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CHICAGO – “Machete” may be one of the most wonderfully-conceived films of 2010. The idea that one of the fake trailers from “Grindhouse” could ever become a full-length film is a movie lover’s dream come true (and it’s so ironic that “Machete” grossed more domestically than the movie that spawned it). While I love the very existence of “Machete,” the movie itself is something of a disappointment, and it’s not helped by a mediocre Blu-ray that barely has any special features.

CHICAGO – Lionsgate may have somewhat poisoned the horror genre by milking every drop of financial blood from the “Saw” franchise but they are still easily one of the best studios out there in terms of Blu-ray product for those who love their movies scary.

CHICAGO – In our latest action/thriller edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: DVD, we have 10 DVDs up for grabs to the new DVD “Death Race 2” with Danny Trejo and Ving Rhames!

CHICAGO – After a few misfires recently, FOX seems to have found a program to be proud of in the promising sitcom “Raising Hope,” which they announced today will be renewed for the 2011-12 season. The Tuesday night program airs at 8pm CST.

CHICAGO – What happens after the final bell rings in the life of a boxer? FX’s drama centers around a character who goes from having a bloody cut above his eye sewn shut to making breakfast for his daughters within the first few scenes.

CHICAGO – Fans of ABC’s often-struggling “Cougar Town” had to wait until the eleventh hour last year to find out that their favorite show would be given a second chance with a sophomore season. Not so this year. In a surprising move, “Cougar Town” got the nod for an early pick-up for the 2011-12 season. Less surprising were the also-announced renewals of “Castle,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Middle,” “Modern Family,” and “Private Practice.”

CHICAGO – Timed to coincide with Fox’s release of “Machete,” Sony has released three of director Robert Rodriguez’s earlier action extravaganzas on two releases — a double feature of “El Mariachi” and “Desperado” to sit next to your new copy of “Once Upon a Time in Mexico.” Both releases feature more special features and arguably better HD transfers than Rodriguez’s 2010 film and could be the better choice for your Blu-ray dollar than “Machete.”

CHICAGO – Despite the exhaustion most of us have with the 3D trend by now, if there’s any franchise that should have benefited from the 3D rollercoaster, it would be the one based on “Resident Evil.” Zombies and Milla in 3D?!? Sign me up. And I wasn’t alone as the film made a stunning $300 million worldwide (more than double any other film in the franchise). Sadly, the traditional Blu-ray proves that 3D was the main reason for not just the film’s success but its very existence. It doesn’t work without it.

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Rachael Ray, at Barnes and Noble Oakbrook

CHICAGO – Despite having a popular talk show and continuing her reign as one of America’s favorite TV cooks, Rachael Ray still has time for charity, as demonstrated in this HollywoodChicago.com slideshow at her book signing last month at Barnes & Noble in suburban Oakbrook, Illinois.

CHICAGO – On the stadium set of “Breaking Away,” during the 1978 filming of the climatic bike race sequence, an extra ran up to director Peter Yates and handed him a cold beer. The filmmaker raised it high, and lustily took a drink.