Blu-Ray Review: Tyler Perry Films Released in HD

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CHICAGO – Some studios slowly roll their catalog films out to Blu-ray as directors or actors release new films with which to tie-in but Lionsgate has decided that holiday season 2010 is the time to import most of Tyler Perry’s films to the HD format just as his “For Colored Girls” is turning out to be a critical and commercial disappointment. Catch up with five of his previously-released films along with the Blu-ray release of “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family: The Play.”

As far as a review goes, Lionsgate has always treated Tyler Perry fans well and these releases are no different. The HD video and audio are above-average and every film includes special features. As for the movies themselves, “Why Did I Get Married?” is easily the best (although the sequel is horrendous) and “The Family That Preys” has moments but I personally can’t stand anything that includes the grating and stupid Madea character. If you feel differently, it’s a good month for you. Synopsis, cast info, and special features follow for all six Tyler Perry releases that hit stores on November 23rd, 2010.

“Diary of a Mad Black Woman”

Photo credit: Lionsgate

Synopsis: “Charles, an attorney, and Helen, the devoted wife, seem to have everything, money, a beautiful mansion - the American Dream. But just as Helen prepares to celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary, her life takes a twist.”

“Diary of a Mad Black Woman” stars Cicely Tyson, Kimberly Elise, Tyler Perry, Steve Harris, and Shemar Moore. It was written by Tyler Perry and directed by Darren Grant.

Special Features:
o The “ATL”
o The Real Mad Black Women
o Music Montages
o Reflections on “Diary”
o Audio Commentary by Tyler Perry
o Audio Commentary by Director Darren Grant and Actress Kimberly Elise
o Making of “Diary Of A Mad Black Woman”
o Who’s Tyler Perry?
o Deleted Scenes
o Outtakes
o Tyler Perry Spotlight
o You Can Do It….It’s Electric
o Photo Gallery

“The Family That Preys”

Photo credit: Lionsgate

Synopsis: “Working-class Alice (Academy Award nominee Alfre Woodard) and wealthy Charlotte (Academy Award winner Kathy Bates) are friends and mothers who have supported each other through all that their families have gone through over the years. But now their families are embroiled in new turmoil - with each other. Can the two women save their children from the dark secrets and dirty deeds that threaten to destroy them all?”

“The Family That Preys” stars Alfre Woodard, Kathy Bates, Taraji P. Henson, Sanaa Lathan, Robin Givens, Tyler Perry, Cole Hauser, KaDee Strickland, and Rockmund Dunbar. It was written and directed by Tyler Perry.

Special Features:
o Two Families, Two Legends
o Preying In The Big Easy
o Casting The Family
o Delving Into The Diner
o Deleted Scenes

“Madea’s Big Happy Family: The Play”

Photo credit: Lionsgate

Synopsis: “Shirley has important news for her family, but she has five grown children with different lifestyles and finds it difficult to get them and the kids all together. So in steps Madea, the Matriarch General, to put the family’s life in perspective with a hilarious twist on financial difficulties, drugs and, most important, family secrets. The next generation has a lot to learn. In her own way, Madea expresses how deliverance won’t change you to be someone else, but will allow you to be who you really are. Ain’t nothing like family!”

“Madea’s Big Happy Family: The Play” stars Tamar Davis, Crissy Collins, Cassi Davis, Chandra Curell Young, Tyler Perry, and Palmer Williams. It was written and directed by Tyler Perry.

Special Features:
o “A Big Happy Family”
o “Working with a Walking, Talking, Breathing Legend”

“Madea’s Family Reunion”

Photo credit: Lionsgate

Synopsis: “Based upon Tyler Perry’s acclaimed stage production, Madea’s Family Reunion continues the adventures of Southern matriarch Madea. She has just been court ordered to be in charge of Nikki, a rebellious runaway, her nieces, Lisa and Vanessa, are suffering relationship trouble, and through it all, she has to organize her family reunion.”

“Madea’s Family Reunion” stars Tyler Perry, Blair Underwood, Lynn Whitfield, Boris Kodjoe, Maya Angelou, Jennifer Lewis, Keke Palmer, and Cicely Tyson. It was written and directed by Tyler Perry.

Special Features:
o Madea Mania
o From Stage To Screen
o Transforming Tyler
o Deleted Scenes
o More Deleted Scenes
o Photo Gallery
o Commentary
o The Making Of “Madea’s Family Reunion”
o Make The Music
o Gaither Plantation
o Marriage Madea Style

“Madea Goes to Jail”

Photo credit: Lionsgate

Synopsis: “It was only a matter of time before Madea’s run-ins with the law finally caught up with her. After she leads the cops on a high-speed chase, hilarity ensues, but the judge doesn’t find it funny. So when anger management can’t shut her up, the judge locks her down. But even in prison, Madea is large and in charge - laying down the law, changing hearts and minds, and making the most of her hard time.”

“Madea Goes to Jail” stars Tyler Perry, Derek Luke, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Ion Overman, Sofia Vergara, Vanessa Ferlito, and David Mann. It was written and directed by Tyler Perry.

Special Features:
o Madea Is Back
o Leroy “Law” Brown
o Looking For The Big House
o You Have The Right To Remain Silent!
o Bringing In The Heavy Hitters
o Madea’s Crazy

“Why Did I Get Married?”

Photo credit: Lionsgate

Synopsis: “A big-screen adaptation of Tyler Perry’s hit stage play of the same title, Why Did I Get Married? is an intimate story about the difficulty of maintaining a solid love relationship in modern times. During a trip to the picturesque snowcapped mountains of Colorado, eight married college friends have gathered for their annual seven-day reunion. But the cozy mood is shattered when the group comes face-to-face with one pair’s infidelity. As secrets are revealed, each couple begins questioning the validity of their own marriage. Over the course of the weekend, husbands and wives take a hard look at their lives, wrestling with issues of commitment, betrayal and forgiveness as they seek a way forward.”

“Why Did I Get Married?” stars Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Sharon Leal, Michael Jai White, and Malik Yoba. It was written and directed by Tyler Perry.

Special Features:
o The Girls Of Married
o The Guys Of Married
o Married Rides The Rails
o Winter In Whistler
o Janet Jackson: Return Of An Icon
o Reflections On Getting Married
o The Music Of Married

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com