Reviews Archive for Randall Cyrenne

My Neighbor Totoro

Miyazaki’s most beloved film makes the jump to hi-def, while carrying over all the best feaures of the previous DVD. This gentle but great family film has never looked better.

Superman Unbound

Superman has to save the Earth from the alien cyborg known as Brainiac, while learning how to cope with the two women in his life: cousin Supergirl and girlfriend Lois.

Batman – The Dark Knight Returns: Parts 1 And 2

With Gotham City being overtaken by lawlessness, Bruce Wayne decides that it is time for Batman to come out of retirement, in the most epic Batman tale ever told.

The Charlie Brown And Snoopy Show: The Complete Animated Series

The Emmy-nominated Saturday morning series finally gets a complete series set thanks to the Warner Archive program. The creations of Charles Schulz dispense gentle wisdom about the harshness of life.

The Flintstones Prime-Time Specials Collection: Volume 1

These TV specials from the 1970s show that there was still life in the Flintstones franchise a decade after the original series ended. Fred and Barney fight monsters and battle each other on the ball diamond.

Secret Of The Wings

Tinker Bell finds family but brings danger to the fairy world. This movie carries on the strong tradition of the Tink franchise, with a good story and beautiful visuals. A 3D disc adds to the cost, but at least a fine TV special is also included.

Mia And The Migoo

The mystical elements turn out ot be an unncessary diversion in a story about two kids seperated from their fathers. Focus on that aspect, and the beautiful hand-drawn animation, and you will enjoy this lovely film.

The Heathcliff And Dingbat Show

A cat who creates fun for himself while annoying others, and a crew of creepy but goofy friends are a part of this 1980 Ruby-Spears show. It’s tempting to dismiss it as mediocre entertainment, but the voice cast does shine.

Wolverine Anime

Marvel’s mutant antihero travels to Japan to save his lady love. But is the trip worthwhile? This is likely the weakest of the four Marvel Anime series, though violence-loving Wolverine fans may enjoy it.

Blade Anime

The vampire who hunts vampires may have a lower profile than other Marvel heroes, but this is probably the strongest of the four Marvel Anime series. A solid story, gory action, original ideas, and a tour of Asia provide plenty of thrills for mature viewers.

Superman Vs. The Elite

Joe Kelly’s personal diatribe against antiheroes hits more than it misses, giving us a Superman that we can believe in. The inconsistent animation undermines the effort, but the great bonus features help to save the Blu-ray.

Sealab 2020: The Complete Series

Is it as boring as it’s reputation suggests? Or is it an exciting and educational gem? Is it more SeaQuest or Jonny Quest? Read our review to find out!

The Secret World Of Arrietty

This Studio Ghibli film based on The Borrowers is a quiet tale with many rewards if you are in the right frame of mind.

Iron Man Anime

The armored Avenger makes a slick transition into the anime world, taking on a variety of mecha (and public opinion) while trying to save the world.

X-Men Anime

Marvel Comics’ uncanny heroes get adapted into a Japanese cartoon series. Great visuals, intense action, and strong characterization make this a worthy effort that should make most fans happy.

Shazzan: The Complete Series

More 1960s Hanna-Barbera fun from Warner Archive, as two siblings find themselves in ancient Arabia among much magic and myth.

The Real Adventures Of Jonny Quest : Season One, Volume Two

Warner comes to the rescue for the rest of the beleaguered show’s initial “season”: globetrotting adventure in a classic vein, with a modern twist. Shaky video and animation, but we do get bonus material!

Scooby-Doo! Music Of The Vampire

That’s just what the Scooby franchise needed — Broadway-style musical numbers! Some work better than others, but what’s important is that there’s a good mystery here.

Justice League: Doom

It’s another superhero slugfest, though this one has the interesting twist of also bringing the League at odds with Batman. Includes a great Dwayne McDuffie tribute featurette and more.

Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax: Deluxe Edition

Dr. Seuss’s ecological fable looks fantastic on Blu-ray, though its accompanying TV specials don’t get the same treatment. All three specials otherwise still stand up well as great family viewing.

Scooby-Doo – Mystery, Incorporated: Crystal Cove Curse (Season One, Part 2)

The final half of the reimagined Scooby show hits DVD in a two-disc set. Purists may balk at the changes in the show’s premise, but the season-long storyline pays off nicely.

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas: Remastered Deluxe Edition

No big reason to upgrade on this minor Christmas classic, but it does look a tiny bit better on Blu.

Happiness Is… Peanuts – Snow Days

This DVD may not do much to promote oodles of happiness, but it does manage to evoke a smile or two at least.

Batman: Year One

This proves the theory that great comics can make great movies, as the seminal comic book story gets a faithful adaptation. The short run time still packs a punch, with good bonus features nicely rounding the disc out.

Aesop’s Fables: Volumes 1 & 2

This was one of the most prolific of all the old-time animation series, even if the studio and its cartoons are barely remembered today. Two neat volumes from Thunderbean shed light on some vintage gems from the 1930s.

Captain America (1990)

Contrary to popular belief, this is not the worst live action movie ever made featuring Captain America. It is, however, not very good either. Still, it makes for a fun movie night for superhero fans in search of laughs.

Private Snafu Golden Classics

The classic World War II cartoons, done primarily by the Looney Tunes crew for the military, appear in restored form from Thunderbean. This is certainly the best way we’ve had yet to watch these funny and historically relevant shorts.

M.A.S.K.: Volume One

Another 1980s toy tie-in, this show strives to combine Transformers and G.I. Joe, but fails to live up to its premise.

Batman – The Brave And The Bold: Season Two, Part One

No less fun in its second season, new guest stars like the Justice Society, Detective Chimp, and The Metal Men join old favorties like Aquaman and Green Arrow to make this a great show for comic fans especially.

Rockin’ With Judy Jetson

From the cover, you might think that this is for little girls only, but it’s really a fun and zany chase caper… with songs.