Jackman and Crowe are not top notch.  I am not impressed with their singing voices and because of this do not reflect the characters they portray.  While costumes and sets are perfectly directed, it’s not the clothes or locations that make the performances work, it’s the musical perfection needed for Valjean and Javert.

Anne Hathaway as Fanine in Les Miserables

That said, support actors do provide amazingly good performances that helps keep the film from sinking to non-recovering depths.  I will just say it; Anne Hathaway as Fantine and Samatha Barks as Eponine save the show.  Their scenes are commanding, heartfelt, and infectious with vocals that top anything I’ve seen in film related musicals with the exception of Phantom of the Opera.  In a scene with Fantine after she’s been coerced into becoming a prostitute we see her near death.  Hathaway’s screen presence kept me glued to the screen listening to her haunting delivery of “I Dreamed a Dream” while watching her soulless features.

Barks plays a pivotal role of Eponine a teenager who as a child lived with the now teenage Cosette. The two are in love with the rebel leader Marius, but he has eyes only for Cosette.  Valjean finds that he is in danger of being caught by Javert and wants to flee Paris and take Cosette to England.  Cosette sends Marius a note giving it to Eponine for delivery, but she decides not to give it to him.  Feeling despondent Eponine opens her heart with “On My Own”, Bark exquisitely performing one of the best musical ballads in the film. I must admit I could really feel her hurt come off the screen.

Direction by Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) although extremely good with his support cast, falls a little flat with having to work with leads Jackman and Crowe who should do what they do best and stay out of musicals. While the movie plays out well with a very good support cast, they are nothing more than a band aid on a deep wound.  That said, the choreography and familiar music are nicely directed, sets are perfect for the French period and costumes are just right to make the characters fit into the 1800’s French time frame.

Les Miserables has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for suggestive and sexual material, violence and thematic elements.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Not for theatre purists, but Anne Hathaway’s performance is worth the price of admission. (C+)

Additional Film Information:

• Cast: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, Helena Bonham Carter
• Directed by: Tom Hooper
• Genre: Musical, Drama, Romance, Adaptation
• MPAA Rating: PG-13 for suggestive and sexual material, violence and thematic elements
• Running Time: 2 hrs 32 min
• Opening Date: December 25, 2012
• Distributed by: Universal Pictures

THE GREATEST

THING

SINCE

SLICED BREAD

ROCK OF AGES

Review by Alyn Darnay

Directed by: Adam Shankman

Written by: Chris D’Arienzo

Cast: Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand, Cathrine Zeta-Jones, Mary J. Blige, Alec Baldwin.

Tom Cruise is Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages

If you like musical films; you should see this movie. If you like 80’s music, you need to see this film. If you like seeing Tom Cruise being outrageous, you need to see this film. If you want a feel good time at the movies, then this film is for you. Not that it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, it’s not, it’s rather trite actually, but it is joyous fun. Even the performers are having a blast doing it, and their enjoyment is just…infectious.

Based on the Broadway smash by the same name, Rock of Ages tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and LA city boy Drew, who meet at the Bourbon Room (The Whiskey) on the Sunset Strip in the 80’s, while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. It’s a rock ‘n’ roll romance woven through the heart-stomping hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake and others.

Cruise plays Stacee Jaxx, the god of rock, wearing black nail polish, earring, funky jock-strap, and bare tattooed chest. He sings and prances, uses his tongue, spreads his legs, and his women’s legs, and gives us a performance you’re not likely to ever forget. He’s the epitome of a debauched rock star completely devoid of any reality. Even Poison frontman Bret Michaels liked his persona. “Tom nailed it,” Michaels said of the actor’s performance. “What I think Tom did was combine a combination of myself and Axl Rose — sort of my look and stage persona and energy, and he takes Axl Rose’s intense attitude and mixes them together. It was great.”

Under the amped-up direction of Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”), the film becomes a high-energy romp through a nostalgic period of time in rock and LA history that everyone can have fun with. Just leave your belief system at the door and go sing along with the cast. Everyone gives a great performance and they all sing pretty darn good actually, even Paul Giamatti & Alec Baldwin. The exception is probably Catherine Zeta-Jones, who seems to me to be really pushing her role too hard and with lots less verve than her role in Chicago.

I can sum up the film this way, someone I was sitting next to in the Theater after the film smiled at me and said it’s like listening to all favorite classic hits in one big session on a rainy afternoon, a guilty pleasure you never tell anyone about.

Rock Of Ages  -  Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5)   

PG-13  2 Hours 3 Minutes

A LOVE

SONG

FOR

ALL AGES

Enhanced with High Definition, Lady and the Tramp has been released on Blu-ray for the first time.  The format gives the animated film more color and sharpness missing when it was released in the original VHS Video format. The diamond edition includes the Blu-ray and DVD discs and several bonus features.

The story of Lady and the Tramp has been around since it’s release in the 1050’s and the tale has never lost its luster. It’s Christmas time and Jim Dear gives his wife a gift of a puppy that she names Lady.  We watch her grow, meeting neighbor friends and then a surprise meeting with Tramp a vagabond that lives by the railroad tracks.  This sets up a romance that’s a delight to watch, but like in every relationship there’s a downside.

The film goes on to show bravery, kindness and a glorious future for the characters.  Very kid friendly, Lady and the Tramp will always remain one of my favorites.  Memorable music like Bella Notte and The Siamese Cat songs are also featured in the film.

Although most of the Bonus features are adult level  the whole family still can participate in the showing of them on  Blu-ray and DVD.

Blu-ray Bonus:

• Disney Second Screen: Inside Walt’s Story Meetings*
• Audio Commentary: Inside Walt’s Story Meetings
• Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad
• Three Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes
• Never Recorded Song: “I’m Free as the Breeze”

Classic DVD Bonus:

• Lady’s Pedigree: The Making of Lady and the Tramp
• Finding Lady: The Art of the Storyboard
• Original 1943 Storyboard Version of the Film
• PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs
• “The Siamese Cat Song,” Finding a Voice for the Cats
• “Bella Notte” Music Video
• Trailers
• Excerpts from “Disneyland” TV Shows

The technical aspects for the Blu-ray/DVD are:

• Voice Cast: Peggy Lee, Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts, Bill Thompson, Stan Freberg and Lee Millar.
• Produced by: Walt Disney
• MPAA Rating: G
• Genre: Animated, Comedy, Kids
• Running Time: Feature 1 hr 16 min
• Aspect Ratio: 2:55.1
• Sound: Blu-ray Feature Film – 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio DVD Feature Film – 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix
• Languages: English, French and Spanish
• Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish
• Street Date: February 7, 2012
• Distributed by: Walt Disney Home Entertainment

 FINAL ANALYSIS: A lovable film for children and adults alike.  Feature (B), Bonus Extras (B), Total Experience (B)

Follow John Delia on Twitter @staragent1

A FILM

WITH

A HEAVENLY

CONCERT

JOYFUL NOISE

Cast: Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer, Courtney B. Vance, Jeremy Jordan and Dexter Darden

Directed by: Todd Graff

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some language including a sexual reference

Genre: Musical/Performing Arts, Drama and Comedy

Running Time: 1hr 57min

Opening Date: January 13, 2012

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution

By John Delia

If you have some time, want some cool entertainment and like updated gospel music then sit-in on Joyful Noise, a very entertaining musical.  Director Todd Graff keeps the story simple, predictable yet enjoyable with a glowing cast, hip tunes and amazing vocals.

Following the recent death of their choir director, the board of a small-town church appoints Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah) to lead the choir in the annual quarterfinals of the Joyful Noise competition.  When Vi takes over she finds out that she isn’t the most able leader due to the home life baggage, attitude toward other members of the choir and an old school choice of music.

Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah in JOYFUL NOISE

G.G. Sparrow (Dolly Parton), the widow of the deceased director has hurt feelings that she was not appointed which adds to the difficulties that lie ahead for the small choir facing the best competition in the USA.  When G.G.’s grandson Randy (Jeremy Jordan) comes back to live with her and gets romantically involved with Vi’s daughter Olivia (Keke Palmer) things start heating up between the two matriarchs.

The fun within this film comes with the infighting between Latifah’s character, Parton’s role and the choir.  But, the best part of the film is the music.  Filled with enjoyable upbeat songs and choir arrangements mixed in with a family story, that although you can tell where it’s going, Joyful Noise is just that, joyful.

Writer/Director Todd Graff (Bandslam) keeps his relationships realistic enough to keep the audience interested in the story while he spins the music using Palmer’s strong voice and Parton’s country twang.  Taking some older rock, pop, country and blues, arranged by five time Grammy winner Mervyn Warren, he turns old choir into a modern toe-tapping concert right up to the down right incredible finale. Even Latifah gets in on the singing action with her thrilling rendition of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours.”

I really don’t think there’s more to say, except ‘go and see the rousing film’. To enjoy it best however, go along with the predictable story that even your youngest teen can enjoy. The film has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some language including a sexual reference. Taking pre-teen children accompanied by a responsible adult should be okay with Joyful Noise.

FINAL ANALYSIS: An uplifting film that should fill you with spirit. (B)

THE LION KING

FIRST TIME IN

3D and now on  BLU-RAY

I don’t know if you recently had the opportunity to see The Lion King in 3D at your local theater or the original version in 1994 when it came out, but I had the opportunity to see the film in the 3D Blu-ray disc version and it’s amazing.  The Lion King will probably never be replaced as the all time animated entertainment event for me because it has all the action, drama, comedy and values that make it the best for family viewing, and now in 3D Blu-ray. 

The movie follows the adventure of a young lion cub Simba who is next in line to be King of the pride.  But his uncle Scar has other plans and sets up Simba to fail leading to his taking of the throne.  Cast out into the wilderness Simba runs into Pumbaa and Timon who help Simba get his strength and courage back.  When Simba returns to the pride a fight for leadership begins.

The songs are classics with “The Circle of Life” at the very top.  It’s hard to get most of the songs out of your brain once you revisit them and I still toe tap to “Hakuna Matata”.  But my heart belongs to “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”, especially watching Simba and Nala begin their journey in life.

In 3D the movie takes on another level of entertainment.  This super visual mode put me right into the movie showing the characters up close and providing an amazing depth that brought the jungle to my living room.  If you have the 3D television and 3D Blu-ray system it’s the most unique way to see this classic spectacular movie.

The Lion King  Four Disc combo pack turns out to be the best buy for now and the future.  This packaging includes the Blu-ray 3D, a regular Blu-ray disc with the feature film and the bonus features, a DVD of the film with it’s own bonus feature and a fourth Digital copy of the feature so you can download it and take it with you inside your laptop computer or other mobile device. 

The Lion King has remained my favorite animated film over the years with just a few being it’s equal.  But, even though it has equals, it’s still the top one on my library shelf.  With the new Diamond Collection beginning, the original DVD has a new guest the 3D Version that will sit along side.  This product is among the new Disney’s Blu-ray Diamond Collection a selection of the most prestigious animated classics in the Disney vault.  The collection will be comprised of those treasured titles and will be released through the year 2016.

The Diamond titles represent the highest level of picture and sound, feature groundbreaking, state-of-the-art immersive bonus content, and include unprecedented levels of interactivity, personalization and customization, made possible because of Blu-ray technology. It all starts with The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, both available October 4, 2011.  Look for Lady and the Tramp DE in Spring of 2012.

Disney makes it easy to upgrade your collection to Blu-ray by just going to dineyupgrade2blu.com for instructions. You don’t have to give up your old DVD format disc and you get an $8 coupon to use for a discount on that Blu-ray title for which you send in purchase tab.

For all you ‘techie’ people let’s look inside the box and find out about the cool technical aspects of this baby.

Video

The color, sharpness, contrast and other goodies depend on your system, but if it is high grade you can depend on the discs inside the box to be top notch.  I found the 3D to be extremely well presented in its 1.178:1 aspect ratio a widescreen format that filled the whole screen with pop out quality and no black bars to distract.  Imaging has been greatly improved over the 2004 release of The Lion King with this pristine high definition picture. It’s hard to beat Disney’s Blu-ray for quality of picture including the fine sharpness, contrast, color and black levels. 

Audio

Featuring AC-3, Dolby Digital Surround Sound my system would have blew the doors off the room if I jacked up the levels to full bore.  Instead I notched the film at a level that would fix my body in the center of all the action without destroying the ‘feel’ of the film.  Sound is at least 50% of any film showing and without good levels the presentation fails. The Blu-ray 3D disc provides (English) a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio that easily drives my speaker system.

Special Features

The special bonus features on the discs are quite good and do have more than 2004’s 2 Disc Special Edition of The Lion King. On the 3D Blu-ray there’s just the film where you will experience 3D to the max.  The Blu-ray disc included in the combo pack has many bonus features, but don’t get rid of your 2004 SE because it has some features this edition doesn’t.

Deleted Scenes: 4 never-before-see deleted scenes (6 min)

Bloopers: New funny ‘animated errors’ that make you laugh (1 min)

Deleted Song:  I guess the film was a little too long or the scene was cut, but this special song was not in the original.

The Morning Report:  After you watch the film check this bonus out as it provides a longer sort of alternate version of this scene from the film. (2 min)

Pride of the Lion King: a visit with the crew on the film (36 min)

Sing-a-long mode: The songs from the film are set up with subtitles so the kids (and yourself) will know all the words.

Interactive Blu-ray Gallery: It’s worth the look.

The DVD disc includes the bonus:

The Lion King: A Memoir- Don Hahn:  Hahn takes you on a journey into the creation of the film introducing the people who helped make it happen.  It’s a wonderful behind the scenes memory not to be missed. (20 min)  

Disney Second Screen: The Lion Ling Edition provides a chance to sync your laptop or iPad with your Blu-ray disc to provide additional content you control as your movie plays.  It can be a bit dicey to set up and a little techie to use but once you do,…Revelations!

Final Thoughts

For me The Lion King 3D Blu-ray is a no-brainer, but if you are not ever planning on purchasing a 3D system it may not be for you.  However, with the Blu-ray and DVD enclosed in the 3D combo pack, if you are going to purchase the Blu-ray anyway the Combo Pack may be a better deal for any future changes in your entertainment system.

Rating System (with best being a 5): Film- 4.5, Video- 5, Audio- 5, Extras- 3.5, Overall 4.5

GLEE ANNOUNCES TICKET SALES

TO MOVIE SCREENINGS

ATTENTION ALL GLEEKS:

BE THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE, CELEBRATE AND SHARE

GLEE: THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE

ON AUGUST 10 — TWO DAYS PRIOR TO FILM’S WORLDWIDE LAUNCH

SPECIAL SHOWINGS – AND FILM’S OFFICIAL AUGUST 12 DEBUT IN THEATRES –FOLLOW THE SOLD-OUT “GLEE LIVE!” INTERNATIONAL TOUR

LOS ANGELES – July  2011 … Twentieth Century Fox announced today that special advance showings of GLEE: THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE will unspool on August 10, 2011, giving fans of the global phenomenon, known as “Gleeks,” an early opportunity to celebrate, share and experience GLEE like never before…and in 3D…two days prior to the film’s global launch.  Ticket holders for these special screenings will get a merchandise packet created especially for the event, including a GLEE logo lapel pin, commemorative ticket and lanyard, silicone bracelet, hat, commemorative GLEE RealD 3D glasses, and backpack. 

The screenings will take place in 291 theaters across the U.S. and Canada.  Tickets for the event go on sale July 13, for Gleeks on the official movie Facebook page (www.facebook.com/glee3dmovie). Public sales begin the next day at www.gleeksneak3d.com.  Ticket sales end August 2, to allow for mailing of the special ticket and bag.

GLEE: THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE will enable fans who were unable to obtain tickets to the recent, sold-out “Glee Live!” tour engagements or who live in markets not included in the tour, or who just want to see it again, to experience the concert in the immersive magic of a 3D theatrical event. The tour played 40 shows across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, selling more than 500,000 tickets. 

GLEE: THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE is a new way to see all your favorite characters — including Rachel (played by Lea Michele), Finn (Cory Monteith), Mercedes (Amber Riley), Kurt (Chris Colfer), Artie (Kevin McHale), and Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) – as never before, with their spectacular musical performances, captured in 3D, interwoven with intimate behind-the-scenes revelations that are a story unto themselves.

“Glee” co-creator and executive producer Ryan Murphy produces GLEE: THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE, and the director is Kevin Tancharoen.

Please direct comments to:

jdelia@yeticket.com

Follow us on Twitter/yeticket

And Facebook/yeticket or

yeticket@yeticket.com

“HOT AND WILD”

Starring: Cher, Christina Aguilera, Eric Dane, Cam Gigandet, Julianne Hough, Peter Gallagher, Alan Cumming, with Kristen Bell and Stanley Tucci

Directed by: Steven Antin

MPAA Rated: PG-13 for sexual content including several suggestive dance routines, partial nudity, language and some thematic material.

Genre: Musical Drama

Running Time: 1 hr 40 min

Release Date: November 24, 2010

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

By John Delia

Aguilaria as Ali

It’s a Christina Aguilera concert with Cher as the guest performer, that’s the only way I can describe Burlesque an amazing musical drama that knocked me off my feet.  Much like Chicago, Moulin Rouge and Cabaret the storyline is not why you go to see the film, it’s singing performance after singing performance from the amazing talent that graces the screen.  Burlesque is a breath of fresh air in a season of action, adventure and animation.

Fortunately the story is a simple one.  Ali (Aguilera) decides to leave her small town existence and set out for LA in a quest to follow her dream of becoming a singer.  She steps into a lounge called The Burlesque and gets Jack (Gigandet) the bartender to give her a job waiting tables.  With not enough money to rent a room, she moves in with Jack.  When she gets her chance to show her strut to Tess (Cher) the owner, there’s no stopping this girl on her way to stardom.

A hot number from Buresque

Aguilera and Cher are awesome deep-throated singers that can belt out a song and leave you with your jaw dropped.  In Burlesque you can expect that and more.  Although Aguilera sings enough songs to fill an album, Cher has a couple of her own which show she hasn’t wavered as one of the best diva’s ever born.

Burlesque is not all Aguilera and Cher, but has a supporting cast that keeps the movie rolling.  I am pleasantly surprised with the performance of Kristin Bell dancing and showing her snippy side in a cute little number.  All dolled up in black hair, Betty Boop make up and a pout that any man

Stanley Tucci and Cher

would love to kiss, Bell prattles and hisses as Nikki the arrogant cast lead.  Her role becomes the adversary to Ali who takes her job leaving Nikki to fend for herself.  Bell plays the part extremely well.  Stanley Tucci gives his level best in a role that was probably written for him.  Much like his performance in The Devil Wears Prada where he is the consoler to the weary master, Tucci becomes the shoulder to cry on here as well.

If I were to pick a best supporting however, it would go to Cam Gigandet who plays Jack The Burlesque Lounge bartender and confidant to Ali.  Best know as the main antagonist in Twilight New Moon, here however he plays down the rough stuff for a more meaningful role that shows his fine acting skills.

Direction of this high energy musical drama went to the writer of Burlesque and first time director Steven Antin.  He does a very good job with the film in spite of the unimaginative storyline.  Keeping the musical performances in the forefront, Antin makes the ‘girls’ prance their stuff and let the excellent camera work, choreographer and sound guy do the rest.

The film is rated PG-13 for sexual content including several suggestive dance routines, partial nudity, language and some thematic material.  Actually there isn’t much the tweens haven’t seen before, but you have been cautioned.

FINAL ANALYSIS:  A musical and visual delight. (4.5)