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Steven Universe Season Two Arrives on DVD

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Steven Universe is one of those cult hit cartoon network animated shows that resonate with its viewers about love, friendship and being themselves. It does have a positive overall message about the show and comes from a place of compassion.

With many fans of the show, the DVD for season 2 is out at different stores such as Barnes and Noble and Walmart as well as online. This season also has the key feature of having a Garnet key chain within the set. The going price on this, at least online, is retailing for approximately $26.00 with tax. That is a good amount of money for a show, though with a lot of episodes, only has a run time that is just a little over four hours. Can we find a way to justify spending that kind of money on a TV show with not too long of an overall run time? Is quality outranking quantity? Let’s find out.

Most TV shows that even have 13 episodes of thirty minute run time have a longer run time. I know that they do cram a lot of plot and happenings in each episode and can milk out 12 minute episodes so quickly but, that is a very short overall season run time for that kind of money. I do appreciate the plot and story but that run-time feels more to be desired for over twenty dollars. Considering the first season had so many more episodes, season two didn’t have as many episodes.

Inside the DVD box, you get a Garnet key chain. That is a nice little thing to have. It’s very cushy and you see Garnet’s three eyes open staring blank at you. It’s a little nice trinket to throw into a DVD that seems to have been made decently. It looks like a mini pillow that goes on your keys. My question is what fan of the show will knowingly put this on their key chain and walk around with it in pride and have it being almost a distraction. If you do put a lot of stuff on your key chain with mini pops and other cushy items and trinkets, this will fit in with your collection. If you only have bare minimum key chain and are willing to spice it up, it will add some nice pink and some blue to the normality of your keys.

Besides the short run time and the bonus item in the DVD set, one thing people love about these sets are the special features. I love going through TV show special features and seeing some deleted scenes or behind the scenes or seeing some of the voice actors rehearsing some lines. This has something cool added on disc two of the DVD. They have Animatics. They have a selection of seven episodes from the season that has the storyboard, with some animated motions alongside the audio tracks. I think its cool seeing the sketching and how the fluidity comes from the storyboard to what seems to be the final product.

Watching it with the audio track is very similar to some old school comic book TV show like how Hannah Barbera did their animation or even better when Marvel made their 1966 Incredible Hulk cartoon. It was just a lot of stills with some basic motion. The Animatics are cool to see how it goes from sketch to the final product and is definitely fun. The one suggestion is maybe using other episodes from a different season than season two. I don’t know how many people would watch the final product of the episode and then go see the Animatics of the episode. I think it would be nice to throw some season two and then maybe some season 1 episode just to show something different that we didn’t just watch prior. Besides that nitpick, it is cool seeing the Animatics as the bonus feature.

So, overall, after listing the pros and cons of the DVD, would I recommend people to go out and purchase it? Well, overall, I’d say no. Over 26 dollars for a DVD doesn’t seem like a lot for a TV show, but, with the run time of only four hours, it does leave more for the audience member to get more bang for the buck. The key chain is nice and is cushy, but that doesn’t make much of a difference to me.

Finally, the Animatics are a lot of fun to see the process from storyboard animation to how you know how the final product will look, it is sadly been leaked on the internet and there are other ways of seeing them. As a whole, it is cool but its one of those features that people can live without and doesn’t really add much to the experience that is Steven Universe. The main problem with dropping the money is most people have some video streaming capabilities at home whether through Hulu or Amazon Prime. Steven Universe is on Hulu and episodes of Steven Universe are also on Amazon prime for purchase.

If you do not have Hulu or Amazon and are a big fan of the show, I cannot fault people for spending their money on what they want but I think with what is being presented in the DVD and the lack of wow from the free item and some special features, the money is too hefty and there are plenty of other movies and TV shows for a cheaper price that will get you just as much enjoyment and have some more bonus items and features on the discs. But, if you must have the season on disc, just wait until it goes down in price just to justify the expense to enjoyment factor.

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Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?

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“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.

Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.

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A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus

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A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.

The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.

Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.

Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.

The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.

For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.

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Review: Pushpa: The Rise (2021)

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Director: Sukumar

Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil

Genre: Action, Drama

Rating: 4.5/5

Pushpa: The Rise is a raw, adrenaline-fueled ride that showcases the underbelly of the red sandalwood smuggling trade in Andhra Pradesh. Directed by Sukumar, this movie brilliantly blends high-octane action with emotionally driven storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of Telugu cinema and action dramas.

The narrative follows Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun), a laborer in the red sandalwood trade, as he climbs the ranks to become a powerful figure. Born into poverty and scorned for his illegitimacy, Pushpa’s journey is marked by grit, ambition, and a fierce sense of self-respect. The film deftly balances the action-packed rise of Pushpa with moments of vulnerability, particularly in his tumultuous romance with Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna).

The antagonist, Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil), is introduced towards the film’s end, setting the stage for a gripping sequel. The climactic confrontation between Pushpa and Shekhawat is a masterclass in tension-building, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting Pushpa: The Rule.

Allu Arjun: This is Allu Arjun’s film through and through. His transformation into Pushpa is a revelation, from his rugged look to his unapologetic demeanor. His mannerisms, including the now-iconic shoulder rub and dialogue delivery, make Pushpa an unforgettable character.

Rashmika Mandanna: While her role as Srivalli adds emotional depth to the story, it feels slightly underutilized. However, her chemistry with Allu Arjun is undeniable.

Fahadh Faasil: Despite limited screen time, Fahadh delivers a chilling performance as the cold and calculating Shekhawat. His presence promises an explosive conflict in the sequel.

Sukumar’s direction is stellar, balancing mass appeal with nuanced storytelling. The screenplay maintains a brisk pace, seamlessly weaving action sequences with character development. The film’s raw and grounded tone is a departure from the glossy feel of many mainstream Telugu films, adding authenticity to the story.

Mirosław Kuba Brożek’s cinematography is stunning, capturing the lush forests of Andhra Pradesh and the gritty world of the red sandalwood trade.

Devi Sri Prasad’s music is another highlight. Tracks like “Srivalli” and “Oo Antava” became cultural phenomena, while the background score enhanced the film’s intensity.

Action Sequences: The action choreography is visceral and hard-hitting, perfectly complementing the film’s tone.

The film explores themes of ambition, class struggle, and self-respect. Pushpa’s refusal to bow down to societal norms resonates deeply, making him a relatable anti-hero. The story also critiques the systemic exploitation of laborers, adding a layer of social commentary.

Pushpa: The Rise is an exemplary action-drama that redefines the Telugu film industry’s global appeal. With a magnetic performance by Allu Arjun, stellar direction by Sukumar, and unforgettable music, it stands out as one of the best films of 2021. While it occasionally falters with some underdeveloped subplots, the overall experience is nothing short of spectacular.

4.5/5 Pushpa: The Rise is a cinematic feast that deserves its cult status. Whether you’re a fan of Telugu action films or a newcomer, this film is a must-watch. Its cliffhanger ending ensures that Pushpa: The Rule will be even bigger and better.

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