True Blood Season 4 on Blu-ray

Let me make clear right from the outset, I am a fan of the HBO series, True Blood and while I wait to watch the series each year with the DVD release as opposed to the airing of the on HBO; I am none the less, a serious fan who loves this show. One of the things programming like this does is makes it difficult to continue from season to season with the same intensity, exciting story and entertaining moments. Yet, there is a reason some of the premium television networks such as Showtime, Starz and HBO are producing some of the best entertainment on any screen, be it television or theatrical; their writers and film makers have found says to do just that, keep it fresh with memorable characters where over time, the characters on screen experience the details and specifics of life that most any viewer can relate to, because in some ways, the characters on screen have become larger than life. Season 4 of True Blood is no exception and the ability of this program to mature and advance is one of the reasons True Blood is among the most anticipated, enjoyable and entertaining programs out there.

One of the most entertaining aspects as of recent in regards to television is that with the advent of digital filming and editing practices, much of what we see on television from a visual perspective is just as good as anything we see on the big screen. The problems often lie in the ability of the writers and to present quality story. One of the benefits of a team of writers on shows like True Blood is that a fresh, intriguing and entertaining approach is used with sometimes new and upcoming writers. These programs, and certainly shows like True Blood incorporate quality film makers in the making of quality programming which allows for character development. While some will think the special effects, horror, sexual scenes in programs like this are what the program is all about, they couldn’t be further from the truth, while it is true, all of those things exist, it is after all an adult program, the heart of the program is story. That doesn’t exclude the reality that True Blood is filled with excellence in editing, sound, cinematography and more. HBO has a track record of making hit television series that impact culture, anyone remember The Soprano’s? For those that remember the icons that came from HBO, follows television or contemporary culture, you already know how True Blood has become one of those kind of shows.

One of the interesting aspects of this season is the inclusion of new characters, scenarios and challenges. These range from relational challenges between Sookie, Bill and Eric and the inclusion of Fiona Shaw as Marnie Stonebrook a witch who brings in some of the shows characters into a coven which will challenge the powerful Vampires of Louisiana with the threat of extinction. While Shaw is one of the weaker characters in the series she is still a strong character which develops and improves over the course of the season. Other strong aspects of character development include the relationship between Sookie, Eric and Bill, (who has become King of Louisiana). It is intriguing in regards to their relationship, there is also the relationship between brothers Sam and Tommy who have a hate/love relationship, and Jason, Hoyt and Jessica deal with friendship, love, and broken relationship, just to name a few. It is one of the things that make a series like this work, there can be an ensemble cast, with various story lines and they all work because there is opportunity to develop each character and the relationships they are in. This season, there are each of these situations and more. They help the story evolve to a heart pounding, confusing, frightening, and shocking conclusion which is among the best conclusions of any series filmed in many years.

This season of True Blood embodies the concepts of working together, facing challenges and overcoming evil. Sounds crazy doesn’t it? Especially when considering that as a part of that challenge is seeing vampires as potentially good. While there are good and bad vampires in True Blood, we see some of them as more human than not. Among them is the challenge of the walking dead, the reality of death, eternity and the search for God. We see one vampire constantly on their search for truth in the reality of God, while having another who considers himself an Atheist. There is even a vampire, Jessica, who was active in her youth group at church, prior to becoming a vampire. We see some of the struggles of her Christian upbringing along with her challenges of being forced into a reality that is contrary to her spiritual upbringing. While we don’t see any strong Christian characters, we do see the dilemma of living out ones faith in a dark world. We also see the potential of good among people other than those coming from Christian environments. We also see the manipulation of such worlds with deceit among characters, even at times, those characters we see as good. This is a reminder that there is as much potential for evil as there is good among people. Each person is a blend of good and evil and it is the choices they make which determine the reality and consequences of those choices and lives the characters live. There is no doubt as to the conflict between evil and Christianity in True Blood as can be seen from the opening sequence to the film. The reality of life and death and the eternal are clearly presented. While True Blood takes on more of a humanistic perspective in its presentation over that of a faith concept, the challenges, confusions and lives of the characters and their dilemmas’ are likely one of the reasons people enjoy the program. Of course there is the messiah character in this years episode, Jesus (using Spanish pronunciation) who offers up love, forgiveness and sacrifice for the salvation of others. One of the unique aspects about this character which many may have issue with is his homosexual relationship with Lafayette. This shouldn’t take away from his sacrifice and willingness to battle evil, even conquering evil in order to bring about good.

In some ways, True Blood has become like a church where people check in each week to see the lives of the characters on screen that are going through the same issues they are. We see the good and bad, right and wrong decisions in the lives of those characters. They can be seen in a positive way because we also see the consequences of actions. We see this especially in the concluding episode of the season. There are prices to pay for the decisions the characters have made and there are realities that sometimes, there is little time, if any time to correct the mistakes made. We are reminded of the need to make good of the mistakes we have made and to let those we love, know we love them. While there is the reality that sometimes the dead continue living, there is a time for the dead to move on and finality to life on this earth. The living will once again be with those who have died by dying.

In the real world, outside of the television flat screen, one is reminded of their need to live life and prepare for life after death. While some may see their life as a ‘living in the moment’ experience, others see life as one that involves not only the moment but the things that can be changed by the life one lives. The concept of faith is one of the struggles the character Sookie faces and her struggle is one many can relate to. There are people to love, situations to impact, and a brighter better future where one can provide for others. We see that in her example there is no right or wrong answers, at least that she has discovered. Just like the characters in True Blood, many of us may engage on our own journeys as to what is truth and right. That struggle is one many can relate to because many have been involved in that search for truth. It is likely one of the reasons many are drawn to this series. The inevitable search for life, the truth involved, and the spiritual answers we are all looking for. Sure there is violence, sex, action, and more, but those are only mirror representations of reality. The search for friendship, longing, and purpose though, whether the character be a vampire, witch, shapeshifter, werewolf, werepanther, fairy, human, gay, straight, Christian, atheist, poor wealthy, is displayed quite well in True Blood. Just like in True Blood, there may be a savior awaiting us all named Jesus. While that Jesus will certainly have differences than the character in True Blood, the salvation, love and sacrifice is still there if willing to look. While many may be critical of the components of the show they don’t like, I would hope one would focus on the truths presented in the show that draws people in masses to watch it.

I was initially concerned with where the story was going in Season 4 of. I wasn’t crazy, especially at first, with the incorporation of the witch story line, but, as the story developed the other story lines took over and the witch story line improved. I especially liked the focus on the various characters. While I had the Blu-ray version of the DVD to preview, complete with a digital download, and the regular DVD’s, I didn’t see the necessity of the Blu-ray outside of the special features. I must say, those special features make the purchase of the Blu-ray variation worth it. The special features on Season 4 are simply put, the best and most enjoyable special features on any DVD I have ever viewed. While there are some good features that resemble other features of the past, like the making of features, the enhanced viewing features are so much worth it! It is the first time that I have gone back to watch every enhanced version on any DVD. I wanted to see more because they actually add so much more to the story, even for those who have watched the seasons in the past. True fans of True Blood will be glad they purchased the Blu-ray version just to see the additional background and story added in various ways, including new filmed segments with character commentary. My daughter who has read all of the books stated that she felt the fans of the books would appreciate the enhanced viewing more because there is detail about some of the minor characters and situations in the series that go back to the book story line. I realize there are those who don’t have a Blu-ray player, but features like this are one of the reasons Blu-ray won’t die. Some fans enjoy the special features and at present, many of those features can’t be included in a digital format. While the Manufactures Suggested Retail Price for the Blu-ray DVD is high, $79.98, one can buy this at various online stores and discount box stores for around $50. For the fan of the show, it is worth it, and if you don’t have the Blu-ray player, it is worth buying one as you will enjoy it for this series, and likely more to come.

Many will enjoy True Blood Season 4. While I would personally recommend getting the series from season 1, there is enough background with this season, especially with the enhanced versions, that one could start their viewing experience here. I also think the questions of what is good, bad, and the consequences of the decisions one makes are worthwhile topics and are topics one will think about after the initial entertainment is over. I can’t wait for Season 5 and if HBO wants to help out with the monthly premiums, I would love to review it on a week to week basis, otherwise, I am already anxiously waiting for the next season to be released on DVD.

To see the video below, just click on it, if for some reason the video doesn’t appear or is distorted or not in full frame, click on the following link:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONhDuJKHVSY

The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.

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Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

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Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

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ABC's The River, Season One

There is entertaining television, crazy television, educational television, even intelligent television. Unfortunately, if there are cancellations, it seems like the intelligent shows get canceled. I have the unfortunate task of reviewing ABC’s The River, not because it is a bad show but because it was an intelligent show, I liked, that has been canceled after one season. At least this thought provoking, at times supernatural horror series concludes Season 1 in a way that won’t have too many people too upset. There is another hope though for fans of the show; that the DVD itself will be successful enough that at least concepts of the series, whether by story, television, cable or something else, could live on. While I don’t expect it, I can hope. Unfortunately, The River is a show that in my opinion was never given a chance. ABC should have tried different times, days, or something, even giving it another year but as I have mentioned in the past, some of the networks don’t seem to care about the loyal fans that exist.

The River had an intriguing and interesting concept. Dr. Emmet Cole, (Bruce Greenwood) and his family take part in television nature show called The Undiscovered Country. After the show has aired for some time, Dr. Cole decides to go deep into the Amazon to explore some supernatural rumors of the region. He leaves his son, Lincoln, (Joe Anderson) and wife Tess, (Leslie Hope.) He goes off with a film crew and ultimately disappears. Later on some discoveries are made and Tess gets her son Lincoln along with some of the old film crew to help track down and find Dr. Cole. What transpires is a supernatural thriller that at times crossed boundaries for television in the way it is presented. This well told, acted, edited and scripted story includes creators like Orin Peli known for his movie Paranormal Activity and a little known producer some folks have heard about named Steven Spielberg. Unfortunately, this 8 episode, midseason replacement is never given a chance to develop an audience by ABC and as a result, after one shortened season, the series was canceled. That doesn’t prevent this DVD of Season 1 from being worth owning though, not only is it worth owning, it plays and presents itself better than the television version as it ends up playing like a long, entertaining, intelligent supernatural movie.

As The River progresses we see the development of various characters including Dr. Cole who is presented primarily in video segments the rescue crew discovers on his old research boat, The Magus. The ship sits like a ghost ship in the Amazon Basin and it is here the crew gets the ship up and running to search for Dr. Cole. It is here we see the family dynamics start to come into play. There is another dynamic presented as the characters develop trust in some relationships and concern in others. A part of the development schemes does not know the characters or how they are intertwined, if they are intertwined at all. The hand held camera work used in many of the sequences keeps the viewer involved in the story; we develop our opinions about the characters, which constantly change through all 8 episodes. It is a part of the not knowing and having questions about the characters that the series is somewhat unique and intelligent in its portrayal and character development, this is especially true with the Cole Family and other characters such as Captain Kurt Brynildson, a body guard played very nicely by Thomas Kretschmann. While some may make comparisons to other hand held camera programs, this one is unique in the way it involves the viewer in the action and it is done in a way that is much easier to watch than previous efforts.

One of the things that make The River so enticing is the suspense in the program. There is a reality of the supernatural, a question of what are good vs. what is evil and in the process, knowing that terror often comes from things unseen. I especially liked the fact that much of the terror and emotion comes from moments of silence as well as blurred images. One of the things the program does to help this concept out is it uses video interviews to discover the inner feelings of the characters. In the understanding of those characters is the reality that when under certain conditions and situations, how one thinks or reacts and are sometimes totally different. It is in the challenges that one discovers their true selves. Just as the characters don’t fully understand who they are or why they are the way they are, we can see the mirroring of our own discovery. The ability to see the horror of the characters on screen can help one come to the place of recognizing their own needs. It is often after the opening up, discovery and acceptance of self that one can get to the place of helping others. We see that in The River. Just as the Bible talks about it is only when we give up our life that we ultimately gain life, we see the gaining of life in The River. There is also the premise of sacrificing for others. It is the sacrifice for another that one can often see the reality of ones love.

One of the challenges of the series is the way it carries on the debate between faith and science. While Dr. Cole is a man on a search for truth, his rescue crew comes to the place where they recognize the reality of the spiritual by the awareness and recognition of the evil around them. It is through evil that they realize there is more to their existence than initially realized. There are times where they experiment with the evil around them to discover certain truths and those moments lead to bad things. There are consequences to pay for themselves and the innocents around them when they carry out their actions. In this search for love and understanding is another aspect which the viewer can relate to.

I liked The River, the way it is filmed and the way the viewer is brought into the action. There is an excellent story and the lack of imagery in many ways leads to the thrill and excitement we experience. I was not crazy about the special features and while they are offered, even with two commentaries, there just isn’t that much offered other than the film makers having a good time while describing the scenes being played out, specifically in the pilot and closing episodes. While there is an open ended ending, there is still an opportunity for resolve and one will be satisfied. I would have liked to have seen a second and full season and think it would have done well but ABC disagrees. For those who like intelligent thrillers, laced with a touch of the supernatural but with screams that come from the imagination as opposed to on screen antics, this could be for you. You certainly won’t have much to loose with the lower pricing on this 8 episode series. Give it a shot, who knows, with great DVD sales and rentals maybe the fans can be a part of bringing it back in some form or another.

To see the video below, just click on it, if for some reason the video doesn’t appear or is distorted or not in full frame, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnFxBOLUZ14

The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219

Email: mike@furches.org

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Blog

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

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MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group

MySpace The Virtual Pew Group

The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

The Vanishing on 7th Street

I had heard of the movie, The Vanishing on 7th Street and the advance trailers had me wanting to see it. One of my favorite actors, John Leguizamo is in the film and while I haven’t always liked the movies he is in, I have enjoyed his talents as an actor. I was excited to review this movie especially with its haunting themes. In the movie there is a vanishing, much like a rapture that takes place in Detroit. In the shadows is an evil that takes not just the souls but the bodies of those it surrounds. The Vanishing follows the plights of several individuals who end up at a local bar trying to escape the horrors of the streets. In some ways there is a tribute here to the concepts originally presented in The Night of the Living Dead. Light keeps the shadows away, but unfortunately most of the power sources that keep the lights burning are gone and the days are getting shorter. The bar where the group gathers has a self powered generator, but the fuel is running out and those stuck in the bar have to find a way to keep on the light, otherwise, they will disappear to the creatures in the shadows.

The Vanishing plays like a smaller, well done, independent film. While there is some quality cinematography, good acting, and a nice story line, it is still lacking. Unfortunately most people are accustomed to big time CGI and scary monsters. While the film costs some 10 million dollars to make it just doesn’t come across as a picture of that caliber. While on a large scale this would still be considered by many as a small budget film, it had a large enough budget to have the picture look like a higher quality than it is. That isn’t to say that the direction provide by Brad Anderson is bad, but it isn’t great either. While there is a haunting and entertaining score, despite the poor acting by a quality cast, it falls short in the production. The overtly dark overtones and lackluster creatures were a let down.

In the story, there is a mass power outage. People start disappearing, leaving behind their clothing, cars, and aircraft, whatever with the bodies disappearing. What appears in the movie resembles what one would think would occur by the rapture which was supposed to happen on May 21. Unfortunately, as the story develops we have no idea what has caused the events and it appears as if the direction and story line care less about details like this. The story is simple, something crappy happens, people disappear, and the creatures in the shadows take people from their bodies. There are people hiding out in a bar and they have to find ways to create light. As the batteries in the flashlights start to go dead, they decide to get a truck and somehow use the truck to keep the generator in the bar going. In this seemingly Myst type of film by Steven King, we get lost. The characters seem to forget that alcohol burns, thus enabling them to start fires. An important premise, especially when considering they are in a bar. The viewer sees the characters as so stupid that we don’t mind it when they start droping off one by one. If that description sounds muddied you will get lost in the rest of the story line.

One of the problems with The Vanishing on 7th Street is the lack of direction with the characters. The lead role is never clear. Hayden Christensen plays Luke, the hero yet there is also Leguizamo playing the part of Paul. There is so little character development it is hard to develop a liking of any of the characters, even in the young man James played by Jacob Latimore. While the concept is intriguing and seemingly promising, we don’t have the character development to make it work. This is a part of the problem with the movie.

The concept of staying in the light and out of the darkness is something that is quite intriguing and had me having promise in the movie. It is a concept that is spoken about often in the Bible. The importance of staying in the light, yet at the same time walking close enough to the darkness to reach those in the dark. We see this portrayed throughout the movie, especially so in the climatic ending where we see it played out in a church. Here we see a thought provoking portrayal of the importance of staying close to the safety around us provided by light, while at the same time, caring enough for those around us to sacrificially help them escape the death of the darkness. There are things in the dark that takes life, more often than not; those things are dangerous to our survival. The concept of walking in light, being aware of the dangers around us is a theme worth telling. One of the things portrayed that was appreciated is the ability of children to be open to the spiritual realms around us. Often times their concepts of evil and good have not been diluted and in their innocence we can find the answers to salvation.

The Vanishing on 7th Street isn’t a horrible movie but it isn’t great either. I wanted more, expected more but unfortunately got less. I appreciated the spiritual symbolism from the usage of churches, the conflict with God, and the potential salvation provided through the church. I just wish I cared more for the characters and the plot and script were better developed. While there are good themes worthy of viewing, I found the DVD, although loaded with special features was more suited for a rental than a purchase. There is a nice look to the film, although it was a letdown. One of my favorite parts of the DVD features which were unusual was the trailers for upcoming films, including, Hobo With a Shotgun. If getting this in the bargain rental, you will be okay, otherwise, you may be disappointed, not just for the cost, but the time it takes to watch this movie.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0JiuX5ByHk


Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219

Email: mike@furches.org

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Blog

Hollywood Jesus

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group

MySpace The Virtual Pew Group

The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed