Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Three [Blu-ray]

Season Three of Star Trek: The Next Generation took televised science fiction storytelling to new heights. Now, on high definition Blu-ray, the seminal season of this beloved series is more spectacular and compelling to watch than ever. Experience such thought provoking episodes as "The Survivors," "Sins of the Father," "The Offspring" and one of the great cliffhangers in television history; Part One of "The Best of Both Worlds". like never before in glorious 1080p with 7.1 sound.

Star Trek: The Next Generation's third year was an important development in syndicated television. After two shaky years, Paramount nonetheless decided the franchise still had plenty to do. Their confidence was bolstered by two significant factors. First, cast uncertainties were finally settled: Gates McFadden (Dr. Crusher) was back for good; Denise Crosby (Tasha Yar) regretted her first-year departure, and so contrived a return in the Emmy Award-winning "Yesterday's Enterprise"; and Whoopi Goldberg happily continued her actor's-scale contributions.

Episode List:

1. Evolution (1.5/5)-Stardate 43125.8: The scientist Dr. Paul Stubbs has spent 20 years of research to observe a stellar phenomenon in the Kavis Alpha system that occurs only once in 196 years. His mission is endangered when the ship is plagued by computer malfunctions.

2. The Ensigns of Command (2/5)-Stardate 43133.3: The insectoid Sheliak demand that the human colony on the planet Tau Cygna V has to be evacuated within four days; otherwise they would remove the colonists by force.

3. The Survivors (1/5)-Stardate 43152.4: The entire colony on Delta Rana IV has been destroyed by an unknown enemy - except for the house of Kevin and Rishon Uxbridge. After an away team has visited the survivors, Deanna is plagued by a penetrative melody in her mind.

4. Who Watches the Watchers? (3.5/5)-Stardate 43173.5: The Enterprise rushes to Mintaka III to repair the power generator of a "duck blind" for covert cultural observation. Liko, one of the indigenous proto-Vulcans, is injured when he investigates the now exposed strange structure of the duck blind.

5. The Bonding (1/5)-Stardate 43198.7: While studying the remains of the extinct Koinonians, archeologist Marla Aster is killed by a still active bomb. She leaves behind her son Jeremy.

6. Booby Trap (3.5/5)-Stardate 43205.6: After investigating an intact 10,000 year old Promellian battlecruiser inside an asteroid field the Enterprise is stuck in a network of energy absorbers. Every attempt to activate the propulsion systems results in more energy being drained, while the ship is bombarded with lethal radiation.

7. The Enemy (3.5/5)-Stardate 43349.2: An away team discovers a Romulan shuttle crashed on the inhospitable Federation planet Galorndon Core and rescues one survivor, Pahtak. Geordi goes missing, and as the transport window is closing, the away team has to beam up without him.

8. The Price (3.5/5)-Stardate 43385.6: The Barzanians arrange a conference on the Enterprise with the Federation, the Caldonians and the Chrysalians to sell the control over an allegedly stable wormhole in their space.

9. The Vengeance Factor (1.5/5)-Stardate 43421.9: After an attack of Acamarian Gatherers on a Federation outpost the Enterprise heads to Acamar III. Picard convinces the leader of the Acamarians, Sovereign Marouk, to seek peace with the Gatherers, a renegade faction of her people that formed after the devastating clan wars on her planet a hundred years ago.

10. The Defector (3.5/5)-Stardate 43462.5: The Enterprise saves a Romulan scout ship that is pursued by a warbird. The only man aboard the small vessel is the low-ranking officer Setal, who requests asylum and reveals a Romulan plan to retake the Neutral Zone from a secret base on Nelvana III.

11. The Hunted (2.5/5)-Stardate 43489.2: The Enterprise is on a visit to Angosia III, a planet which has applied for Federation membership, when a criminal named Roga Danar escapes from a high-security prison.

12. The High Ground (1/5)-Stardate 43510.7: During a humanitarian mission on the nonaligned world Rutia IV, Beverly is taken hostage by the terrorist Kyril Finn, who is fighting for the independence of his people, the Ansata.

13. Déjà Q (3/5)-Stardate 43539.1: While the Enterprise crew is trying to keep Bre'el IV's moon from crashing into the planet, Q shows up, apparently stripped of all his power by the Q Continuum.

14. A Matter of Perspective (4/5)-Stardate 43610.4: Just as Riker returns from a visit to the scientist Dr. Nel Apgar who is working on generating Krieger waves, the space station with the laboratory explodes, killing Apgar.

15. Yesterday's Enterprise (4.5/5)-Stardate 43625.2: When a mysterious ship appears from a temporal rift, the reality on the Enterprise-D changes in an instant. Worf is gone, but Tasha Yar is alive. The Federation is now at war with the Klingons.

16. The Offspring (2.5/5)-Stardate 43657.0: Unbeknownst to the rest of the crew Data builds an android, his "child" whom he names Lal - Hindi for "beloved".

17. Sins of the Father (4/5)-Stardate 43685.2: The new Klingon exchange officer on the Enterprise turns out Worf's younger brother, Kurn. He tells Worf that their family is about to be dishonored because their father, Mogh, is said to be the traitor who enabled the Romulan attack on Khitomer in which their parents died.

18. Allegiance (1.5/5)-Stardate 43714.1: Picard is abducted by unknown aliens and finds himself in what seems to be a cage of lab rats - together with three other individuals from different planets: the Bolian woman Mitena Haro, the Mizarian Kova Tholl and some time later a Chalnoth named Esoqq.

19. Captain's Holiday (2/5)-Stardate 43745.2: When Picard returns from exhausting diplomatic negotiations, Riker recommends him to go on vacation to Risa.

20. Tin Man (1.5/5)-Stardate 43779.3: The Enterprise is summoned to the Beta Stromgren system to make contact with "Tin Man", a strange organic vessel. They pick up the Betazoid Tam Elbrun, a specialist for first contacts with a controversial reputation.

21. Hollow Pursuits (3.5/5)-Stardate 43807.4: Lt. Reginald Barclay is a shy, nervous and unsteady member of Geordi La Forge's engineering staff. Unbeknownst to the rest of the crew he spends his spare time on the holodeck where he has created holographic versions of his superior officers.

22. The Most Toys (3.5/5)-Stardate 43872.2: Data is presumed dead after his shuttlepod has exploded while returning from dealer Kivas Fajo's ship. Actually, Fajo has kidnapped Data to add him to his collection of unique creatures and artifacts.

23. Sarek (3.5/5)-Stardate 43917.4: The Enterprise is going to host a conference between the Federation and the mysterious Legarans. 202-year-old Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan has prepared this meeting for 93 years.

24. Ménage à Troi (1.5/5)-Stardate 43930.7: Lwaxana brushes off DaiMon Tog, who represents the Ferengi on a trade conference. The Ferengi kidnaps Lwaxana, Deanna and Will during their following vacation on Betazed, while the Enterprise is on a mission to explore a nebula.

25. Transfigurations (1.5/5)-Stardate 43957.2: A badly injured humanoid is found in the wreckage of an escape pod, but he recovers in only 36 hours. The man who suffers from amnesia is called "John Doe" by Dr. Crusher.

26. The Best of Both Worlds: Part 1 (5/5)-Stardate 43989.1/44001.4: Lt. Cmdr. Shelby joins the crew to examine the disappearance of the Federation colony New Providence, apparently caused by the Borg.

• Format: Blu-ray, Box set, Dubbed, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Subtitles: Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish
• Dubbed: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish
• Region: Region A/1 
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 6
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Paramount
• DVD Release Date: April 30, 2013
• Run Time: 1181 minutes
• Overall: Season 3 is very very good. I highly recommend watching it. I enjoy the themes of constant self improvement in this sci fi dramatic series. 

Lincoln (2-Disc Combo Pack) [Blu-ray + DVD]

Lincoln (2-Disc Combo Pack) [Blu-ray + DVD]

Capturing the danger and excitement of political intrigue, Steven Spielberg's Lincoln chronicles the final four months in the life of the man regarded as America's greatest President. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role, the untold story focuses on a defining moment in Abraham Lincoln's life - as commander-in-chief of a country in chaos, as a husband and father afraid of losing his own son to the war, and as a man guided by his conscience to end slavery. With the Civil War nearing conclusion, President Lincoln fights to convince a fractious Congress to pass a Constitutional amendment that will change the course of history. Facing fierce opposition, he wages a battle of strategy, persuasion, and political muscle to build a coalition out of his team of rivals.

• Format: AC-3, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English, Spanish, French
• Subtitles: French, Spanish, English
• Dubbed: French, Spanish
• Region: Region A/1
• Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
• Number of discs: 2
• MPAA Rating: 
• Studio: Touchstone Pictures
• Release Date: Mar 26 2013
• Run Time: 150 minutes
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• 'Lincoln' is a stellar achievement on many levels. With the help of intriguing source material, Steven Spielberg was able to create a dialogue-heavy movie that never loses focus. Daniel Day-Lewis delivers a masterful performance.  (Oscar for Best Actor) With perfect audio and video 'Lincoln' comes very highly recommended.
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Finding Nemo 3D: Ultimate Collector's Edition (5-Disc Combo Pack) [3D Blu-ray + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy]

In the colorful and warm tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef, a Clownfish named Marlin lives safe and secluded in a quiet cul-de-sac with his only son, Nemo. Fearful of the ocean and its unpredictable risks, he struggles to protect his son. Nemo, like all young fish, is eager to explore the mysterious reef. When Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from home and thrust into a dentist's office fish tank, Marlin finds himself the unlikely hero on an epic journey to rescue his son. In his quest, Marlin is joined by a good Samaritan named Dory, a Regal Blue Tang fish with the worst short-term memory and biggest heart in the entire ocean. As the two fish continue on their journey, encountering numerous dangers, Dory's optimism continually forces Marlin to find the courage to take risks and overcome his fears. 

Special Features

Disc One: Filmmakers' World

• Widescreen presentation of film with introduction (1.78:1, includes French & Spanish subtitles)
• Visual commentary with deleted scenes & recording sessions
• "Making Nemo" documentary
• "The Art of Nemo" narrated by the artists
• Virtual aquariums
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Disc Two: Family Fun

• Reframed full screen presentation of film with introduction (1.33:1, includes French & Spanish tracks)
• "Exploring the Reef" a new short with Jean-Michel Cousteau and your Nemo friends
• Pixar short Knick Knack with commentary
• A peek at the next Pixar film, The Incredibles
• Fisharades game
• Read-along storytime
• Learning fun with Mr. Ray's encyclopedia
• Behind the scenes: A tour of the Pixar Studios, character interviews, publicity
• More virtual aquariums

• Overall : This movie is great for the whole family and has something for everyone adventure, action, and plenty of comedy. It has a great all star cast. Finding Nemo will keep you glued to the screen unto the very end.

Up 3D (5-Disc Combo Pack) [Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy]

Carl Fredericksen (voice by Ed Asner) ranks among the most unlikely heroes in recent animation history. A 78- year-old curmudgeon, he enjoyed his modest life as a balloon seller because he shared it with his adventurous wife Ellie (Ellie Docter). But she died, leaving him with memories and the awareness that they never made their dream journey to Paradise Falls in South America. When well-meaning officials consign Carl to Shady Oaks Retirement Home, he rigs thousands of helium balloons to his house and floats to South America. The journey's scarcely begun when he discovers a stowaway: Russell (Jordan Nagai), a  maladroit Wilderness Explorer Scout who's out to earn his Elderly Assistance Badge. Their journey to a lost world, where they encounter some strange, exotic and surprising characters, is filled with hilarity, emotion and wildly imaginative adventure.

Special Features

• Dug’s Special Mission: An all new film original short that follows the misadventures of Dug as he attempts to complete his “special mission”.
  
• Partly Cloudy: The hilarious short film that preceded screenings of UP. In it, a fanciful world where cherubic clouds jovially create the earth’s cuddly animal newborns, one depressed cloud must find the silver lining in his assignment: fashioning the less-loved critters like crocodiles and porcupines.

• Format: Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English, Spanish, French
• Subtitles: French, Spanish, English
• Region: Region A/1
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 5
• MPAA Rating: 
• Studio: Pixar Animation Studios
• Release Date: Dec 4 2012
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Overall: Up has it all, its perhaps the best release of the year if considered as package. Its presentation is second to none and its a movie that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages including some of us who think they are too old for everything. I hope everyone picks it up and enjoys it for years to come. Highly Recommended.

Brave (Ultimate Collector's Edition) (3D Blu-ray + 2-Disc Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy)

Pixar Animation Studios, the creator of "Toy Story 3", whisks you away on an astonishing adventure to an ancient land full of mystery and tradition. Bursting with heart, unforgettable characters and Pixar's signature humor, "Brave" is incredible entertainment for the whole family. Take a heroic journey with Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land. When Merida's actions inadvertently unleash chaos in the kingdom, she must harness all of her skills and resources - including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers - to undo a beastly curse before it's too late, and discover the meaning of true bravery. 

'Brave' arrives on Blu-ray in a five-disc Ultimate Collector's Edition packaged in a standard multi-disc case tucked inside an attractive 3D holographic sleeve. The case holds a Blu-ray 3D disc (containing just the movie and Pixar short 'La Luna'); two Blu-ray discs (the first contains the movie and a number of bonus features, while the second houses additional supplements); a DVD (containing the movie, two Pixar shorts, and an audio commentary); and a Digital Copy disc, which enables 'Brave' to be viewed on portable players via iTunes or Windows Media Player. Video codec is 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 and both 7.1 and 5.1 Dolby TrueHD tracks are included. Once the disc is inserted in the player, an assortment of Disney previews play before the animated menu with music pops up.

Features

DVD Special Features: Extended Scenes, Audio Commentary, Alternate Opening, Promotional Pieces, Easter Eggs, Art Gallery, Featurettes: "The Legend of Mordu" Short, "La Luna" Theatrical Short, "Brave Old World", "Merida & Elinor", "Bears", "Brawl in the Hall", "Wonder Moss", "Magic", "Clan Pixar", "Once Upon a Scene", "Fallen Warriors", "Dirty Hairy People", "It is English... Sort of", "Angus", "The Tapestry"

Other Special Features: Languages: English, French, and Spanish; Subtitles: English SDH, French, and Spanish Audio Tracks: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital 7.1

Overall: The movie was funny and very emotional, and it has quickly became one of my favorite Pixar films. This is a nice animated film for the family to catch.

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy + UltraViolet and Rainbow Wig) (2012)

The film opens with the penguins and lemur King Julien XIII flying off in a monkey-powered plane to visit the casinos of Monte Carlo, leaving Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman back in Africa awaiting their return. When the penguins don't come back, the lion, zebra, hippo, and giraffe go after them and descend on the casino in their typically bumbling fashion. Silliness and comedy abound, but the plot drags a bit through this section of the film until the introduction of Captain DuBois, an animal control officer with some serious tracking skills and an obsession with acquiring a lion head for her wall. The story and action really begin in earnest when Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman join up with a traveling circus in an attempt to elude DuBois. The sense of conflict, humor on both kid and adult levels, and suspense is fantastic as the foursome go to great lengths to impress the veteran circus animals and improve the struggling circus's show to win a coveted American tour contract. Each of the animals learns some important lessons about taking risks, believing in oneself, and finding and pursuing one's passion along the journey.

• Format: AC-3, Animated, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Region: Region A/1 
• Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Paramount
• DVD Release Date: October 16, 2012
• Run Time: 93 minutes

Overall: It doesn't break any new ground, but the third installment in the Madagascar series is brighter, louder, and a bit funnier than the two before it. If you enjoyed the last two, you'll enjoy this as well.

Pete's Dragon: 35th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray Combo Pack) [Blu-ray + DVD]

When Pete, an orphan, and his best friend Elliott - an invisible green dragon - wander into the seaside village of Passamaquoddy, the townspeople think he's behind a slew of hilarious mishaps. But after a daring rescue, they change their tune and believe in Pete's fire-breathing buddy. Filled with friendship and fun, and featuring the Academy Award-nominated Candle on the Water (Best Original Song, 1977), this family classic on Disney Blu-ray turns every viewing into a Brazzle Dazzle Day.                                                                                                Special Features

• The original story called for Elliott the dragon to remain invisible throughout the entire film.
• Animators opted for an oriental, rather than occidental, dragon, because oriental dragons are usually associated with good.
• One of the movie's special effects involved compositing, whereby up to three scenes might be composited together -- for example, a live foreground, a live background, and an animated middle ground containing Elliott.
• The film is the first involving animation in which none of the Nine Old Men -- Disney's original team of animators -- was involved.
• The town square and wharf area for the film's setting of Passamaquoddy, a Maine fishing village, were constructed on the Disney Burbank Studio lot partly from an old western set.
• The lighthouse the studio built for the film in Morro Bay, California, had such a powerful beacon, they had to get special permission from the Coast Guard to operate it. Sadly, it was torn down at the conclusion of filming.
• The song, "Candle On The Water," by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschorn, received an Academy Award(R) nomination for Best Song, along with tunes from two other Disney films -- THE RESCUERS and THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE -- THE STORY OF CINDERELLA. The Oscar went to "You Light Up My Life," from the film of the same name.
• Singer Helen Reddy, famous for the feminist anthem, "I Am Woman," makes her second big-screen appearance as Nora, while screen veteran Mickey Rooney plays her father, Lampie.

Pete's Dragon is a wonderful, magical movie for children 5 and older. The songs are fun and the story is great. Adults will enjoy it, too.

Overall, it is definitely a must have for all Disney movie fans!