Blu-Ray Round Up, June 21, 2010: ‘Bad Boys,’ ‘Darkman,’ ‘Flash Gordon’

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CHICAGO – It’s been some time since HollywoodChicago.com’s beloved Blu-ray Round-Up column made an appearance to highlight a few recently released HD titles that may have slid just a bit below your radar while you were busy seeing “Toy Story 3” this weekend. We try but can’t devote the time for a full-length review to every title but we wanted to make sure you knew these potential purchases were out there, waiting for your hard-earned paycheck.

“Bad Boys” was released on June 1st, 2010.

“Animation Express” was released on June 8th, 2010.

“Darkman” and “Flash Gordon” were released on June 15th, 2010.

“Bad Boys”

Photo credit: Sony Pictures Home Video

Synopsis: “From director Michael Bay (“Transformers,” “Armageddon”) comes a thrill rise of explosive action from beginning to end. One hundred million dollars worth of confiscated heroin has just been jacked from police custody. Once the career bust of Detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence), the missing drugs now threaten to shut down the narcotics division of the Miami Police Department. When the drug investigation turns deadly, the murderers kidnap the only witness — a beautiful police informant (Tea Leoni) and close friend of The Boys — and things get personal! Fast cars, a gorgeous woman and non-stop action make Bad Boys a guaranteed good time!”

“Bad Boys” stars Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Tea Leoni, and Tcheky Karyo. It was written by Michael Barries & Jim Mulholland and Doug Richardson and directed by Michael Bay. It is rated R and runs 119 minutes. The film is presented in widescreen with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track.

Special Features: Commentary with Director Michael Bay, “Putting the Boom & Bang in the Bad Boys,” “Five-O, Five-O (Here They Come)” by 69 Boyz Music Video, “Shy Guy” by Diana King Music Video, and “So Many Ways” by Warren G Music Video.

“Animation Express”

Photo credit: Image Entertainment

Synopsis: “Take a journey beyond your wildest imagination with this amazingly inventive, hugely entertaining collection of 26 animated shorts sure to delight viewers of all ages! With everything from modern masterworks such as and Sleeping Betty to groundbreaking experimental shorts and classic cartoons, emerging talents join seasoned directors from the National Film Board of Canada, employing a startling palette of technologies to create animation magic.”

“Animation Express” runs 221 minutes and is not rated. It is presented in widescreen with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English 5.1 Dolby Digital audio track.

Special Features: None.

“Darkman”

Photo credit: Universal Home Video

Synopsis: “Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand star in this explosive, action-packed thriller from director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man). Dr. Peyton Westlake (Neeson) is on the verge of realizing a major breakthrough in synthetic skin when his laboratory is destroyed by gangsters. Having been burned beyond recognition and forever altered by an experimental medical procedure, Westlake becomes known as Darkman, assuming alternate identities in his quest for revenge and a new life with a former love (McDormand).”

“Darkman” stars Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, and Larry Drake. It was written by Chuck Pearrer and Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi and Daniel Goldin & Joshua Goldin and was directed by Sam Raimi. The film runs 96 minutes and is rated R. It is presented in anamorphic widescreen with its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track.

Special Features: None. Boo.

“Flash Gordon”

Photo credit: Universal Home Video

Synopsis: “Alex Raymond’s famous comic strip blasts to life in the action-packed sci-fi adventure Flash Gordon. When energy waves pull the moon out of orbit, New York Jets quarterback Flash Gordon (Sam J. Jones) unwittingly finds himself heading for the planet Mongo, where - with assistance from beautiful Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) - he’ll take on Ming the Merciless (Max von Sydow) and rescue humankind. Featuring spectacular thrills, out-of-this-world special effects and unforgettable music by Queen, Flash Gordon is an exciting live-action adaptation of one of the most popular characters of all time! ”

“Flash Gordon” stars Sam J. Jones, Melody Anderson, Ornella Muti, Max Von Sydow, Topol, Timothy Dalton, Mariangela Melato, Brian Blessed, and Peter Wyngarde. It was written by Lorenzo Semple Jr. and Micke Hodges. The film is presented in widescreen with its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. It is rated PG and runs 112 minutes.

Special Features: “Alex Ross, Renowned Comic Artist, On Flash Gordon,” “Writing A Classic: Screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr.,” First Episode of the Flash Gordon 1936 Serial, and More!

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