“A film based on one of the top selling classic novels ever written, ‘BRIDESHEAD REVISITED’ is a film that is beautiful, well-performed and fantastic.   Definitely worth checking out on DVD!”

© BVHE. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: BRIDESHEAD REVISITED

DURATION: 133 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: NTSC, 2:35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, Color, English and French 5.1 (Dolby Digital), French and Spanish Subtitles

RATED: PG-13 (For some Sexual Content)

COMPANY: Miramax Films

Directed by Julian Jarrold

Based on the original story by Evelyn Waugh

Produced by Robert Bernstein, Douglas Rae, Kevin Loader

Written by Andrew Davies and Jeremy Brock

Director of Photograpy: Jess Hall

Line Producer: Rosa Romero

Production Designer: Alice Normington

Editor: Chris Gill

Executive Producers: David M. Thompson, Nicole Finnan, Tim Haslam, Hugo Heppell

Starring:

Emma Thompson (As Lady Marchmain)

Matthew Goode (as Charles Ryder)

Ben Whishaw (as Sebastian Flyte)

Hayley Atwell (as Julia Flyte)

Ed Stoppard (as Bridley Flyte)

Michael Gambon (as Lord Marchmain)

Thomas Morrison (as Hooper)

Anna Madeley (as Celia Ryder)

Hayley Atwell (as Julia Flyte)

Inspired by the best-selling novel, the provocative and intense “Brideshead Revisted” is a riveting drama of forbidden love, power and betrayal, featuring stunning performances by Academy Award winner Emma Thompson (Best Actress, Howard’s End, 1992) and Matthew Goode (the Lookout). When the charming aristocrat Sebastian invites Charles Ryder to his family’s estate, Charles becomes seduced by the opulent lifestyle of the Marchmain family, and by Julia, Sebastian’s sister.  As their romance deepens, repercussions follow, and Charles discovers that at Brideshead, love, money and power come at a price.  It’s a spellbinding story you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Much has been said about the film version of “Brideshead Revisited”, a movie based on a 1945 novel written by  English writer Evelyn Waugh.  The film has been considered as one of the all-time 100 novels (according to Time Magazine) and has spawned a drama series in 1981 which was critically acclaimed.

In 2008, writers Andrew Davies and Keremy Brock along with director Julian Jarrold has created a film based on the book but this time changing a few things and taking on the challenges of condensing a novel to a two hour film.

The film takes place in England many years before World War II and centers around the following individuals:

Charles Ryder (played by Matthew Goode) -  The main protagonist who attends Oxford University and wants to become an artist.  He is also an atheist which plays a major part in the film.  He was brought up by his father Edward who he stays during his off time or holidays away from college.  He has a distant relationship with his father.  Charles also has a free life in which he likes to experience things.  So, in this film, he and Sebastian have a relationship but at the same time, while together with Sebastian, he ends up having a passionate kiss with his sister Julia.  Thus a love triangle in the family.

Sebastian Flyte (played by Ben Whishaw) - The younger son of the Marchmain family.  He is an unhappy man due to his mother’s oppressive Catholic ways.  He is homosexual and in love with Charles  but because of his Catholic upbringing, he is made to feel worse by his mother and feels that because of his lifestyle, it’s a sin and thus he is always wanting to be far from Brideshead (the castle in which the Marchmain family lives).  So, there is no possible way he could be with Charles because two men together would be a sin.

Julia Flyte (played by Hayley Atwell) - The eldest daughter of the Marchmain family.  Somewhat mischievous, she and Charles fall in love but because she is to marry a Catholic which is Charles is not, she must not get romantic with him.  Making things worse, her brother Sebastian catches the two kissing and thus creating some major tension at Brideshead.

Lady Marchmain (played by Emma Thompson) - The mother of Sebastian and Julia and two other children.  She rules the household with an iron fist.  Her life is dedicated to God and forces God’s belief and ways to her children who must abide her rules.

Alexander Flyte/Lord Marchmain (played by Michael Gambon) - The husband of Lady Marchmain.   Married Lady Marchmain, converted to become a Catholic but became unhappy and moved to Venice, Italy and lives with a Catholic mistress.  He dislikes how his wife has forced her Catholic ways to her children and making them unhappy.

The film begins with Charles and Sebastian attending University.  The two become good friends and when Charles tells Sebastian that he will draw a picture of him, Sebastian just falls head over heels for him.  The two visit Sebastian and his beautiful castle known as Brideshead which he really does not want to visit but for Charles sake, because he’s an artist, shows him the art and statues that surround the home.  It’s obvious that the two are quite close and eventually, the two start kissing.

His mother Lady Marchmain arrives and wants to meet Charles.  While getting prepared for dinner, he catches Lady Marchmain admonishing Sebastian for creating a sin by being/kissing Charles.  While at Brideshead, Charles sees firsthand how powerful Lady Marchmain is and how the four children react to their mother.   He also sees first hand how the children practice their Catholic religion at the church inside the home.   When Lady Marchmain asks for Charles to spend Summer at Brideshead, Sebastian says that their father requested he and Julia to spend time in Venice.   And Spencer invites Charles as the guest to accompany them in Venice.

At Venice, Charles gets to know Lord Marchmain and his mistress.  Especially, how different he is with the kids as opposed to Lady Marchmain.  While at Venice, both Charles and Sebastian’s sister Julia become close and Charles kisses her.  Sebastian catches the two kissing and he is devastated.

When everyone returns home, he is contacted by Lady Marchmain who is disappointed that Charles has hurt the family.  Sebastian has become an alcoholic and Julia can only marry a Catholic and not an atheist.  But Charles owes her a favor for hurting his family and invites her to the party announcing the engagement of Julia and a Catholic man, Canadian Entrepreneur Rex Mottram.  Charles is shocked that she is getting married but reluctantly agrees to appear at the engagement party.

Charles sees Sebastian who is truly a mess.  His family has stopped giving him any money (because he uses the money towards alcohol)  that he is now resorting to taking his belongings and selling them to get money for alcohol.  But he’s broke and asks Charles to help him by giving him money.  Charles helps him out.

Meanwhile at the engagement party, Charles, who has strong feelings for Julia can’t believe she is getting married but then in front of everyone at the wedding ceremony, Sebastian arrives in drunken stupor, telling his mother and everyone how he hates them and says to Charles that he’s just there so he can have sex with his sister.

Naturally, Lady Marchmain blames Charles for the problems of her family but Charles tells her, it’s not him, it’s her and her forcing Catholicism towards her children.  Lady Marchmain kicks him out of the castle, cutting him off from Sebastian and Julia.

And thus a storyline continues four years after that incident, then more years later with everyone a different life and being torn inside by their family commitment of being a Catholic but at the same time wondering if they can leave Brideshead and live the lives they want or will Brideshead make them return and thus living the life that their mother wanted of them.  As for Charles, he has some life changes, especially when he reunites with someone once close to him.

The film is quite epic as it’s filmed in the UK, Venice and Morocco and there are so many beautiful locations indoor and outdoor, “Brideshead Revisited” is rather ambitious.   Each person is cast pretty well with Matthew Goode, having to use less dialogue and reading his emotions through his facial expressions.   Emma Thompson, Ben Whishaw and Hayley Atwell did a remarkable job with their role and overall, the film was a good story about family and the pressures of that time of socioeconomic times when people were judged by the places they lived, the clothes they wear and where religion was strictly enforced and sinful ways were intolerable.  But to see how a family would change once Charles enters their life.  Is he their poison or is he giving them a chance to live free?

VIDEO & AUDIO:

The film is featured in widescreen (2:40:1) and there are just many beautiful shots in this film.  The crew went all out in shooting scenes in London at the beautiful Castle Howard which filled in quite nicely for Brideshead and also capturing the beautiful landscape of Venice, Italy and then in Morocco.

As for the audio, the audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.  There are quite a few scenes from the film that utilized the rear audio channels nicely.  For example, at Morocco, you can hear the people all around you and in some scenes that featured a car zooming.  But overall, this film is primarily dialogue-driven.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The DVD includes a few bonus features such as:

• Deleted Scenes with optional Commentary - A few scenes that had some parts cut out of the film and the director talks about why they were cut out of the film.
• Filmmakers Audio Commentary -  Julian Jarrold and others talk about the actual filming and behind-the-scene facts.  Also, reasons why they changed certain scenes from the way it was featured in the novel and the way it was featured on the film.
• “The World of Brideshead” Featurette - This is a 23-minute featurette featuring interviews with the cast and behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the film, the challenges of shooting at various locations and much more.

I have never read the novel or seen the drama series before but I do know it’s impact and how the book is acknowledged as one of the top 100 written novels of all time by Time Magazine.    I can only think that what the writers and director were able to craft from a long novel for International audiences truly worked.

Watching the film unfold from beginning to end, I can see the complications of Catholicism forced upon the parents to their children and how these children have taken a brunt of the religion and have grown to really not get along with their mother.  But from my research of the book and this film, I can understand those who are supportive and those who are vehemently against the film because of it’s changes. Primarily between Charles and Sebastian.  In the book, the two are really close friends.  If they were having any romance, it was ambiguous.  If anything, the relationship was platonic.  In the film, they are lovers.

As much as the film sounds like it’s bashing the Catholic religion, the truth is that its not.   The book features the major characters who were affected by the Catholic religion growing up and their distaste of it because of the way it was forced upon them so strictly.  But because of certain situations in their life that has caused them pain, these characters realize that they need God in their life and they convert themselves into Catholics.

The writer, Evelyn Waugh is a Catholic convert and some may see this film as a positive storyline of the journey of how people who are not a Catholic somehow grow to find God and finally end their sinful ways and become closer to God by converting.  And if many people in the world can do that and dedicate their life to God, then possibly an atheist like Charles Ryder can also change?

By saying that, this is by no means a Christian or a Catholic film, nor is this a film that you want to show your church group.  The fact is that the director decided to end the ambiguity between Charles Ryder and Sebastian Flyte’s relationship and not make it platonic but two men who care fondly for each other and are quite romantic.  Their is a lot of infidelity going on in this film.

“BRIDESHEAD REVISTED” is one of those films that may or may not be for everyone because of it’s touchy subject.  You have on one hand, a group so passionate about the novel and drama series who have a bit of disdain because the story has been condensed and changed.  But at the same time, I’m sure there are people like myself who never read the original book, nor have watched the original drama series that can view this film and just be entertained by the beauty of the art that surrounds Brideshead, the beautiful scenery and locations where this film was shot.  And just enjoy its pleasant but yet intricate storyline featuring spectacular performances from the talent in this film.

I know that I’m probably missing out on many other storylines and major character development points that were featured prominently in the novel.  There’s only so much you can do in a two hour film.  But I personally enjoyed the film and found it beautiful in so many ways and again, the performances by Emma Thompson and Matthew Goode and the others were fantastic.

So, “BRIDESHEAD REVISITED” was an enjoyable film in my book.  Definitely give this DVD a try!

“A coming of age film with a good balance of humor, heart in 1994 old school style.  Featuring a well-written screenplay, awesom performances by Ben Kingsley and Josh Peck, ‘The Wackness’ is indeed an enjoyable film.  The DVD features a good number of special features with a non-traditional style that will definitely satisfy many fans of this award winning film.”

© 2008 Shapiro Levine Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

TITLE: The Wackness

DURATION: 99 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: NTSC, 2:35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, Color, English and French 5.1 (Dolby Digital), French and Spanish Subtitles

RATED: R (for pervasive drug use, language and some sexuality)

COMPANY: Sony Pictures Classic

Directed by Jonathan Levine

Written by Jonathan Levine

Produced by Keith Calder, Felipe Marino, Joe Neurauter

Casting by Joanna Colbert, Richard Mento

Music by David Torn

Casting by Joanna Colbert, Richard Mento

Music Producer: Bryan Lawson

Editor: Josh Noyes

Costume Designer: Michael Clancy

Production Designer: Annie Spitz

Director of Photography: Petra Korner

Co-Producer: Brian Udovich

Starring:

Ben Kingsley (as Dr. Squires)

Josh Peck (as Luke Shapiro)

Famke Janssen (as Kristin Squires)

Olivia Thirlby (as Stephanie)

Mary-Kate Olsen (as Union)

Jane Adams  (as Elanor)

Method Man (as Percy)

Aaron Yoo (as Justin)

Talia Balsam (as Mrs. Shapiro)

David Wohl (as Mr. Shapiro)

New York, summer 1994, the greatest year in hip-hop, a troubled teenage drug dealer trades pot for therapy sessions with a drug-addled psychiatrist intent on living his life to the fullest. The two form an unlikely friendship, but things get complicated when the kid falls for the doctor’s daughter.

Yo! Don’t be whack!

The award winning film (Sundance Audience Award) “The Wackness” is now out on DVD and it’s definitely one of the coolest and more pleasant coming-of-age films to come out in a long while and a DVD with features that embraces that non-traditional style courtesy of writer/director Josh Levine.

“The Wackness” stars well-known legendary award winning actor Ben Kingsley and “Drake & Josh” actor Josh Peck who appears to have shed his young teen Nickelodeon image for the character of 18-year-old Luke Shapiro.  Both playing roles so different from what we have seen of them and both delivering an exceptional performance.

The year is 1994, A high school teenager in New York who doesn’t have any friends but spends his time selling marijuana using his disguise as a person who sells ice in the park, while saving up all his money.

But all is not cool in the life of Luke, his parents are having some financial problems and in danger of being evicted, his mind is on getting laid and losing his virginity and the only person he can communicate his emotions to is one of his clients, Dr. Jeffrey Squires (Ben Kingsley).  He wants some anti-depressants but Squires tells him to embrace his pain and more or less, he needs to find a girlfriend and get laid.

Dr. Squires is not exactly a role model for Josh.  He’s a product of the 60’s, loves doing cocaine and marijuana and somehow, is able to connect with Luke and provides him professional advice for drugs.  But like Luke, his life is not at all going that great.  His relationship with his wife Kristin is not at all going so great and all they have is their memories of sex and doing drugs.  Meanwhile, he notices that his step-daughter Stephanie (Olivia Thirlby, “Juno”) is getting closer to Luke.  But realizes that it’s not love that she has for Luke, it’s just a sexual fling.

Luke doesn’t have much experience with people, love and thus he discovers himself while hanging out with Stephanie.   Dr. Squires as a father doesn’t want his stepdaughter to be around a drug dealer but at the same time, as his psychiatrist, he doesn’t feel that Stephanie is good for Luke.   But after their passionate time together, he develops feelings for Stephanie so strong that when he says the words of “I Love You” to her, Stephanie realizes that this fling has gone so far and ends their romantic fling and all communication with Luke.   Around that same time, Dr. Squires wife Kristin decides to leave her husband.

Both men are obviously heartbroken but somehow, they find comfort in talking with each other and thus Luke and Dr. Squires form a friendship that would interestingly introduce Dr. Squires to Luke’s world and for Luke, getting the needed therapy from his shrink.  So, the story pretty much focuses on a young man (Luke) who is guided by an older man (Dr. Squires) but then the story starts to shift of the younger guy guiding an older man.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

The film is featured in anamorphic widescreen ala 2:35:1 ratio.  The film is shot in different parts of Tokyo but oviously scenes such as the Twin Towers had to be put into the film.  When you do a period piece, especially if it’s 1994, with a busy city like New York, unless you have a huge budget, you got make do what with what you have.  And thus a lot of the scenes are shot indoors but you do have some outdoor scenes with Luke and Stephanie at the beach or areas where Luke is dealing drugs.

As for audio, you get a English and French 5.1 Dolby Digital track and the film is primarily a dialogue driven film.  But audio-wise, what makes this film shine is the fact that it’s 1994 and the old school songs, especially the hip-hop songs of that time are what comes blaring out your speakers.  Bass and all courtesy of artists such as Notorious B.I.G., a Tribe Called Quest, KRS-One, Nas, Biz Markie, etc.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The DVD shines in its amount of special features offered.  Included are:

• Commentary with Director Jonathan Levine and Actor Josh Peck - A very casual and cool commentary and you learn important tidbits about the film.  From Ben Kingsley giving advice to Josh, having to work with Mary-Kate in the amount of hours they had to work with her and how hard it was for Josh Peck to do his lovemaking scene with Olivia Thirlby.  Levine and Peck have cool and fun commentary talking about blunts, the music, it’s typically a commentary that is like hanging out with friends.  Especially at the end when they talk about hanging out after the commentary and playing XBOX 360, you don’t hear that on director’s commentary, so it’s all good.
  
• Keeping it Real: A Day in the Life of Writer/Director Jonathan Levine - For this eight minute feature, Jonathan Levine is traveling around the country and London to promote “The Wackness” at film festivals and interviews at radio stations.  Jonathan is joined by the cast and his girlfriend, production designer Annie Spitz and his brother and his girlfriend.
  
• Time in a Bottle: Behind the Scenes of The Wackness - An 18-minute featurette featuring behind-the-scenes on the making of the film.  Levine explains that the film is not 100% autobiographical and a screenplay that was based on an idea he had during filmschool.  Also, featuring Levine’s staff and how they were able to get that 1994 setting.
  
• The Luke Shapiro Show Episode 1 & 2 - These are five minute short episodes that were created for cable access featuring Luke Shapiro and his doorman Miguel.  The first featuring Luke, Miguel (on keyboards) and his super  Tony.  The second featuring Luke, Miguel (on keyboards) and a dancer.
  
• Deleted Scenes - This scene features four deleted/extended scenes from the film.  The total amount of deleted scenes is about five minutes long featuring “Luke Works in Cap and Gown”, “Extended Squires Vacation”, “Squires in Stephanie’s Room” and “Dad’s Walkman Scheme”.
• The Wackness Trailers - Featuring all five theatrical and teaser trailers
  

I have to say that “The Wackness” is a pretty cool coming-of-age film and yes, there have been many of these type of movies but a definitely, unique film.  Having the film set in 1994, having the main character as a drug dealer, having his psychiatrist as one of his clients and also a hardcore drug user and just how everything just comes together is quite enjoyable.

But the performances by Ben Kingsley and Josh Peck was well done.  Two roles by talents that I would never see coming.  Ben Kingsley in so many serious roles in “Ghandi”, “Schindler’s List”, “Rules of Engagement” to name a few and then Josh Peck who stars in the Nickelodeon teen show “Drake & Josh”, these two taking on roles so different and to see them drinking alcohol and doing/dealing drugs, definitely it’s quite a bit of a surprise.  But the unique thing is that these two talents had tremendous chemistry and everything worked out quite well.

And there are also a good number of talent in this film.  Olivia Thirlby did a great job as Squire’s daughter Stephanie and Luke’s love interest.  Did a great job playing a sexual teen and then you have Mary-Kate Olsen as a pothead who just makes out with Ben Kingsley.  Famke Janssen as Dr. Squires sexy wife, Method Man playing the character “Percy” as Luke’s supplier and much more.

There are just these small moments in the film, from mannerisms to the small things that a character does, it really makes this film seem quite realistic and make it all work.  Of course, the early 90’s nostalgia and the music plays a big part in the film.  When Luke and Olivia are making love, R. Kelly playing on the boom box to Luke playing Zelda on his NES, these small things are what many people who grew up at the time and listened to the music can related to.  So, definitely a nice touch!

And the DVD,  just makes you love the film even more with cool commentary, the featurettes and more.  It’s not all business-like and professional.  You have Levine and Peck quite casual and as I mentioned in the commentary section, it’s like hanging out with a few friends and just everyone having a good time.

Now granted, perhaps I may be a bit biased having grown up with the pop culture of the 90’s and hearing the songs and the style from those years boosting my appreciation for the film but for an indie film, I have to admit that the overall presentation was quite non-traditional.  Again, there are a bunch of “coming-of-age” films out there but this one was really thinking outside of the box and instead of getting a “revenge of the nerd” happy-feel good storyline, each of these characters have flaws but it’s all about discovering one’s self.

All in all, a solid DVD with a lot of humor, a lot of soul and all out fun!

“After watching ‘Maiko Haaaan!!!’, only one word came to mind… Insane!  For those who were every curious about what if those crazy, obnoxious characters in an anime can be translated to an actual film, Kimihiko Onizuka epitomizes Japanese comedic insanity!”

©2007 “Maiko Haaaan!!!” Film Partners. All rights reserved.”

TITLE: Maiko Haaaan!!!

DURATION: 120 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: NTSC, Color, 16:9 (1:85:1) Anamorphic Widescreen, Japanese language with English subtitles

RATED: NOT RATED

COMPANY: Viz Pictures, Inc.

Directed by Nobuo Mizuta

Written by Kankuro Kudo

Produced by Nobuyuki Iinuma, Rikei Kubo

Executive Producer: Seiji Okuda

Director of Photography: Osamu Fujiishi (J.S.C.)

Editor: Shogo Hirasawa

Music: Taro Iwashiro

Lighting: Tatsuya Osada

Production Designer: Tsuyoshi Shimizu

Starring:

Sadawao Abe (as Kimihiko Onizuka)

Shinichi Tsutsumi (as Kiichiro Naito)

Kou Shibasaki (as Fujiko Osawa)

The film centers on a Japanese salaryman named Kimihiko Onizuka (Sadawo Abe, from Kamikaze Girls) who dumps his girlfriend because he believes he can only fall
in love with a Maiko (apprentice Geisha). He decides to pursue his dream of courting a real Maiko in Kyoto. The private Maiko Houses become a social barrier and a rival
who is a millionaire baseball player (Shinichi Tsutsumi) stands in his way. Meanwhile, Kumihiko’s girlfriend (Kou Shibasaki) tries to win him back by leaving Tokyo to become a Maiko herself.

Japanese comedy madness coming from director Nobuo Mizuta and a wild screenplay by “Ping Pong” and “Go” writer Kankuro Kubo comes one of the wildest comedies to come out in Japan.

The film focuses on ramen loud and obnoxious office worker Kimihiko Onizuka (played by Sadawo Abe), an unusual guy who is obsessed with maiko (geisha-in-training).

When Onizuka was a teenager, during a school trip to the Kansai area, his classmates ditch him and as he was lost in town, he is helped by a Maiko.  He eventually realizes how beautiful and helpful these women are that in his mind growing up, he wants his life to be closer to the Kansai.  That means dating women from Kansai and just wanting to move there.

Onizuka now runs a popular Maiko fan website where he and other photographers are just as fanatic as cosplay photographers and compete in getting the best shot.  But during one day at work, someone on his website starts flaming him and Onizuka just gets angry and screaming in the workplace.

And thus the workplace demotes him and sends him to the Kansai area, where a lot of the maiko are located and to him, it’s a positive move to be closer to the area that he wants to be.  But not happy for him is his girlfriend Fujiko (played by popular J-pop singer and  actress Kou Shibasaki of “Batttle Royale” and “Dororo” fame).  Fujiko is so in love with Onizuka but the only reason why he dated her is because she’s from Kansai.

So, Onizuka departs to Kansai and finds out that the people at the office are really not so motivated but that’s OK for Onizuka, as long as he can spend some time with his favorite Maiko and thus tries to get in.  He realizes that their is a rule established that first-timers are not allowed.  They must be introduced by a regular and thus Onizuka is dejected.

Things change for him though as he realizes from a photo from his website that the company president is a regular.  Onizuka tries to befriend the president but the president has no desire to introduce this weird person to the maiko establishments he frequents.  Unless he can make the company a lot of money.

Thus Onizuka and his Kansai team start developing plans for “Your Ramen”, you picked the condiments and combined with kansai-style ramen everything will be fine.  And everything is fine as they make tons of money and thus proving himself to the company president.

So, finally Onizuka can now become a regular but unbenownst to Onizuka, his ex-girlfriend in Tokyo has followed him to the Kansai area and knowing her ex’s infatuation of maiko, has become a maiko at the same establishment.

During one night with the company president, Onizuka meets famous picture Kiichiro Naito (played by award winning actor Shinichi Tsutsumi), who seems to be a regular and is obnoxious, drunk and always getting into some trouble.  But Naito recognizes Onizuka as the webmaster of the Maiko fansite and berates him.  Onizuka realizes Naito is the creep flaming him on his website and thus the long battle begins between Onizuka and Naito, as they compete in many types of battles in various industries of who is better than who.  From becoming professional baseball players, professional actors, K-1 fighters, politicians and more, Onizuka will do whatever he can to beat Naito.

“Maiko Haaaan!!!” is one of those Japanese films that is a wild comedy.  Onizuka’s character reminded me of a crazy anime character in which he thinks of himself wild and cool but everyone seems him as wild, obnoxious, perverted and crazy.    In fact, it’s almost like an anime series that is live.  From the dream sequences of Onizuka dancing in a Broadway like performance to the competitions in which Onizuka and Naito try to top each other and just all out crazy.

Suffice to say, I’ve seen weird films, crazy films but “Maiko Haaaan!” is totally insane!

VIDEO & AUDIO:

The video is presented in 16×9 and one thing that you will love about “Maiko Haaaan!!!” is that their are so many areas where the film is shot.  Outdoors in the beach, at a baseball stadium and much more.  A lot of color is utilized and really interesting cuts that scream “colorful”!  But the impressive part of this film was the audio.  I was amazed by how each channel was used for the surround sound.   Especially in a segment of the baseball game, hearing the crowd and the noises coming from behind and the dialogue coming from the front.  It was very well done!

In fact, the colorful cinematography and the well utilized surround sound definitely enhanced this film’s enjoyability.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The DVD comes with the original Japanese trailers, the Viz Picture trailers and one major featurette on “The Making of Maiko Haaaan!!!”.  In the featurette, we get to see the interviews with the cast, the director and the cast at the movie premiere and an early preview of the premiere to an audience and much more.  It’s a pretty lengthy featurette and a good insight of how the film was created and more.

Also, the DVD comes with a film location map in Kyoto.  In the map are where 14 scenes from the film were shot.  So, just in case anyone wants to visit any of the shrines or the shopping areas, the map is actually quite detailed and should be fun for those wanting to visit the area and discover the Heian Shrine, Chion-in Temple, Yasak Shrine, Teramachi District, Daikoku-ya and more.

As a fan of films written by Kakuro Kudo, it’s always interesting to see what kind of wild film would come out this man’s mind.  And “Maiko Haaaan!!!” is just a totally wild and crazy film that, if you’re an anime fan and have watched these crazy characters that are just wild, crazy and obnoxious…and even wondered, what if there was a person in real life like that.

Well, Sadawo Abe accomplishes that as the wild and crazy Onizuka.  I’m just surprised of how much of these crazy scenes with him are included in this film, to watch him transform from this maiko-loving person to a corporate marketing tycoon, to a professional baseball player, to an actor in samurai film, to a K-1 fighter to a politician, it’s pretty insane but in a fun way!

But as crazy as the film is, I did have some problems with the actual plot.  Onizuka is just too far out, crazy and it seems the goal was to heighten the character’s craziness as the major part of the film.  Granted, there is an actual plot and once you feel that the film is about to have some seriousness to it, Onizuka’s character just blows it all up with his craziness. Granted, this was all intentional and to show that Onizuka really doesn’t care about the women, he just cares that they are “maiko” and his obsession for maiko and besting his rival has really clouded his judgment.

The film stars one of the most highly demanded actresses (and singers) in Japan, Kou Shibasaki (who plays the character of Fujiko, Onizuka’s ex-girlfriend). Even when you think that Onizuka will wise up and find out that this woman is for her, his character becomes more like Ataru Moroboshi of “Urusei Yatsura” fame, so blinded by his love for the maiko women and his competition with Naito, he just lives for the moment.

Overall, it’s a fun and insanely zany comedy that is truly entertaining but because it’s so over-the-top, at times, it’s almost like watching Robin Williams and Drew Carey downing some Red Bull and depending on your mood, you will either be entertained by the film or feel that you had a bit too much of Onizuka’s craziness.

As far as the DVD is concerned, film transfer features the colorfulness of the maiko outfits and the overall atmosphere of the Kansai area.  But the sound quality and its distribution of sound through the different channels in your home theater was well done.   And I’m glad a lengthy featurette for the film and the Kyoto location map was included.  Very cool!

All in all, if you are open to insane Japanese comedy humor, definitely give “Maiko Haaaan!!!” a try!

“The classic 1957 musical ‘Funny Face’ is just a beautiful, fun and enchanting film and it finally gets its definitive DVD release!  Paramount’s dedication to quality towards their classics through their Centennial Collection featuring a beautiful remastered version of the film, more special features but most of all, their dedication in giving these classics the special attention that these films deserve.  This remastered version of ‘Funny Face’ is absolutely fantastic!”

Images courtesy of © 2008 by Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.”

TITLE: Funny Face: Centennial Collection

DURATION: 103 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: NTSC, Region 1, 5.1 Surround, Dolby Digital, Mono, Restored Mono, English Subtitled, French Dubbed & Subtitled, Spanish Dubbed & Subtitled

RATED: NOT RATED

COMPANY: Paramount Home Entertainment

Directed by Stanley Donen

Written by Leonard Gershe

Produced by Roger Edens

Songs staged by Stanley Donen

Choreography by Eugene Loring and Fred Astaire

Music and Lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin

Starring:

Audrey Hepburn (as Jo Stockton)

Fred Astaire (as Dick Avery)

Kay Thompson (as Maggie Prescott)

Michael Auclair (as Professor Flostre)

This filmed version of the 1927 George Gershwin Broadway musical Funny Face utilizes the play’s original star, Fred Astaire, and several of the original tunes, then goes merrily off on its own. Astaire is cast as as fashion photographer Dick Avery (a character based on Richard Avedon, the film’s “visual consultant”), who is sent out by his female boss Maggie Prescott (Kay Thompson) to find a “new face”. It doesn’t take Dick long to discover Jo (Audrey Hepburn, who does her own singing), an owlish Greenwich Village bookstore clerk. Acting as Pygmalion to Jo’s Galatea, Dick whisks the wide-eyed girl off to Paris and transforms her into the fashion world’s hottest model. Along the way, he falls in love with Jo, and works overtime to wean her away from such phony-baloney intellectuals as Professor Emile Flostre (Michel Auclair). The Gershwin tunes include the title song, “S’wonderful”, “How Long Has This Been Going On” and “He Loves and She Loves”; among the newer numbers is Kay Thompson’s energetic opener “Think Pink”. For years available only in washed-out, flat prints, Funny Face was eventually restored to its full Technicolor and VistaVision glory.

Think Pink! S’wonderful!  Songs that are among the many wonderful memories from the classic love story and popular 1957 musical “Funny Face” starring Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire and Kay Thompson featuring memorable Gershwin songs, exciting choreography, beautiful fashion and beautiful scenes shot in Paris.  “Funny Face” was not just a regular musical of that time, it was a special film that highlights the style of an era and of course, another stunning fashion collaboration between Audrey Hepburn and her designer Hubert de Givenchy.  And also bringing together two top tier music talents such as Astaire and Thomas, all three in one film is just fantastic!

The film starts off with publisher and editor of Quality Magazine, Maggie Prescott (Thompson), looking for a new fashion trend.  A woman that exhibits beauty and intellect and both Prescott and fashion photographer, Dick Avery (Astaire) decide to look for this woman who can “think as well as they look”.  So, the two along with the magazine staff visit a bookstore (Embryo Concepts) in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, they meet Jo Stockton, a shy bookstore clerk who also has a passion for philosophy.

Prescott tries to convince Stockton to consider becoming a model for the magazine but she does not want any part of it.  But Prescott, quite persistent in having Stockton become this new face, tricks her to bringing books to the offices of Quality Magazine.  As Stockton tries to hide from staff, she hides in the film developing room where Dick Avery is working.  Having known that Stockton’s dream is to go to Paris and attend a lecture of renown philosopher, Professor Emil Flostre, Avery convinces her that by becoming a model for Quality Magazine will eventually bring her to Paris and attending the lecture of her favorite philosopher.

So, off to Paris they go and as Dick and Jo spend time together, they eventually start to fall in love.  As Jo is being prepared for the Gala to introduce her as the new fashion trend for Quality Magazine, she gets caught up in a lecture for her favorite philosopher, Emil Flostre that she forgets to attend the Gala.  Thus Dick goes to look for her and causing a scene that embarrasses her in front of Flostre.  But it seems that all is lost.  Quality Magazine may not have their model.  Dick may have lost the special woman in his life and as for Jo, she may have lost the one person that she truly loves.

“Funny Face” is a classic from it’s first song sung with Kay Thompson belting out “Think Pink” to the three talents singing in Paris, Audrey Hepburn’s dance at a bar (which many have seen through a recent GAP commercial), to Astaire’s talents as a vocalist and dancer and Gershwin songs such as “S’Wonderful”, “How Long Has This Been Going On” and “He Loves and She Loves” but for film-goers at the time, it was a film that utilized the VistaVision technology (a higher resolution and widescreen technology developed by Paramount in 1954 and an older technology that continues to be used today) and a film that featured the beauty of Paris.  Talented actors, beautiful outfits, beautiful music taking place in a beautiful city, there’s nothing funny about “Funny Face”, the film is just overall… Beautiful!

VIDEO & AUDIO:

The film is presented in widescreen format, enhanced for 16:9 TV’s. A lot of the Centennial Collection releases have been remastered for high definition and having the previous DVD’s, I can tell you that the DVD looks great.   The shots of Paris from yesteryear to the dreamlike scenes between Astaire and Hepburn as they dance to Thompson’s “Think Pink” and white and pink just stands out.  There are just many of these classic scenes that the remastered video make the film come alive.  But I can only imagine how this film would look in 1080P if released in Blu-ray.

Audio is featured in Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround/English, Restored Mono, French Mono and Spanish Mono. The film of course is dialogue-driven but for those who love those Gershwin classics, they do come alive for this film courtesy of the Dolby Digital 5.1 track.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Similar to the three previous “Centennial Collections” from Paramount, the special features are all on disc 2.  Because “Funny Face” was released in 2007 as a DVD, some of the special features from that disc can be found on this Centennial Collection but there are a few new features included as well.

• Kay Thompson: “Think Pink” - Kaye Thompson who played Maggie Prescott was a woman who was known for her quick wit, her sharp tongue and multi-talented.  Her friends and people she worked with take part in this near-27 minute featurette in which they talk about her past, her work in “Funny Face”, the memories they had working with her but also her contributions as an author with her popular books series “Eloise”.  It was a great featurette to have included on this DVD.
• This is VistaVision - A 25-minute featurette about the history of the VistaVision technology, the films that used it and the films that continue to use it today.  A very interesting featurette especially for those who are interested in learning more about another technology outside of Anamorphic CinemaScope and the beginning of hi-res Widescreen film.
• Fashion Photographers Exposed - A 18-minute featurette about fashion photographers and how “Funny Face” inspired many of them but also giving us an idea of the life of a fashion photographer and how the work of a fashion photographer in reality differs from Dick Avery’s character from the film and all the staff involved with working with a fashion photographer.
• The Fashion Designer & His Muse - An eight minute featurette (that was included in the original 2007 DVD release) about Audrey Hepburn and her designer Hubert de Givenchy.
• Parisian Dreams - An eight minute featurette about “Funny Face”, a love story set in Paris and how Paris enhances a love story. Originally included in the original 2007 DVD release.
• Paramount in the 50’s - Retrospective Featurette - A near ten minute featurette on Paramount and it’s popular films in the 1950’s, featured in various Paramount releases.
• Galleries - Featuring production stills, movie stills and publicity shots for the film.

The Centennial Collection also comes with a booklet that features information of facts of the film which include how the film differs from the 1927 Broadway musical that starred Fred Astaire and sister Adele.  Also, the collaboration of screenplay writer Leonard Gershe and collaborating with real-life fashion photographer Richard Avedon and much more!

And the DVD is just classy with it’s black and gold packaging (which most of the Centennial Collection are packaged) and ditching the pink and white packaging.

If there is one thing about “Funny Face”, I could imagine how the film captured the attention of viewers with its stylish presentation of the fashion but also using the city of Paris and it’s iconic monuments and the beauty of the city portrayed in color in this film.

Also, to have talent such as Audrey Hepburn (singing and dancing) and how she would only do the film if Fred Astaire and of course, having Kay Thompson in a rare film appearance all together is just amazing.  From the classic opening scene of “Think Pink”, to the moment when each person arrives in Paris and you get a beautiful look at the architecture and scenery and the choreography of Audrey Hepburn as she unwinds and starts to dance in the red-dimmed bar and many more scenes that are just enjoyable to watch.

There are just so many of these classic moments on “Funny Face” and it’s not just the music scenes,  there are just beautiful scenes such as Audrey Hepburn in a wedding dress, and the multiple modeling photo shoots featuring Avery and Stockton such as the scene where Stockton wears an elegant red dress and walks down the steps asking Avery to take a picture while he tells her to stop and she keeps saying “I can’t Stop, take the picture” and saying it with a smile.  And then with each photo shoot, the photography stills are showcased in various versions.  May it be in full color, grayscale and then a combination of both. These things may seem common place today especially in color correction years of PhotoShop  but back then,  a lot of these visual images back in 1957 were new, fresh and unique.

And of course, the age difference between Astaire and Hepburn really doesn’t matter in this film.  Astaire is just full of life and he can move and dance much fluidly than many youngsters, so to have these two talents come together, it’s no surprise that Hepburn feeds of his energy.  Their chemistry work in each musical number and also when their characters are together.  And as much as I love “Roman Holiday”, “Sabrina” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, “Funny Face” is one of those films that shows you the pure charm and the versatility of Hepburn as an actress.

Now, you may be a person who owns a prior DVD release of “Funny Face” (and other Audrey Hepburn films on DVD) and wonder if this DVD is worth upgrading to.  I can tell you right now that these Centennial Collections are the  definitive versions to buy on DVD.  Remastered, in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and even more special features than their previous DVD incarnations, these Centennial Collection releases are just beautiful to watch, to hear and enjoy.

This DVD is highly recommended!

“The definitive ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ release on DVD!  Excellent!!!”

Images courtesy of © 2008 by Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.”

TITLE: Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Centennial Collection

DURATION: 1 hr. and 54 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: NTSC, Region 1, 5.1 Surround, Dolby Digital, Mono, Restored Mono,  English Subtitled, French Dubbed & Subtitled, Spanish Dubbed & Subtitled

RATED: NOT RATED

COMPANY: Paramount Home Entertainment

Directed by Blake Edwards

Based on a screenplay by Truman Capote

Screenplay by George Axelrod

Produced by Martin Jurow and Richard Shepherd

Music by Henry Mancini

Starring:

Audrey Hepburn (as Holly Golightly)

George Peppard (as Paul Varjak)

Patricia Neal (Mrs. Failenson/Emily Eusace aka 2E)

Buddy Ebsen (as Doc Golightly)

Martin Balsam (as O.J. Berman)

Mickey Rooney (as Mr. Yunioshi)

Allan Reed (as Sally Tomato)

Winner of two Oscars®, here’s the romantic comedy that sparkles like diamonds! From the opening strains of Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer’s haunting, Oscar®-winning song “Moon River,” you’ll once again be under the alluring spell of that madcap, carefree New York playgirl known as Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) in this 24-carat romantic comedy based on Truman Capote’s best-selling novella. George Peppard is the struggling and “sponsored” young writer who finds himself swept into Holly’s dizzying, delightfully unstructured lifestyle as she determinedly scours Manhattan for a suitable millionaire to marry. The sparkling special features on this Anniversary Edition DVD only add to the luster of director Blake Edwards’ timeless film classic. Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen, Martin Balsam and Mickey Rooney co-star; Mancini won an additional Academy Award® for his enthralling musical score.

Excellent!

A word that can describe the Centennial Collection release of the 1961 film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, the classic romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard.

Having reviewed previous versions of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” before on DVD,  I’m sure many Audrey Hepburn fans are probably wondering how else can Paramount improve from the 2006 45th Anniversary Edition on DVD?  Well, I can tell you right now… plenty!  Please read on.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is a film about Holly Golightly (Hepburn), who is seen during the beginning of the film coming out of her cab in front of Tiffany’s jewelry store on Fifth Ave.  Eating a breakfast roll, drinking coffee and dressed elegantly, we then see Holly at her apartment.

What we know of Holly is that she is not a wealthy woman, she dreams of becoming/marrying wealthy but her life right now is living at her Brownstone apartment along with her cat.  Every week, she visits mob boss Sally Tomato at Sing Sing prison in which she gets paid $100 to talk to him for an hour (not knowing that she is being told to pass on messages for the drug ring) and she also sports chick outfits.   On the outside, she’s a chic, well-dressed socialite but although never implied specifically, you get a sense that Holly is pretty much dating (or perhaps even keeping company) wealthy men who would buy her these expensive, beautiful gifts.

Moving into the Browstone complex is Paul Varjak (Peppard), a well-known writer who hasn’t written anything for years.  Paul is a “kept man” (financed by a wealthy woman named 2E in exchange for sex) but his life changes when he meets Holly.

Both individuals have their flaws in their personal life but both find comfort within each other because they are almost alike.  The difference is that Paul starts to fall for her but during one night in which Holly is drunk, the truth comes out that Holly wants to marry a wealthy man in order to take care of her brother Fred and also herself, thus she has tried to marry a rich man.

Of course, Paul is not too happy about this but all he can do is be by her side and be her friend.  And throughout the films, there are trying times for Holly but no matter how bad things get, Paul will do what he can for her.  Will Audrey see her ways and be with a man that loves her or will she continue her goal in marrying a wealthy man?

A film that stars quite a bit of talent, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” remains not just one of the most memorable romantic films of all time but a film that exemplifies the beauty of Audrey Hepburn, the chic style of the times and more (which I will discuss more in the special features portion of my review).

VIDEO & AUDIO:

The film is presented in widescreen format, enhanced for 16:9 TV’s.  A lot of the Centennial Collection releases have been remastered for high definition and having the previous DVD’s, I can tell you that the DVD looks great.  But I can only imagine how this film would look in 1080P if released in Blu-ray.

Audio is featured in Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround/English, Restored Mono, French Mono and Spanish Mono.   The film of course is dialogue-driven but sure enough, the music of Harry Mancini is alive and well when blaring through your speakers.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

As mentioned before, there have been several releases of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” prior to this Centennial Collection, the older DVD’s really hardly came with anything but the trailer until the 2006 “Special 45th Anniversary Collector’s Edition” which came with a good number of special features and a commentary by producer Richard Shepherd.

Well, what I can tell you is that the Centennial Collection contains all of the special features from the Anniversary DVD release but also adds quite a few new lengthy featurettes as well.  On the first disc, the first disc contains the movie and the same commentary from the Anniversary disc by Producer Richard Shepherd.   You can tell that Shepherd gets drawn in to the film and doesn’t speak in the commentary until he feels necessary.

So, for those wanting a verbose commentary, Shepherd doesn’t do that.  But it’s actually quite fine because when he does speak, you learn a lot of things from him about the filming.  For example, the opening shot featuring Audrey Hepburn in front of Tiffany’s in Fifth Avenue.  Where the place is typically packed with cars and people, for that time… there was hardly any traffic and no people.  So, a very lucky time in filmmaking for the crew.

Also, Shepherd is quite apologetic about casting Rooney as Mr. Funiyoshi and he does that quite a bit in the commentary.  You realized he didn’t want the yellow face routine (Caucasian actor looking like an Asian stereotypical character) but it was kept in.  Also, commenting of how certain scenes worked then but would never fly now.  But most of all, his continued feeling of Audrey Hepburn as a class act.  Overall, a very good commentary that you learn a lot from.

The special features on disc 2 are as follows:

• A Golightly Gathering - A 20-minute featurette that reunites the talents who were in the cocktail party scene from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.  One of the coolest parties ever on film, it’s great to see the talent from the film reunite and discuss their experiences of filming that part scene 40-years later.  I had no idea the party-scene took 8-days to film but it was great to hear everyone talk about their scene, working with Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard and Blake Edwards.  But what a great featurette and so happy of it’s inclusion.
• Henry Mancini: More Than Music - This nearly 21-minute featurette is a wonderful featurette that features interviews with Henry Mancini’s wife, daughter and son.  Seeing private photos and even videos of Henry and having their family talk about him and what they remember about him, winning the two Academy Awards for “Moon River” and working on other films is just wonderful.
• Mr. Yunioshi: An Asian Perspective - A 17-minute featurette.  Despite the popularity of the film, the black cloud that has lingered on this film was the casting of Mickey Rooney as “Mr. Yunioshi”.  A talented actor, the “yellow face” role was just wrong and acknowledge by the director, producer and a cast member was just terribly wrong in casting Rooney for that role.   This feature has interviews with representatives of the Media Action Network of Asian Americans.  I’m glad that Paramount did include this featurette on this collection.
• The Making of a Classic - Originally from the Anniversary release, this segment features interviews with Producer Richard Shepherd and Director Blake Edwards.  A 16-minute featurette and you definitely learn a lot about the film, especially from Blake Edwards.  One could image how his director’s commentary would have been if included, especially with what he had to say on this featurette.
• It’s So Audrey: A Style Icon - An eight minute featurette with interviews with designers, Hepburn’s son and companion. How Audrey Hepburn made simple things quite sexy.  How Audrey never thought of her body proportions that sexy but she did have a good eye for style and how she became a fashion and style icon.
• Behind the Gates: The Tour - This 4 minute featurette gives people a look behind the gates of the Paramount lot. A good promotional for those who would like to tour the Paramount lot.
• Brilliance in a Blue Box - A six minute featurette about the history of Tiffany’s.  Originally featured on the Anniversary DVD.
• Audrey’s Letter to Tiffany - A two minute featurette about the letter Audrey wrote for the preface of the 150th Anniversary book for Tiffany’s.
• Original Theatrical Trailer - The original two minute trailer with its dust, scratches and all.
• Galleries - Featuring production stills, movie stills and publicity shots for the film.

The Centennial Collection also comes with a booklet that features information of facts of the film, from how Capote wanted Marilyn Monroe for this film, information on Orangey the cat and how the “New York Site” that was filmed at the Paramount lot is now forever lost due to the big Paramount fire back in 1983 that destroyed historical sets.

And the DVD is just classy with it’s black and gold packaging (which most of the Centennial Collection are packaged) and ditching the pink and white packaging.

I absolutely love this film.  From the memorable dialogue, that first scene with Holly standing in front of Tiffany’s, the cocktail party, Holly Golightly singing “Moon River” on her guitar, the cat and of course the final scene between Holly and Paul.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is a classic Audrey Hepburn film that is a must-own.  I know that the film has been re-released many times on DVD and the 45th Anniversary was just a pleasure when it first came out and at the time, it was a definitive release.  But now, with this “Centennial Collection” featuring a remastered version of the film and the new (and quite lengthy) featurettes that is included on this collection, this is the definitive version on DVD.

Personally, I can only imagine how this would look once it becomes available on Blu-ray but for now, these Centennial Collections from Paramount are just wonderful.  Especially “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, I’m really amazed how far Paramount went in order to make this release much more special.

The addition of “A Golightly Gathering” featuring the actors who took part in that cocktail party was awesome, the Henry Mancini featurette for those who just love his musical work will love this featurette and of course, for those who have felt the pain of the “yellow face” segment in the film, Paramount going the extra step by including a featurette dedicate to that on this DVD.

But in the end, this DVD is indeed a special tribute to Audrey Hepburn.  Hepburn is just an icon of style and elegance and this DVD does a great job of giving special attention to such an incredible film.  And after seeing this film so many time times, I still have not grown tired of it.  It’s one special film that I highly recommend!

“The second half of the first season of ‘GREEK’ is here!  A youthful drama series that is not just fun and cool but overall, a well-written, enjoyable series!”

Images courtesy of ©WDSHE. All Rights Reserved.”

TITLE: GREEK: CHAPTER TWO

DURATION: 517 minutes (12 episodes)

DVD INFORMATION: NTSC, Region 1, Widescreen (1:78:1), NTSC, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Spanish and French subtitles

RATED: 14 DSL

COMPANY: abc entertainment

Series Directed by Michael Lange, Gil Junger, Nick Marck, Fred Gerber

Series written by Patrick Sean Smith, Carter Covington, Jessica O’Tool, Amy Rardin, Roger Grant, Michael Berns, Anne Kenney, Jed Seidel and Dana Calvo

Produced by Anne Kenney, Patrick Sean Smith, Nellie Nugiel, Adam Fratto, Lloyd Segan, Todd Ulman, Shawn Piller, Michael Berns, Michael Lange, Dana Calvo, Jed Seidel, Carter Covington, Valerie Joseph, John Ziffren and Keith Patterson

Starring:

Clark Duke (as Dale)

Scott Michael Foster (as Cappie)

Spencer Grammer (as Casey Cartwright)

Paul James (as Calvin Owens)

Jake McDorman (as Evan Chambers)

Jacob Zachar (as Rusty Cartwright)

Aaron Hill (as the Beaver)

Dilshad Vadsaria (as Rebecca Logan)

Amber Stevens (as Ashleigh)

Tiffany Dupont (as Frannie)

Join TV’s coolest young cast as they find friendship, fun and a new kind of drama in the sensational second chapter of the ABC family original series Greek.

The excitement and the heartbreak of Greek life continues for the students of Cyprus-Rhodes University and everything heats up when they head south for Spring Break, is there enough room in Myrtle Beach for Casey, Cappie and Rebecca?  Will Rusty ever learn to balance his loyalties between friends and frat?  Witness every romance and rift, every juicy bit of gossip and all the ups and downs of the emotional roller coaster ride called college.

Go deeper into the lives of your favorite characters from ever before and experience all 12 episodes of Greek: Chapter Two, complete with chart-topping music and never-before-seen bonus features in a three-disc box set.  Pledge today.  It’s a rush.

The life of those who belong to a fraternity and sorority, the second half of the first season of “GREEK” featuring the remaining 12 episodes is now out on DVD (a total of 22 episodes).

Probably one of the more unique shows covering college life but focusing on the Greek fraternity and sorority life and the challenges that students face but also adding the love triangles, dramas, relationships and the rivalries that exist.  The episodes focus on the following characters:

Casey Cartwright (played by Spencer Grammer) - The interim president of Zeta Beta Zeta.  The primary character is a sorority sister who has to lead her sorority after a scandal nearly ends their sorority (from the first half of the series).   Casey has her own problems as her ex-boyfriend Cappie is now dating Rebecca Logan in her sorority (who she can’t really stand) and her current relationship with Evan Chamber is not going quite well.

Rusty Cartwright (played by Jacob Zachar) is a Kappa Tau Brother.  Very intelligent, nerdy and sometimes doesn’t fit in with his partying fraternity but nevertheless, he admires his sister Casey and is the little fraternity brother of Cappie.

Cappie (played by Scott Michael Foster) is Rusty’s fraternity big brother, the president of Kappa Tau Gamma and ex-boyfriend of Casey and starting a relationship with Rebecca Logan.  He still has some feelings for Casey but now is in love with Rebecca.

Evan Chambers (played by Jake McDorman) is the newly elected president of Omega Chi Delta.  Former best friends with Cappie and now in a rival fraternity.    The two don’t care for each other and Evan started dating Casey, still in love with her but knows that Casey has moved on.  But gets very jealous when Casey is with another guy.

Calvin Owens (played by Paul James) is a brother at Omega Chi Delta and best friends with Rusty.   Life has been different for him since he has been outed that he’s gay.  A good friend to Ashleigh.

Ashleigh Howard (played by Amber Stevens) is Casey’s best friend, sometimes ditzy and a member of Zeta Beta Zeta.  A good friend of Calvin.

Dale Kettlewell (played by Clark Duke) is Rusty’s roommate.  A nerdy guy, straight edged and believes he can cure Calvin being gay.  Started his own group U-SAG (University Students Against Greeks).

Rebecca Logan (played by Dilshad Vadsaria) is a sister at Zeta Beta Zeta, a senator’s daughter, dating Cappie and because of that, really doesn’t like Casey.

Frannie Morgan (played by Tiffany Dupont) is Casey’s Big Sister, the former president of Zeta Beta Zeta but was kicked out due to a scandal.  Trying to establish a relationship with Casey and the sisters.

With that being said, “Chapter Two” on DVD starts of with episode 11.  The following episodes are:

1. A New Normal (Episode 11) - The start of a new semester and Rusty is broken-hearted after his breakup and Casey is going to have to go at bat for her sorority and make things right after the scandal.  The Nationals send Lizzi to assist Casey in her leadership duties by making sure the sorority meets school standards and don’t mess up.  Meanwhile, everyone tries to recover from the scandal and try to make good with Dean Bowman by having a “Back to School” carnival and support his favorite charity.
2. The Great Cappie (Episode 12) - The Zeta Beta Zeta girls decide to have a party with the Kappa Tau Brothers with the theme being “The Great Gatsby”.  Meanwhile Dean Bowman tries to investigate the party after a tip from an unknown source.  Meanwhile Calvin is deciding if he should stay with Omega Chi or join Rusty’s fraternity after some of his brothers are not too accepting of him being gay.
3. Highway to the Discomfort Zone (Episode 13) - Cappie is not too happy to find out that Evan of Omega Chi ratted them out to Dean Bowman, thus war is declared.  Also, Casey learns about Cappie’s relationship with Rebecca.
   
4. War & Peace (Episode 14) - Kappa Tau and Omega Chi face off against each other.  Also, Casey wants the watchful eyes of the National and Lizzi to be gone but that means she must forgive Frannie and let her back into the sorority.  Will She?
   
5. Freshman Date (Episode 15) - The flashback episode in which we learn about Casey and Cappie’s freshman year, why Cappie and Evan do not get along and Casey learns more about her sorority sister Frannie.
   
6. Move On. Cartwrights (Episode 16) - In this episode, the Zeta Beta Zeta sorority wants to reunite with the Omega Chi’s and Casey must face Evan.  Rusty has a new crush and Dale helps him out.
7. 47 Hours & 11 Minutes (Episode 17) - Casey and Rusty’s parents are in town to check up on them.  Rusty hasn’t told his mom and dad that he’s in a fraternity, only that he was in a service fraternity.  Meanwhile, we are introduced to Rebecca Logan’s father, Senator Logan.
   
8. Mr. Purr-fect (Episode 18) - Casey, Frannie and Rebecca have a bet who can coach a different fraternity in a series of games.  Casey coaches the athletic Lamba Sigs (and falls for one of the guys), Rebecca coaches the Kappa Tau’s but because she is determined to win, it’s causing some friction with Cappie and also with some of the brothers of Kappa Tau.
   
9. No Campus for Old Rules (Episode 19) - Casey bends sorority rules for Ashleigh but it causes some problems.  Rusty starts to become attracted to Tina, the girl who wants to take down the Greek system.
   
10. A Tale of Two Parties (Episode 20) - Omega Chi and Kappa Tau throw a party after their campus restrictions are lifted.  But what can the Kappa Tau’s do without the funds to make a great party.  Casey has a new guy in her sights.
    
11. Barely Legal (Episode 21) - It’s almost time for Spring Break and Cappie has the brothers practicing with their fake ID’s.   As for Casey, she goes to Evan to help her with LSAT’s and starts to wonder more about her future and what she wants to do after college.
    
12. Spring Broke (Episode 22) - It’s Spring Break and the group heads out to the Beach.  Cappie and Casey looks like their closer again and as for Evan, he gets closer to a Zeta Beta Zeta sister.
    

VIDEO & AUDIO:

Video is featured in Widescreen (1:78:1), enhanced for 16×9 televisions.  There are a lot of outdoor and indoor shots and the series does have quite a bit of grain but nothing too distracting.  Audio is featured in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, the show is mostly dialogue-based but there are quite a bit of music featured in the episodes, which actually comes clear through your front speakers.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“GREEK: CHAPTER TWO” comes with a good number of special features including fun commentaries with the producers and talent of the show.

• Disc 1: Audio commentary by Executive Producer Patrick Sean Smith, actors Amber Stevens, Senta Moses and Paul James
• Disc 2: Audio commentary for “Freshman Daze” featuring commentary with Executive Producer Lloyd Segan and Actors Spencer Grammer, Scott Foster, Tiffany Dupont and Jake McDorman.  Also, a commentary for “47 Hours & 11 Minutes” with co-executive producers Shawn Piller and Patrick Sean Smith and actors Jacob Zachar and Dilshad Vadsaria.
• Disc 3: Features Bloopers, Flashback Episode “And So It Begins” and the music video for “Natural Disaster” by the Plain White T’s.

The commentaries on both the first and second disc are quite enjoyable and it seems as the talent had a lot of stories to tell about the episode from a certain scene, clothes that they were wearing.  So, there is quite a bit of humor and fun facts to learn while watching the commentary.

The blooper reel features a lot of fun bloopers and mistakes on the set such as shaken beer bottles to knocking over lamps.   The Flashback episode is a 10-minute featurette and an interview with the staff who were pretty excited about doing the episode “Freshman Daze” (Episode 15) and a major reveal between the friendship and relationships focusing on Casey, Frannie, Cappie and Evan.  And a music video for “Natural Disaster” performed by the Plain White T’s completes the bonus features on disc 3.

Also included is a code and information to download Plain White T’s “Big Bad World” song.

After watching “GREEK”, I definitely got into the series.  I felt that Patrick Sean Smith (creator of the show) definitely had good concept of bringing a youth-based show not just on high school or college life but life for those who are part of the Greek system.

The characters are fun and although there are many people featured throughout the show, the main eight characters are pretty much what is focused on and overall, the chemistry among the actors are pretty good.  That’s important.  But will viewers identify with people in that system?  Is it all about drinking, parties and games?  Sure, “GREEK” does include that into the overall storyline and the writer’s find a way to help those not familiar with fraternities and sororities get a good idea of the challenges they face.

Most importantly, making the sure the dramatic storylines of each character is intact.  And although the first half does focus on a scandal that hurts some of the GREEK fraternities and sororities, the second season focuses on dealing with the aftermath of the scandal but most of all, more character building storylines and allowing the viewer to find some attachment to the people we are watching.

I do wonder if the second season will show how far the writers will go in covering other areas of Greek life which so far has been quite positive (which is good) but maybe touching base on the negative ala the hazing, binge drinking, popular vs. not-so-popular fraternities/sororities, etc. in future episodes.  I’m sure there are so many stories that can be developed from the Greek student life, so it will definitely be interesting t