HOME VIDEO -- Out on DVD and Blu-Ray this week:
- Metal Shifters (2011),
- Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace (2011), and
- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011).
Metal Shifters (2011)
A Syfy original movie that ranks some ways above the worst that fall into that category, Metal Shifters (also known as Iron Invader) is the kind of movie that's set, as one reviewer noted, in a town where everyone's been foreclosed on -- conveniently furnishing lots of easily destroyable buildings without a need to shell out for extras. Stars Colby Johannson (Freddy vs. Jason), Kavan Smith and Paul McGillion (Stargate Atlantis), and Jesse Moss (Final Destination 3). The story: Alien bacteria arrives on a meteorite and infects metal, animating a giant iron statue that goes on a killing rampage in a small town. Directed by Paul Ziller (Ice Quake, Ghost Storm, Sea Beast, etc., etc.). Features: None were announced.
Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace (2011)
It's only 22 minutes, but Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace is packed with references, in-jokes, and a storyline catering especially to all of us who love Star Wars but have a few beefs with the prequels. The story: Tour guide Master Yoda leads a group of rambunctious Jedi younglings through Senate chambers when he senses a disturbance in the Force. Summoned to help save the Republic, he discovers that one of the younglings, Ian, has secretly boarded his ship...and young Ian has a taste for adventure! Meanwhile, C-3PO and R2-D2 are put in charge of the boisterous group and find themselves in over their heads. As the evil Sith prepare to wreak havoc, it's up to Yoda and the Droids to ensure that their young charges aren't torn to bricks! Directed by David Scott. Features: Exclusive Minifigure; The Quest for R2-D2 (1080p, 5:46); Bombad Bounty (1080p, 5:15); Star Wars in 2 Minutes - Parts 1 and 2 (1080p, 2:15, 2:24); The Thing Evolves (HD, 14 minutes); Fire & Ice (HD, 5 minutes); Deleted/Extended Scenes (HD, 9 minutes).
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011)
The novel Breaking Dawn is the strangest and most provocative of the overextended Twilight series, which makes you wonder why the film version of the first half -- covering a string of what in any other context would be high-adrenaline events -- is such a torpid, lackluster affair, as sullen as its expressionless principals. Strictly Twihards only. The story: The Quileute and the Volturi close in on expecting parents Edward and Bella, whose unborn child poses different threats to the wolf pack and vampire coven. Directed by Bill Condon. Features: Commentary by director Bill Condon; Bella and Edward's wedding video; Three Twilight character features: - Jacob's Destiny, - Edward Fast Forward, - Jacob Fast Forward; Six-part behind-the-scenes documentary.
