Batman Books by Wiley

   

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron

POV: 1st
Graphics: 8
Controls: 7
Difficulty: 8


Transformers: Fall of Cybertron really brings back some 80's memories as it takes place just before Season 1, Episode 1 of the G1 cartoon. The Autobots are losing the battle on Cybertron and their planet is on its way to destruction as they try to escape through a portal to Earth. This game covers the final battle before the Ark gets shot down and embeds itself in the Earth's mountainside.

The demo is pretty complete as it offers 3 modes to try:

1. Ground level as Bumblebee (as seen in video)
2. Aerial combat as Vortex
3. Multiplayer and character creation

The graphics are based on the G1 toys/cartoon rather than the Michael Bay movies. I always thought the toys made more logical use of physical space. They're not made of thousands of parts that convert a pure vehicle into a pure robot with little trace of the other form.

I thought I'd continue off my Batman vs Bane video since I just watched Dark Knight rises. In this episode, I'll share my thoughts about the new movie as well as go over Freeflow Combat tips for Arkham Asylum. 

My review is within the video above, but here are the ratings to be consistent with previous movie reviews:

Action: 7

Acting: 8

FX: 8

Durability: 7

Batman vs. Bane

Replaying the Batman vs Bane part of Arkham Asylum in honor of opening weekend for Dark Knight Rises. Check it out and then check out the Christian Bale movie... for @#$%^ sake!

Lord of the Rings Interactive

The siege at Mel Senshir was the most amazing scene of any video game I've ever played. It was just like being in the Lord of the Rings movie, except I was controlling the main character. It was an interesting perspective because there were hundreds of things going on as I was trying to complete my one task.

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I enjoyed the battle and cut-scenes so much that I actually didn't save the game after completing that segment. I didn't want to advance the game too quickly! I hadn't started the Day 1 DLC, House of Valor yet and there's another one coming later this week. So I want to go back and do those before this epic battle.

Rock Spa II

Our first day at Rock Spa was actually an included treatment, so we hadn't use up any credits yet. So we scheduled more spa sessions today. I had a 50 min massage (it was a 30 min one last time) that was a lot better. I walked out feeling it did something. This time around, we also checked out the post-treatment services... steam room, jacuzzi and sauna. I probably spent a total of 2 hours in the underground world. The whole spa experience felt like an alien abduction. Once you change in the locker room, you're placed in a waiting area with an oversized tea bag around your neck. The whole time, you're surrounded by flowing water, dimmed lights and metal orbs (like a generic alien mothership). The spa staff are dressed in identical, plain outfits and are super nice (like in V). Before the massage, they make you take 3 deep breaths of some oil that smells like every other liquid in Hard Rock Hotel. Maybe that was a point where we were unknowingly knocked out and placed under alien control!

Even if it was an alien abduction, I felt very refreshed this time even if we did things out of order. Normally, one should eat light, then workout early in the morning. Then get the spa treatment for relaxation and breakfast last for replenishment. But because of scheduling, we did breakfast first, then the spa and then the gym.

DVDeals 7/25 - 7/31

Clash of the Titans
I haven't purchased on a DVD Tuesday since Terminator Salvation, which was a while ago, but we finally have a good one coming up this week. Clash of the Titans is scheduled to come out. The Blu-ray version is cheapest at Best Buy and Amazon (if you qualify for free shipping) at $24.99. The DVD format is pretty much the same price everywhere... $16.99. This is one of the rare movies that I would buy without having seen it in the theater.

Batman: Under the Red Hood
This looked like an interesting title especially for comic book fans, but I'm going to pass on it because they didn't get Kevin Conroy to voice Batman, which would feel very strange after he voiced the character for every animated release since Batman the Animated Series. Instead, they got Neil Patrick Harris. I love Doogie Howser, but I just don't think he did a good Batman voice (I watched the trailer). If you're interested, Target and Amazon (if you qualify for free shipping) have the Blu-ray for $19.99. The regular DVD is $12.99 at Best Buy and Target. Target has a 2-disc special edition DVD for $15.99. Best Buy throws in a Red Hood statue if you buy the Blu-ray or 2-disc DVD (which they didn't list a price for).

Best Buy Deals
- Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- Stargate Universe Season 1.5 for $24.99
- Terminator Salvation (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- Terminator Salvation for $7.99
- Watchmen Director's Cut (Blu-ray) for $14.99

Family Guy: Something Something Something Dark Side (Blu-ray)

Action: 6
Acting: 7
FX: 8
Durability: 7
Special Features: 6
Blu-ray: 1

Since getting the PS3, I've been considering the Blu-ray version of all upcoming movies now. I was undecided about Family Guy: Something Something Something Dark Side though because Family Guy is a low quality cartoon. I went for the Blu-ray anyway, thinking that they must've done the movie in hi-res because it was a straight to video release. It turned out to be a mistake though. While the menu was 16:9, the movie was in the old aspect ratio. It's not really true 1080p either... just a video stretched to that resolution. The movie is enjoyable and funny, but not worth paying extra for the Blu-ray format. This is a must for any Family Guy fan, but I would encourage you to just get the DVD format. There are just some movies that won't make a difference at hi-res and this is one of them.

DVDeals 12/20 - 12/26

If you enjoyed Family Guy: Blue Harvest, the Star Wars: A New Hope spoof, then you'll want to pick up Family Guy: Something Something Something Dark Side this Tuesday. It's the sequel and a spoof of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Amazon has the best prices for both the DVD ($12.99) and Blu-ray ($18.99). Best Buy has the exclusive collector's edition for $29.99, which includes a t-shirt and lunchbox.

Best Buy Deals
- Terminator Salvation for $19.99
- Terminator Salvation (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- Earth for $14.99
- Earth (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- Up for $14.99
- Up (Blu-ray) for $24.99
- Transformers 1 & 2 (Blu-ray) for $40

DVDeals 12/13 - 12/19

There's nothing good coming out this Tuesday, but there are a bunch of good titles on sale at Best Buy and Target. As expected, Blu-ray prices dropped quite a bit after Black Friday. The players, which were around $300 last year became as low as $120. And the price drop of PS3 probably helped a lot.

Best Buy Deals
- Transformers (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- Batman: Dark Knight (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- Enter the Dragon (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- Max Payne (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- Princess Bride for $4.99
- Harold & Kumar go to White Castle for $4.99
- T2 for $4.99

Target Deals
- Terminator Salvation (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- Wolverine (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- Casino Royale (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- Quantum of Solace (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- Wall-E (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- Independence Day (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- Terminator (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- Speed (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- Predator (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- Swordfish (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- Ice Age for $10

DVDeals 11/29 - 12/5

Terminator Salvation
Finally, another Summer blockbuster will be released this Tuesday. Terminator Salvation is the last one I think. Amazon has the best price for the regular edition DVD at $9.99. They also have the Blu-ray for $15.99. Best Buy has the Blu-ray for $19.99, but it includes a digital copy. It's odd that there are 2 Blu-ray versions... with and without the digital copy. Best Buy also has a special edition Blu-ray for $34.99. They didn't mention anything other than the special endoskeleton box though, so it's probably not worth the price.

Best Buy Deals
- Ghost Rider (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- A Knight's Tale (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- Spiderman for $9.99
- Babylon AD for $9.99
- Wanted for $9.99
- Max Payne for $9.99
- Punisher for $9.99
- Forbidden Kingdom for $9.99
- Death Race for $9.99

DVDeals 9/20 - 9/26

DVD Tuesday
The 2nd season of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles is coming out tomorrow. It's the same price at Best Buy and Amazon... $44.99. The only difference is the Best Buy version has a metal outer case... exclusive. The 2nd season is a lot more expensive, but keep in mind that it has more than twice the number of episodes. It was a true full season whereas the first was sort or a pilot half season. The set is well worth the money too. The 1st season was one of the best Blu-rays I have, so I expect the same out of the 2nd.

DVDeals 9/13 - 9/19

DVD Tuesday
It was another movie release drought, but X-Men Origins: Wolverine will be released this Tuesday. There are a couple of editions of this movie, but they're the same price everywhere for the DVD versions. The regular edition is $15.99 and the 2-disc set is $22.99. For the Blu-ray, Best Buy has the lowest price at $23.99 unless you can qualify for free shipping at Amazon where it will sell for $22.99 (same price as the DVD set). Best Buy also has a Blu-ray boxed set for $42.99 that includes a Wolverine bust and $50 gift card to sideshowcollectiblaes.com.

Best Buy Deals
All $19.99 items are also 2 for $30.
- Independence Day (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- X-Men (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- X-Men III (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- i, Robot (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- Fantastic 4 (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- Terminator (Blu-ray) for $19.99
- Fantastic 4 Animated for $6.99
- Wolverine and the X-men for $6.99
- Punisher Extended Cut for $6.99
- Punisher (Blu-ray) for $12.99

DVDeals 8/9 - 8/15

There's nothing intersting set for DVD Tuesday this week, but Best Buy has some Blu-ray titles on sale.

- Terminator 2 (Blu-ray) for $12.99
- Casino (Blu-ray) for $12.99
- Swordfish (Blu-ray) for $12.99
- Collateral Damage (Blu-ray) for $12.99
- Batman Begins (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- The Rock (Blu-ray) for $14.99
- Underworld: Evolution (Blu-ray) for $14.99

These should all look great at 1080p, with the exceptions of Casino and Collateral Damage. Casino just isn't that type of movie with special effects that would look good at high resolution. Collateral Damage has the action and explosions, but is probably too old to remaster. I already own Batman and it looks great on Blu-ray. $14.99 is a steal.

DVDeals 7/26 - 8/1

DVD Tuesday
Finally... there are some good DVD releases this week. I'll start with what I call the corrected sequel, Fast & Furious. Amazon has the best prices if you can qualify for free shipping with additional items or an Amazon Prime account. The regular edition is $14.99, 2-disc special edition is $22.99 and Blu-ray is $21.49. If you can't get the free shipping, Best Buy wins the price war... same prices, except the Blu-ray is $24.99. Green Lantern: First Light also comes out on Tuesday, redefining the history of Hal Jordan in a modern animated movie. Again, if you can get the free shipping, Amazon is the store for you... $12.99 for standard, $16.99 for 2-disc and $19.99 for Blu-ray. If not, Target has the best brick-and-mortar prices... $12.99 for standard, $16.99 for 2-disc and $ 22.99 for Blu-ray.

Best Buy Deals
- Fast & Furious 1-3 for $4.99 each
- Fast & Furious 1-3 (Blu-ray)... buy 2 for $35
- Wanted for $12.99
- Jumper for $6.99
- Hitman for $6.99

Target Deals
- Spider Man 3 for $10
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End for $10
- Bucket List for $10
- Bank Job for $10

Patriot (Blu-ray)

Story: 9
Action: 9
Acting: 7
FX: 9
Durability: 7
Special Features: 7
Blu-ray: 9

I got this movie on sale last week at Best Buy. I actually missed the circular for the week and happened to see it on sale while shopping with Ifore. I figured it was worth it for $15. Patriot was a movie I liked a lot despite the genre. I normally don't like period pieces that take place after Medieval Times, but it had a great story and felt like Braveheart with guns! The Blu-ray version was also the extended cut which I had never seen before.

On July 4th, we got home for dinner and just ate in the house. We had no other plans, so I thought it would be appropriate to watch Patriot since it was a story about the American Revolution. It turned out to be a great translation to 1080p. All of the colors looked great and the detail really came out in the wide angle war scenes. Something that one wouldn't expect from a movie like this was the sound design. I didn't get much out of the extended scenes because I'm not as familiar with this movie... couldn't tell where they were inserted.

Don Frye?

We got up at about 5am for the 8am flight to our port of call, Ft. Lauderdale. The limo arrived on time and we all did the electronic check-in, which took just about the same time as the conventional method. While I was entering all of our flight data, I saw a guy walk by that looked just like the fighter/actor, Don Frye. In my mind, I always thought he was taller though. I didn't get a chance to ask him because his name didn't come to my mind right away... and he was too far away by the time I was done with the ticketing machine. Too bad we didn't end up at the same gate. I could've used a second look to confirm and would've loved to take a picture with him.

Right now, we're waiting for the plane to take off. There was a slight delay because they had to get some paperwork done for a part replacement. Hopefully it doesn't end up like our American Airlines flight back in January.

Related: IMDB, Wikipedia, Godzilla: Final Wars

NY International Auto Show

I made it a point to go to the NY International Auto Show this year because it's been a while since the last time. So despite the rain, my longer-than-expected doctor's visit and train delays, I made it there at 1pm. It was crowded, but not as packed as past events (probably due to weather & the holiday weekend). The cars that were fenced off were easy to shoot. Thefully exposed ones were a little harder to get pictures of, but all I had to do was wait a few minutes until they cleared up.


The theme this year seemed to be hybrid and electric cars, but I went to get a closer look at all of the muscle car remakes... Shelby GT 500, Camaro SS, Challenger, etc. Most interesting of all was the Camaro exhibit because of the life-size Bumblebee replica from Transformers.

Click here for photos and details about each of the cars I looked at.

Related: NY Auto Show, Jacob Javits Center, Transformers Movie

Terminator: Season 1 (Blu-ray)

Story: 8
Action: 7
Acting: 7
FX: 8
Durability: 9
Special Features: 7
Blu-ray: 10

It's no surprise that this set was perfect in Blu-ray format. The original broadcast was in HD on Fox. What's surprising is the quality of a TV series that comes from a network station. I ended up watching the DVD version all the time and never got tired of it. So I raised the durability rating to a 9 from my original review. At 1080p, there are a lot of noticeable details. Naturally, all of the fx shots were very crisp. The work that went into endoskeletons and preserving the intricacies movie version were pretty clear. Dungeons and Dragons, half of which took place in the future was the best fx episode. It's filled with HKs, endos and big explosions.

Most of the actors were Blu-ray ready as well. Many translations end up displaying too much detail, but they were probably prepared on this set because of the HD broadcast. Lena Heady & Summer Glau look especially good. I'm not sure if it's natural or if they have the makeup department to thank.

There are very few TV series I own on DVD that I would re-purchase on Blue-ray, but Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles is the best of them.

Transformers (Blu-ray)

Story: 9
Action: 10
Acting: 7
FX: 10
Durability: 10
Special Features: 8
Blu-ray: 10

Transformers is one of my favorite recent movies and the price was right on Amazon. It was long awaited for many fans of the original back in the 80's, but 2007 was probably the right time for a live action movie. The technology was finally good enough to make believable giant robots that can transform into everyday vehicles. The transforms were well-calculate and physically possible. There were no morphs, disappearing parts or magical resizing. The models also interacted well with the human actors. They had weight and perfect lighting.

Based on picture quality, Transformers is probably the best Blu-ray title I have. It really benefits from the 1080p resolution because the 3-D models for the robots were created in such detail. The small alien characters engraved into some of the metal parts looked much clearer. I also noticed that when the Transformers spoke, there was a thin electrical wave inside their mouths... something I didn't see in the DVD version. The special fx were already mind-blowing on DVD and the Blu-ray takes it even further. Whenever friends ask me about Blu-ray, this is the movie I'm going to use to demonstrate the quality.