The Chronicles of Riddick (Released 11/16/04) 

I have to say, I was somewhat predisposed to expect little from this movie considering "Pitch Black" was such an overrated travesty.  And it seems that expecting little is the only way someone could pull off any sense of entertainment with this style-over-substance sequel, even with that mystical "unrated" footage trying to salvage the lot.

 Special Features:

Director and Actor Commentary

"Riddick's World" Two-Parter on Set Pieces

"The Virtual Guide to the Chronicles of Riddick"

Short Documentary on Special Effects

Demo for Riddick XBOX Game

Review

Movie:                       C-

Special Features:       B

Friday the 13th:  The Ultimate Edition (Released 10/05/04)

I love horror movies.  I especially love cheesy horror movies when they're done with the sort of reckless regard that the "Friday the 13th" series was.  However, if there is one thing that can kill a top of the line "B Movie," it's treating it as though it's nothing more than a "B Movie" (see cramming eight movies on five discs). 

Special Features:

Eight-Chapter Documentary on the Films

Three-Part Behind the Scenes for Film Gore

Extra Footage

Showcase of Fan Collectibles

Review

Movies:                       C 

Special Features:         B-

Daredevil: Director's Cut (Released 11/30/04)

 I never liked "Daredevil."  Not the character, and especially not the Ben Affleck monstrosity that was the 2003 film venture.  But, believe it or not, that infamous "Director's Cut" has actually saved many of the movie's failings making it a surprisingly adequate comic incarnation.  If you have to see what all the hubbub was about, set your sights on this one.

Special Features: 

Documentary on Extended Version

New Commentary

Review:

Movie:                    B-

Special Features:    D

 The Ultimate Matrix Collection (Release 12/07/04)

Okay, so it hasn't come out yet.  But I've already seen the movies, so I don't need them to tell me that this set will be the definitive collection for any "Matrix" fan.  Sporting nine discs of outrageous content (everything from dozens of documentaries to the complete "Animatrix"), "The Ultimate Collection" should be on any sci-fi lovers Christmas wish list.

Special Features:

Basically everything you could want other than hearing the Wachowski…siblings talk.

Review

Movies:                       A-

Special Features:         A+

Garfield:  The Movie (Released 10/19/04)

There's bad, and then there's "I'm actually getting dumber while watching this" bad.  "Garfield: The Movie" rests comfortably in the latter category, supporting that immortal 80's theme of "empty-calorie entertainment."  Not even Bill Murray could save this CG nightmare.  Kids and adults alike, this one is to be missed at all costs.

Special Features:

Director/Producer Commentary Track

Music Video "Holla" by Baha Men

Review

Movie:                         D

Special Features:         D-

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