The DVD Shelf Movie Reviews: American Splendor

In this episode, we dive into the life and works of legendary comic book writer and Cleveland native Harvey Pekar with the 2003 film American Splendor starring Paul Giamatti as Pekar.  We’ll look at Harvey’s own back story and his friendship with the famously eccentric illustrator Robert Crumb that led to the creation of the American Splendor comics, the personal autobiographical stories Pekar would put into comic book form.  We’ll check out the film that perfectly captures the quirky atmosphere of the books, see what’s on the DVD, and, finally, I'll give my final recommendation. All this and more at your online destination where movies are celebrated, not incinerated!

You can also check my new archive of high-resolution title cards for The DVD Shelf Movie Reviews HERE!

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The DVD Shelf Movie Reviews: Lars and the Real Girl

In the seventh episode of The DVD Shelf Movie Reviews, we take a look at the 2007 dramedy, Lars and the Real Girl, a charming story about a boy and his doll. Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling plays Lars, a mentally delusional man who orders a love doll off the internet and develops a romantic relationship with her, much to the chagrin of his family and acquaintances.  I'll take a look at the film, its DVD and special features, then finally give my final recommendation of the film.  All the while, I surf the web and find out how to order my own doll.  All this and more at your online destination where movies are celebrated, not incinerated!

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The DVD Shelf Movie Reviews: An American Werewolf in London

It’s a super-sized Halloween edition of The DVD Shelf Movie Reviews!  In this episode we’ll take a look at the classic 80’s horror/comedy An American Werewolf in London directed by John Landis, a pet project of Landis’ since over a decade before the film’s production.  We’ll check out the inspiration for him to make the film and what effect the film had on his future directing career, highlighted by his directing of Michael Jackson’s Thriller later on.  We’ll take an in-depth look at the film’s Oscar-winning make-up effects, created by special effects wizard Rick Baker, and see why they help make the film so unforgettable.  Finally, we’ll take a look at the film’s Full Moon Edition DVD and its generous helping of special features.  From werewolves to dancing zombies – it must be Halloween!  All this and more at your online destination where movies are celebrated, not incinerated!

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The DVD Shelf Movie Reviews: World's Greatest Dad

In this episode of The DVD Shelf Movie Reviews, we’ll take a look at the hilarious 2009 dark comedy World’s Greatest Dad starring Robin Williams and written and directed by legendary stand-up comic Bobcat Goldthwait.  We’ll take a look at the film beginning with Bobcat’s career path that led him from stand-up comedy to film directing.  Then, we’ll see what the film’s DVD has to offer.  All this and more at your online destination where movies are celebrated, not incinerated!

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Happy Dragon Pictures Plunges Into Twitter

Yeah, welcome to the year 2009.  I've decided to reluctantly join Twitter.  It does help your stuff get out there easier, so follow me on Twitter HERE and get all the latest updates!

Sonic & Knuckles Classic Title Screen [HD]

Back in ’94, Sonic & Knuckles was the must-own Sega Genesis game.  For the first time, you were able to play as Knuckles, the high-flying, wall climbing scarlet echidna in not only Sonic & Knuckles, but also in Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 when you attached the game cartridges!  Aside from Sonic’s loyal pal Tails the Fox, Knuckles became a major extended family member in the Sonic the Hedgehog universe and has remained an extremely popular character ever since.  Now, relive the epic, however short, opening title screen from the classic video game – in 1080p HD!

The DVD Shelf Movie Reviews: Winnebago Man

The DVD Shelf Movie Reviews is back finally!  In my first on-camera review, I'll be looking at the 2009 documentary/comedy Winnebago Man.

In the hot summer of 1989, Jack Rebney was the host of this WINNEBAGO SALES VIDEO.  The video shoot was a nightmare and twenty years later, the outtakes from this shoot become a YouTube sensation.  Now, where has Jack been after all these years?  You'll just have to find out by watching Winnebago Man, but first, make sure to check out this new episode of The DVD Shelf Movie Reviews!

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TMNT Video on ToonBarn.com!

It's been a busy week here at Happy Dragon Pictures!  My new TMNT Opening Theme video has been featured over at ToonBarn.com!  It included a very kind write-up.  Thanks Rob at ToonBarn and you can check out the article at the previous link or just go to their main page HERE!

Batman Youtube Video on Batman-On-Film.com!

Sitting at almost 15,000 views on YouTube as I write this, my 1966 Batman TV Theme Dark Knight video can now be viewed HERE at the ever-popular Jett's Batman On Film website.  Being the huge Batman fan that I am, my visits to BOF have been almost daily for over a decade and I'm honored to be a small part of the legacy. The site has had all the latest news tidbits as Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and now The Dark Knight Rises have been in development over the years and any Bat-fan who doesn't live under a rock has been to his site.  After I contacted him via e-mail, BOF founder and editor-in-chief Bill "Jett" Ramey was kind enough to respond very quickly and post my vid on his site which has attracted a little more attention to this site.  Many thanks, Bill, and keep up the great work on BOF as we quickly approach the release date of The Dark Knight Rises!  Check out Jett's Batman on Film site for the latest Bat-News at the link HERE.   

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Theme (HD)

After another long wait, here comes my brand new vid that's making its way around the web.  Much like the classic 1966 Batman opening theme, another theme from my youth was screaming for an upgrade.  After a little searching, I was surprised to see the classic opening to the 1987 Ninja Turtle cartoon is not very easy to find on YouTube these days.  My guess is that Lionsgate (the studio that owns the distribution rights to sell Ninja Turtle DVDs) has forced people to remove the videos.  So, why not get it back up there another way?  Here is the classic opening theme to the Ninja Turtle cartoon reanimated in glorious HD widescreen.  Enjoy!  And make sure to click on the HD button on the player controls below for the full effect.